Different types of writing have different purposes. Some tell stories, while others break down complex information into small, manageable portions. Technical writing falls into the latter category. It focuses on creating clear documents that help customers or product users understand complex information. To become a technical writer, you must be adept at researching and creating content that meets the needs of this specific audience.
Data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics show that employment of technical writers will grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033. Given this steady demand, it makes sense that a professional would want to learn how to become a technical writer. Let's start by defining the role more clearly.
What is Technical Writing?
Technical writing is a specialized form of communication where complex and often technical topics and subjects are made easily understandable. A technical writer creates documents that bridge the gap between technical experts and non-experts.
Effective technical writing helps reduce user errors and enhances their experience. It also supports knowledge transfer, aids innovation, and helps maintain seamless workflows. It is especially important in industries like healthcare and defense where detailed processes and technical specifications must be followed precisely.
Types of Documents Technical Writers Create
- User Manuals: Provide step-by-step instructions for consumers or end-users to install, operate, and troubleshoot products.
- White Papers: Authoritative reports that explain technical concepts, solutions to problems, or the benefits of a technology. They are often used in B2B or industry-specific communications.
- Technical Specifications: Detailed documents outlining the design, features, and performance metrics of a system or product, often used by developers, engineers, or technical teams.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Step-by-step guidelines that outline how to carry out routine tasks within organizations. They are particularly important in regulated industries like healthcare or manufacturing.
- API Documentation: Explains how to integrate and interact with software applications through APIs, providing developers with instructions, examples, and reference materials.
- Training Materials: Includes guides, presentations, or e-learning content that educates employees or customers on using specific tools, technologies, or procedures.
An understanding of these document types and their unique characteristics is essential when learning how to become a technical writer.
Industries that Commonly Employ Technical Writers
Considering the fact that technical writers create different types of content, it is unsurprising that their expertise is sought in different industries. Exploring these industries is important for anyone who is researching how to become a technical writer. Here are some top industries that employ technical writers:
- Technology: Software companies, IT services, and hardware manufacturers need technical writers to create user documentation, help guides, and developer resources.
- Healthcare: Medical device companies, pharmaceutical firms, and healthcare providers need technical writers to develop manuals and training materials for complex equipment or processes.
- Engineering: Engineering firms require precise technical documentation for designs, product specifications, and safety procedures.
- Manufacturing: Factories and production companies depend on technical writers to create operational manuals, maintenance guides, and quality control documents.
- Aerospace and Defense: These industries need highly detailed and compliant documentation, including maintenance manuals, safety procedures, and regulatory reports.
- Finance: Technical writers in finance help create documentation for software platforms, compliance guidelines, and user guides for financial products.
Essential Skills for Technical Writers
A guide on how to become a technical writer is not complete without highlighting the skills required. Below are the most important skills technical writers must have.
Writing and Communication Skills
Strong writing and communication are non-negotiable skills for technical writers. They must be able to communicate ideas effectively in the target language. Their writing needs to be clear, grammatical, and appropriate for the audience.
Technical writers must also be able to organize information logically. Word choice and sentence structure are important in this regard.
Ability to Simplify Complex Concepts
It is one thing to write flawless English. However, it’s another to take complex, technical information and make it easily understandable.
Technical writers must be good at translating jargon, complicated processes, or dense data into simple language. They are expected to do this without losing the core meaning or technical accuracy. This entails knowing what details to highlight and which ones to omit. In addition, they should know how to use tools like analogies, diagrams, or step-by-step instructions to enhance understanding.
Technical Proficiency
Technical writers need an in-depth understanding of what they are writing about. This is writing that aims to convey precise, factual, and clear information. The best technical writers often have a strong grasp of the technical concepts they are explaining.
Research Skills
It is not enough to be able to write clearly. Technical writers need to be able to dig deeper into research. Research helps one gain a better understanding of concepts related to the topic. Ultimately, it makes writing easier.
For instance, a technical writer’s research might reveal an important concept that has been previously overlooked. Including this new information could help them present the topic in a more comprehensive and accessible way for the audience.
Attention to Detail
A technical writer’s job requires attention to detail. The writing needs to be thorough and answer all questions. A small error or omission can lead to misunderstandings. In a technical context, inaccuracies may cause serious issues. It is the technical writer’s responsibility to ensure that the information provided is correct and easy to follow. This means reviewing content meticulously and fact-checking every claim and detail.
Important Soft Skills for Technical Writers
Beyond these core skills, certain soft skills are equally important. The right combination of soft and hard skills will help you stand out.
- Collaboration: The ability to collaborate can move mountains for you as a technical writer. In most cases, you will work with subject matter experts and stakeholders to gather information and feedback. Strong collaboration ensures that you can ask the right questions, clarify ambiguities, and incorporate various perspectives into the documentation.
- Time management: Being able to manage your time will help you deliver high-quality work on schedule. You will often juggle multiple projects with tight deadlines. Knowing how to prioritize tasks and allocate time helps you stay on track and meet deliverables without compromising quality.
- Empathy: A bit of empathy goes a long way. The ability to put yourself in the shoes of your audience helps you deliver content that meets their needs. It’s easy to get lost in your understanding of the topic and forget that your audience may not be on the same level.
- Adaptability: Technical writing can be demanding. One moment you might be documenting a software feature and the next, you could be explaining a hardware component. The ability to adapt quickly to new subjects, tools, or shifts in requirements is important.
Steps to Become a Technical Writer
Step 1: Develop Writing Skills
The first step on the path to becoming a technical writer is honing writing skills. For some, this might come in the form of formal education. This is why people with a background in journalism and writing tend to take up technical writing. Nonetheless, individuals with non-writing backgrounds can be technical writers too. Some recruiters tend to prefer candidates with backgrounds in technical fields like science and engineering.
No matter someone’s educational background, solid writing skills are a prerequisite. It's possible to enter this field without formal writing training by focusing on intentional upskilling. One can do this through self-study and online courses. It’s crucial to read widely, especially technical documents, and to practice writing regularly.
Step 2: Gain Technical Knowledge
The next step is to acquire expertise in a specific technical field. A deep understanding of the subject matter enhances credibility. Familiarity with the tools, concepts, and terminology of an industry results in better explanations of complex ideas.
Step 3: Build a Portfolio
Everyone can lay claim to being a “good technical writer.” Not everyone can walk the talk. This is where a good portfolio comes in.
When learning how to become a technical writer, a strong portfolio helps showcase an individual’s abilities to potential employers. The most important part of creating a portfolio of samples is to write as though one’s already working in the role. This spec work should show a writer’s communication skills, technical proficiency, research skills, and attention to detail.
Step 4: Get Certified
Writers should also consider getting certified. Although this is an optional step, certifications can provide a clear path for those learning how to become a technical writer. It can also boost credibility and help them stand out. However, it’s better to only pursue certifications that are directly relevant to technical writing. Some common certifications include:
- Certified Professional Technical Communicator, a multi-tiered certification offered by the Society for Technical Communication
- Medical Writer Certified offered by the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)
- Technical Writer HQ offers different technical writing certification tracks.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs and Network
One way a technical writer can get employed is by applying to jobs via job boards or freelancing platforms. It also helps to build an online presence. Joining professional networks like LinkedIn can help. After all, research shows that as much as 80% of jobs are filled through connections. On LinkedIn, writers can connect with their peers and with industry leaders.
Career Paths and Opportunities
As you learn how to become a technical writer, you'll find that many of the skills overlap with those needed in related areas. Below is an outline of potential career trajectories and related fields that technical writers may pursue:
- Senior Technical Writer: After a few years of experience, many technical writers advance to the role of Senior Technical Writer. This position typically involves more complex projects.
- Content Strategist: A Content Strategist focuses on the planning, development, and management of content. For technical writers, this role can include overseeing technical documentation but often expands to broader content initiatives across an organization.
- Documentation Manager: As a Documentation Manager, you manage a team of writers and oversee the entire documentation lifecycle.
- Freelancing: If you prefer a more flexible arrangement and the chance to work with different clients, a freelance path is your best bet.
In addition to these paths, a technical writer can transition to other fields. Ideally, such fields take advantage of existing skills. An example is UX writing, where the focus is on guiding users through the digital experience in an intuitive manner. Content design is another role a technical writer can transition into using their existing skill set.
Wing Assistant provides unique opportunities for technical writers. As businesses and individuals increasingly outsource documentation tasks, technical writers can work as part of Wing Assistant's network.
Tips for Success in Technical Writing
- Regularly update your writing skills and technical knowledge through courses, certifications, and practice.
- Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, network with professionals, and stay informed on the latest developments to ensure ongoing growth as you learn how to become a technical writer.
- Find mentors to guide your growth, provide feedback, and offer career advice.
- Welcome input from peers and subject matter experts to refine your writing."
Start Your Journey to Becoming a Technical Writer Today
Technical writing can seem like a daunting prospect, but with the right approach, it's achievable. A perfect blend of writing and technical expertise will set you on the path to success. Follow this guide on how to become a technical writer, and you'll be ready to take the next step in your career.
The best time to start your technical writing career was yesterday; the second best time is today. Pore over the step-by-step guide above to set things in order and start building your portfolio today. Wing Assistant can be your valuable partner in this journey. You can explore resources and opportunities specifically tailored to creatives of different backgrounds. Additionally, you can learn more about how Wing Assistant can support your writing needs by visiting our dedicated content writer page.
Aya is Wing Assistant’s blog manager. When she’s not wrangling content briefs, editing article drafts and handling on-page SEO, she is crafting messages for Wing’s other communication materials. Aya writes about SaaS startups, marketing for startups, search engine optimization, and pop culture.
