Technical Writer Resume: Examples and Tips
A technical writer’s main task is to create documents that simplify technical information, and make it comprehensible for end users. The job can involve in-depth research, as well as writing and editing instruction manuals, support documents and journal articles.
Take advantage of our resume examples and tips to create your own professional technical writer resume.
Table of Contents
Featured Resume Example: Technical Writer
Name: JIM BROOKES
Address: City, State, Zip Code
Phone: 000-000-0000
E-Mail: email@email.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Demonstrated record of accomplishment in proposing, outlining and writing engaging, fresh content. Logical and methodical with creative eye for details and diligence in producing exceptional work. Well-versed in building interest in readers, marketing books and critically approaching problems.
WORK HISTORY
Principal Technical Writer, 03/2016 to Current
Company Name, City, State
- Presented new technology and drafted white papers and other technical documents to complete packages.
- Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Led daily production meetings and weekly production calls.
Technical Content Writer, 03/2011 to 12/2015
Company Name, City, State
- Managed and archived quality documentation and participated in internal and external quality audits.
- Updated quality control standards, methods and procedures to meet compliance requirements.
- Developed standard operating procedures and document workflows for current and future process steps.
Associate Technical Writer, 03/2009 to 01/2011
Company Name, City, State
- Communicated with customer representatives for feedback and distribution.
- Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
- Analyzed developments in field to update instruction literature.
SKILLS
- Troubleshooting issues
- Technical reports
- Support and assistance
- Technical innovation expertise
- Thoughtful writer
- Data analysis
EDUCATION
Master of Arts, Writing, 05/2017
Boston College – City, State, MA
Top 4 Characteristics of a Best-in-Class Technical Writer Resume
- Summary In a few sentences, convey your top abilities and areas of specialization, as well as your work experience. For example: “Reliable, detail-oriented Technical Writer with extensive experience in data communications, and writing user manuals for high-end electronic products.”
- Skills Feature important abilities such as research skills, investigative thinking, and the ability to organize and communicate information. Don’t forget to include some interpersonal skills, such as collaboration and excellent verbal and written communication.
- Work experience Quantify your achievements instead of presenting vague statements. For example, write “Collaborated with 150 clients every month, creating technical journals” instead of saying “Wrote technical journals and guides for clients.” Include examples of successful projects, initiatives in training staff members and contributions you’ve made to business decisions (e.g., “Introduced a systemized process to streamline work reviews, and trained a team of 5 technical writers on end-user documentation”).
- Education Typically, a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications or Journalism is required for this position. Some organizations prefer to hire candidates who specialize in technical fields such as mechanical engineering or computer science, so highlight any advanced education you’ve had in these areas, as well as examples of on-the-job training.
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Do’s and Don’ts for Your Resume
- Make your resume ATS-friendly Many hiring managers save time in shortlisting candidates by using ATS (application tracking systems) to scan resumes, based on keywords.To make your resume ATS-friendly, carefully scan the job description for phrases that describe the skills and experience needed for the job, such as “developing, writing and editing material for reports and manuals.” Then update your resume skills and work history sections to make sure these phrases are addressed. For example, in your work experience section, you could write: “Created reports and instruction manuals for retail clients.”
- Proven accomplishments add an edge to your resume Wherever possible, add facts and numbers to your work achievements to prove your effectiveness to your prospective employers. Awards and other recognitions also elevate you above other candidates. For example: “Copyedited and updated reference guide, slimming down a 1000-page document to a concise 200-page manual,” or “Won ABC Publishing Award for series of how-to books.”
- Package your skills and work experience It’s good to list your skills–it’s even better to show how you’ve deployed them at work. Weave your skills into your work experience descriptions. For example, to demonstrate your ability to lead a process, you could write: “Managed design and content for the project team’s internal portal.” As an example of teamwork, you could write: “Collaborated with IT managers to write user guides with engaging infographics.”
- Don’t overcrowd your resume with unrelated skills Understand the job description and the industry you are applying for, and highlight those skills and your proficiency in related skills and technical tools. For example, documentation expertise in software development is different than compiling content for a standard operating procedures manual. Make sure your resume matches the job description.
- Don’t send your resume in before proofreading Technical writing requires the highest level of accuracy — apply that same attention to detail in your resume. A simple typo of grammar foul-up can tell recruiters you’re not the best candidate for the job. Take the time to check for silly mistakes, and also make sure all the information you present is relevant and accurate.
- Don’t go overboard with font styles and unnecessary formatting If your resume has a garish font or a confusing layout, you will lose a recruiter’s attention. Focus on a clean and professional look for your resume, using standard resume fonts and font sizes, and a straightforward layout. Keep the focus on your credentials, not your unusual design sense.
Pair your Resume with a Matching Cover Letter
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