How to Hire a Technical Writer: Skills, Tips, and a Step-by-Step Guide

In today's tech-driven world, hiring a technical writer can make or break how your products are perceived by customers. These professionals are tasked with transforming complex technical information into clear, concise, and user-friendly content. However, many companies struggle to identify the right candidates due to a lack of understanding of what makes a great technical writer, often focusing too much on technical knowledge and not enough on the writing skill itself.

This article unpacks the key aspects of hiring a technical writer, detailing the necessary skills and qualifications, the hiring process, and how to craft an effective job description. For further insights, you can explore our comprehensive guide on attracting the best technical talent.

Table of contents

Why Hire a Technical Writer?

Consider hiring a technical writer when your company faces challenges in clearly explaining complex products or processes. For example, if your software documentation is causing confusion among users or your internal technical guides are outdated, a technical writer can address these issues.

Technical writers can help with:

• Simplifying complex technical information for various audiences
• Creating user manuals, API documentation, and knowledge bases
• Improving the overall quality and consistency of your technical content

Before hiring a full-time technical writer, assess the volume and frequency of your documentation needs. If you have ongoing projects requiring regular updates, a full-time hire might be beneficial. For occasional or project-based work, consider hiring a freelance technical writer or working with a technical writing agency.

Technical Writer Hiring Process

The hiring process for a Technical Writer typically spans 4-6 weeks. Here's a quick overview:

• Define the job description and post it on relevant job boards.

• Review resumes and shortlist candidates within the first week.

• Conduct skill assessments, such as writing tests or portfolio evaluations, over the next 1-2 weeks.

• Interview the top candidates and make a hiring decision within 2-3 weeks.

Let's delve into the details of each step to ensure a smooth and effective hiring process.

Key Skills and Qualifications for Technical Writers

When hiring a Technical Writer, it's important to balance required skills with preferred qualifications. The tricky part is distinguishing between must-haves and nice-to-haves for your specific role. For instance, while experience with certain tools might be crucial for one company, it may be less important for another.

To help you build an ideal candidate profile, consider the following skills and qualifications. Remember, these are general guidelines and should be tailored to your company's needs:

How to Write a Technical Writer Job Description

Once you've identified the ideal candidate profile for your technical writer role, the next step is crafting a compelling job description. A well-written JD attracts the right talent and sets clear expectations. Here are some quick tips to help you create an effective technical writer job description:

• Highlight key responsibilities: Clearly outline the types of documents they'll create, such as user manuals, API documentation, or product guides. Mention collaboration with subject matter experts and the impact of their work on user understanding.
• Balance technical and soft skills: List required technical skills like proficiency in documentation tools and familiarity with coding languages. Also emphasize soft skills such as clear communication, attention to detail, and the ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Showcase your company's USP: Highlight unique aspects of your company or the role, such as working on cutting-edge technologies, opportunities for professional growth, or a collaborative team environment. This helps your job posting stand out to top candidates.

10 Platforms to Hire Technical Writers

Now that you have crafted a detailed job description for a technical writer, it's time to list it on job platforms to attract potential candidates. Job listing sites are a great way to reach a wide audience and find the perfect match for your company's needs.

LinkedIn Jobs

Ideal for finding full-time technical writers across various industries. Offers extensive networking and allows direct contact with potential candidates.

Indeed

Large job board with a wide range of technical writing positions. Useful for posting job descriptions and reaching a broad audience of candidates.

Upwork

Excellent for hiring freelance technical writers. Offers a large pool of talent with varying expertise levels and hourly rates.

Besides the options mentioned, there are several other platforms that can assist you in finding the right technical writers. FlexJobs and We Work Remotely are fantastic for remote opportunities, while AngelList Talent caters to startups. For more tech-focused roles, Dice is a go-to, and Glassdoor Jobs provides insights into company culture alongside job listings. FreelanceWriting.com is tailored for freelance positions, and the Society for Technical Communication Job Bank specializes in industry-specific roles. Consider using online assessment platforms to evaluate the skills of candidates efficiently once you've shortlisted them.

Keywords to Look for in a Technical Writer Resume

Resume screening is a key step in finding the right technical writer for your team. It helps you quickly identify candidates who match your job requirements and have the necessary skills for the role.

When manually screening resumes, focus on keywords that align with the skills required for a technical writer. Look for terms like 'technical documentation', 'API documentation', 'user manuals', and specific tools like 'XML', 'HTML', or 'Markdown'.

To streamline the process, consider using AI-powered tools or large language models. These can help you analyze resumes more efficiently, especially when dealing with a high volume of applications. You can create a custom prompt to guide the AI in screening resumes based on your specific requirements.

Here's an example prompt for AI-assisted resume screening:

TASK: Screen resumes for a Technical Writer position

INPUT: Resumes

OUTPUT: For each resume, provide:
- Candidate name
- Matching keywords
- Score (out of 10 based on keyword matches)
- Recommendation (shortlist or not)

KEYWORDS:
- Technical Writing
- Documentation (user manuals, API docs)
- Tools (XML, HTML, Markdown)
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- [English proficiency](https://www.adaface.com/assessment-test/english-comprehension-test)

Recommended skills tests for Technical Writers

Skills tests are a great way to evaluate Technical Writers' abilities beyond their resumes. They provide objective insights into candidates' practical skills and knowledge. Here are five key tests we recommend for assessing Technical Writers:

Technical Aptitude Test: This technical aptitude test evaluates a candidate's understanding of technical concepts and their ability to explain complex ideas. It's useful for gauging how well a Technical Writer can grasp and communicate technical information.

Content Strategy Test: A content strategy test assesses a candidate's ability to plan, create, and manage content effectively. This is important for Technical Writers who need to organize information logically and create user-friendly documentation.

Copywriting Test: While Technical Writing isn't exactly copywriting, a copywriting test can help evaluate a candidate's writing skills, clarity, and ability to engage readers. These skills are valuable for creating clear and concise technical documents.

English Comprehension Test: Strong language skills are a must for Technical Writers. An English comprehension test helps assess a candidate's ability to understand and interpret complex information, which is key to creating accurate technical documentation.

Problem-Solving Test: Technical Writers often need to break down complex problems into understandable steps. A problem-solving test can evaluate a candidate's analytical skills and ability to present solutions clearly.

Case Study Assignments for Hiring Technical Writers

Case study assignments can be a powerful tool in evaluating the capabilities of potential technical writers. However, they are not without drawbacks. These assignments can be time-consuming, leading to lower candidate participation and potentially causing you to miss out on talented individuals. With this in mind, let's explore some case study assignments that can effectively assess the skills required for a technical writer.

Product Documentation Assignment: Ask candidates to create a user manual for a hypothetical product. This assignment tests their ability to write clear and concise instructions, a critical skill for technical writers. It's a practical way to see how they translate complex technical information into easily digestible content.

API Documentation Task: Candidates are required to draft an API guide for a mock software application. This helps assess their proficiency in understanding and explaining technical jargon, a vital aspect of a technical writer's role. For recruiters unfamiliar with tech terms, consider exploring a tech glossary for guidance.

Tutorial Creation Challenge: Have candidates create a step-by-step tutorial on using a specific software tool. This showcases their ability to educate and engage an audience through writing. It also highlights their understanding of software, which is essential for crafting user-oriented content.

Structuring Technical Writer Interviews: Questions and Approach

After candidates pass the initial technical writing skills tests, it's time for technical interviews. These interviews are crucial as they allow you to assess a candidate's hard skills more thoroughly. While skills tests help filter out unfit candidates, interviews help identify the best fit for your team.

Here are some example interview questions for Technical Writers:

1. Can you explain a complex technical concept in simple terms?
2. How do you approach researching unfamiliar technical topics?
3. What tools do you use for creating and managing documentation?
4. How do you ensure your documentation is accurate and up-to-date?
5. Can you describe a time when you had to collaborate with developers or subject matter experts?
6. How do you handle feedback on your writing?

Understanding the Cost of Hiring a Technical Writer

Hiring a Technical Writer involves varying costs depending on location, experience, and industry. In the United States, for example, average salaries hover around $89,721, but can range from $54,800 to $130,888. Meanwhile, in India, salaries range from INR 239,200 to INR 1,167,277, showcasing the global disparity in compensation.

Technical Writer salary United States

The average salary for a Technical Writer in the United States is approximately $89,721. Depending on experience and location, salaries can range from as low as $54,800 to as high as $130,888. For instance, in Santa Clara, CA, you might find salaries ranging from $59,909 to $128,390, while in Seattle, WA, the range is between $44,441 and $93,594.

Technical Writer Salary in Canada

The average salary for a Technical Writer in Canada is about CAD 73,035 per year. Salaries can range from a minimum of CAD 51,887 to a maximum of CAD 96,881. These figures vary by location, with cities like Vancouver and Toronto offering competitive salaries, typically higher than places like Edmonton or Vaughan. For recruiters, understanding these salary ranges can help in attracting the right talent for open positions.

Technical Writer Salary in India

In India, the salary range for Technical Writers varies across different cities and experience levels. On average, you can expect a salary between INR 239,200 and INR 1,167,277 annually, with a median salary of about INR 528,406. For instance, in cities like Bengaluru, the mean salary is approximately INR 768,759, while in Kolkata, it is around INR 318,798.

What's the difference between a Technical Writer and a Technical Editor?

While both technical writers and technical editors contribute to creating documentation, they play distinct roles in the process. This often leads to confusion when trying to hire the right professional. Understanding their differences can help in targeting the specific skills you need.

A technical writer primarily focuses on creating content such as user manuals and guides. They are responsible for original content creation and have a strong grasp of subject matter knowledge. They collaborate closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) and developers to ensure accuracy and clarity in documentation.

On the other hand, a technical editor is concerned with refining and improving existing content. Their role involves revising and restructuring documents to adhere to language and documentation standards. They work with writers and other stakeholders to ensure the final documentation is polished and consistent.

For recruiters, it may be useful to know that technical writers typically use authoring software and content management systems, while technical editors are more likely to rely on editing software and style guides. This distinction in tools can be important when considering the skills required for a technical writer.

Hire the Right Technical Writers for Your Needs

Throughout this guide, we explored various aspects of hiring technical writers, from understanding their importance to identifying key skills and crafting effective job descriptions. We also examined platforms for recruitment, relevant resume keywords, and interview structuring techniques.

If there's one takeaway from this post, it's that using precise job descriptions and tailored skills tests can greatly enhance your hiring process. Consider leveraging specific assessments like the Content Strategy Test to ensure candidates meet your expectations. These tools can streamline your recruitment efforts and help you find the ideal technical writer for your team.

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