Technical Writer Job Description Template

Elements to include in the Technical Writer Job Description template

Technical Writer Job Description Template/Brief

We're looking for a skilled technical writer to join our team and assist us in growing our business. You are a great candidate because you have demonstrated experience in a highly specialised sector such as software development, computer science, or engineering. Your capacity to examine and analyse complicated material is unrivalled, and you have an innate drive to assist people in grasping complex concepts.

Technical Writer Job Profile

A Technical Writer develops documentation and educational resources to improve the user experience on a digital platform. Such documentation includes user guides, integration guidelines, API developer guides, in-platform instructions, installation/configuration instructions, and system operations.

Technical Writers often hold a Bachelor's degree in English, Communication, Journalism, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Writing, Teaching, Curriculum Development, Scientific Publication, or equivalent professional experience.

Technical Writers must be professionals in writing for technical and non-technical audiences to connect with a wide range of consumers effectively. They're also in charge of constantly editing and amending material to guarantee users get the most incredible experience possible with a changing digital product.

Reports To

• Chief Technology Officer
• Marketing Manager
• Senior Technical Content Writer

Technical Writer Responsibilities

• Create detailed documentation that complies with corporate requirements
• Develop a thorough grasp of goods and services to convert complicated product information into clear, polished, and engaging writing
• Create user-friendly content that fulfils the demands of the target audience, transforming insights into language that propels our users forward
• Create and manage thorough reference material databases, including research, usability testing, and design standards
• Assess current content and devise novel techniques for improvement
• Conduct research, outline, create and edit new and existing material while collaborating with other departments to understand project objectives
• Gather information from subject matter experts independently to build, organise, and produce procedure manuals, technical specifications, and process documentation
• Collaborate with development and support leads to identify all documentation repositories, rewrite and amend existing documentation, and decide the optimal option for data compilation and centralised storage
• Investigate, develop, and manage information architecture templates that adhere to organisational and regulatory norms while allowing for easy data movement
• Create material in various media formats for optimal use while maintaining a consistent and coherent voice throughout all documents

Technical Writer Requirements & Skills

• A BA/BS in Technical Communication or a similar field, or at least five years' experience producing complicated documentation for web-based technologies
• Excellent writing, production, and technical editing abilities
• Excellent analytical abilities, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced workplace with changing project needs and priorities
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, as well as the desire and capacity to collaborate with subject matter experts from engineering, support, and product management
• Work and/or writing samples in a portfolio
• Previous experience with the following tools is preferred: Confluence/JIRA, Git and Github, HTML, CSS, Jinja, JavaScript, Python, Intercom, and Mixpanel
• Experience with API documentation for REST or .NET APIs
• Experience working with and testing code samples to better understand the demands of API customers
• Thorough understanding of MadCap Flare
• Detail-oriented with a creative eye
• The ability to respond to comments on published information from both customers and internal support personnel in a timely and thorough manner
• Enthusiastic about learning and developing
• Enjoys working in a collaborative setting as part of a team
• Familiarity with documentation publishing software (MadCap, RoboHelp, Wiki-based)
• Exposure to technology communication programmes

The importance of a good Technical Writer job description

Candidates often browse through multiple job descriptions quickly, spending minimal time on each. This browsing habit makes it essential for job descriptions to be immediately engaging.

A compelling job description must be clear, concise, and informative to capture the attention of top talent. It should highlight key details swiftly to communicate the role's essentials effectively.

Leading organizations invest in crafting excellent job descriptions because they understand the benefits. These descriptions attract the right candidates, represent the job accurately, clarify candidate requirements, and showcase company values.

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Things to avoid when writing a job description for Technical Writer role

When crafting a job description for a Technical Writer, it's crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can deter the right candidates. This section highlights key areas to be cautious about, ensuring your job listing attracts qualified and suitable applicants.

One major misstep is listing too many skills. Overloading a job description with an exhaustive list of skills can overwhelm potential candidates and may deter highly capable individuals who might think they don’t meet the exhaustive criteria. For a balanced view of essential skills, refer to our detailed post on skills required for a Technical Writer role.

Using buzzwords can also cloud the clarity of a job description. Terms like 'rockstar', 'ninja', and 'guru' are not only vague but can also mislead about the role's actual demands. It's better to use clear, straightforward language that accurately describes the responsibilities and expectations.

Lastly, avoid overemphasizing academic qualifications. Many essential skills for a Technical Writer, such as the ability to simplify complex information, are often honed through experience rather than formal education. To effectively assess these skills, consider using a targeted skills test, such as our Content Strategy Test.

What skills are important for Technical Writer role?

To craft a good job description and hire the best candidates for a Technical Writer role, recruiters should know the key skills required to excel in the role. These include strong writing abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to understand complex technical information.

For a detailed guide on the skills required for a Technical Writer, check out our comprehensive post on skills required for technical writer.

Identify the best Technical Writers for your open role

Recruiters often face the challenge of sifting through a large number of resumes, even when they have a well-crafted job description. The sheer volume can make it difficult to identify the best candidates for the technical writer role. How do you ensure that you are selecting the most qualified individuals from the pool of applicants?

Adaface skill tests can help streamline this process by providing targeted assessments that highlight the best candidates. Our technical aptitude test, content strategy test, and copywriting test are designed to evaluate the specific skills needed for a technical writer role.

To get started, you can take a quick product tour to see how our platform works. If you're ready to dive in, sign up for a free plan and start exploring how Adaface can help you screen candidates effectively and accurately.

Technical Writer Job Description FAQs

What is a Technical Writer Job Description template?

A Technical Writer Job Description template outlines the key responsibilities, requirements, and skills needed for the role. It helps recruiters attract qualified candidates.

Why is a good Technical Writer Job Description important?

A well-crafted job description helps attract the right candidates, sets clear expectations, and ensures a better fit for the role.

What are the main responsibilities of a Technical Writer?

Technical Writers create user manuals, guides, and other documentation. They collaborate with developers and product managers to ensure accuracy.

What skills are important for a Technical Writer?

Key skills include strong writing and communication abilities, attention to detail, and proficiency with documentation tools like MS Word or Adobe FrameMaker.

Who does a Technical Writer report to?

A Technical Writer typically reports to a Documentation Manager, Product Manager, or a similar role within the organization.

What should be avoided when writing a Technical Writer job description?

Avoid vague language, unrealistic expectations, and overly technical jargon that may deter potential candidates.

How can you identify the best Technical Writers for your open role?

Look for candidates with a strong portfolio, relevant experience, and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.

What are common requirements for a Technical Writer role?

Common requirements include a degree in English, Communications, or a related field, experience in technical writing, and familiarity with documentation tools.