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Technical Writer

Introduction
What is the Future of Technical Writing?
Type of Technical Writing
Why is Technical Writing Crucial?​
How do you become a Sales Analyst?
Bottom Line
Explore Career Opportunities

Introduction

Do you want to be one of the best Technical Writers? Well, like content writing, technical
writing is also a part of various sectors and hence is in perpetual demand. Industries like
biotech and pharmacy, information technology, financial services, insurance, engineering,
aerospace, consulting, supply chain, manufacturing are all always on the lookout for skilled
technical writers.
So, a career in technical writing is something that is here to stay and grow. In this article,
we’ll learn about Technical Writing – what it is, and how you can become one of the great
Technical Writers.

Here is what we’ll look into in this article:

  • What is the future of technical writing?
  • Type of technical writing
  • Why is technical writing crucial?
  • How can you hire yourself in a company as a technical writer?
  • So, let’s begin…

What is the Future of Technical Writing?

Technical writing explains how services, products, and processes work. It aims to simplify
complex ideas and usually involves writing on a topic or a subject that involves some level of
instruction or direction.
Today technical writing encompasses all documentation of complex technical processes. It
includes reports, executive summary statements, briefs. Any time technical information is
conveyed in writing at work, it is, by definition, technical writing.
Now that you understand what technical writing is, let’s see what the technical writing
future scenario is.
With the increased demand for technological solutions and innovations, Artificial
Intelligence, and Machine Learning, the requirement for technical writing will also witness a
surge along with advances in the kind of content. Along with this, one can also step into the
fields like advertising, consulting, academia, telecommunications, security, publishing just to
name a few while the prospects’ list endless.
Since technology is omnipresent and reliance on it is increasing, technical writing has now
become a requisite feature for all organisations rather than an option. 

With that said, let’s get familiar with the typical sorts of writing in the technical writing field!

Type of Technical Writing

Technical writing provides detail-oriented instruction to help users understand a specific
skill. The most common types include:

#1: Traditional Technical Writing

While traditional technical writing sounds broad, pieces of content within this category are
specifically written for professional audiences. These experts rely on traditional technical
writing for targeted research papers, programming guidelines, and repair manuals.
● Science and Medical Papers
Research results can be hard to explain, so scientists collaborate with technical writers to
interpret and organize findings. These results are published in medical journals, so the
presentation of material requires fine detail, accuracy, and organization. These papers act as
learning resources for practitioners to understand procedures and results. As with any form
of research, technical writers ensure that proper credibility is given in the text.
● Professional Reports and Reviews
In addition to writing for scientists and doctors, technical writers assist in creating reports
for business growth and educational institutions. Examples of professional reports include
project and business status reports, legal case reviews, and personnel activity reports.

#2: End-User Documentation

Almost every product you purchase has a written explanation of operation. These “how-to”
pieces are written to help users understand and operate products correctly. After all, what
good is a product if users don’t know how to properly use it? Since end-user documentation
requires clear and concise instruction, it’s important to create content that breaks down
technological terms to layman’s terms. Specific examples of end-user documentation are as
follows:
● User Help Guides
When software product users have questions that need specific answers, they turn to user
help guides. These are written to provide clear and sensible answers to common questions
that may develop as use of software programs continue. User help guides are broken down
into sections depending on the type of ‘help’ needed – allowing users to read ahead or re-
read information to make their understanding of a product stronger.
● Product Manuals

You know you’ve seen these — and are guilty of adding them to a bookshelf before reading.
Product manuals are those small booklets that highlight a product’s main features, general
maintenance, and basic operation. Examples of product manuals you’ve heard of include
owner’s manuals for cars and operator’s manuals for heavy machinery.
● Assembly Guidelines
Since assembly guidelines tell users how to physically set up a product, technical writers are
responsible for writing clear and user-friendly, step-by-step instructions. It’s important for
these instructions to be written in a way that ensure users can accurately assemble
products. Just think: if you used the assembly guide that came with your new entertainment
system, you probably would have put it together in half the time!
● Technical Books
Similar to user help guides, technical writers are hired to write guides for users to
understand the ins and outs of a product; most often software products. It’s critical for
these technical books to be accessible and of interest to non-expert users.

#3: Technical Marketing Content

If you have an eye for detail and a way with words, creating technical marketing content is
the category for you. Developers’ products wouldn’t be much use if consumers don’t
understand how to properly operate them. To avoid this, technical marketing content serves
as a bridge for products, consumers, and businesses understand each other.
● White Papers and Case Studies
White papers are written to highlight a company’s success — and in this case, success with
certain products or services. Technical writers investigate problematic topics of a specific
audience and integrate a company’s product to create solutions. On the other hand, case
studies are experience reports that provide details of how an account’s business goals were
met with the help of a product.
● Proposals and Pitches
Many B2B (business to business) sale relations involve proposals and pitches written by
technical writers. Once a company presents the specs for a collaboration or solution, tech
writers join the team to explain the technical aspects of proposals. Once the business plan is
set, technical writers then gather key elements of the executive summary to create a pitch.
● Brochures
Brochures in technical communications are more than pretty pictures of a tropical island
you’d like to plan a vacation to. Brochures take users to a deeper level of understanding and
appeal through clear descriptions, functions, and uses of a product.

Having said that, now let’s find out why a Technical Writer Career is crucial.

Why is Technical Writing Crucial?

Technical writing or technical documentation has evolved into a subject of growing
significance in the world of written communication. Given its specialized nature, technical
communication has developed into a well- defined profession, especially in the developed
world. In fact, technical writing is a natural offshoot of the knowledge-based economy.
Qualified technical writers are in demand in a host of industries including software,
telecommunications, financial services and healthcare.
Technical writing consists of specialized writing skills whereby businesses use the services of
technical writers to translate and communicate industry-related information into user-
friendly documents and publications.
Technical writing therefore calls for both an insight into the industry or domain knowledge
and excellent communication skills.

How to become a Sales Analyst?

What Is Technical Content Writer Job Description?

A Technical Writer use both words and visual aids to explain difficult concepts, often to
nontechnical audiences. Work products for technical writers include instruction manuals,
process documentation, and grant or bid proposals. Whether they support internal or
external customers, technical writers’ ultimate goal is to communicate complex information
in a clear and concise manner.

Technical Writer Roles And Responsibilities

  • Research, write, edit and proofread complex technical data.
  • Create, maintain and update manuals, procedures, specifications and other documents.
  • Create, maintain and update installation instructions, training material and other technical documents.
  • Design and establish style guidelines and standards for texts and illustrations to meet business needs.
  • Create, compile and deliver software developmental documentation packages.
  • Review, revise, modify or edit documents prepared by others.
  • Coordinate project plans, budget and determine resources.
  • Compile, organize and write online help files to support end-users.
  • Write technical documents in compliance to the company’s established standards and guidelines.
  • Evaluate and recommend revisions to standards and guidelines.
  • Provide writing, editing and design support to other team members.

Technical Writer Skills

Depending on our research, we determined the subsequent core skills one should own to
acquire a job as a Certified Technical Content Writer.

  • Must be able to convey complicated ideas to non-expert readers with clarity and a minimum of obscure jargon
  • Conduct extensive research to prepare for writing tasks
  • Ability to absorb complex information and compile good working notes
  • Employ a variety of charts, diagrams, and other visual aids to help communicate technical concepts
  • Produce videos or social media posts, especially when working with external audiences
  • Review and edit work to improve its clarity and consistency

Required Education Qualification, Training and Work Experience

In order to acquire a job as a Certified Technical Content Writer, one should first earn:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree, sometimes from a dedicated technical writing program, Master's Degree in Instructional Designing, University degree in Computer Science, or Engineering Degrees.
  • Proven working experience in technical writing of software documentation.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Excellent Understanding with the SDLC and software development.

As for the required training, a candidate should complete relevant
courses/certifications/trainings in technical writing/instructional design
Whereas, the job experience to apply for the position mandates a candidate to have 0-2
years of work experience/internship in technical writing, blogging.

10 Best Online Courses & Certifications For Technical Writer In 2021

Looking to start a career as a technical writer? One of these online technical writing courses
and certifications will work best to put you on the right track to mastering technical writing.

  • - One Week Technical Writer by Technical Writer HQ
  • - Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) by the STC
  • - Medical Writer Certified (MWC) by the American Medical Writer’s Association
  • - Coursera’s Technical Certification Courses
  • - Udemy’s Technical Certification Courses
  • - Tech-Writer Certification Programs
  • - Certificate in Professional Technical Writing by the University of Washington
  • - Learn Technical Writing at LinkedIn Learning (One-month free trial)
  • - Technical Writing Classes at Skillshare
  • - The Google Technical Writing Courses for Engineers

Technical Writer Salary (Expected Earnings)

  • The average salary for Technical Writer Job according to different job experience is as follows:
  • An entry-level Technical Writer with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of ₹278,766 based on 89 salaries.
  • An early career Technical Writer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹413,284 based on 527 salaries.
  • A mid-career Technical Writer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹770,679 based on 312 salaries.
  • An experienced Technical Writer with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹1,417,102 based on 112 salaries.

Higher earnings are possible, however, salaries vary significantly – based on the industry,
size of the business, and depending on the different skills you possess, it can affect your
salary.
[Income figures are intended as a guide only.]

Bottom Line

The role of a technical writer does differ depending on the industry but involves clearing the
ambiguity and presenting information in a succinct and easily understandable, no-fuss
format. Put yourself in the shoes of people who do not understand technicalities and convey
in clear words the process/product/service.
 
Technical writing is no doubt a highly skilled job but can be acquired with some amount of
dedication and perseverance. While primary English language and communication skills are
prerequisites, if you have the knack of converting the complex into simple, you sure have a
bright chance of becoming a great technical writer.
Are you planning to apply for the Role Of technical writer? Well, if you still have doubts
regarding the best way to become a technical writer, start with a FREE ONLINE CAREER
COUNSELLING.
The team of Counsellors and Mentors at MyCareerBuddha can help you choose a career
path by building a proper career action plan that’s well suited for you to reach your goals.
Hope that this blog post has helped you learn the key insights needed to become a Certified
Technical Writer.
Good Luck in your Job Efforts!

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