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Technical writing is everywhere. Any time you see text that’s readable and direct, distilling complex information into understandable key points, a technical writer is responsible.
Technical writers are the translators of specialized knowledge, making it accessible to a broad audience. They’re essential members of corporate and professional teams.
But what exactly counts as technical writing? How do you start your career as a technical writer or hire one for your next project? Let’s have a look at the details.
Purpose and Importance of Technical Writing
Imagine getting a new prescription and not being able to make heads or tails of the package insert. Imagine it says that common side effects of the drug are gastralgia and dyspepsia. But if you have dyspnea, you should call 911 right away or head to the emergency room.
This is one example of how a technical writer saves the day by making technical information easier to understand. A technical writer might say this: "Stomachache and indigestion are common with this medication, but if you have shortness of breath, get medical attention."
Technical writing makes complex, dense, or specialized information easier to understand. Technical writers work across industries to make sure end users of a product know how to use it safely and effectively. They also help translate technical information into accessible language for decision makers and other stakeholders.
This is the difference between expository and technical writing. While expository writing educates a reader, technical writing condenses and explains the key points the reader needs to know.
Examples of Technical Writing
The range of technical content is vast — you likely encounter examples of technical documents several times a day. We’re talking about:
- API documentation
- Financial reports
- Software installation guides
- User manuals
- White papers
- Proposals
- Funding applications
- Standard operating procedures
Any example of readable, quick-reference information also counts as technical writing.
Key Principles of Effective Technical Writing
A few elements make up the basis of effective technical documentation:
- Readability: Content has a logical structure that reflects the reader’s needs. Think about the instructions with IKEA furniture: Each step is laid out in order to build the item.
- Lack of ambiguity: Language is clear and simple. Technical writers avoid words with multiple meanings.
- Consistency: Corporations have standards and guidelines. Technical writers use these standards consistently between and within documents. Diagrams, tables, images, and word usage all stay the same.
- Revisability: Structure and content should support ease and clarity of future revision. This facilitates the transition for customers and corporate employees for product upgrades. Changes are highlighted in “what’s new” summaries in documents fundamentally the same as previous versions.
- Relevance to audience: Technical communication has to reach its intended audience. The instructions that come with IKEA furniture don’t need a blurb that describes how to design a bedroom around your new bookshelf; they need step-by-step instructions on what screw to place in which shelf.
Technical writing has much in common with business writing, but it can require additional expertise. Getting access to a subject matter expert as your technical writer is one of the reasons to outsource technical writing.
Skills Required for Technical Writing
When finding technical writing talent, it’s useful to know the necessary skills for this kind of work.
Writing and Editing Skills
The ability to write might go without saying. But your technical writer needs a specific type of writing skill, one that emphasizes clarity, consistency, and readability. The most brilliant storytellers aren’t necessarily great technical writers. Look for writing and editing skills that match the type of technical documentation you need.
Research Skills
A writer often comes with basic technical knowledge of the area. One working for an engineering firm might have sufficient knowledge of the profession to get started on a new technical writing project. But they also must research the background and context for each new piece of documentation. These research skills ensure the final product is not only readable but accurate.
Familiarity With Technical Tools
Technical tools are those unique to the subject matter of the writing. A writer doing work for a computer assisted design (CAD) software company must have a basic idea of how to use CAD software. It’s also critical that technical writers can integrate their workflow with that of the client. They should know how to use the content management system or platform that the client uses to produce documentation.
Steps To Become a Technical Writer
Becoming a technical writer requires a mix of education and experience. The skill growth is ongoing, as you have to continue learning as your career goes on.
Education and Training
Most technical writers have degrees in communications, English, or journalism. They might also have specific work experience or education in technical areas, like information technology or engineering. Some might get certification from a professional organization like the Society for Technical Communication.
Building a Portfolio
A portfolio is your introduction to potential clients. Include a brief biography and headshot, along with samples of various types of technical writing. Ideally these samples are from past projects. If you’re early in your career, look for opportunities for writing technical white papers through your educational institution. You might also consider working for free with a nonprofit or charitable organization to build portfolio samples.
Gaining Experience
The best way to get experience is to land jobs. You can apply for technical writing jobs online. If you're a subject matter expert, consider narrowing your search to that area and highlighting your credentials on your resume and application. Let’s say you have a certificate in technical writing and an undergraduate degree in health sciences. In your technical writer applications for biomedical and health companies, highlight that background.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development
As your career progresses, you’ll look for opportunities to improve technical writing skills through coursework. You might get the chance to work on projects that expand your knowledge of technical concepts, such as with an existing client with a new product line. It’s important to read other examples of technical writing to stay abreast of changing norms within industries and specializations.
Matching the Best Technical Writers With the Best Companies
As a corporation seeking top talent or a writer looking to jumpstart your career, you can find your best match with Compose.ly. Check out ways to become a writer on the platform. If you’re looking for the best talent to fulfill your business’s technical writing needs, learn how to hire a technical writer right here.
Technical Writing FAQs
Here are answers to the top questions about technical writing.
What Are the 5 Basics of Technical Writing?
There are five key elements of technical writing:
- Purpose: What the writing is for
- Audience: Who it’s for
- Clarity: Using precise language
- Visuals: Effective use of graphics, page layout, and design
- Specificity: Keeping content narrow to purpose and audience
What Are the 7 C’s of Technical Writing?
The seven C’s of technical writing mirror the basics of what technical writing is for and whom it speaks to. Remember to keep your writing coherent, concrete, clear, concise, complete, courteous, and correct. In other words, technical writing is direct, accurate, and polite.
What Is the Golden Rule of Technical Writing?
Know your audience. One might argue that “know your audience” is the golden rule of all types of writing, but in the case of technical writing it’s especially important. When someone reads a how-to guide or safety manual, it’s critical the content is tailored to them so they have no problems understanding it.
