Technical writing can be an incredibly intellectually and emotionally satisfying, as well as financially rewarding, career. One of the great benefits of working as a tech writer is that as your reputation and experience grow, so do your options to work flexibly and craft your own work-life balance. Whether you’re working on-site, remotely, or even venturing into freelance work, the world is your oyster.
This section discusses technical writing as a career. It explains what a technical writer does—and how to become one. We’ll walk you through the process of applying for technical writing roles, discuss qualifications and skills, describe typical tasks, and detail possible career paths as well as flexible working options.
We’ll share what to expect from a technical writing career—and help you figure out if that will suit you. Technical writing is different from almost all other forms of writing, whether that’s fiction, marketing, or journalism. The point of technical writing is to teach your audience how to do a specific task, such as execute a process or use a product. Technical writing doesn’t require specific qualifications or degrees, but it does require certain skills. If you want to improve your skills, we recommend the types of courses and classes to look for.
The application process for technical writing roles requires a résumé or LinkedIn profile, a cover letter, and writing samples. The hiring team uses these materials, a writing test, and interviews to evaluate your skills and determine whether you’re a good fit for the role.
As you progress in your role, you’ll have opportunities to further develop your skills. You’ll get to choose between continuing to contribute as a technical writer, managing other writers, or branching into a related field, such as design, marketing, or product management. Each option provides a path for learning and growth.
 Insight |
| Insider Perspectives: Technical Writer Interviews In this section, we interviewed over twenty technical writers at all stages of their careers—from interns with only a month’s experience to senior writers with over thirty-five years, reflecting on long and successful careers. We talked with documentation managers responsible for leading teams across continents and aspiring technical writers wishing to break into the industry. We asked questions about every aspect of their careers—from the tools they use to their advice for newcomers to the profession and what they think the future holds. |
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