Technical Writer

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A technical writer could...

Overview Listen to this section

Have you tried to install new video-game software or connect a new printer to your computer? Doing something like this can be a little scary because of concerns about what may happen to your computer if you don't do it properly. So you read the instructions pamphlet that came with the software or printer and follow it step by step. Thankfully, the instructions are clear and you are successful with the installation! You can credit a technical writer for creating those helpful directions that guided you to success. The technical writer's task is to prepare documents, like user manuals and instructions, that communicate technical information about a computer or other complex product to a target audience in a clear and concise manner. Another way to think of a technical writer is as a person whose job it is to make our use of complicated devices a little easier and less frustrating.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Technical Writer?

1. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
2. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
3. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
4. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
5. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

6. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
7. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
8. Time Management: ? Managing one's own time and the time of others.
9. Coordination: ? Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
10. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Technical Writer might do:

• Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
• Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
• Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
• Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
• Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
• Develop or maintain online help documentation.
• Assist in laying out material for publication.
• Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
• Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
• Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
• Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
• Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
• Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
• Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
• Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.