Technical Writers

material artistic writing content english language operating procedure computer data development

Documentation Specialist, Information Developer, Technical Communicator, Technical Writer

What they do:
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Business

  • administrative services
  • management

Communications

  • multimedia

Skills

Basic Skills

  • writing things for co-workers or customers
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal

  • communicate by writing
  • read and understand what is written

Ideas and Logic

  • use rules to solve problems
  • order or arrange things

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Independence
  • Initiative

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Web platform development software

  • Microsoft ASP.NET Hot Technology
  • Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP Hot Technology

Web page creation and editing software

  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Google Sites

Desktop publishing software

  • Adobe InDesign Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Publisher

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
associate's degree or
bachelor's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about technical writers.