Best Technical Writer Resume Examples for 2024 (Template & Guide)

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Technical Writer Resume: Choose a Format

Choosing a format for your technical writer resume is like picking the perfect outfit for a job interview—it can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.

The right format will showcase your strengths and make your resume appealing to potential employers.

There are three resume formats you can consider for a technical writer’s resume: chronological, functional, or combination. They are each a little different, so let’s take a closer look!

Chronological Resumes for Technical Writers

A chronological resume shows your career journey. It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backward.

This format is perfect if you have a steady work history in technical writing because it highlights your career progression and on-the-job experience.

Employers may prefer a chronological format because it makes it easy to see your experience and growth in the field. But, if you have gaps in your employment or don’t have much relevant writing experience, this might not be the best format for you.

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Functional Resumes for Technical Writers

A functional resume flips the script by focusing on your skills and qualifications rather than your work history.

This format is great if you’re new to technical writing or transitioning from another career. It lets you highlight your relevant skills and achievements without drawing attention to a less-than-linear career path.

However, this format is not compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS), which could hurt your chances of getting noticed. That doesn’t mean you can’t make it work, but you may want to consider another format if you are applying online.

Combination Resumes for Technical Writers

A combination resume, as the name suggests, combines the best of both worlds. It allows you to showcase your skills and your work history. This format is ideal if you have a solid work history and a strong skill set. It gives a comprehensive view of your qualifications, making it easier for employers to see why you’re a great fit for the role.

This format starts with a skills section that highlights your technical prowess, followed by a chronological work history that underscores your experience.

However, this format can sometimes cause your resume to be longer than the recommended length of 1-2 pages, so remember to keep your content focused and concise.

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Choosing a Resume Format

Deciding on the right resume format is an important part of resume writing. If you aren’t sure which format is best for you, experts say a chronological resume is always a safe bet.

It’s also the most ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System), which means it’s likely to get through the initial automated screenings used by many companies.

But what if you don’t have previous experience as a technical writer? Don’t worry! There are ways to make a chronological format work for you! Focus on highlighting transferable skills and relevant projects.

Be sure to detail your proficiency with tools and technologies commonly used in technical writing, such as Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, or various content management systems.

Remember, the key is to showcase your potential. Tailor each section of your resume to demonstrate how your background has prepared you for a career in technical writing. With careful customization, even a chronological resume can effectively highlight your qualifications and readiness for the role.

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How to Write a Technical Writer Resume

Now that you have chosen a resume format and template, it’s time to create a resume outline.

A resume for a technical writer typically includes the following sections:

• • • • • Contact Information
        • Resume Summary or Objective
        • Work History
        • Skills
        • Education
        • Additional Information (optional)

Writing a resume for a technical writer involves highlighting your technical expertise and communication skills.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you create an impressive resume.

Contact Information

When you’re putting together the contact information section of your resume as a technical writer, it’s all about making it easy for potential employers to reach you.

This part should be right at the top of your resume, where it will be easy to spot. Include your full name, city and state, phone number, and email address.

If you have a LinkedIn profile, add that too. And if you have a personal website or portfolio that shows off your writing and technical documentation skills, definitely include that link.

Here’s an example of how your contact information might look:

Jane Doe
New York, NY
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: janedoe@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Portfolio: janedoeportfolio.com

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Summary or Objective

Your resume should begin with a brief introduction, typically in the form of a resume summary or an objective statement. This section provides a snapshot of your qualifications and career goals and should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for.

A resume summary is a concise 2-3 sentences highlighting your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. It should be targeted to the job description and focus on what you can bring to the role.

A well-crafted summary provides a quick overview of your professional profile and sets the tone for the rest of the resume.

When writing a resume summary, focus on the following:

• • • • • Professional Experience: Highlight relevant experience that pertains to the technical writing field.

• • • • • Key Skills: Emphasize skills such as documentation, content creation, and project management.

• • • • • Achievements: Include notable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

Here’s an example of a resume summary for a technical writer:

“Results-driven technical writer with over 5 years of experience creating user-friendly documentation for complex software applications. Skilled in producing detailed manuals, online help systems, and training materials that enhance user experience and support product adoption. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop clear, concise, and accurate content that meets user needs and complies with industry standards.”

On the other hand, an objective statement is a brief statement about your career goals and what you aim to achieve in your next role. It is particularly useful for those new to the workforce or changing careers, as it allows you to outline your career intentions.

When writing an objective statement, consider the following:

• • • • • Career Goals: Clearly state what you want to achieve in your next position.

• • • • • Skills and Interests: Mention the skills you wish to develop and how they align with your career path.

• • • • • Target Role: Specify the type of role you are seeking and how you intend to contribute.

Here’s an example of a resume objective statement for a technical writer:

“Aspiring technical writer seeking to leverage extensive background in communication and documentation to contribute to the development of user-centric content at a forward-thinking technology company. Eager to bring my passion for clarity and user experience to a dynamic team while continuing to grow and refine my technical writing skills.”

Whether you choose a summary or an objective statement, tailoring this section to each job application is crucial.

Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume aligns with the employer’s needs and passes initial screening by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

This customization shows that you have taken the time to understand the role and demonstrates your commitment to applying for the position.

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Work History

Crafting the work history section of your resume can be fun and rewarding, especially when you know how to make it shine.

Start by listing your previous jobs in chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backward.

Each job entry should include:

• • • • • Job Title
        • Employer’s Name and Location
        • Dates of Employment

Then, use bullet points to list your key responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. This format keeps your resume clean and easy to read, allowing employers to identify your qualifications quickly.

To capture the attention of potential employers, begin each bullet point with a strong action verb.

For example, instead of saying, “Responsible for creating user manuals,” say, “Developed comprehensive user manuals.” This makes your role sound more dynamic and proactive.

Additionally, quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the impact you had.

For instance, instead of saying “Improved user documentation,” say “Improved user documentation, resulting in a 20% increase in user satisfaction.”

Here’s an example of a work history section for a technical writer resume:

Technical Writer | ABC Software Solutions – San Francisco, CA | Jan 2020 – Present

• • • • • Developed comprehensive user manuals and technical documentation for 10+ software applications, improving user satisfaction by 20%.

• • • • • Collaborated with development teams to ensure the accuracy and clarity of documentation, leading to a 15% reduction in support queries.

• • • • • Conducted user testing sessions to gather feedback, resulting in a 30% improvement in documentation quality.

Junior Technical Writer | XYZ Manufacturing – San Diego, CA | Jun 2018 – Dec 2019

• • • • • Created detailed technical guides and product descriptions for 5 major products, contributing to a 25% increase in sales.

• • • • • Assisted in developing training materials for new software tools, enhancing team proficiency by 40%.

• • • • • Managed and updated documentation to reflect the latest product features and changes, ensuring 100% accuracy.

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Skills

Including a dedicated skills section on your resume is essential for highlighting both your technical proficiency and soft skills.

As a technical writer, showcasing a balance of hard skills and soft skills makes you appealing to employers, demonstrating that you can handle the job’s technical aspects and work well with others.

For inspiration, we have compiled a list of the top hard and soft skills for a technical writer’s resume:

Top 5 Hard Skills for Technical Writer Resumes

• • • • • Technical Writing: This is your bread and butter. The ability to create clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation is crucial. Employers want to see that you can take complex information and make it accessible to the intended audience.

• • • • • Documentation Tools: Proficiency in tools like MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, and Microsoft Word shows that you can efficiently produce and manage documentation. These tools are industry standards, and being skilled in them makes you a valuable asset.

• • • • • Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with CMS platforms indicates that you can manage and publish content effectively. Many organizations use CMS to keep their documentation organized and easily accessible.

• • • • • HTML/CSS: Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS is important for formatting web-based documentation. This skill shows that you can handle the technical aspects of online content creation.

• • • • • Version Control Systems: Familiarity with Git or other version control systems demonstrates your ability to manage documentation updates and collaborate with development teams. This computer skill is crucial for maintaining accuracy and consistency in documentation.

Top 5 Soft Skills for Technical Writer Resumes

• • • • • Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and consistency in documentation is vital in technical writing. Employers need to trust that your work will be error-free and reliable.

• • • • • Communication: The ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms is key for a technical writer. This skill ensures that your documentation is accessible to users of varying technical backgrounds.

• • • • • Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams is essential. As a technical writer, you’ll need to gather information from various stakeholders and integrate it into your documentation.

• • • • • Problem-Solving: Identifying and addressing issues in documentation processes shows that you can think critically and improve existing content. Employers value writers who can proactively solve problems.

• • • • • Time Management: Meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects is crucial in a fast-paced work environment. This skill ensures that you can handle the workload and deliver high-quality documentation on time.

Here is an example of how you might format the skills section on a technical writer’s resume:

Skills

• • • • • Technical Writing
        • Documentation Tools (MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, Microsoft Word)
        • Content Management Systems (CMS)
        • HTML/CSS
        • Version Control Systems (Git)
        • Attention to Detail

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Education

When listing your education, focus on relevant degrees and certifications that highlight your skills and knowledge as a technical writer.

A good tip: avoid including your graduation date to help prevent any potential bias in the hiring process.

Employers should focus on your qualifications, not your age or how long ago you graduated.

Here’s an example of how you can format your education section:

Bachelor of Arts in English | University of XYZ

Relevant Coursework: Technical Writing, Communication, Information Technology

If you have certifications relevant to technical writing, such as technical writing courses or certifications in documentation tools, you can include them in this section. However, consider creating an additional section just for certifications.

This can help them stand out and show your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry standards.

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Additional Sections

Adding optional sections to your resume can really help highlight your qualifications and achievements, making you stand out to potential employers.

Here are some ideas to consider for a technical writer resume:

• • • • • Certifications: Show off your expertise by listing relevant certifications. Whether it’s a course in technical writing, a certification in documentation tools, or any other professional development, certifications demonstrate your commitment to your field and continuous learning.

• • • • • Projects: If you’ve worked on any notable projects that showcase your technical writing skills, be sure to include them. Describe what you did, the tools you used, and your work’s impact. This gives employers concrete examples of your abilities in action.

• • • • • Awards: Have you received any awards or recognitions in your career? Include them! Awards can highlight your excellence and dedication to your profession, and they give employers an idea of your achievements.

• • • • • Professional Affiliations: If you’re a member of any professional organizations related to technical writing, such as the Society for Technical Communication (STC), include these affiliations. Membership in professional organizations shows that you’re engaged in your field and committed to staying connected with industry trends and standards.

By incorporating these additional sections, you can provide a more comprehensive view of your skills and achievements, making your resume much more compelling to potential employers.

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Top Certifications for Technical Writers

Certifications are a great way to keep your professional skills sharp and demonstrate your commitment to your craft.

Here are some of the top certifications for a technical writer’s resume.

• • • • • Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC): Validates your skills and knowledge in technical communication.

• • • • • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office tools commonly used in technical writing.

• • • • • MadCap Advanced Developer: This certifies your expertise in using MadCap Flare software for technical documentation.

• • • • • Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): Certification in Adobe tools like FrameMaker and InDesign, commonly used when writing and editing large or complex documents.

• • • • • Technical Writing Certification: Various online certifications cover essential technical writing skills, validating your ability to do the job.

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10 Tips for Writing a Technical Writer Resume

Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Carefully read the job description and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. This shows employers that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs.

Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to make your resume more dynamic and engaging. Instead of saying “Responsible for creating user manuals,” try “Developed comprehensive user manuals.” This makes your accomplishments sound more proactive and impactful.

Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, include metrics to highlight your accomplishments. For example, “Improved user documentation, resulting in a 20% increase in user satisfaction,” or “Reduced support calls by 15% through improved documentation.” Quantifying your achievements helps employers understand the impact of your work.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on skills that are specifically relevant to technical writing, such as proficiency with documentation tools, content management systems, and knowledge of HTML/CSS. Also, emphasize soft skills like attention to detail, communication, and collaboration.

Keep It Concise: Be clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary jargon. Your goal is to make your resume easy to read and understand. Stick to the most relevant information and avoid lengthy paragraphs.

Use a Clean Layout: Ensure your resume has a clean and professional layout. Use consistent formatting, bullet points, and plenty of white space. A clutter-free resume is easier for employers to read and helps your key points stand out.

Proofread Carefully: Double-check your resume for grammar and spelling errors. A polished, error-free resume reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a technical writer. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well.

Include Keywords: Use relevant keywords from the job description to make your resume ATS-friendly. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for specific terms, so incorporating these can help ensure your resume gets noticed.

Showcase Technical Expertise: Highlight your proficiency with documentation tools and software, such as MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, and Microsoft Word. Mention any experience with version control systems like Git and content management systems (CMS) to show your technical capabilities.

Provide Examples: Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements. Instead of just listing your responsibilities, describe what you did and the results you achieved. For example, “Developed a comprehensive user manual for ABC Software, leading to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction.”