Did you know that every time a new product is launched, the job prospect of a tech writer goes up? After all, what purpose will a software or a product serve without a user manual? As hundreds of gadgets and other products hit the market every year, the job opportunities for this breed of writers only go up.

WHAT TECHNICAL WRITERS DO?

A technical writer converts technical jargon into a simple and easy-to- understand format, which can be understood by a lay person. He can work in diverse fields including computer software and hardware, automobile, aerospace, biotechnology and consumer electronics.

A technical writer creates and updates product specifications, user manuals, reference manuals, white papers, collaterals and other supported documents. For each product release, the technical writer has to get involved in writing release notes and installation guides.

Skill sets for a technical writer

1. The ideal candidate must have good writing skills and the ability to write in clear, concise and correct language.
2. A good technical writer should be a quick learner to understand the subject and turn it into documents in easy to understand language.
3. The technical writer should know the audience before creating the document and think like the audience to create a user friendly document.
4. He/ she should have interviewing and listening skills to interact with experts to gather necessary information.
5. Computer skills are a must.
6. It is mandatory that technical writers have the ability to work in teams.

Find your eligibility

A graduation in any subject is the minimum qualification. Also, those with degrees or post graduation in different subjects including engineering, pharmaceutical and so on, can find jobs as technical writers in their respective fields. And more than any degree, the ability to write well is what counts for the first break.

On the job

A technical writer has the opportunity to work on different domains, products, services and sectors (IT, Engineering, Finance, Pharmacy, Technology, R&D and others). They are never tied to one product or domain throughout their career. Technical writing is a hassle free job. Getting the information is slightly hard but once you get it, you have to just get them documented. He or she is also expected to be a product/ technology specialist. Opportunities in multiple industries open up increased opportunities along with the need to have a good understanding of the domain.

It’s not a copy paste work. It requires creativity, planning, and the ability to explain technical concepts to different audience.

Select Institutions offering Technical Writing Courses

1. Education and Career Times, New Delhi
2. Technowrites, Pune
3. Tech Total Soft Systems Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad
4. ibruk Consulting Pvt Ltd, Mumbai
5. Kbuffer, Chennai