Technical Writer Resume Example
Professional resume template and tips for Technical Writer positions
Looking to launch or advance your career as a technical writer? This guide breaks down exactly what you need to succeed in this vital role, where you’ll transform complex information into clear manuals, guides, and instructions. We provide a detailed overview of the technical writer’s daily responsibilities, from organizing material to editing content, and outline the essential hard and soft skills employers seek. You’ll discover the key technologies, from XML and JIRA to Microsoft Office suite, and learn how to showcase your expertise. Use this practical advice on required knowledge and core competencies to build a stronger, more targeted resume with Mokaru and position yourself for your next opportunity.
DYLAN MITCHELL
Professional Summary
Technical Writer with 8+ years of experience in B2B software documentation. Authored over 500 user guides and API references, reducing customer support tickets by 15%. Proficient in XML-based authoring, Atlassian tools, and translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
Skills
Experience
- Led the strategic overhaul of the internal documentation system using Atlassian Confluence, increasing team-wide productivity by 25% through improved search and categorization
- Spearheaded the development and enforcement of a new XML-based content standard across four product lines, ensuring consistency and reducing localization errors by 30%
- Directed a team of three writers in a critical project to rewrite 200+ legacy help articles, applying judgment to prioritize content and deliver two weeks ahead of schedule
- Owned the end-to-end documentation project for a major software release, collaborating with 8 engineers via JIRA to produce user guides and API references within a tight deadline
- Managed the SharePoint repository for all creative assets, implementing a new tagging system that cut the average time to locate photographs and diagrams by 50%
- Applied critical thinking to analyze user feedback, then revised and standardized 50+ tutorial scripts prepared by marketing, significantly improving clarity scores
- Supported senior writers by actively learning product technologies through interviews with engineering personnel and maintaining organized revision files in Microsoft Excel
- Executed writing assignments for feature updates by synthesizing information from journals and specifications, ensuring adherence to set style and terminology guidelines
- Assisted in the production of monthly reports using Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, developing time management skills to balance multiple concurrent support tasks
Education
Certificates
- Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)
- Atlassian Certified Confluence Administrator
- XML Master Certification
Build Your Technical Writer Resume
Create a professional, ATS-optimized resume tailored for Technical Writer positions in minutes.
What does a Technical Writer do?
A Technical Writer performs various tasks on a daily basis. Here are the core responsibilities you can expect in this role:
- 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.
What skills do you need as a Technical Writer?
Employers hiring for Technical Writer positions look for candidates with a strong combination of technical and soft skills. Here are the most important skills to highlight on your resume:
What knowledge areas are important for a Technical Writer?
Beyond skills and tools, employers value candidates with deep knowledge in these areas. Consider highlighting relevant coursework, certifications, or experience:
How do I write a great Technical Writer resume?
Creating an effective Technical Writer resume requires focusing on what employers in the Creative & Design sector value most.
Use relevant keywords
ATS systems scan for specific terms. Include these keywords naturally throughout your resume:
Quantify your impact
When describing how you "organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology", include metrics like percentages, team sizes, budgets, or project scope to demonstrate real results.
Showcase technical proficiency
Highlight hands-on experience with Atlassian Confluence, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft SharePoint and any english language certifications that validate your expertise.
Match the experience level
For Technical Writer roles, employers typically expect usually requires a 4-year bachelor's degree. Highlight matching qualifications prominently at the top of your resume.
Example bullet points
Here are some strong bullet points you could adapt for your Technical Writer resume:
- Led the strategic overhaul of the internal documentation system using Atlassian Confluence, increasing team-wide productivity by 25% through improved search and categorization
- Spearheaded the development and enforcement of a new XML-based content standard across four product lines, ensuring consistency and reducing localization errors by 30%
- Directed a team of three writers in a critical project to rewrite 200+ legacy help articles, applying judgment to prioritize content and deliver two weeks ahead of schedule
How to use AI to improve your Technical Writer resume
AI tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful when crafting your Technical Writer resume. They can help you brainstorm achievements, rephrase bullet points for impact, identify missing keywords, and tailor your content to specific job descriptions.
However, AI is not perfect. Always proofread the output carefully. AI can sometimes make factual errors, use generic language, or miss the nuances of your specific experience. Think of AI as a helpful assistant, not a replacement for your own judgment.
AI Resume Prompt
You are a senior recruiter with 15+ years of experience in technical hiring and resume optimization. You have reviewed thousands of resumes for Technical Writer positions and know exactly what hiring managers and ATS systems look for.
Your task:
Analyze my resume for a Technical Writer position and provide concrete, actionable feedback to maximize my chances.
Job description:
[paste the job description here]
Provide feedback on the following:
- Match analysis: Which requirements from the job description ARE and ARE NOT reflected in my resume?
- Quantification: Which bullet points lack concrete numbers/metrics? Provide examples of how I can rewrite them.
- Keywords: Which technical terms from the job description (such as Atlassian Confluence, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft SharePoint, etc.) are missing or could be more prominent?
- Impact statements: Rewrite my 3 weakest bullet points using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- ATS optimization: What adjustments will increase my score in Applicant Tracking Systems?
- Priorities: Give me a top-5 of changes that will make the biggest difference, ranked by impact.
Be direct and critical - I want honest feedback, not compliments.
Why use Mokaru instead? At Mokaru, we have invested extensive research into our AI prompts and continuously update them based on recruiter feedback and ATS testing. Our AI resume builder handles the complexity for you: optimizing for ATS systems, matching job descriptions, and ensuring professional formatting, so you can focus on landing interviews.
Medical Writer Resume Example
Looking for a Medical Writer resume instead? The skills and experience are very similar to a Technical Writer. Here is an example you can use as inspiration:
KYLE COLLINS
Summary
Technical Writer with 8+ years of experience in B2B software documentation. Authored over 500 user guides and API references, reducing customer support tickets by 15%. Proficient in XML-based authoring, Atlassian tools, and translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
Skills
Experience
- Led the strategic overhaul of the internal documentation system using Atlassian Confluence, increasing team-wide productivity by 25% through improved search and categorization
- Spearheaded the development and enforcement of a new XML-based content standard across four product lines, ensuring consistency and reducing localization errors by 30%
- Directed a team of three writers in a critical project to rewrite 200+ legacy help articles, applying judgment to prioritize content and deliver two weeks ahead of schedule
- Owned the end-to-end documentation project for a major software release, collaborating with 8 engineers via JIRA to produce user guides and API references within a tight deadline
- Managed the SharePoint repository for all creative assets, implementing a new tagging system that cut the average time to locate photographs and diagrams by 50%
- Applied critical thinking to analyze user feedback, then revised and standardized 50+ tutorial scripts prepared by marketing, significantly improving clarity scores
- Supported senior writers by actively learning product technologies through interviews with engineering personnel and maintaining organized revision files in Microsoft Excel
- Executed writing assignments for feature updates by synthesizing information from journals and specifications, ensuring adherence to set style and terminology guidelines
- Assisted in the production of monthly reports using Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, developing time management skills to balance multiple concurrent support tasks
Education
Certifications
- Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)
- Atlassian Certified Confluence Administrator
- XML Master Certification
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Frequently Asked Questions
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