Want to become a technical writer?

Are you thinking of becoming a technical writer? Find out if technical writer is the right job for you. Get answers to the following questions: What does a technical writer do? What personality traits do technical writers have? Will robots replace technical writers? How much does a technical writer earn and is it a job in high demand?

Want to know what personality traits you have and if the job of technical writer fits your personality? Take the free career aptitude test.

CAREER APTITUDE TEST


What does a technical writer do?

A technical writer is someone who writes technical documents such as manuals, appendices and user and maintenance instructions. As a technical writer, you are responsible for the technical documentation that belongs to a technical or mechanical product. As a technical writer, you often have to help determine lay-out and images and the infographics to be used. Characteristics of the equipment to be used are often very complex. Think of users interfaces, drive engineering and mechatronics. Good technical insight and general technical knowledge is absolutely essential for the position of technical writer. The target audience of the made documentation ranges from customers and sellers to mechanics. In addition to writing technical manuals, you're often also responsible for the management of manuals and coordinating translations. You already closely collaborate with engineers during the development process about making manuals and other documentation. Sometimes, you need to take into account legislation when making a manual. Knowledge of applicable regulations and standards is therefore an advantage in this position. Where does a technical writer work? Manufacturers of technical products often employ technical writers. But many technical writers can also be hired and often have a specialisation.

Want to see how to create a user-centered manual that provides clear instructions? Read this article which provides 101 technical writing examples.

 

What personality traits do technical writers have?

There are two characteristics many technical writers have in common. Technical Writers are often highly inquisitive (score highly in the INVESTIGATIVE category) and creative (score highly in the ARTISTIC category). Do you have the same personality? Perhaps the profession of technical writer would suit you.

Curious which professions are characterised by the same two personality traits as technical writers? Go to the career choice profiles. Here you can find professions with the same profile. But you can also find professions with other characteristics. Which professions do you like and which professions don’t appeal?

 

CAREER CHOICE PROFILES

Will robots replace technical writers?

Many jobs will be replaced by robots. How robot-proof are technical writers? The chances of robotisation of a technical writer’s activities amount to 89%. This means that there is a HIGH CHANCE that the tasks and activities performed by technical writers will be taken over by robots and smart software within the next 20 years.

 

Technical Writer Vacancies and Salary

Want to find out what you can expect from your next career move as a technical writer? How much does a technical writer earn and is it a job in high demand? You can find out the average annual salary and current vacancies at Adzuna. Adzuna collects all the vacancies for technical writers in one place and has the largest collection of live salary data.

Want to find more jobs as a technical writer in other countries?

Go to Jooble for jobs as technical writer all over the world.

Technical writer jobs in the UK 

Technical writer jobs in the USA

Technical writer jobs in Australia

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Technical writer jobs in India

Technical writer jobs in Ireland