Technical Writer: Definition, Skills & Job Description

Technical writer is a profession highly in demand by companies across various niches and industries.

This profession is responsible for improving communication effectiveness between technical teams and end-users. 

One of the duties of a technical writer is to write a series of technical and complex information using language that is easily understandable by users with different technical backgrounds.

Unlike Content Writers and Copywriters, this profession generally requires specific and more specialized skills and expertise.

To understand what is technical writer, their tasks, the required skills, and the career path in this profession, be sure to pay close attention to the following information up to the end!

What is Technical Writer?

A technical writer is one of the writing professionals responsible for transforming complex information into something more easily understood.

This profession can be found in various industries, ranging from software, and manufacturing, to the medical field.

The primary task is to help users understand complex and technical concepts. Therefore, a professional in this area is commonly needed to create various types of documentation materials, ranging from user guides, product knowledge, USPs, installation guides, and much more.

Installation or product/service usage instructions, initially complicated due to technical language, can be made more user-friendly with the help of a technical writer. 

Technical Writer Job Description

Essentially, they are falling under the category of content writer. However, this profession typically requires individuals with specialized expertise in the relevant field.

In carrying out their duties, they must be able to minimize the use of technical language that is difficult for the general public to understand. Overall, some of the technical writer job descriptions are:  

1. Write Functional Specification Documents

A technical writer is an individual responsible for compiling a series of information related to the functional specifications of a product, tool, or application.

Their task is to convey detailed functional procedures, including specification details, functionalities, and how the device or application operates.

In this regard, they must be capable of using simple and easily understandable language, so that users can operate and use a product without technical hindrances.

2. Write User Manuals

One of the primary roles is to write user manuals or user guides. A user manual is a document designed to provide step-by-step guidance on how to operate, install, or understand a product.

The primary goal of user manuals is to ensure that users, both those with technical backgrounds and those who are novices, can effectively, safely, and smoothly utilize the product.

3. Creating FAQ

Answering all questions related to the product is also part of the technical writer's job description. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are commonly found on a website page containing a collection of questions related to products/services.

FAQs are useful for helping users address common issues they encounter. In creating FAQs, the tasks include:

• Conducting a thorough survey of questions frequently asked by users.
• Conducting simple interviews with the development team (DevOps Engineer) to gather information about common issues.
• Composing concise, clear, and informative answers by transforming technical and complex language into language that is easy to understand.
• Managing FAQs and updating them regularly to ensure the information is always accurate and relevant.

4. Write Product Installation Guides

The professionals in this area are also responsible for ensuring that users understand the process of installing a device. 

Therefore, the installation guide must contain clear and structured instructions based on the installation steps.

Installation guides can be created in various formats, depending on the needs and complexity of the product or device to be installed.

Some guides may present information in written format, or they may involve visual aspects such as flowcharts, diagrams, or animations.

5. Generate Development Plans

In this regard, they are responsible for preparing a strategic and detailed guide on how the product or service will be developed in the future.

This development plan should include several essential elements and information that identify the long-term vision of the product/service. Some other tasks also include:

• Analyzing and identifying the needs of users who will use technical documentation.
• Studying the product and communicating with the development team to understand its technical aspects.
• Collaborating with technical staff to create user-friendly instructions.
• Enhancing guides and documents with the use of images, diagrams, and animations to improve user understanding.

The Differences Between Technical Writers and Other Types of Writers

Once you've grasped the essence of what is technical writer, you might find yourself intrigued by what sets this profession apart from other writing roles.

Simply put, this role focuses on the stage of launching a product or service. They play a crucial role in creating materials that will serve as representations of the product, such as user manuals, user guides, product specifications, and more.

During the research and material creation process, they need to collaborate with experts, such as developer teams or other technical specialists. Below are two main differences between technical writers and other types of writers:

1. The Material Does Not Evoke Emotions

In stark contrast to content writers or copywriters, technical writers prioritize an objective approach in composing their materials or writings.

All the information they write is accurate, based on facts and data, and directly absorbed from technical instructions, without reflecting or eliciting any emotions from the users.

The information conveyed is also highly detailed, leaving little room for personal interpretation.

2. The Main Goal is to Educate

As mentioned earlier, the primary focus is to provide information about product or service descriptions and usage instructions.

Therefore, their writing style is free from bias and opinions because their sole purpose is to educate the readers.

Here is a table showing the general differences in tasks among four types of writers you may have heard of:

Skills Needed for Technical Writer 

If you're interested in becoming a technical writer, here's a list of skills you should hone and master to the best of your ability. 

1. Writing and Summarizing Skills

Similar to other writers, they must also have proficient writing abilities. To succeed in this role, you should be capable of presenting intricate information in a lucid and uncomplicated fashion. 

As a result, it's essential to possess an extensive vocabulary to elevate your informative writing approach.

2. Detail-Oriented

Another crucial competency you should possess is acute attention to detail when formulating your instructions. 

As a professional in this area, each piece of information and guideline you produce must be scrupulously precise. 

Your technical instructions will serve as a reference for numerous individuals, and even the slightest error can yield a significant impact..

3. Proficiency in In-Depth Research

When composing technical content, it is essential to have a comprehensive grasp of the product or service you're elucidating. 

Consequently, a technical writer's skill set should encompass the capability to undertake thorough analysis and research, ensuring the accurate documentation of information. 

4. Critical Thinking Aptitude

Developing technical instructions necessitates a high degree of critical thinking to translate intricate data into simplified explanations. 

That was all the explanation that encompasses the role and responsibilities of a technical writer, along with the requisite skills for this profession. 

With the increasing prevalence of digital communication, technical writers remain in high demand by many companies. As a subset of content writers, they can also help businesses produce tailored content that meets user demands.

While producing technical information through online platforms, this type of writer can incorporate SEO strategies such as using targeted keywords to ensure that the produced content ranks well in search engine results and is easily discoverable by the target audience.

However, before that, you need to maximize your brand's digital presence, whether through website UI enhancements or scheduling regular content marketing publications with the help of an article writing service. 

cmlabs, as a leading SEO agency, offers professional content writing services validated by experts to boost your domain authority and support comprehensive SEO strategies.

Enhance the visibility of your content on Google's search engine results pages (SERPs) with the help of a professional content writer service at cmlabs. Contact our marketing team to schedule a meeting!