How To Write a Technical Writer Resume
Your technical writer resume should demonstrate your ability to translate technical jargon into user-friendly language. Whether you’re an experienced technical writer aiming for advancement or embarking on your new career, use this guide to craft a resume that opens doors to transforming complex concepts into comprehensible content.
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
Your profile is a brief summary that demonstrates your most relevant qualifications and experience for the job you’re applying for. To make a strong first impression on the hiring manager, start with an opening sentence that lists your title, years of industry experience, and three to four key skills. In the subsequent sentences, mention unique aspects of your career or notable accomplishments, such as editing case studies, crafting user experience (UX) copy, or translating technical jargon into accessible language for non-technical audiences.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A Senior Technical Writer with 10+ years of experience, specializing in Agile development, SOPs, product development, and technical writing. A proven track record of collaborating with subject matter experts to translate technical documentation into employee training materials. Adept at managing and leading diverse teams to achieve organizational goals.
Entry-Level Profile Example
A Technical Writer with entry-level experience, specializing in editing, journalism, copywriting, and content development. A proven track record of crafting high-quality technical articles, business proposals, and white papers. Adept at translating complex terminology into accessible language for audiences.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Including numbers and metrics from your professional experience will help establish a sense of scope for the hiring manager as they review your document. Although not all of your accomplishments as a technical writer are easy to quantify, there are opportunities to integrate metrics and monetary figures into your experience. For example, if you were developing white papers or user guides for a particularly lucrative product, specify how much revenue the product generated. If you enhanced quality assurance review processes, detail how much this improved accuracy or reduced errors.
Employers also want candidates who thrive in fast-paced team environments. Showcasing your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate high-level technical documentation will help brand you as an effective leader. If you were managing teams, focus on the type of work culture you established and your managerial style. Avoid simply detailing the specific tasks you delegated to team members, as this won’t help you stand out amidst the applicant pool.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Senior Technical Writer, Efflusia Pharma Inc., San Diego, CA
May 2016– Present
- Translate processes and procedures for drug development and quality control into accessible employee training documentation for a leading pharmaceutical company with over $100M in annual revenue
- Manage a team of five technical writers to create standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality documents, training guides, and drug development protocols
- Perform quality assurance reviews on all training materials and technical documentation and propose revisions to improve accuracy and readability for employees
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Technical Writer, Illuvian Aerospace Corp., Pittsburgh, PA
May 2021 – Present
- Conduct proofreading, technical writing, and editing for the development of user manuals, business proposals, white papers, and reports for an industry-leading aerospace company valued at $2B
- Perform quality reviews on technical articles, ensure compliance with style guidelines, and propose edits to improve writing clarity and accessibility
- Coordinate with subject matter experts to discuss high-level concepts, enhance content quality, and translate technical terms into accessible language
3. Include relevant education and certifications
While higher education is almost a given, certification is another great way to prove your education and knowledge. Even if the job doesn’t require a specific certification, including any you hold that might be relevant always looks great on a resume.
Many certifications can be useful for a technical writer to have. Some of the most in-demand certifications include the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) certification, offered by the Society for Technical Communication, and the Technical Writing Certificate, which is offered by many universities and colleges.
While most relevant certifications would look great on your resume, it’s important to research the specific requirements in your area to determine which certifications would be most beneficial.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Technical Writing
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA | May 2021
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
Technical Writing Certification Course, Technical Writer HQ | May 2021
4. List pertinent key skills
Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords during the initial phase of the application process. You must tactically integrate key skills and action verbs from the job posting into your document to meet these ATS requirements. Companies value candidates who meet their organizational needs, and providing examples of your expertise in these areas will go a long way in securing your next interview.
Below are key skills and action verbs you may encounter during your job search.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Adobe Suite | Agile |
| Business proposals | Case studies |
| Compliance | Copywriting |
| Cross-functional collaboration | Editing |
| Grant writing | HTML |
| Journalism | Microsoft Office Suite |
| Product development | Product research |
| Proofreading | Quality assurance |
| Quality control | SharePoint |
| Standard operating procedures (SOPs) | Technical documentation |
| Technical writing | Training materials |
| Translation | User guides |
| UX writing | White papers |
How To Pick the Best Technical Writer Resume Template
Selecting the right resume template as a technical writer is essential to present your skills and qualifications effectively. Prioritize templates that are easy to read. Choose legible fonts, maintain consistent formatting, and ensure proper spacing; clarity is especially important in a technical writer’s resume. Avoid flashy colors, bulky graphics, and overly decorative fonts that may distract the reader from your qualifications and experience.
Technical Writer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Carla Johnson
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Profile
A Technical Writer with entry-level experience, specializing in editing, journalism, copywriting, and content development. A proven track record of crafting high-quality technical articles, business proposals, and white papers. Adept at translating complex terminology into accessible language for audiences.
Professional Experience
Technical Writer, Illuvian Aerospace Corp., Pittsburgh, PA
May 2021 – Present
- Conduct proofreading, technical writing, and editing for the development of user manuals, business proposals, white papers, and reports for an industry-leading aerospace company valued at $2B
- Perform quality reviews on technical articles, ensure compliance with style guidelines, and propose edits to improve writing clarity and accessibility
- Coordinate with subject matter experts to discuss high-level concepts, enhance content quality, and translate technical terms into accessible language
Academic Experience
Lead Editor, The Pitt News, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
May 2020 – May 2021
- Wrote, proofread, and edited articles for the school newspaper, which included coordinating with student editors to refine content, identify news stories, and provide coverage on events and developments across campus
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Technical Writing
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA September 2017 – May 2021
Key Skills
- Technical Writing
- Editing
- Proofreading
- Microsoft Word
- Adobe Suite
Certifications
- Technical Writing Certification Course, Technical Writer HQ, 2021
Jason Morrison
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, San Francisco, CA
Profile
A Technical Writer with five years of experience, specializing in developing user guides, HTML, quality assurance, and technical writing. A strong history of coordinating with cross-functional teams to create user-facing technical documentation. Expertise in developing accessible training materials for diverse audiences.
Professional Experience
Technical Writer, Workforce Software Solutions, San Francisco, CA
May 2018– Present
- Collaborate with product management teams and cross-functional groups to develop training guides and documentation for software products generating $25M in revenue
- Create feature articles on software products and develop user-facing training materials for customers, including videos, user guides, and white papers
- Interface with subject matter experts and software engineers to maintain product knowledge and perform quality assurance reviews on technical articles and documents
- Translated technical concepts and software specifications into accessible business solutions for customers in collaboration with product marketing teams
Technical Writer, Resource Management Software Co., San Francisco, CA
May 2016– May 2018
- Wrote, proofread, and edited technical documentation in support of enterprise software products, which included creating customer-facing materials on software solutions for resource management and workforce planning
- Collaborated with product owners, cross-functional teams, and software developers to create internal and external guides for software installation, configuration, and usage
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Technical Writing
University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA September 2012 – May 2016
Key Skills
- User Training Guides
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Product Documentation
- Quality Assurance
- Microsoft Office Suite
Certifications
- Technical Writing Certification Course, Technical Writer HQ, 2017
Daniel Chen
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, San Diego, CA
Profile
A Senior Technical Writer with 10+ years of experience, specializing in Agile development, SOPs, product development, and technical writing. A proven track record of collaborating with subject matter experts to translate technical documentation into employee training materials. Adept at managing and leading diverse teams to achieve organizational goals.
Professional Experience
Senior Technical Writer, Efflusia Pharma Inc., San Diego, CA
May 2016– Present
- Translate processes and procedures for drug development and quality control into accessible employee training documentation for a leading pharmaceutical company with over $100M in annual revenue
- Manage a team of five technical writers to create standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality documents, training guides, and drug development protocols
- Perform quality assurance reviews on all training materials and technical documentation and propose revisions to improve accuracy and readability for employees
Technical Writer, SoCal Med Device Inc., San Diego, CA
May 2011– May 2016
- Developed white papers, user guides, and technical documents in support of medical device product lines, which included coordinating with quality assurance teams and subject matter experts to refine and develop user-facing and internal documentation
- Oversaw the product labeling process and performed quality reviews with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Technical Writing
University of San Diego, San Diego, CA September 2007 – May 2011
Key Skills
- Product Development
- Technical Writing
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Team Management
- Quality Assurance
Certifications
- Technical Writing Certification Course, Technical Writer HQ, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions: Technical Writer Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for technical writer resumes?+
When using action words on your technical writer resume, focus on strong, specific verbs that directly relate to your experiences and the job you're applying for. Tailor your language to match the specific job requirements and use metrics and specific examples whenever possible to quantify your achievements. Action words should not only tell employers what you did but also how effectively you did it, ultimately demonstrating your value as a technical writer.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyze | Collaborate |
| Conduct | Coordinated |
| Create | Develop |
| Design | Edit |
| Enhance | Examine |
| Execute | Identify |
| Implement | Lead |
| Manage | Oversee |
| Perform | Proofread |
| Resolve | Support |
How do you align your resume with a technical writer job description?+
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for technical writers was $79,960 in 2022. This field is expected to experience a 7% increase in growth over the next decade, with over 4,800 new job openings. Although ample opportunities are available, you must craft a strong resume to capitalize on them. The best way to garner interest from potential employers is by aligning your resume with the job description.
For example, if an organization is seeking a candidate with an extensive background in UX writing, demonstrate your expertise in user-centered design. If a company is seeking a technical writer with a strong history of editing white papers and product demonstration, feature specific examples of this in your professional experience section.
What is the best technical writer resume format?+
The reverse-chronological resume format is widely considered the best choice for technical writer resumes. This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backward. It is preferred because it highlights your most recent and relevant work experience, making it easier for recruiters to quickly identify your qualifications. Additionally, this format is easy to read and understand, making it a popular choice among recruiters and hiring managers.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
Once you’re done with your resume, send it to your prospective employer with a cover letter. This is a great opportunity to speak directly to the hiring manager and make a case for why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Remember, a cover letter should be fairly succinct. Don’t exceed more than 400 words — 250 to 300 is ideal. For more information and ideas, view our graphic designer cover letter examples.
