The demand for technical writers is increasing. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10% job growth rate over the next eight years. This job description details the responsibilities and necessary skills for the tech writer position.

Expert software engineers, coders, and others responsible for the development of tech products are indispensable in the marketplace–and technical writers are now recognized as equally essential. Without them, users might give up on a product, and the customer service end of the business could fail.

What is a technical writer expected to do?
Technical writers are tasked with turning product operation language into clear, concise, and readable material for users. They’re responsible for gathering information from product developers, testing the product personally, and interviewing beta test users to completely understand both the product and the user perspective.

What are some of the required skills and education for this position?
Technical writers must have strong interpersonal skills and a thorough understanding of the objective behind the product being developed. They should also be open to constructive editing and maintain a commitment to accuracy, with a strong grasp of grammar and usage.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in writing, English, or journalism, the ability to adapt technical language into user language, knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word and editing software, and be able to conduct thorough research.