Hiring a Technical Writer: Job Description Template

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Job Title: Technical Writer

Company: [Your Company Name]

Location: [Location]

Job Type: [Full Time / Part Time / Contract]

Salary: [Salary / Competitive / DOE]

About Us:

[Provide a brief description of your company, its history, values, sustainability and work environment.]

The Opportunity: 

Join the passionate team at XYZ Tech Solutions as a Technical Writer and play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between our innovative tech solutions and our diverse user base. At XYZ, we pride ourselves on creating state-of-the-art software tools that empower businesses globally. 

As a Technical Writer, you’ll collaborate closely with our product developers, engineers, and customer support team to craft clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation. From in-depth user manuals and API documentation to quick-start guides and online help content, your ability to simplify complex technical concepts will ensure our customers can harness the full power of our offerings with ease.

If you’re a detail-oriented professional with a knack for making intricate topics accessible and a passion for user-centric content, we’d love to hear from you. Dive into an environment that values your skills, encourages continuous learning, and offers a chance to impact thousands of users worldwide.

What You’ll Do:

  • Collaborate with product development teams to gather in-depth product knowledge.
  • Produce high-quality user manuals, FAQs, and installation guides for our software tools.
  • Create detailed API documentation for developers and technical users.
  • Work with the support team to identify common user issues and address them in documentation.
  • Simplify and explain intricate technical concepts, ensuring accessibility for a diverse user base.
  • Regularly update existing documentation to reflect product enhancements and changes.
  • Utilize industry-standard technical writing tools and software for content creation and management.
  • Participate in product meetings to stay informed about upcoming releases and features.
  • Collect feedback from users, support teams, and developers to continuously improve documentation.
  • Ensure consistency in terminology and writing style across all documentation.
  • Collaborate with graphic designers to incorporate visuals and diagrams that enhance understanding.
  • Assist in developing video scripts for product tutorials and webinars.
  • Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in technical writing and the broader tech industry.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in technical writing or documentation.
  • Proficiency with technical writing tools such as FrameMaker, DITA, or MadCap Flare.
  • Familiarity with content management systems and documentation platforms.
  • Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and user-friendly content.
  • Strong research skills to understand and document new and evolving product features.
  • Experience in creating a variety of documentation, including user manuals, API documentation, and online help content.
  • Basic understanding of software development and IT concepts.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and support staff.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
  • Willingness to stay updated with industry trends, tools, and best practices in technical writing.

Our Ideal Candidate is Someone Who Has:

  • An advanced degree in Technical Writing, Information Design, or a related field, or a combination of education and significant industry experience.
  • Over 5 years of progressive experience in technical writing, with a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality documentation for complex software or hardware products.
  • Certification from recognized institutions, such as the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) from the Society for Technical Communication.
  • Expertise in using advanced features of technical writing tools, including conditional text, variables, and content reuse.
  • Experience in applying structured authoring and single-sourcing methodologies, such as DITA or XML authoring.
  • Demonstrable experience in working with Agile development teams and integrating documentation workflows into sprint cycles.
  • Proficiency in using source control tools like Git or SVN in documentation processes.
  • A solid understanding of API documentation tools like Swagger or Redoc, and experience in documenting RESTful APIs.
  • Knowledge of user experience (UX) principles, with the ability to work closely with UX teams to design and test user-centric documentation.
  • A portfolio showcasing a range of documentation, including complex technical guides, video scripts, and interactive online help.
  • Ability to engage with users, gather feedback, and continuously iterate on documentation based on user needs.
  • Experience in training or mentoring junior writers, with potential for a lead or managerial role.
  • Familiarity with localization processes and tools, ensuring documentation is suitable for global audiences and translation-ready.

Benefits and Perks:

  • Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous PTO and holiday schedule.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • A culture that prioritizes work-life balance.
  • Flexible work arrangements (remote work, flexible hours).
  • Company-sponsored team outings and social events.
  • Access to professional associations, conferences, and subscriptions.

How to Join Us:

Please send your resume, a cover letter detailing your qualifications, and any other supporting documents to [email address] with the subject line “Application for Technical Writer Position – [Your Name]”.

[Your Company Name] is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome and consider all qualified candidates, irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability, ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process.

Closing Date: [Insert closing date for applications]

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in [Your Company Name].