Feb 12, 2024 · Technical writers are professionals who specialize in communicating information to a variety of audiences, making it easy for readers to comprehend and utilize. Exploring this role allows you to understand if this is the right career path for you based on your skills and interests. ... Jan 6, 2025 · A good technical writer resume focuses on your relevant skills like cross-team collaboration, document editing, or user-friendly content development. Give examples of your success as a technical writer or in similar roles, and show your knowledge base by citing any degree or certificate programs you’ve done. This guide provides expert tips to ... ... Dec 10, 2024 · Crafting a technical writer resume requires precision. This article offers examples and advice to help you present your skills effectively. Expect tips on showcasing your ability to explain complex information plainly and how to feature your experience with documentation software. ... If you're looking for the perfect technical writing resume template that shows off your technical skills and work history in the best light, look no further. Here's a complete breakdown of the ideal resume format, complete with a style guide. ... Oct 29, 2024 · Here’s an example of a great technical writer resume summary: Creative, resourceful Technical Writer with 10+ years of experience in documenting software systems, products, and interfaces for a variety of audiences and industries. ... Dec 23, 2024 · How to write a technical writer resume that will land you more interviews. Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a technical writer resume. How to describe your experience on a resume for a technical writer to get any job you want. Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. ... Jobscan’s resume-writing guide will help you focus your introduction, skills, and work experience. You’ll learn how to make use of essential technical-writing resume keywords to impress hiring managers with your accomplishments. Highlight soft as well as hard skills in your self-portrait. ... Jan 16, 2024 · 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. Create a profile by summarizing your technical writer qualifications. ... Jan 7, 2025 · Take advantage of our resume examples and tips to create your own professional technical writer resume. Get inspiration from 800+ resume samples and explore our 40+ resume templates to find the best one for you. Name: JIM BROOKES. Demonstrated record of accomplishment in proposing, outlining and writing engaging, fresh content. ... ">

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4 Technical Writer Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2025

Technical writers are the professionals behind important content we need: manuals, how-to guides, you name it. and with the great resignation that saw professionals around the world leave their 9-5 office jobs, more and more professionals are gravitating towards flexible jobs like technical writing. this guide was developed to help both new and advanced technical writers craft resumes that recruiters have told us they are on the lookout for. proven resume samples, and effective tips are included..

Hiring Manager for Technical Writer Roles

Technical writers are responsible for transforming complex instructions or information into digestible content that is easily understood by the target reader. The end result may be a how-to guide, instruction manual, journal article, etc. Right now there are over 25k technical writers in the US, and we are currently seeing an influx of professionals into this career post-covid, so it is particularly important, right now, for your resume to catch a recruiter's attention and impress. The vast majority of technical writers have a bachelor’s degree so recruiters are bound to look for that in your resume. Note that your bachelor’s degree does not necessarily need to be in writing or English (though that would be a huge plus). Recruiters will also want to see a history of technical writing so if you have written any type of guide or journal article - even if it was in a previous career- ensure that that experience takes center stage in your experience section. This resume guide was created for you in consultation with top recruiters in this field, and within the guide, you will get to see successful resume samples, recruiter tips, effective action verbs, and the most relevant skills recruiters want to see in your skills section. Use this guide’s material as inspiration as you develop your own resume.

Technical Writer Resume Templates

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  • Technical Writer
  • Entry-Level Technical Writer
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  • Keywords for Technical Writer Resumes

Technical Writer Resume Tips

  • Action Verbs to Use
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Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 4: Technical Writer Resume Example

A technical writer writes content that gives information to a target audience. Some of the mediums used include guides, manuals, journal articles, etc. Your goal is to make complex information easily digestible and understandable. Your resume should show a strong background in technical writing and, preferably, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field as well. Take a look at this recruiter-approved resume sample.

A technical writer resume sample that highlights the applicant’s experience and qualifications.

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Tips to help you write your Technical Writer resume in 2025

   include a portfolio with strong technical writing samples..

When applying to technical writing jobs, you should always include a portfolio. In this portfolio, include your strongest and most recognizable technical writing samples. This will give recruiters a better idea of what you can do.

Include a portfolio with strong technical writing samples. - Technical Writer Resume

   Indicate the mediums you have experience in.

Show that you are a well-rounded technical writer by mentioning the different mediums you write in. This applicant has included tutorials and product manuals among the mediums they have experience with.

Indicate the mediums you have experience in. - Technical Writer Resume

Skills you can include on your Technical Writer resume

Template 2 of 4: technical writer resume example.

Technical writing gives little space for creativity and is commonly used for laying out a company's procedures or giving very specific or educational information to their audience. This content includes manuals, guides, product instructions, etc. In most instances, you will be given the information you need to use, and your job will be to transform it into engaging and easily-read content. A degree in English or a similar field would be beneficial but not absolutely necessary. A history writing technical copies, on the other hand, is essential to attract recruiters. Take a look at this impressive technical writer’s resume.

A technical writer resume sample that highlights the applicant’s relevant certifications and specialization.

   Include any technical writing certification.

Go the extra mile by earning certification in technical writing. It’s an easy way to show recruiters your dedication and prove your skills. This is especially helpful if you are trying to transition into technical writing or just starting out.

Include any technical writing certification. - Technical Writer Resume

   Have a specialization.

If you generally specialize in writing for a specific industry, mention that in the intro to your resume. This is especially useful if you are applying for a job within that industry.

Have a specialization. - Technical Writer Resume

Template 3 of 4: Entry-Level Technical Writer Resume Example

As the name suggests, this is a technical writer joining the industry. You would not be expected to have a wealth of experience but having any writing experience even outside of technical writing would be expected. Ensure that you build a strong skills section and have a clear title to help you get past ATS filters. Here is a successful resume sample.

An entry-level technical writer resume sample that highlights the applicant’s certifications and experience.

Tips to help you write your Entry-Level Technical Writer resume in 2025

   invest in gaining relevant certification..

To make up for your lack of experience, you can pursue certification in technical writing. It will show recruiters that you are passionate about the profession. The knowledge you will gain will also help you thrive in your work.

Invest in gaining relevant certification. - Entry-Level Technical Writer Resume

   Create mock content for your portfolio.

You may not have a lot of professional technical writing for your portfolio. If you don't, create a concept and create technical writing for it. E.g pick a product on the market and create a how-to manual for it. Just make sure to indicate that the content is a mock sample.

Create mock content for your portfolio. - Entry-Level Technical Writer Resume

Skills you can include on your Entry-Level Technical Writer resume

Template 4 of 4: senior technical writer resume example.

To be hired for this position, you need to show that you have years of experience as a technical writer and that you have had notable successes. Part of your job as a senior technical writer might also include managing or training other more junior technical writers. So showing leadership experience as well as your technical writer experience is key. Take a look at this successful resume sample.

A senior technical writer resume sample that highlights the applicant’s career progression and quantifiable experience.

Tips to help you write your Senior Technical Writer resume in 2025

   show career progression..

This is not an entry-level position, and as such recruiters will want to see a progression in your career up to this point. Showing promotions in your career indicates to recruiters that you are an exemplary employee and have had a successful career. This applicant grew from a copywriter to a senior technical writer.

Show career progression. - Senior Technical Writer Resume

   Use metrics to emphasize your achievements and experience.

Metrics can be used to make your achievements clearer and more impressive. E.g it is more impressive to say that you ‘developed 300+ pages of a user guide’ than you ‘developed a user guide’. So where possible quantify your achievements.

Use metrics to emphasize your achievements and experience. - Senior Technical Writer Resume

Skills you can include on your Senior Technical Writer resume

We spoke with hiring managers and recruiters at top companies like IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft to gather their best tips for writing a strong technical writer resume. They've seen thousands of resumes throughout their careers and know exactly what makes a resume stand out. Here are their top tips for impressing hiring managers and landing more interviews.

   Highlight your technical expertise

Hiring managers want to see that you have the technical know-how to understand complex products and explain them clearly. Emphasize your knowledge of:

  • Programming languages like Java, Python, C++
  • Markup languages like HTML and XML
  • Content management systems and help authoring tools
  • Agile development methodologies

For example:

  • Proficient in Java, Python, XML, HTML, CSS, and Git
  • Experience with MadCap Flare, Confluence, DITA, and WordPress
  • Worked in Agile/Scrum environment to deliver documentation

Bullet Point Samples for Technical Writer

   Quantify your impact

Use numbers and metrics to show the impact of your work. This helps hiring managers understand the scope of your contributions. Include details like:

  • Number of documentation projects you completed
  • Page views, click-through rates, or other usage statistics for your content
  • Improvements in customer satisfaction scores or support ticket volume

Avoid vague statements that don't give a sense of your impact:

  • Wrote a lot of user guides and tutorials
  • Documentation was used by many customers

Instead, quantify your achievements:

  • Created 15+ user guides and API references in 6 months
  • Online help articles viewed by 50K+ users per month
  • Contributed to 10% reduction in support calls

   Tailor your resume to the job description

Customize your resume for each job you apply to. Read the job posting carefully and mirror the language and keywords from the job description, especially any required skills and qualifications. This shows the hiring manager you're a good fit.

For example, if the job description says:

Seeking a technical writer experienced in Agile development to create user guides, release notes, and API documentation.

Your resume should include these keywords:

  • Agile development experience creating documentation in 2-week sprints
  • Wrote user guides, release notes, and API references for...

If your resume highlights other less-relevant skills like press releases or brochures, take those out and focus on matching what's in the job posting.

   Show your contributions to cross-functional teams

Technical writers rarely work in isolation. Hiring managers look for writers who can collaborate effectively with engineers, product managers, UX designers, and other stakeholders. Use your resume to highlight your cross-functional teamwork.

Instead of just saying you "worked with engineering teams," give examples of how you contributed:

  • Partnered with product managers to align documentation with product roadmap
  • Collaborated with UX designers to create integrated help content
  • Worked closely with QA to test documentation and file bugs

You can also emphasize your communication and collaboration skills in your resume summary. For example:

Technical writer skilled at partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver top-notch documentation. Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.

   Highlight your user advocacy and empathy

The best technical writers have a deep understanding of users' needs. They create documentation that empowers users and helps them succeed with the product. Showcase your user advocacy in your resume.

Mention times you've gone above and beyond to understand users:

  • Conducted user interviews and surveys to gather feedback
  • Analyzed support tickets to identify top user pain points
  • Created user personas to inform documentation priorities

Highlight your user-centric approach to writing:

  • Wrote clear, concise instructions focused on users' goals
  • Created intuitive information architecture based on user workflows
  • Developed engaging tutorials with use cases relevant to users' needs

Avoid writing approaches that ignore users' perspective:

  • Wrote comprehensive documentation covering all product features
  • Created reference guides with detailed descriptions of every menu item

   Include relevant projects and writing samples

When hiring technical writers, managers want to see examples of your work. Use your resume to highlight major projects you've worked on and the types of documentation you've created, like:

  • User guides and tutorials
  • API documentation
  • Knowledge base articles
  • Release notes
  • White papers and ebooks

Whenever possible, include a link to your online portfolio or writing samples. A well-curated portfolio can set you apart from other candidates. Choose samples that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

You can also include volunteer or personal projects if they showcase relevant skills. For example:

  • Created documentation for open-source software project with 1000+ users
  • Wrote and edited articles for personal tech blog with 5K+ monthly views

The key is to highlight your writing abilities and technical expertise, even if you gained them outside of a traditional workplace.

Writing Your Technical Writer Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name on the first line.

Your name should be the most prominent element in your header, as it identifies who you are to the employer. Use a larger font size than the rest of your contact details.

  • John Smith, Technical Writer, 123 Main St, Anytown, ST 12345, (123) 456-7890, [email protected]

Instead, format your header with your name on its own line:

  • John Smith Technical Writer (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

2. Include your job title

As a technical writer, you may have a specific focus or level of seniority. Including a targeted job title in your header helps employers quickly understand the type of role you're seeking.

Examples of relevant titles for a technical writer:

  • Technical Documentation Specialist
  • API Documentation Writer
  • Technical Copywriter

Keep your desired title concise, and avoid keyword stuffing like:

Technical Writer, Documentation Specialist, Instructional Designer, Content Strategist

3. Leave out full address details

While you may want to include your city and state to show you're a local candidate, there's no need to list your full street address on your technical writer resume. With remote work more common now, your specific location may be less important to employers.

The following personal details are sufficient:

  • John Smith New York, NY (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

If you're searching for remote technical writing jobs and open to working anywhere, you can leave out location entirely:

  • John Smith Remote (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

  Summary

For technical writers, a resume summary is optional but can be a strategic way to provide additional context about your background, especially if you're changing careers or have a lot of experience. Avoid using an objective statement, as it's outdated and takes up valuable space. Instead, focus on crafting a concise, targeted summary that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences.

When writing your technical writer resume summary, be objective and use metrics to showcase your achievements. Incorporate keywords related to your target job title to optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Keep your summary brief, ideally no more than one paragraph. While it's essential to showcase your skills, avoid directly mentioning soft skills like 'hardworking' or 'team player.' Instead, demonstrate these qualities through your accomplishments and experiences.

How to write a resume summary if you are applying for a Technical Writer resume

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Technical Writer resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Technical Writer Resume Summary Examples , or Technical Writer Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the job description

When crafting your technical writer resume summary, it's crucial to align your skills and experiences with the requirements outlined in the job description. Carefully review the posting and identify the key qualifications and responsibilities mentioned.

For example, if the job description emphasizes experience with specific software or tools, such as Madcap Flare or Adobe FrameMaker, make sure to highlight your proficiency in these areas:

  • Skilled technical writer with 5+ years of experience using Madcap Flare and Adobe FrameMaker to create user manuals and online help systems
  • Proficient in creating API documentation and developer guides using Swagger and Postman

By tailoring your summary to the job description, you demonstrate to the employer that you have the specific skills and knowledge they are seeking in a technical writer.

2. Quantify your achievements

To make your technical writer resume summary more impactful, use metrics and data to quantify your achievements. Numbers help to provide context and demonstrate the scope of your contributions.

Rather than making vague statements like:

  • Experienced in writing user guides and manuals
  • Helped improve documentation quality

Quantify your accomplishments with specific details:

  • Created 20+ user guides and manuals for software products, reducing customer support calls by 30%
  • Developed and maintained documentation for 15 APIs, ensuring 99% uptime and accuracy

By using numbers, you provide concrete evidence of your skills and the value you can bring to the role of a technical writer.

3. Showcase your industry expertise

As a technical writer, it's essential to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry or domain you're targeting. Employers often seek candidates who have experience writing for a specific audience or subject matter.

In your resume summary, highlight your industry expertise and the types of documents you've created. For example:

Technical writer with 7+ years of experience in the healthcare industry, specializing in creating user manuals, SOPs, and training materials for medical devices and software. Skilled in translating complex technical information into clear, accessible content for healthcare professionals and patients.

By showcasing your industry expertise, you demonstrate to employers that you have the background and knowledge needed to effectively communicate with their target audience and create documentation that meets industry standards and regulations.

  Experience

The work experience section is the most important part of your technical writer resume. It's where you show hiring managers how you've applied your writing, communication, and technical skills to create documentation that helps users.

In this section, we'll cover what to include in your work experience section, how to highlight your accomplishments, and how to make your experience stand out to hiring managers.

1. Focus on your technical writing achievements

When describing your work experience, focus on your achievements as a technical writer, not just your responsibilities. Hiring managers want to see how you've used your skills to create effective documentation.

  • Responsible for creating user manuals and online help content
  • Wrote API documentation for developers

Instead, highlight your specific accomplishments and the impact of your work, like this:

  • Created user guides for new software release, resulting in a 30% reduction in support calls
  • Developed API documentation that increased developer adoption by 25%

2. Quantify your accomplishments with metrics

Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify your achievements as a technical writer. This helps hiring managers understand the scope and impact of your work.

Here are some examples of how to use metrics in your work experience section:

  • Wrote and maintained documentation for 15+ software products
  • Created 200+ pages of user documentation for new software release
  • Reduced customer support tickets by 40% through improved user guides
  • Managed a team of 5 technical writers to deliver documentation on time and on budget

3. Highlight your experience with relevant tools and technologies

As a technical writer, you likely have experience with a variety of tools and technologies. Be sure to highlight the ones that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

Here are some examples of how to showcase your technical skills:

  • Created user documentation using MadCap Flare and Adobe RoboHelp
  • Collaborated with development team using JIRA and Confluence
  • Developed knowledge base content using Zendesk
Proficient in XML, HTML, CSS, and Markdown for creating technical documentation

4. Show your career progression

Hiring managers like to see candidates who have progressed in their careers. If you've been promoted or taken on increasing levels of responsibility, be sure to highlight that in your work experience section.

Here's an example of how to show career progression:

  • Led a team of 3 technical writers to deliver documentation for new software product
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure documentation met user needs
  • Created user guides and release notes for software products
  • Conducted user research to inform documentation strategy

  Education

The education section of your resume is important for technical writers, especially if you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience. It's a chance to showcase your relevant coursework, academic achievements, and certifications that qualify you for the role. Here are some tips to help you write an effective education section:

How To Write An Education Section - Technical Writer Roles

1. List your education in reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent degree or education first. If you have a bachelor's degree or higher, you can leave out your high school education. Here's an example of how to format your education:

Bachelor of Science in Technical Writing XYZ University, City, State Graduation Date: May 2021 GPA: 3.8/4.0

2. Include relevant coursework and academic projects

If you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, you can include relevant coursework and academic projects in your education section to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. For example:

  • Relevant Coursework: Technical Writing, Document Design, Web Design, User Experience
  • Senior Capstone Project: Developed a 50-page user manual for a new software application

Avoid listing irrelevant or generic coursework that doesn't relate to technical writing, such as:

  • Intro to Psychology
  • College Algebra

3. Highlight your certifications and professional development

If you have earned any relevant certifications or completed professional development courses, include them in your education section. For example:

Certificate in Technical Writing Online Course Provider, Completion Date: June 2022

However, avoid listing online courses or certifications that are not substantial or relevant to technical writing, such as:

  • Introduction to Microsoft Word
  • Basics of Social Media Marketing

4. Keep it brief if you are a senior-level technical writer

If you have several years of experience as a technical writer, your education section should be brief and focus on your degrees. For example:

Master of Arts in Technical Communication Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Avoid listing graduation dates if you are concerned about age discrimination. You can also leave out your GPA and coursework if they are not recent or relevant.

Action Verbs For Technical Writer Resumes

Action verbs help shape your experiences and achievements. As a technical writer, your main goal is to create easily digestible and instructional content. You need your action verbs to show you are a creator, so you can use action verbs like ‘developed’ and ‘designed’. Because the content writing process is never a sole project and will require a lot of communication with various stakeholders, you can also show your ability to work with people with action verbs like ‘collaborated’ and ‘managed’. Here are 16 action verbs that may come in handy for you.

Action Verbs for Technical Writer

  • Collaborated
  • Coordinated
  • Interviewed
  • Implemented

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Technical Writer Resumes

Skills for technical writer resumes.

The skills section is an important part of a resume that is often not given enough attention, but it can be the reason you get an interview with a recruiter or not. As a technical writer, your tools kit is of utmost importance. Recruiters need to see that you have all the relevant software and programs necessary to create the content. Ensure that your tools list includes the most current software and programs. Recruiters also need to see the mediums you have used in the past so you should also include a short list of the mediums you have worked with. e.g manuals and guides. 

Here is a list of very relevant skills. Add those that resonate with you and your abilities.

  • Technical Writing
  • Technical Documentation
  • Technical Communication
  • Online Help
  • MadCap Flare
  • Software Documentation
  • Content Management
  • Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA)
  • Documentation
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Proofreading

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Technical Writer Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

How To Write Your Skills Section - Technical Writer Roles

Skills Word Cloud For Technical Writer Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Technical Writer job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

Top Technical Writer Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

How to use these skills?

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Technical Writer Resume Examples and Templates for 2025

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Technical Writer Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

How to write a technical writer resume, how to pick the best technical writer resume template, technical writer text-only resume templates and examples, frequently asked questions: technical writer resume examples and advice, check out related examples.

Technical Writer Resume Example

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Senior Technical Writer Resume Example

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Software Technical Writer Resume Example

technical writer resume

A good technical writer resume focuses on your relevant skills like cross-team collaboration, document editing, or user-friendly content development. Give examples of your success as a technical writer or in similar roles, and show your knowledge base by citing any degree or certificate programs you’ve done. This guide provides expert tips to help you create a persuasive resume showing your best technical writer qualifications.

Key takeaways: 

  • Brainstorm details about your work history on a separate document or sheet of paper. Then, identify the most relevant ones to feature in your experience section – this helps you focus your resume on the role of technical writer.
  • Spell out the positive impact of your work as a technical writer. Describe how your efforts helped the wider organization achieve its goals.
  • Follow the combination resume format to provide all required information while positioning yourself for technical writer jobs that interest you.

A template can help you organize your career information for an effective technical writer resume. Your technical writer resume should usually include these sections:

  • Contact information
  • Professional experience
  • Education and certifications

Before starting work on your resume, jot down any preferences you have for your target job duties, industry, company size, or work culture. These notes will help you determine and emphasize your best career details as you develop each section.

1. Share your contact information

Give your full name, phone number, email address, location, and links to any online professional profiles. Always double-check your contact information for accuracy when applying to jobs – it’s as important as anything else on your resume.

Your Name (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | City, State Abbreviation Zip Code | LinkedIn

2. Summarize your technical writer qualifications in a dynamic profile

Impress hiring managers at the top of your resume by giving the three to five primary reasons you can excel as their next technical writer. Consider what sets you apart from other candidates, such as your:

  • Years of related work experience
  • Work style or approach (efficient, diligent, collaborative…)
  • College degree(s) or certifications in your field

(Note: Most job seekers find it easier to write their profile last.)

A highly skilled technical writer with a strong background in computer science and information technology (IT), and experience working with top tech companies like Microsoft and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). Proficient in developing comprehensive technical documentation, collaborating with technical staff to translate complex concepts into user-friendly content, and reviewing and editing documents for accuracy and consistency. Holds a master’s degree in professional writing and multiple certifications, including Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC).

3. Add your technical writer experience with compelling examples

For each recent job you’ve held, specify your title, company name, location, and work dates. Then, flesh out your description of each role to the extent it speaks to your target job. Give a brief overview of any unrelated jobs (even ones you held for a long time). And provide a detailed account of any technical writing jobs (even those you had briefly). Far from misleading, this approach gives hiring managers the clearest measure of your background relevant to the role they hope to fill.

Technical Writer , IBM, New York, NY | January 2019 to present

  • Developed and maintained over 50 technical documents, including user manuals, help files, and how-to guides, improving user understanding and product usability
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams of software developers, engineers, and product managers to gather and understand product information, resulting in accurate and comprehensive documentation
  • Reviewed and edited technical documents for accuracy, clarity, and quality, ensuring information is easily understandable and usable for the target audience

Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience

When possible, cite relevant performance data and metrics to show the results you’ve achieved as a technical writer. Hard numbers put your work in context and give recruiters a better sense of your scope and impact.

Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume to each application

For each job posting you respond to, note any details about the hiring organization’s size, industry, customer base, or products and services. How do these areas compare to your recent experience? You can make a stronger first impression on the hiring manager by citing these similarities in your profile.

For instance, say the company is in manufacturing. You could enhance your profile by changing your first line from “Manager with seven years of experience” to “Manager with seven years of experience, including three years in manufacturing.”

What if you have no experience as a technical writer?

Writing a resume can be hard if you don’t have real-world experience. But you still have valuable skills and knowledge from your education and training. Include any relevant coursework you’ve done or certifications you’ve earned. Also, describe volunteer work or internships you’ve completed in your field, and emphasize your work ethic and willingness to learn. By focusing on these qualities, you can show you’d be an asset to any team.

4. Include technical writer-related education and certifications

With the education and certifications sections, you can show you have a strong knowledge base in your field. Cite any credentials you’ve earned that speak to your abilities as a technical writer. Below are templates and examples to help you organize this information on your resume (note, years are optional).

[Degree Name], [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year] [Relevant coursework or honors]

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English , University of California, Berkeley, CA

Certifications

[Certification Name] | [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Date]

Certified Technical Writer (CTW) , American Medical Writers Association

5. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to technical writer

A skills section lets you quickly show the different ways you can add value to an organization. It also helps your resume perform well on applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by employers to screen candidates. Below, you’ll find some key terms and skills to consider for this section:

Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs help you make your resume more clear, concise, and engaging than with nouns or noun phrases.

  • "Managed and motivated a 12-person team "
  • "Responsibilities included management of a 12-person team "

The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your technical writer resume:

Choose a clear and straightforward template, and avoid those with elaborate graphics or various colors and font styles. Simple resume design helps a hiring manager scan for relevant information. It also helps you tailor the document to each job application and update your work history.

  • Technical writer
  • Entry-level technical writer
  • Junior technical writer
  • Senior technical writer
  • Freelance Technical Writer
  • Software Technical Writer

Raymond Ortiz New York, NY 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | LinkedIn

A seasoned technical writer with a strong background in computer science and IT, having worked with industry giants like Microsoft, IBM, and others. Holds a master’s degree in professional writing and dual bachelor’s degrees in English and technical communication, coupled with certifications in professional technical communication and Azure artificial intelligence (AI) engineering. Proven track record in developing complex technical documentation, collaborating with technical teams, conducting usability studies, and translating technical jargon into layman’s terms, resulting in improved user experience (UX) and product usability.

BA in English, University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Technical Communication, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI

Master of Science (MS) in Professional Writing, New York University, New York, NY

  • Team collaboration
  • Technical publication standards
  • Usability studies

Professional Experience

Senior Technical Writer, Microsoft, Redmond, WA | January 2018 to present

  • Developed and managed over 50 complex technical documents, including user manuals, online help, and other supporting documents, resulting in a 30% reduction in call rates to the help desk
  • Collaborated effectively with a team of over 20 technical staff to simplify product instructions, leading to improved UX and product usability
  • Conducted and led over 10 usability studies to improve the design and delivery of documentation, incorporating user feedback and making necessary adjustments to enhance document clarity and comprehension

Technical Writer, IBM, Armonk, NY | January 2017 to December 2017

  • Created and maintained a wide range of technical documents, translating complex technical jargon into layman’s terms, which improved customer understanding and satisfaction
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using publishing tools to create high-quality technical publications, adhering to industry standards
  • Worked closely with the technical team to understand the information needs of the users and developed appropriate documentation, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement

Professional Development

  • CPTC, Society for Technical Communication
  • CTW, American Medical Writers Association
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (MCAAEA), Microsoft

Why this technical writer resume example is strong: 

This resume follows a consistent design to ensure hiring managers can read it easily. The job seeker arranges basic details in a consistent order (title, organization, location, and dates where applicable), letting the reader quickly scan their career progress so far.

Sarah Johnson Philadelphia, PA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | LinkedIn

Technical writer with experience developing comprehensive technical documentation, collaborating with technical staff to translate complex concepts into user-friendly content, and reviewing and editing documents for accuracy and consistency. Holds a master’s degree in professional writing and multiple certifications, including CPTC.

BA in English University of California, Berkeley, California

BS in Technical Communication Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan

MS in Professional Writing New York University, New York, New York

  • Technical documentation software
  • Technical writing and editing
  • User-friendly content development

Technical Writer, Microsoft, Redmond, Washington | June 2023 to present

  • Developed over 50 comprehensive user manuals and online help documents for various software products, improving UX and reducing customer support queries by 30%
  • Collaborated with a team of software developers and product managers to understand complex technical concepts and translated them into easy-to-understand language for end-users
  • Reviewed and edited over 100 existing technical documents for accuracy and consistency, ensuring adherence to Microsoft’s style guide and industry best practices
  • MCAAEA, Microsoft

The applicant has created an eye-catching document by using bullet points to set off important information in the experience section.

Selena Ramirez San Diego, CA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | LinkedIn

A highly skilled technical writer with a master’s degree in professional writing and dual bachelor’s degrees in English and technical communication. Proven experience developing, maintaining, and editing technical documentation for industry leaders such as IBM and Amazon, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

  • Document review and editing
  • Efficiency improvement
  • SME collaboration

Technical Writer, IBM, New York, NY | January 2019 to present

Junior Technical Writer, Amazon, Seattle, WA | June 2017 to December 2018

  • Created and updated over 30 technical documents, such as user manuals and help files, enhancing UX and product efficiency
  • Worked closely with technical teams to understand product details, leading to the production of accurate and detailed documentation
  • Reviewed and edited technical documents, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and high-quality presentation of information
  • CTW, TechWriter Certification
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Technical Writer Associate (MCATA), Microsoft

This resume has a prominent skills section showing how the job seeker can add value to an organization.

Aliya Jackson Boston, MA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | LinkedIn

A seasoned senior technical writer with a strong background in computer science and IT, having worked with industry giants like Microsoft, Google, Apple, IBM, and Amazon. Holds a BA in English from the University of California, an MS in technical communication from Northeastern University, and a BS in technical writing and communication from Carnegie Mellon University. Expert in developing complex technical documentation, mentoring junior writers, and collaborating with technical teams, with proven skills in advanced writing, editing, project management, and proficiency in technical documentation software.

MS in Technical Communication Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts

BS in Technical Writing and Communication Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Cross-team collaboration
  • Junior writer mentoring
  • Project management

Senior Technical Writer, Microsoft, Redmond, Washington | January 2018 to present

  • Developed and managed over 50 complex technical documents, including user manuals, design specifications, and system manuals, improving the clarity and comprehensibility of technical information for users
  • Mentored and guided a team of five junior technical writers, enhancing their writing skills and technical understanding, resulting in a 30% increase in team productivity
  • Collaborated closely with engineers, product managers, and other technical staff to gather and translate technical details into user-friendly documents, contributing to the successful launch of 10 new products

Technical Writer, IBM, Armonk, New York | June 2015 to December 2017

  • Authored and edited technical documentation for multiple software products, resulting in improved UX and a 20% reduction in customer support queries
  • Used technical documentation software to create interactive and engaging user guides and manuals
  • Managed multiple documentation projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining high-quality standards

Aliya has used the combination resume format effectively. In a detailed experience section, she covers her recent work history. But with a profile paragraph at the top, she also connects that experience to her target job.

Ethan Foster (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Denver, CO 80202

A versatile freelance technical writer with over five years of experience creating technical documentation for SaaS platforms, IT hardware, and engineering products. Proficient in collaborating with diverse clients to develop user manuals, API documentation, and knowledge base articles tailored to specific audiences. Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring high-quality deliverables.

Freelance Technical Writer, Remote | January 2018 – Present

  • Authored comprehensive user manuals and quick-start guides for a SaaS platform, reducing customer onboarding time by 20%.
  • Collaborated with software developers to create API documentation, improving external developer integration by 15%.
  • Designed and maintained a knowledge base for an IT hardware company, increasing article engagement rates by 30%.
  • Delivered over 100 successful projects for clients in industries ranging from technology to healthcare.

Technical Writing Consultant, TechWrite Solutions, Denver, CO | June 2016 – December 2017

  • Provided technical writing services for a variety of clients, including creating software tutorials and engineering guides.
  • Managed client relationships and ensured on-time delivery of all projects, achieving a 95% client retention rate.
  • Reviewed and edited existing documentation to enhance clarity and accuracy.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English | May 2016 University of Colorado, Boulder, CO

  • API documentation
  • User manual development
  • Knowledge base management
  • Client relationship management
  • Time and project management

Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) | 2019

Why this freelance technical writer resume is strong:

This resume highlights the candidate’s ability to handle diverse projects and collaborate with a variety of clients. Metrics like increased article engagement rates and client retention demonstrate the effectiveness of their work, while their adaptability as a freelancer is showcased through their range of deliverables.

Sophia Thompson (555) 654-3210 | [email protected] | Austin, TX 78701

A motivated and detail-oriented aspiring technical writer with a Bachelor’s degree in English and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and internships. Proficient in technical writing software, conducting research, and simplifying complex information for diverse audiences. Eager to contribute to the success of a forward-thinking organization.

Technical Writing Intern, Bright Tech Solutions, Austin, TX | May 2023 – August 2023

  • Created user guides for a cloud-based software platform, improving clarity and usability for end-users.
  • Collaborated with engineers to gather technical specifications and ensure documentation accuracy.
  • Assisted in editing and proofreading technical documents, maintaining adherence to company style guidelines.

Academic Project: User Manual for a Smart Home Device | January 2023 – May 2023

  • Developed a 20-page user manual for a smart thermostat, including installation guides and troubleshooting tips.
  • Incorporated visuals and diagrams to enhance readability and comprehension.
  • Presented the project to peers and professors, receiving positive feedback for clarity and structure.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English | May 2023 University of Texas, Austin, TX

  • Technical documentation
  • Editing and proofreading
  • Research and analysis
  • Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat
  • Simplifying complex concepts

Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) – Foundation Level | 2023

Why this technical writer resume with no experience is strong:

This resume focuses on the candidate’s transferable skills and academic accomplishments, emphasizing their potential. The inclusion of an internship and relevant project demonstrates their ability to produce high-quality work despite limited professional experience.

Jason Lee (555) 987-6543 | [email protected] | Seattle, WA 98101

A dedicated software technical writer with over seven years of experience creating comprehensive documentation for software products. Proficient in API documentation, software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes, and integrating feedback from developers and product managers to produce user-centric content.

Software Technical Writer, CloudEdge Solutions, Seattle, WA | March 2018 – Present

  • Authored and maintained API documentation for a cloud-based platform, enhancing developer satisfaction by 25%.
  • Collaborated with agile development teams to create user guides and release notes for frequent software updates.
  • Conducted usability testing for technical documentation, incorporating feedback to improve clarity and accessibility.

Technical Writer, DataFlow Systems, Bellevue, WA | June 2015 – February 2018

  • Developed installation guides and troubleshooting manuals for enterprise software products, reducing customer support tickets by 30%.
  • Worked closely with software engineers to ensure accurate representation of technical details.
  • Created internal documentation to streamline team workflows and improve onboarding for new developers.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science | May 2015 University of Washington, Seattle, WA

  • API and SDK documentation
  • Software lifecycle documentation
  • Agile methodology collaboration
  • Usability testing
  • Markdown, Git, and Confluence
  • Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) | 2016
  • Advanced API Technical Writing Certification | 2017

Why this software technical writer resume is strong:

This resume highlights the candidate’s niche expertise in software documentation, emphasizing technical skills such as API writing and SDLC knowledge. The inclusion of collaboration with development teams and measurable outcomes, such as reduced support tickets, showcases their impact on software projects.

First, look closely at the job post text and note any repeated or emphasized words. Compare these phrases to the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then, seek ways to align your resume language with the job posting while not copying phrases or misstating your background. For example, if the organization seeks someone collaborative, call out that aspect of your experience in your profile. Or say the company has many non-English speaking customers. Cite your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each opportunity.

The combination (or hybrid) format, because it lets you present yourself both clearly and strategically. According to job search experts Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark, this format “gives you many opportunities to share your specific successes…. It offers immense flexibility in an easy-to-follow structure.” A combination resume has these two features:

  • An introduction describing your strengths. The traditional resume intro comprises a profile paragraph and skills list, as in the examples on this page. But there are many variations. Depending on your job search, you may omit one or both of these sections in favor of a one- or two-sentence professional headline. You may also add other elements like graphs or client testimonials. Whatever approach you choose, your introduction should tell why you’re a strong candidate for the job opening.
  • One or more experience sections. Hiring managers want to know your latest career activities. The combination format lets you provide that information with sections for your recent years’ work, internship, education, or other experience. For most job seekers, the bulk of their combination resume will be a “Professional Experience” section with detailed job descriptions in reverse chronological order.

Include a cover letter with your resume

A good cover letter can enhance your job application. To write a standout letter, get specific. Tell the hiring manager why you’re interested in their organization and the technical writer role they hope to fill.

Freelance Writer Resume Examples and Templates for 2025

Freelance Writer Resume Examples and Templates

Andrew Stoner

Information Technology (IT) Resume Examples and Templates

Technical Resume Examples and Templates for 2025

Technical Resume Examples and Templates

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.

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15 Technical Writer Resume Examples for 2025

Crafting a technical writer resume requires precision. This article offers examples and advice to help you present your skills effectively. Expect tips on showcasing your ability to explain complex information plainly and how to feature your experience with documentation software. Here, learn the must-haves for your resume as you apply for these specialized roles.

Portrait of Marie-Caroline Pereira

  • 13 Jan 2025 - 1 new resume template (Technical Writing Architect) added
  • 10 Dec 2024 - 1 new section (Showcase leadership growth) added
  • 12 Nov 2024 - 1 new resume template (User Documentation Analyst) added

  Next update scheduled for 21 Jan 2025

Here's what successful technical writer resumes have in common.

Metrics That Matter : Great resumes show impact with numbers. Include metrics like documents created , % increase in user comprehension , time saved on projects , and reduction in customer inquiries to quantify your contributions.

Relevant Skills To Highlight : Match your skills with the job description. Showcase your expertise in documentation management , technical publishing software , API documentation , version control systems , and bash on your resume.

Trends In Tech Writing : Understanding current trends is key. Demonstrate knowledge in UX writing and Markdown formatting . Say you're skilled in content strategy or agile workflows if you are.

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Technical Writer Resume Sample

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Where to place education info

For a technical writer, if you have recently finished a degree, especially in fields like communications, English, or technical subjects, it is good to place your education at the top of your resume. This shows you have the latest knowledge in these important areas. If you have strong work experience, especially in writing technical content, put this first and then your education.

Your most relevant education is what employers look for. If you have taken specific writing or technical courses or certifications that are fresh and relevant, make sure to highlight these near the top as well. Courses in documentation software and technical communication are particularly valuable.

Technical skills to highlight

For technical writers, knowing your audience is key. Mention any experience you have in creating documents for different target users - from laymen to technical experts. Show this by listing specific projects where you tailored complex information to a clear, accessible format.

Highlight proficiency in documentation tools like MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, or Microsoft Visio. These are not as common in other industries but are essential for technical writers. Include any experience with version control systems and knowledge of programming languages if you've worked closely with developers.

Technical Documentation Specialist Resume Sample

Ideal length of resume.

Keep your resume to one page if you are in an early or mid-level stage of your career as a technical writer. Focus on clarity and relevance over quantity. This makes it easier for employers to see your most important skills and experience quickly.

If you have over ten years of experience or if your work as a technical writer includes numerous important projects, it might be okay to have a two-page resume. Make sure every detail adds value and relates to the role you want.

Technical Writer with IT Specialization Resume Sample

Showcasing writing prowess.

Beyond technical knowledge, your fluency in writing is what employers will look for. Include samples or links to your technical documentation in your resume. If you have done diverse forms of writing – user guides, manuals, SOPs, API documentation – point these out.

Show that you can adapt your style as a writer to fit different needs. Mention any recognition or awards you received for your writing. Being recognized shows that your work stands out. Keep explanations brief and clear to make it easy for hiring managers to grasp your skills quickly.

Junior Technical Writer Resume Sample

Beat the resume screeners.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by many companies to filter resumes before a hiring manager looks at them. You need to format your resume in a way that these systems can read it easily.

Here are tips to help you make your resume ATS-friendly:

  • Use standard section headings like 'Work Experience' and 'Education' to ensure the ATS can find your information.
  • Include keywords from the job description, like 'document design' and 'technical documentation,' to show you have the specific skills for a technical writing role.

Lead Technical Writer Resume Sample

Highlight your tech skills.

To get a good technical writing job, show the skills that make you good at explaining complex info. Use words that show you can write well and know your tech stuff. This way, bosses see you have what it takes.

  • Focus on writing tools and tech you've used like Markdown, Git, and API documentation standards .
  • Show you can handle tough work like creating instruction manuals and help guides .
  • Tell about projects where you explained tech things in a simple way, like writing quick-start guides for software.

Senior Software Documentation Engineer Resume Sample

Show your achievements, not tasks.

When you write your resume, focus on what you achieved as a technical writer, not just your job tasks. Your resume should tell a story of success, highlighting the value you added.

Keep your examples specific and relevant. Here are some ways to turn responsibilities into accomplishments:

  • Instead of simply stating you wrote manuals, say how your manuals improved user understanding by 50%.
  • Rather than mentioning you documented software applications, detail how your documentation reduced customer support calls by 30%.

Remember, show how your work made a difference. This is what will catch an employer's eye.

Documentation Engineering Manager Resume Sample

Essential skills for technical writers.

As a technical writer, certain skills are crucial to showcase on your resume. Think about what specific talents you have that make you good at explaining complex information in a clear and accessible way.

  • Technical writing
  • Documentation management
  • Version control
  • API documentation
  • Markup languages (e.g., HTML, XML)
  • Technical publishing software (e.g., Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare)
  • Diagramming and flowcharting
  • Usability testing

You don't need to be an expert in all areas, but include the skills that match the job you want. For example, if you are applying for a role that involves a lot of user interface documentation, make sure skills like usability testing and API documentation are prominent.

Skills can be listed in a dedicated section or woven into your job descriptions to show how you used them. This also helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which scan resumes for keywords. Remember, your goal is to show, not just tell, how you can contribute to the role.

Principal Technical Writer & Content Strategist Resume Sample

Showcase leadership growth.

As a technical writer, showing how you've grown into leadership roles is essential. You may have guided projects or led documentation teams. Think about the times you took charge. Did you mentor new writers? Or maybe you managed a major documentation overhaul? These are good signs of leadership.

  • Example: 'Led a team of 5 writers in developing comprehensive user guides for a new software release, resulting in a 30% reduction in customer support calls.'
  • Example: 'Promoted from junior to senior technical writer within 2 years due to strong project management skills and exemplary feedback from cross-functional teams.'

Remember, even if you didn't have a formal title change, you can still show leadership. Look for moments when you took the lead on a project or initiative. Focus on the impact you made, such as improving processes or helping teammates. Use simple phrases that show your role in driving change or guiding others.

Technical Communications Specialist Resume Sample

Showcase leadership and growth.

As a technical writer, showing growth in your career can make a big difference. If you have been a leader or received promotions, it's important to include these on your resume. Here are some ways you can do this:

  • Include any job titles that reflect a step up, such as 'senior technical writer' or 'lead documentation specialist.'
  • Highlight any projects where you led a team, specifying the size of the team and the scope of the project.

Think about the times you had more responsibility. Even if you were not in a formal leadership role, you can still show leadership. For example:

  • List any mentoring or training of other writers you did.
  • Describe any times you managed a documentation project from start to finish.

Senior Technical Content Developer Resume Sample

Show leadership in writing roles.

If you have led projects or been promoted, show this on your resume. Employers value leadership skills, even for technical roles like writing user guides or manuals. Here are ways to show your growth:

  • Use bullet points to list leadership roles, such as 'Lead technical documentation team for product X,' which shows you were trusted to guide others.
  • Mention any awards or recognitions for leadership, like 'Received company award for excellence in project leadership.' This shows you are seen as a leader by others.

Think about times when you helped improve a process or tool. Did you train new team members? Did you manage a big project? These show leadership too. For example:

  • 'Introduced a new documentation tool that increased team efficiency by 30%.'
  • 'Trained over 20 writers in best practices for technical communication.'

Content Development Manager Resume Sample

Showcase leadership in writing roles.

As a technical writer, showing you've moved up or led projects can catch an employer's eye. It's not just about the documents you've created, but also about the impact you've made. Think about times you've guided others or taken the lead on a writing project.

  • Include titles like 'senior technical writer' or 'lead documentation specialist' to show progress.
  • Mention any awards or recognitions for your writing or project leadership to add weight to your achievements.

Even if you're not sure, consider times when you helped a teammate or improved a process. These are signs of leadership too. Use simple words to explain these moments:

  • 'Trained new writers on style guides and documentation standards.'
  • 'Led a team in developing an online help system, which increased user satisfaction by 20%'.

User Documentation Analyst Resume Sample

Show impact with numbers.

As a technical writer, showing your impact with clear metrics is key to a strong resume. You may ask, why numbers? They help hiring managers quickly see the value you've brought to past roles. Here's how to think about your experience in terms of quantifiable achievements:

  • Consider documentation projects you’ve worked on. How many pages or manuals did you create or update? This shows productivity. For example, 'Wrote and edited 300-page user manuals for 5 software products.'
  • Think about efficiency. Did your work reduce the time it takes for users to find information? Estimate the percentage of time saved, like 'Developed an indexed documentation system that reduced information retrieval time by 25% .'
  • Reflect on user impact. Did your manuals decrease the number of customer support calls? If so, quantify it: 'Authored a troubleshooting guide that cut customer inquiries by 40% in the first month.'
  • Consider the scope of your readership. Did you write for a large audience? Indicate the reach: 'Created technical documentation used by over 10,000 end-users globally.'

Use estimates wisely when exact numbers are not available. If you trained a team, for example, you could say, 'Conducted 10 training sessions for 15 staff members each, improving their efficiency by an estimated 30% .' Remember, clear and simple figures can show a hiring manager how you deliver measurable results.

Technical Writing Architect Resume Sample

Targeting small companies.

If you are applying to small companies or startups, focus on your ability to wear many hats. These companies, like Basecamp or Buffer, often need technical writers who can handle various tasks beyond just writing. Highlight your experience in other areas like project management or user experience design.

Include phrases like 'managed end-to-end documentation projects' or 'collaborated closely with developers and designers'. Emphasize your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to new tools and technologies.

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Home › Career › What Does a Technical Writer Do? › How to Write a Technical Writer Resume [+Examples]

How to Write a Technical Writer Resume [+Examples]

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Interested in learning how to write and format your technical writer resume?

You may have excellent writing skills and have helped companies in managing their documentation.

You apply to different technical content writer jobs but receive no response.

Then you take a glance at your resume format and realize it’s 2 pages long. And you know hiring managers toss out two-page resumes right away. So you sit down to write your professional technical writer resume and have no clue where to begin. That’s where this ultimate technical writing resume guide comes in to help you.

This detailed article has the best technical writer resume examples to help you out. Here’s what we’ll be covering in-depth:

  • Outstanding technical writer skill resume samples
  • What skills you need to add to your resume
  • How to differentiate yourself from other candidates
  • The dos and don’ts of a technical writer’s resume

If you’re looking to learn via video, watch below. Otherwise, skip ahead.

CMMS Software

Simply put, your technical writer resume needs to convince your prospective employer that you can add value to their organization. You need to prove that you are the best writer with technical knowledge to write end-user documentation and technical documents. Let’s see how you can do just that.

How to Write a Technical Writer Resume

As a technical writer, you’re solving a complex set of problems that people deal with daily. Onboarding documents, end-user guides, and tutorials all serve as solutions to problems.

Remember, when writing your resume, you’re reflecting on your skills as a problem-solver.

 I see so many technical writers waste their time by mentioning the following:

  • Solid use of Google Docs and Microsoft Office
  • Ability to work in a cross-functional department
  • Highly energetic and able to listen to instructions
  • Expert in writing user manuals and software guides

Well, guess what? I’m not interested in any of it. None of it matters to me. This is all over the internet. Everybody is using these terms.

It is obvious as a technical writer that you need to have a solid grip on using MS Office and Google Docs, as well as a can-do attitude. Where did you differentiate yourself? Do you know what I’d like to see?

  • How did your technical documentation improve conversions?
  • How did you delegate tasks to complete technical documentation?
  • Did you ever work under pressure? If yes, how did it go?
  • What types of content did you write for the end-user?
  • How are you different from the rest?
  • Are you quick at learning new technologies and deadline-oriented?
  • Do you tend to work alone or trust your team?

Focusing too much on what you did shouldn’t be a top priority. Instead, be specific and mention the impact of your work.

How To Write Technical Writer Resume

What is the Best Technical Writer Resume Format?

There are three acceptable technical writer resume formats:

  • Reverse Chronological (Most recent work experience first)
  • Combination (ATS compliant)
  • Functional (Non-ATS compliant)

You need to make your technical writer’s resume compliant with ATS (Applicant Tracking Software). Did you know that 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to filter out irrelevant resumes?

ATS scans all resumes, and only accepts those with the right keywords. This saves the time and effort of hiring managers to go through only relevant technical writer resumes.

To make your resume compliant for ATS, read the job description. Look for keywords such as developing, writing, and editing user guides and training manuals.

Now, go ahead and update your skills and work history sections with these types of phrases.

A reverse chronological technical writer resume format with the right keywords is a good option to highlight your CV.

What Sections to Include in Your Technical Writing Resume?

Here’s a list of sections you need to include:

This includes your complete profile information such as Full Name, Title (Expert Medical Writer), mobile number, Linkedin profile link, city, and email address.

Do not mention your complete address. City and State are fine.

Now is the time to shine. Your professional work experience should follow reverse chronological order. But here are a few points to note before doing anything:

  • Not all of your technical writing experience will be relevant. Hence, only include the parts relevant to the job.
  • Be specific and make it easy for hiring managers to understand you.
  • Hiring managers do not have time to go through all resumes.
  • Make it compliant with ATS.

Include your experiences in reverse chronological order. Your employer needs to know your most recent job experience to consider you for an interview call.

Your latest and most relevant job experience should be listed at the first, followed by previous relevant experiences. Here are some factors to take into account:

  • Be specific about what you did
  • What was the impact of your work?
  • What was your designation?
  • How long did you work as a technical writer?

Junior Technical Writer Resume Experience Example

You started your career as a junior technical writer 10 months ago. By now, you have enough experience working on different projects and reporting to a senior technical writer/manager.

Is a 10-month experience enough to list on your technical writer resume?

How do you convert this to an impressive story that convinces the hiring manager?

Don’t worry. We’re here to help. This is what you need to include:

  • The topics you were writing on.
  • The type of content you wrote.
  • Your reporting authority.
  • The goals you were instructed to achieve.

Even at the junior level, don’t let your entry-level experience hold you back from applying to better positions.

Associate Technical Writer

Cloud.ly, marketing automation software

Hours worked: 20 per week

  • Wrote training manuals for cloud-based programs.
  • Updated documentation for internal usage.
  • Helped to onboard of new customers.

Senior Technical Writer Resume Experience Example

A senior writer has more than 5 years of working experience writing anything from simple documents to extremely complicated technical documents. A senior writer has a team of entry-level and junior writers in the team, assigned to various tasks and roles.

But before writing your senior technical writer resume, there are some points you need to consider:

  • Mentioning all work experiences is not required for every job role.
  • Include relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience.
  • Making your resume ATS compliant should be a top priority.
  • A tailor-made cover letter and resume are important to be considered.

As a senior technical writer, you will have a lot to talk about on your resume. Again, relevancy is the key here. Making small amendments and fine-tuning a cover letter and resume for each job role is critical. Here’s what should go on your senior technical writer resume:

  • Team members reporting to you.
  • Delegation of tasks and responsibilities.
  • Relevant skills, qualifications, and certifications.
  • Achievements and milestones

Technical Writing Certifications

Here is what the job description can look like:

Certified Senior Technical Writer

Dates of Employment: March to December

  • Creation and implementation of user documentation,
  • Maintained system records, and developed a list of Visio diagrams for the management.
  • Developed SOPs.
  • Created user onboarding documents and videos.
  • Prepared case studies of clients.

There is no shortage of technical skills to add to your resume.

But, here’s the catch.

Not all skills will be relevant to the job. You need to decide which skills to add after careful research of the job role.

Here are some technical skills you can add:

  • End-user documentation
  • Visual communication
  • Audience analysis
  • Tutorial writing
  • User guides
  • Research papers
  • Standard operating procedures
  • Functional specifications
  • Writing style guides
  • Research skills
  • Quality assurance

Also mention the tools that you use. Here is a list of the most common ones:

  • Camtasia and Snagit
  • Adobe Acrobat

These tools shouldn’t be mentioned separately. Instead, you should list them in bullet points under your job title. For example, “ Used Confluence to manage documentation for thirty engineers working on our editor portfolio product.”

Now that you’ve added technical skills and software tools, you also need to mention the soft skills. Only do so if you can back them up with numbers and specific details. Otherwise, they’re a red flag on your resume. Don’t just list the skills like this:

  • Computer skills
  • Multitasking
  • Time management

Instead, say “ Managed three freelance content writers to output fifty documentation articles for our knowledge base.”

What type of technical documentation are you expert in? List them in the same format as we just discussed:

  • Software development
  • Terms and conditions
  • Design guidelines
  • Legal documents

Only mention degrees relevant to technical writing. Skip your educational background if it doesn’t fit the job criteria.

Simply listing a Bachelor’s Degree won’t help you with your job application. Be specific. What was your thesis project about?

For example, the following is not impressive:

Bachelors in English, San Diego State University.

Instead, talk about academic accomplishments and subjects that demonstrate your technical knowledge. Like this:

Bachelors in Computer Science, San Diego State University or Certified UX Writer

Certifications

Technical Writing has grown to become a lucrative career. And as always, certifications help you to stand out from the rest of the candidates.

Certifications prove you are constantly honing your skills and staying one step ahead in a competitive job market.

Certifications cement your expertise and enable you to charge higher rates. Employers immediately resonate a technical certification or course with authority, increasing your likelihood of landing the job.

Here are some of the most prominent technical writing certifications that immediately distinguish you from your competition:

  • Technical Writer Certification Course from TWHQ
  • Certificate Course In Structured Writing For Technical Documentation
  • Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) Foundation, Practitioner, and Expert level
  • Technical writing courses on Udemy
  • Technical writing course from Coursera

Achievements

As a technical writer, what differentiates you from others?

Your skills, qualifications, and certifications matter, only if they translate to quality results for previous employers.

For every achievement, you need to provide a metric, which means a solid number.

What was the quantitative impact of your job in the previous company? Can you prove it?

I come across hundreds of technical writer resumes, filled with the following sentences:

“Worked in cross-functional teams with engineers, designers, and the business in an agile way.”

“Wrote user documentation.”

Yes, these are important, but what was the impact of user documentation?

A technical writer solves complex problems of accessibility.

Your recruiters are less interested in knowing the tools you used, and more in the impact your work had.

You also need to justify as you put down those numbers on your resume.

Hiring managers look for the following in your resume:

  • Accomplishments
  • End result of user documentation

Focusing on accomplishments in your resume is a great way to impress your employers. Use actual numbers to show the impact of your work.

Here are some excellent examples:

  • Increased end-user satisfaction by 35% and received stellar feedback for complex documentation.
  • Composed 100,000+ words of documentation for multiple technical products, including B2B web apps, SaaS products, and internally used software.
  • Helped 20+ clients in developing a complete knowledge base for their products.
  • Composed documentation for troubleshooting and reduced email tickets by 25%.

We have not yet come up with any technical writer’s resume listing interests as a separate section. Employers do not pay attention to it. They are concerned about what matters the most to them; performance, numbers, and skills.

As a rule of thumb, leave out this section. This does not have any impact on your hiring.

A vast majority of jobs in the US require you to be fluent in the English language. Many technical writing jobs demand the ability to write in another language. If you have this skill, then this is a huge plus and will immediately open doors for you.

Employers also demand a basic sense of a programming language such as Python, and JavaScript, to write technical articles.

This is something you need to mutually decide with your potential employer. If there is a demand for any other language, it is better not to list it unless you are an expert in it and it’s relevant to the position.

For example, here’s one job post on Upwork. The employer is demanding a technical writer with a programming background:

technical writer resume

Many European countries like France, Spain, and Germany prefer to hire candidates with expertise in their native tongues.

Technical Writer Resume Example

Here’s an example of a technical writer resume that I came across and loved.

technical writer resume

Every line says how they can make an impact. They also avoid using an objective, job summary, separate skills section, and irrelevant experience. The only improvements I’d make here is breaking up the paragraphs into shorter bullet points and limiting the resume to one page.

They also mastered including their skills, software knowledge, and any other relevant experience in their work job details. They don’t just list SharePoint under a “Skills” section. They write, “Consolidated information across nine individual websites, using Microsoft SharePoint…” That’s how it’s done.

My Personal Technical Writing Job Application Experience

When I first began my technical writing career, I was also in your position, applying to jobs and expecting calls in return. Even though I had two bachelor’s degrees, I was having a hard time landing the right job. Here were the results using this shotgun approach:

  • Applied to over 150 jobs
  • 110 rejections
  • 0 invitations for an interview

“Something is missing. Why am I not even getting a response back?”, I kept asking myself.

Then, I changed my strategy. I invested time in researching each company’s job roles and customized my CV and cover letter. This time, the results were astonishing:

  • 35 resumes sent
  • 20 rejections
  • 5 first-round interviews
  • 2 second-round interviews
  • 1 final-round interview
  • 1 job offer

1 job offer for every 35 applications? This might seem like a low conversion rate. Well, compare it to my previous numbers. I had 0 responses on over 150 job applications.

Fast forward to today, this is a huge achievement for me.

How Many Pages Should Your Technical Writer’s Resume Be?

KISS. Keep It Short and Simple. This means your technical writer resume needs to be NO longer than 1 page.

5 seconds .

That’s it. That’s all it takes for a hiring manager to go through your resume and decide if you are the right technical writer.

This is where you need to put your technical writing skills to land that dream job.

Resume Best Practices

Here are 5 writing tips that will help you in writing a perfect technical writer resume:

1. Write a Customized Cover Letter

Customize your technical writer cover letter to fit the job role. It should reflect your interpersonal skills and how you can add value to your employer’s organization.

2. Update Your Resume for Each Job Role

Every job description and role is different. A golden rule of thumb is to iterate your resume according to a specific job role. For example, if the job role is a senior technical writer on technology, update your resume for that role.

Hiring managers prefer candidates who have personalized their cover letters and resumes according to the job roles.

3. Link to Your Technical Content Portfolio

You can’t underestimate the importance of having a personal website.

Think about it for a second. Few technical writers have personal websites. Those who do will stand out from the rest.

Having a website with links to a technical content portfolio will improve your chances of landing the right job, despite competition.

4. Mention Relevant Work History

Don’t write anything in your CV that you’ll have a hard time justifying later on. This means that your work history should only refer to relevant jobs.

For example, if you haven’t written on a medical topic in one of your previous jobs, don’t mention it. You should have a deep knowledge of the job you’re applying to.

5. Proofread Before Applying

Are you kidding me? Despite having excellent writing skills, you had long sentences and spelling errors in your resume?

But you’re applying as a technical writer, right? You can’t afford to have any mistakes in your technical writer resume.

No matter how skilled you are, one grammatical or spelling error is enough for rejection.

It is a technical writer’s job to ensure the final work is free from errors. This isn’t limited to user manuals, technical manuals, and new technical documentation. It also applies to your technical writer resume.

Technical Writer Resume Don’ts

Here are several extra don’ts for your technical writer resume:

Resume Summary and Objective

Why would you include a summary of your resume? I see this all the time with a couple of lines listed at the top of a resume. Your resume is already a summary of your job experience. You don’t need a summary of a summary.

What does a photo tell me about your experience? Nothing. If you apply for a job outside of acting or modeling, there’s no reason to include a photo. Moreover, they likely can find your photo by visiting your LinkedIn profile or searching your name on the web.

Irrelevant Experience

If you’re like me, then you have over ten years of experience. The truth is no one cares what you did ten years ago. Many hiring managers don’t care what you did over two years ago. What you did recently is what matters the most. Place emphasis on who you are today, not the fact that you worked in a restaurant during college.

Technical Writer Resume Dos And Donts

Technical Writer Portfolio Examples

Here are some links to portfolio websites of writers that allow them to charge high rates in the industry:

Michal Eisikowitz

Michal develops trust and connection with the visitor. She is confident and knows what she’s selling. The copy above the fold, coupled with her picture, speaks to the client. Who isn’t going to hire her?

Mary Yerkes

Not the most visually appealing website. But it is clean, simple, fast, and conveys professionalism without wasting any time. Mary knows that her profile description and picture stand out. I would give her the first preference if I needed professional reports or a writing coach.

I loved the way Emily portrays her experience in 2 lines. This is an excellent example of a professional resume summary, along with links to her work.

Where Can You Apply With Your Technical Writer Resume?

Where Do Technical Writers Work

Your resume is now the single best marketing weapon to land high-paying jobs.

This is your time to apply for technical writing jobs found on the following job boards and international freelance marketplaces, such as:

Now some of these sites may not seem appealing to you. Do you want to write technical articles for cheap clients through Fiverr? Yes and no. If you need experience to put on your resume, any freelancing technical writing experience will help. It’s rare to step into a technical writing job without some technical writing or other relevant experience (e.g. English degree, engineering background).

Technical Writers’ Median Pay and Outlook

According to BLS (US Bureau of Labor Statistics), the median pay for a technical writer is $74,650 and the hourly rate is $35.89. To make this amount of money, you need a resume that helps you to stand out.

But that’s not the only reason for writing a technical writer’s resume.

Technical writers have the fastest growth in any occupation, at 12%. By 2030, there will be 5,500 new projected technical writer job openings every year.

Numerous entry-level technical writer jobs earn between $40,000 to $50,000, but as a skilled senior writer, you can reach the six-figure mark. Here is factual data on technical writing jobs in the US:

Estimate of Entry-level Technical Writer at HP : $43,630

Experienced Technical Writer at Apple : $115,885

Senior Technical Writer at Dell : $105,000

The continuing expansion of B2B and SaaS products/services has resulted in increasing the employability of technical writers. With the release of new software applications, the demand for technical writers to write onboarding manuals, user guides, and tutorials will rise.

Despite this, companies can’t find the right technical writers for the following reasons:

  • Writers can’t understand the software program.
  • Job post was not promoted or posted on the right platforms.
  • Resumes were not received from technical writers.
  • Technical writers haven’t submitted well-crafted resumes.

Selling is at the heart of every business, and as a technical writer, you need to master the art of selling yourself as the most reliable candidate.

Summary and Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a massive amount of information on how to write a technical writer’s resume. We always strive to provide as detailed and relevant information as possible to help you in your professional career.

Let’s take a look at the bigger picture. Here’s a summary of the entire guide:

  • Be relevant and use reverse chronological order wherever relevant.
  • Personalization is the key.
  • Include the right keywords so that ATS doesn’t filter out your resume.
  • Never apply without proofreading.
  • Use a sniper approach.

Writing a technical writer’s resume is challenging, yet rewarding at the same time. It can take anywhere between an entire day up to a few weeks to write that perfect resume.

With so much competition, you cannot and should not rely on a generic resume template. Hiring managers will easily figure it out.

I have full faith in you.

After reading this guide, it’s time to craft your professional resume.

To help inspire you, we have a before and after case study video here of how one of our tech writing students used this advice.

If you are new to technical writing and are looking to break-in, we recommend taking our Technical Writing Certification Course , where you will learn the fundamentals of being a technical writer, how to dominate technical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a technical writing candidate.

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