5 answers
Karri
Student
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
665 views
Hi there! I'm looking for a profession that I can write user manuals for software, make tip sheets, Evergreens, knowledge base articles, etc. I have experience in this just from working in previous jobs, but would like to know where I'd be able to get infi to do this exclusively without having to start my own business. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!
Hi there! I'm looking for a profession that I can write user manuals for software, make tip sheets, Evergreens, knowledge base articles, etc. I have experience in this just from working in previous jobs, but would like to know where I'd be able to get infi to do this exclusively without having to start my own business. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!
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5 answers
Michael Richtberg
Product management & engineering
19
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
This field is known as "technical publications" in the tech industry. It's a vital piece in the puzzle of creating a comprehensive product. Sure, it demands strong writing abilities, but it also calls for a solid grasp of technology. After all, you're the one who has to guide the end user through the how-to. Assisting a new user in understanding how to use a product involves the art of transforming intricate functions into simple, easy-to-follow steps. This makes it easier for them to understand and use the product effectively.
Get a well rounded technology education (a four year college degree)
Hone your writing skills
Read technical publications from various industry sources
Michael recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6491
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Karri!
Career Opportunities in Technical Writing
To pursue a profession focused on writing user manuals, tip sheets, knowledge base articles, and other documentation for software, you can consider the following steps and options:
1. Understanding Technical Writing
Technical writing is a specialized form of communication that conveys complex information clearly and concisely. It often involves creating user manuals, online help systems, tutorials, and other instructional materials. Given your experience in this area, you are already familiar with the skills required.
2. Job Titles to Consider
When looking for positions that align with your interests in writing software documentation, consider the following job titles:
Technical Writer: This role focuses on creating manuals and guides for software products.
Documentation Specialist: Similar to technical writers but may also involve managing documentation processes.
Content Developer: This position often includes creating various types of content including articles and user guides.
Instructional Designer: While more focused on educational materials, this role can overlap with technical writing when developing training materials for software.
3. Industries That Hire Technical Writers
Technical writers are needed across various industries. Some sectors where you might find opportunities include:
Software Development Companies: These companies often require extensive documentation for their products.
Healthcare Technology Firms: Documentation is crucial for compliance and user guidance in this sector.
Financial Services: Financial software requires clear instructions for users to navigate complex systems.
Telecommunications: Companies in this field need technical writers to create user manuals and support documents.
4. Finding Job Opportunities
To find job openings specifically tailored to your skills:
Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor frequently list technical writing positions.
Company Websites: Many companies post job openings directly on their websites. Target companies known for their software products or services.
Professional Associations: Organizations such as the Society for Technical Communication (STC) offer job boards and networking opportunities.
5. Networking and Professional Development
Networking can significantly enhance your job search:
Join Professional Groups: Engage with groups related to technical writing on platforms like LinkedIn or through local chapters of professional organizations.
Attend Conferences/Webinars: Participate in events hosted by organizations like STC or other industry-related conferences to meet professionals in the field.
6. Building Your Portfolio
Having a strong portfolio is essential when applying for technical writing roles:
Include samples of previous work such as user manuals, tip sheets, or knowledge base articles.
If you lack formal examples from past jobs, consider creating sample documents based on hypothetical scenarios or open-source projects.
7. Continuing Education
Consider enhancing your qualifications through courses or certifications:
Online platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer courses specific to technical writing that can help refine your skills.
Certifications from recognized bodies (e.g., STC certification) can also bolster your resume.
By following these steps, you should be able to find a fulfilling career in technical writing without needing to start your own business.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. Society for Technical Communication (STC)
A leading organization dedicated to advancing the profession of technical communication through education, networking opportunities, and resources tailored specifically for technical writers.
2. Indeed.com
A widely used job search engine that aggregates listings from various sources including company websites and job boards; it provides insights into salary ranges and job market trends within the field of technical writing.
3. LinkedIn Learning
An online learning platform offering courses designed to improve professional skills; it includes specific training modules related to technical writing which can help individuals enhance their expertise in creating documentation.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Career Opportunities in Technical Writing
To pursue a profession focused on writing user manuals, tip sheets, knowledge base articles, and other documentation for software, you can consider the following steps and options:
1. Understanding Technical Writing
Technical writing is a specialized form of communication that conveys complex information clearly and concisely. It often involves creating user manuals, online help systems, tutorials, and other instructional materials. Given your experience in this area, you are already familiar with the skills required.
2. Job Titles to Consider
When looking for positions that align with your interests in writing software documentation, consider the following job titles:
Technical Writer: This role focuses on creating manuals and guides for software products.
Documentation Specialist: Similar to technical writers but may also involve managing documentation processes.
Content Developer: This position often includes creating various types of content including articles and user guides.
Instructional Designer: While more focused on educational materials, this role can overlap with technical writing when developing training materials for software.
3. Industries That Hire Technical Writers
Technical writers are needed across various industries. Some sectors where you might find opportunities include:
Software Development Companies: These companies often require extensive documentation for their products.
Healthcare Technology Firms: Documentation is crucial for compliance and user guidance in this sector.
Financial Services: Financial software requires clear instructions for users to navigate complex systems.
Telecommunications: Companies in this field need technical writers to create user manuals and support documents.
4. Finding Job Opportunities
To find job openings specifically tailored to your skills:
Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor frequently list technical writing positions.
Company Websites: Many companies post job openings directly on their websites. Target companies known for their software products or services.
Professional Associations: Organizations such as the Society for Technical Communication (STC) offer job boards and networking opportunities.
5. Networking and Professional Development
Networking can significantly enhance your job search:
Join Professional Groups: Engage with groups related to technical writing on platforms like LinkedIn or through local chapters of professional organizations.
Attend Conferences/Webinars: Participate in events hosted by organizations like STC or other industry-related conferences to meet professionals in the field.
6. Building Your Portfolio
Having a strong portfolio is essential when applying for technical writing roles:
Include samples of previous work such as user manuals, tip sheets, or knowledge base articles.
If you lack formal examples from past jobs, consider creating sample documents based on hypothetical scenarios or open-source projects.
7. Continuing Education
Consider enhancing your qualifications through courses or certifications:
Online platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer courses specific to technical writing that can help refine your skills.
Certifications from recognized bodies (e.g., STC certification) can also bolster your resume.
By following these steps, you should be able to find a fulfilling career in technical writing without needing to start your own business.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. Society for Technical Communication (STC)
A leading organization dedicated to advancing the profession of technical communication through education, networking opportunities, and resources tailored specifically for technical writers.
2. Indeed.com
A widely used job search engine that aggregates listings from various sources including company websites and job boards; it provides insights into salary ranges and job market trends within the field of technical writing.
3. LinkedIn Learning
An online learning platform offering courses designed to improve professional skills; it includes specific training modules related to technical writing which can help individuals enhance their expertise in creating documentation.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Alex Watler
Product Manager
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi Karri! With interests and skills like the ones you mentioned you'll have no shortage of opportunities you can take your career. I see other folks have mentioned technical writing as one avenue but I'll also highlight Product Management and/or Product Marketing as other exciting options. I have done both of those roles and the responsibilities definitely fit some of the skillset you mentioned.
Getting into the software space itself is the best start you could have and then find whatever opportunities that resonate with you. It's always hard to say exactly what job is the best fit since the answer is usually many! However, you won't know all the options until you get more exposure to what's out there.
Best of luck in your career journey and you can be confident that the skills you have will only increase in value as you continue to grow!
Getting into the software space itself is the best start you could have and then find whatever opportunities that resonate with you. It's always hard to say exactly what job is the best fit since the answer is usually many! However, you won't know all the options until you get more exposure to what's out there.
Best of luck in your career journey and you can be confident that the skills you have will only increase in value as you continue to grow!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
355
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Karri, this is an excellent question and a much needed skillset. Every software company I know - including my own - have staff to produce the type of documents you mention. But this type of role goes by many names, such as documentation, technical writing, or sometimes internal communications. Also tricky is where to find them in the organization as they may be part of Communications, Marketing, or Sales.
A good first step might be to set up agents on job search sites to see what nomenclature is most prevalent - I have two sample searches linked below. The results aren't great so the search terms need refinement. I would also suggest putting the same question out to your network.
I think there is a lot of opportunity out there without your starting your own business. Good luck!
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/technical-writer-jobs-pennsylvania/?currentJobId=4091483108
Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/pennsylvania-technical-writer-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,12_IS3185_KO13,29.htm
A good first step might be to set up agents on job search sites to see what nomenclature is most prevalent - I have two sample searches linked below. The results aren't great so the search terms need refinement. I would also suggest putting the same question out to your network.
I think there is a lot of opportunity out there without your starting your own business. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Robert Epstein
General Manager
85
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Karri,
Being a technical writer can be a very worthwhile profession. For many years I was a tech writer for a medical software corporation, as well as a tech writer consultant with my own business.
The perfect place to start is contacting the Society for Technical Communication online. They have courses you can take and a wealth of other practical information. You could also contact the STC’s local branch to see if you can attend one of their meetings. There are a huge number of companies looking for tech writers, especially if you have direct experience with the technology you’ll be writing about. Also, your writing skills must be excellent, e.g. grammar, punctuation, etc.
Best of luck to you!
Being a technical writer can be a very worthwhile profession. For many years I was a tech writer for a medical software corporation, as well as a tech writer consultant with my own business.
The perfect place to start is contacting the Society for Technical Communication online. They have courses you can take and a wealth of other practical information. You could also contact the STC’s local branch to see if you can attend one of their meetings. There are a huge number of companies looking for tech writers, especially if you have direct experience with the technology you’ll be writing about. Also, your writing skills must be excellent, e.g. grammar, punctuation, etc.
Best of luck to you!