It’s no secret that technical writers are highly sought after. The ability to write well, do independent research, and be curious about STEM and technical fields are invaluable to any company. In a field with an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, it might be your time to break in. There are many types of writers in the area. All are incredibly viable, but what about the IT technical writer?
What is an IT Technical Writer?
This will be a brief introduction for those who are looking to learn more about IT technical writers. Technical writers, also called technical communicators, write and transcribe company documents. That means you could be writing anything between manuals, reference guides, or white papers.
Often, technical writers will specialize in particular documents, understanding how to write everything, but becoming specifically well versed in one subject like system documentation or administration documentation. An IT technical writer is a technical writer who has chosen to specialize in developing IT technical documentation.
Technical writers are hired based on their communication skills and clarity in their writing. Companies do expect a four-year degree in English or an adjacent major, but above all else, they look for your ability to understand and clearly write what they need at the moment.
The same goes for IT technical writers, with an added emphasis on technical communication skills to effectively convey complex information.
Technical communication is a vital skill for technical writers to effectively convey complex information. Continual learning, engagement with professional communities, and certification can enhance technical writing careers, emphasizing the need for understanding the complexities of audience and context in effective communication.
Technical Writing Overview
Technical writing is a vital profession that involves creating user-friendly content to communicate complex and technical information to various audiences.
Technical writers play a crucial role in helping individuals understand how to use products, services, and processes by developing instruction manuals, how-to guides, and other supporting documents. The field of technical writing is constantly evolving, and technical writers must stay up-to-date with the latest developments in technology, industry trends, and communication techniques.
This ensures that the content they produce remains relevant, accurate, and easy to understand, making it an indispensable part of many industries.
Roles and Responsibilities
Technical writers are responsible for analyzing complex technical concepts and breaking them down into simple, easy-to-understand language. They work closely with subject matter experts, engineers, and other stakeholders to gather information and ensure the accuracy of the content.
Technical writers typically create a wide range of documents, including user manuals, instruction guides, technical specifications, and project plans.
They must also possess excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. By transforming intricate information into clear and concise documentation, technical writers ensure that users can effectively utilize products and services.
What Makes an IT Technical Writer?
IT technical writers work in the field of IT technical writing and specialize in writing documentation for companies that deal in information technology. The beauty of being an IT technical writer is your ability to write for whatever field you are interested in. IT writing jobs come in all shapes and sizes. They cover all kinds of markets and specialties and could be right for your interests.
You do not need to be an expert in any of these areas. After a four-year liberal arts degree, there is no need to become a scientist or software engineer. The ability of the IT writer to research and contact experts in those fields is all that is needed to become successful. With the right mindset and work ethic, becoming an IT technical writer can be a valuable career.
Education and Experience
While a degree in English, journalism, or communications is often preferred, many technical writers come from diverse backgrounds and have varying levels of education and experience.
Some technical writers may have a degree in a technical field, such as engineering or computer science, while others may have a strong portfolio of writing samples and relevant work experience.
Entry-level technical writers typically start as junior writers or assistants and work their way up to more senior roles as they gain experience and develop their skills. This diversity in educational and professional backgrounds enriches the field, bringing a variety of perspectives and expertise to technical writing.
Career Path and Job Outlook
The career path for technical writers can vary depending on their interests, skills, and experience. Some technical writers may choose to specialize in a particular industry or type of documentation, while others may move into management or leadership roles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of technical writers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for technical writers was $80,050 in May 2023, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $129,440.
This positive job outlook and competitive salary make technical writing an attractive career option for those with strong communication skills and an interest in technology.
What IT Fields and Markets are Available?
IT writing is a new and constantly innovating area of study, and it is always expanding its already copious variety of fields of study. Though vast, some fields have become front runners for technical writers’ interests. The expansion of scientific and technical products is a significant factor driving the demand for IT technical writers.
These fields might include:
1. Cybersecurity
As the name suggests, cybersecurity deals with protecting entities from internet-based attacks. As attacks become more advanced, so must cyber security experts. Types of security include cloud, endpoint, network, mobile, and IoT security. It is imperative that those who wish to work in cyber security familiarize themselves with these terms and other types of security risks in order to write about them well.
2. Software Development
Software development is the field dedicated to the process of creating, refining, and designing the software. It is the coding created for the sole purpose of telling computers what to do. Different types of software development include system software, programming software, and application software. Good or bad software can mean the difference between an amazing or disastrous launch for many products, as it is heavily relied on to keep things like security features, safety features, and core functions working consistently throughout the product’s life cycle. This is truly the cornerstone field of IT writing; some individuals will specialize as a software technical writer because of the importance of this subdivision.
3. Web Development
Similar to the idea of software development, web development is specific to the production of websites. This may include jobs such as database management, web programming, and web design. Just as you are reading this article on a website, one of the greatest feats done by web designers is making websites easy to explore and informative. Additionally, your ability as a writer to keep information easy to read and flow is imperative to any good website.
4. Networks and Systems
Networks and systems are all about communication, literally. Not only do professionals need to communicate between different divisions within the same company to make sure the system and network are online, but networks and systems are made in order for worker communication. Although you will not be in charge of these systems, an IT technical writer will deal with the documents relating to construction network hardware and troubleshooting.
5. Data
Though given bad press in the last decade thanks to companies such as Facebook and Cambridge Analytica, the data sector has become a burgeoning business. Businesses with an online presence have so much user data that it can be hard to figure out what to do with all of it. Particularly, IT writers might write documents based on sorting through all of that data and how to properly implement it.
6. Cloud Computing
Unlike the latter entry, the cloud deals more with data storage rather than data sifting. Cloud computing not only entails how to create clouds but also how to implement them within a company’s network. Writers will need to get familiar with servers and the storage factor of cloud computing.
7. AI Development
Although a fairly new development within IT technical writing, documentation for AI development is a rapidly growing industry. Machine learning is used for many tools we use daily like auto-correct, auto-fill entries, and now even the creation of art! IT technical writers are not responsible for feeding AI data, but they are responsible for documentation on how to implement machine learning and the maintenance of AI.
8. Computer Support
It’s a bit broad, but it’s still important. Computer support is a more generalized field that deals with any manner of the above-listed fields. Because of the lack of specialization, it is important for a technical writer to create manuals and documents that are easy to understand by both experts and laymen.
It is also possible that during your career you might work and become proficient in many of these specific fields. These companies range from public to private, and some might be contracted out to various government agencies. There are a wide variety of career paths an IT technical writer could take!
What Would You be Writing About as an IT Technical Writer?
Since there are many different markets within the tech industry, there is a good chance that you will not be writing the same documents that other IT technical writers will.
There are some similarities, but because of the nature of the sector in question, there is a certain amount of specialization required.
Project management skills are also crucial for IT technical writers, especially when collaborating with project managers and other stakeholders.
Here are some common documents that you will have to deal with as an IT writer:
1. Release Notes
Generally written during research and development or after the product has been launched, release notes detail certain additions to released software. This could cover anywhere from bug fixes to general added features or even just a description of what the software does. This is more client-side, so remember that you are writing these for the customer’s sake!
2. Application Programming Interface (API)
Within programming, API allows for two different pieces of software to communicate and work with each other. Therefore, API documents allow clients to understand how your API specifically works. Though usually found along with other documentation about the product, application programming interface documents can also be readily found on Q&A websites, blog posts, and forums for the customer’s convenience.
3. Troubleshooting Document
This might be one of the few times an IT technical writer should prefer to use complex jargon. Troubleshooting documents are the first line of support for clients. They detail any problem that can be foreseen or that has occurred in order to make sure that everything is in working order. Additionally, there should be detailed explanations of any technical jargon that the client is unlikely to know.
4. Technical Requirements Document
A technical requirements document is an umbrella term for many different types of requirements documents. They generally tell the user and the developer certain aspects of the product that are required to be there for it to function. This also branches into market requirements documents and user requirements documents. The former was created for marketing purposes, as it details target audiences, why customers would want the product, and which products are seen as competition, while the latter details specifically what the software is and isn’t capable of. In the case of the user requirements document, it becomes part of the contractual agreement between the developer and the customer.
5. Software Development Kit (SDK)
These documents are complete sets of APIs that allow the user to perform any action needed in the creation of applications. Furthermore, it contains other tools needed to develop the platform the software is made for. It is important to distinguish that all SDKs contain APIs, but not all APIs are SDKs.
6. Knowledge Base Documentation
This is basically a how-to guide for users. Knowledge base documentation is a usually online library that answers frequently asked questions and troubleshooting documents. The idea is to take care of the client’s needs without directing them to tech support for additional help except as a last resort.
7. Standard Operations Procedures
Standard operations procedures cover instructions on how to safely and correctly use the product according to standard workplace regulations. This documentation covers everything from regulation compliance, operations scheduling, and quick onboarding of new users.
Technical Writing Methodology
Document Development Life Cycle
The document development life cycle is a structured approach to creating technical documentation. It typically consists of five phases: planning, research, writing, editing, and publishing.
During the planning phase, technical writers define the project scope, identify the target audience, and determine the document’s purpose and format.
The research phase involves gathering information from subject matter experts, conducting interviews, and reviewing existing documentation.
The writing phase is where technical writers create the first draft of the document, while the editing phase involves reviewing and revising the content for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
Finally, the publishing phase involves finalizing the document and making it available to the intended audience. This systematic approach ensures that technical documentation is thorough, accurate, and user-friendly, meeting the needs of both the organization and its users.
IT Technical Writer: The Solution You’ve Been Waiting For
IT technical writers can cover a wide variety of industries and types of documentation. Developing clear and concise documentation with technical language and accessible instructions is the name of the game. To take your business to the next level, consider working with an IT writer today!
How Essential Data Corporation Can Help
Want to learn more about the importance and benefits of IT documentation and an IT technical writer? Check out some of our related content below:
- How to Write IT Technical Documentation
- How Does AI Impact Technical Writing?
- IT Technical Documentation Services
Whether you need a single technical writer for a brief project or a team of consultants to produce a complete line of documentation, the quality of our work is guaranteed for you. Our clients work closely with an Engagement Manager from one of our 30 local offices for the entire length of your project at no additional cost. Contact us at (800) 221-0093 or [email protected] to get started.
Written by Dominic Acquista