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Technical Writer
Resume Example
4.5 / 5
Why This Template Works
This resume format works well for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) because it is concise and focused on the specific qualifications required for a Technical Writer position. The inclusion of relevant keywords like 'technical writer,' 'documentation specialist,' and 'software systems' ensures that automated systems can easily identify the candidate's expertise. Additionally, the professional summary highlights key achievements in complex software documentation, making it clear to hiring managers what value this Technical Writer brings to their team.
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How to Write This Resume
Expert guidelines and best practices for each section of your resume.
01
Contact
Contact
First Name Last Name City, State, Zip Code Phone Number | Email Address LinkedIn Profile URL | Portfolio URL (Optional)
General Guidelines
Your contact information is the first section recruiters see. Keep it concise and professional. Ensure your email address is appropriate (e.g., [email protected]). Include your LinkedIn profile for a comprehensive view of your professional journey. A portfolio or personal website is recommended for creative, technical, or design roles.
Avoid This
Do not include your full physical address (street number/name) for privacy reasons. Avoid including personal details like marital status, age, photo, or social security number unless specifically required in your country. Don't use unprofessional email addresses.
Real Examples
See clear examples of how to format contact details effectively.
Don't
John Doe 1234 Random St, Apt 56 New York, NY 10001 [email protected] github.com/aliciacode Single, 28 years old
Do
John Doe New York, NY (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] linkedin.com/in/johndoe | github.com/johndoe | johndoe.dev
Quick Tips
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname format)
- Ensure your voicemail is set up and professional
- Double-check your phone number and email for typos
- Make your LinkedIn URL custom (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
- Include GitHub link for developer roles
02
Summary
Summary
Professional Title Result-oriented [Role Name] with [Number] years of experience in [Key Skills/Industries]. Proven track record of [Major Achievement]. Skilled in [Key Technologies/Skills]. Committed to delivering [Specific Value] for [Target Industry/Company type].
General Guidelines
A professional summary is your elevator pitch. It should be 3-5 sentences long, summarizing your experience, key skills, and major achievements. Tailor it to the job description by using relevant keywords. Focus on what makes you unique and the value you bring to potential employers.
Avoid This
Avoid generic objectives like 'Looking for a challenging role to grow my skills.' Recruiters want to know what value you bring to them, not what you want from them. Don't use first-person pronouns (I, me, my). Keep it concise and impactful.
Real Examples
Compare a weak objective with a strong professional summary.
Don't
Objective: I am a hard-working individual looking for a Technical Writer position where I can learn new things and advance my career.
Do
Experienced Principal Technical Writer with over 6 years of expertise in documenting complex enterprise software systems. Successfully streamlined user documentation processes, reducing knowledge base update times by 40%. Skilled in DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) and API documentation tools.
Don't
Objective: To obtain a position as a Technical Writer where I can utilize my skills effectively.
Do
Senior Technical Writer with over 5 years of experience, specializing in comprehensive documentation for complex software systems. Developed interactive tutorials that boosted user engagement by 40% and reduced customer service inquiries by 30%. Proficient in Confluence and JIRA.
Quick Tips
- Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., 'Increased revenue by 20%')
- Keep it under 5 lines for readability
- Use strong action verbs to start sentences
- Tailor the summary to match the job description
03
Skills
Skills
Technical Skills - Languages: [List] - Frameworks: [List] - Tools: [List] Soft Skills - [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]
General Guidelines
Group your skills logically (e.g., Languages, Frameworks, Tools). Focus on hard skills relevant to the job. List skills in order of proficiency or relevance. Soft skills are better demonstrated through bullet points in your experience section rather than a bare list.
Avoid This
Do not list skills you are not comfortable using in an interview. Avoid using progress bars or percentages to rate your skills (e.g., "Java: 80%"). Do not include outdated technologies unless specifically required for the job.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for skills
Don't
C++, Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, Perl, Ruby, PHP, Swift, Rust
Do
- Languages: C++, Java - Frameworks: .NET, Spring Boot - Tools: Git, JIRA
Quick Tips
- Prioritize your skills list by relevance to the position you're applying for.
- Use bullet points and categorize them (e.g., Technical Skills, Soft Skills) to make it easier to read.
- Include specific tools and technologies that are critical in technical writing such as MadCap Flare or Confluence.
- Avoid generic soft skills like 'communication' unless you can specify how they apply uniquely to your role.
04
Experience
Experience
Job Title | Company Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Action Verb + Context + Result (Quantified) - Led [Project] resulting in [Outcome]... - Collaborated with [Team] to implement [Feature]...
General Guidelines
This is the core of your resume. Use reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Start each bullet with a strong action verb. Focus on achievements and impact, not just duties. Use numbers to quantify your impact (dollars, percentages, time saved, users affected). Show progression and increasing responsibility.
Avoid This
Avoid passive language like "Responsible for..." or "Tasked with...." Don't list every single daily task; focus on significant contributions and measurable outcomes. Avoid jargon that recruiters outside your field won't understand.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for experiences
Don't
Responsible for writing user manuals and API documentation.
Do
Created comprehensive user manuals and detailed API documentation, reducing developer query time by 50%.
Don't
Tasked with developing training modules for new hires.
Do
Developed custom training modules for new hires, enhancing onboarding efficiency by 30%, resulting in a 20% increase in knowledge retention among trainees.
Quick Tips
- Use strong action verbs such as 'Created,' 'Designed,' 'Implemented,' and 'Led' to start your bullet points.
- Focus on quantifiable results, including percentages of improvement or specific outcomes that can be easily understood by recruiters.
- Highlight projects where you took initiative or leadership roles, showcasing your ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
- Avoid technical jargon unless it is universally recognized. Use layman’s terms to describe complex systems and technologies.
05
Education
Education
Degree Name | University Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2] - Honors/Awards: [Award Name] - GPA: X.X (if above 3.5)
General Guidelines
List your highest degree first. If you have significant work experience, keep the education section brief. Include your GPA only if it is above 3.5 or if you are a recent graduate. Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, honors, or leadership roles.
Avoid This
Do not include high school details if you have a college degree. Avoid listing every single course you took; select only the most relevant ones. Don't include graduation dates from decades ago if age discrimination is a concern in your field.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for educations
Don't
Bachelor of Arts | Springfield University | Springfield, IL September 2010 – May 2014 - Coursework: Introduction to Literature, Creative Writing, Journalism, Media Studies, Philosophy of Science. - GPA: 3.5 (if above 3.5) - Honors: Dean's List
Do
Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA September 2013 – May 2017 - Relevant Coursework: Technical Writing, Information Design, Advanced Composition. - Honors/Awards: Phi Beta Kappa Membership
Quick Tips
- Focus on the degree that is most relevant to your current career path or the position you are applying for.
- Only list education details if they add value and relevance to your professional profile. For older degrees, highlight only achievements like honors or significant projects.
- Keep your education section concise but informative by including a mix of coursework, awards, and leadership roles that reflect your dedication to the field.
- If you have multiple degrees, prioritize them starting with the most recent and relevant one.
06
Projects
Projects
Project Name | Tools/Technologies Used - Briefly describe what you created and its purpose - Highlight specific challenges you solved - Link to portfolio or demo if available
General Guidelines
Projects are excellent for demonstrating practical skills, especially if you lack work experience or are changing careers. Include a link to your portfolio or demo if possible. Focus on projects that show problem-solving skills and relevant tools for the target role.
Avoid This
Don't include trivial tutorials unless you significantly expanded on them. Avoid projects that are outdated, incomplete, or irrelevant to the role you're applying for. Don't just list technologies—explain what you created and why it matters.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for projects
Don't
Created a simple tutorial on basic HTML tags. It’s useful but lacks depth.
Do
Developed an interactive guide explaining how to use advanced CSS frameworks, significantly increasing user engagement.
Quick Tips
- Emphasize projects that showcase your ability to document complex technical systems.
- Include examples of custom training modules you have developed to bridge the gap between technology and non-technical users.
- Highlight any open-source tools or resources you’ve created to aid in documentation processes, even if they're small-scale.
- Ensure that each project listed demonstrates a specific problem-solving skill relevant to your role as a Technical Writer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this role and how to best present it on your resume.
Essential skills include strong writing abilities, attention to detail, technical proficiency, and the ability to understand complex systems.
Highlight relevant experience and certifications. Emphasize projects or contributions that showcase your expertise in technical writing.
Commonly used tools include Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, Confluence, and JIRA for documentation management.
Showcase your portfolio of technical writing projects, user manuals, API documentation, and tutorials to prove your skills and knowledge.
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