Technical Writing in Baie-Comeau is a growing industry. These resources can help teach you about the technical writing marketplace in Baie-Comeau.
What does a technical writer do?
Technical writers create documentation for non-technical users. They typically work alongside product developers. Technical writers create easy-to-read materials for consumers, as well as scientists, engineers, plant executives, line workers, and production managers. Writers must be able to write in a concise manner for consumer publications and in highly specialized language for experts. With the ever-increasing use of desktop publishing, technical writers are consistently responsible for the publication process, including graphics, page layout, and document design.
Technical writers create product instructions, reference and maintenance manuals, articles, project proposals, training materials, technical reports, catalogs, brochures, online documentation, help systems, web pages, multimedia presentations, parts lists, assembly instructions, and sales and promotional materials.
Technical writers will often:
- Analyze the needs of the target audience.
- Study data and conduct in-depth interviews with subject matter experts to understand specific products or procedures.
- Index and cross-reference documents such as bulletins and manuals.
- Produce or arrange for illustrations, charts, and photographs to be included in publications.
- Edit, standardize, and revise material prepared by other writers or personnel.
- Prepare layout of material for publication.
- Prepare rough drafts of the publication for review with the project staff and/or customers.
- Create and edit webpages for the Internet, intranets, and extranets.
Technical writers often specialize in a specific industry, such as agriculture, health care, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, computers, or manufacturing. Within their chosen industry, many technical writers will have areas of specific specialization. For example, technical writers in the computer industry might specialize in software documentation, or tutorial and user manual creation.
Technical writer is the most commonly used job title for this occupation. Other titles used include medical writer, communications specialist, policy and procedure writer, proposal writer, publications specialist, science writer, documentation specialist, health writer, information developer, technical editor, web editor, and information designer. Some titles may indicate the particular industry in which the occupation is found.
What skills are important?
Technical writers obtain and present specialized information within strict accuracy and format requirements. Technical writing requires the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and strong organizational skills. Technical writers may use the following skills, knowledge, and abilities to accomplish their daily tasks:
- Writing - communicating effectively with others in writing as indicated by the needs of the audience.
- Active listening - listening to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate.
- Speaking - talking to others to effectively convey information.
- Information gathering - knowing how to find information and identifying essential information.
- Information organization - finding ways to structure or classify multiple pieces of information.
- Synthesis/reorganization - reorganizing information to get a better approach to problems or tasks.
- Active learning - working with new material or information to grasp its implications.
- Product inspection - inspecting and evaluating the quality of products.
- English language - knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
What is the typical work environment?
Technical writers usually work at a desk in an office. During planning and production of publications, writers may be required to travel to another location to discuss a project with others. Technical writers use personal computers and word processing or desktop publishing software for text, graphic, and multimedia production. Workers often have deadlines to meet. Technical writers who work under contract or freelance may work from their home or at the employer's site. Writers may work alone or together under the supervision of a publication chief or editor, a product or procedure specialist, or a marketing manager.
How do I prepare for the job?
Some firms will only hire experienced writers who specialize in one field of technology. Many employers prefer applicants with a four-year college degree in communications, engineering, journalism, or those possessing a degree or certificate in technical writing. Some employers require a strong background of technical knowledge and experience, combined with writing skills. Applicants must have good computer skills and may need a working knowledge of specific industry operations and procedures.
Employers also select trainees from among technicians who have backgrounds in science, military equipment, and communications. Applicants should have good communication skills and be able to convey scientific and technical information accurately and clearly.
Increasingly, companies require technical writers to be knowledgeable about computer graphics and desktop publishing, including multimedia production. Only a few years ago, computer literacy was considered a good asset, but today, it is almost always a requirement. Some technical writers may be required to know and read program languages.
Individuals interested in becoming technical writers should take courses in communication, journalism, English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanical drawing, graphic arts, and computer-related subjects. Technical writers should also acquire a solid background in the specific industry that interests them as a specialty. Completion of a degree or certificate program in technical writing is very helpful and available through community colleges and university continuing education programs. Assistants will often assist experienced technical writers and may conduct library research, prepare rough drafts of reports, or perform basic editing tasks. In defense-related organizations, U.S. citizenship may be required because of the classified nature of some projects.
Where can this job lead?
Advancement for technical writers is limited. In larger organizations, technical writers can advance to information designer, senior technical writer, or project manager positions. Promotion often takes the form of increased responsibility and pay raises. Most senior technical writers complete projects with little or no supervision and must be thoroughly familiar with the project's subject matter.
Licensing and Certification
There are no universally recognized licensing or certification requirements for technical writers. Each company requires different skills.
Continuing Education
Technical writing requires people who are skilled writers and are able to keep pace with changing technology. Many technical writers produce work for online and multimedia publications, which may require additional specialized software skills. Those entering the technical writing field can look forward to lifelong learning to keep up with the technological tools of the trade. Professional associations offer a place to gain additional knowledge and skills.