Being a technical writer is a lot of hard work, but it is a very rewarding job with plenty of exciting opportunities and a good salary as a whole. As a technical writer, you are expected to write about technical subjects, which range from the latest gadgets and devices to more difficult subjects such as the blockchain, NFTs, etc. Because the world is getting more and more intertwined with new technology, technical writers are in great demand. If you wish to become a technical writer, but you have absolutely no prior experience, this is the article for you!
What is a technical writer?
Before we dive into how you can become a great technical writer, it is a great idea to understand first what a technical writer is and what your role will entail. A technical writer is a writer with a focus on a wide range of technical matters such as mobile devices, the latest technology news, blockchain, etc. The subject matter needs not to be limited to IT fields, as technical writers can still write about medical procedures and such. Technical writing for HR professionals exists as well, as HR experts often have to convey difficult technical concepts to other employees. Technical writers usually write for websites and magazines, but you can also find them employed by news outlets.
The responsibilities of a technical writer include:
- Brainstorming with the team to create new content ideas
- Producing error-free documentation that conveys technical information to a wide range of audience
- Analyzing the target audience to make adjustments regarding the tone and the language use
How to become a pro technical writer with no prior experience
A technical writer will have to be well-versed with not just writing skills but also difficult-to-understand subject matters. For this reason, companies prefer hiring ones with prior experience. That said, you can still become a good technical writer even if you don’t have past work experience in the field. Here are some great tips for you.
Earn your bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree means a lot in this field. This is because you will learn a lot of technical knowledge over the course of your undergraduate study, ensuring that you have enough knowledge to write technical documents. Which courses to follow will have to depend on the kinds of technical writing you are pursuing. For example, if you wish to write technical content in the medical field, it would be a good idea to study medicines. If you wish to write about mobile devices, check out information technology courses.
While pursuing your college education, don’t hesitate to learn from free essays samples. They are available free of charge, and they should give you a better idea of how to write better essays as well as content pieces.
Build a portfolio of samples
As you don’t have prior experience in the field, you could consider creating a portfolio of relevant samples before applying for a job. The samples don’t need to be paid content. They can be pro-bono pieces that you have written for an NGO or blog pieces that you have written for yourself. If you have many samples for your future employers, you are much more likely to be accepted as a part of their team.
Build up a professional network
A network of like-minded professionals is always essential for your job-hunting process. They can help you find gigs or job openings that align with your skills and experience. These professionals can also help you to answer any question you might have, ensuring that you can easily get through any trouble you might have.
Keep your knowledge updated
Many technical fields are progressing at a rapid speed, so new technologies are constantly evolving. If you wish to make it big in the field, always try to keep your knowledge updated, and don’t hesitate to check out news outlets for more information.
Final thoughts
Being a technical writer without any experience requires a lot of work on your end, but it will get much easier once you have gained some professional experience. The key here is to never stop learning and never stop trying to improve yourself!
Joanne Elliot
Joanne is a technical writer with years of experience in the field. She enjoys helping like-minded colleagues, as well as new freshers, to become successful in the field. She is an avid reader in her free time.