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Is being a technical writer a good fit for you?

Writes clear instructions and guides, such as equipment manuals and how-to documents. Turns complex information into plain steps.

What the work involves

  • Organises material and finishes writing jobs to set standards for order, clarity, brevity, style and wording.
  • Keeps records and files of work and changes.
  • Edits and standardises material written by other writers or staff, and makes changes.
  • Follows developments in a field to see when published material needs updating or new material is needed.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be organising and creative. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onLow. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousSome. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeSome. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingLow. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingLow. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingStrong. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Independence. Trusted to decide how the work gets done.
  • Security. Steady work in a well-run organisation.
  • Mastery. Getting really good at something over time.

How much training it needs

Degree required. Usually a degree, sometimes more study after. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if a technical writer is one of yours.

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