Are you trying to find the best way to show off your skills and experience? To get noticed in a competitive market, you need to write a great technical writer resume.

Making a resume can make all the difference, whether you're looking for your first job or trying to move up in your current one.

In this guide, we'll talk about the most important parts of a good document, give you useful advice, and show you technical writer resume examples to help you get started.

Technical writer resume examples

Entry-level technical writer resume sample with no experience

Technical Writer Resume
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Medical technical writer resume example

Summary:

Medical technical writer with more than 15 years of experience writing clear and concise documents for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Able to turn complicated scientific information into content that is easy for a wide range of people to understand. A lot of experience with following rules, running clinical trials, and writing medical device documentation.

Experience:

Senior Medical Technical Writer

MedTech Solutions, Boston, MA

March 2018 - Present

  • Create and keep up-to-date complete user manuals, training materials, and regulatory documents for medical devices, making sure they follow FDA rules.
  • Work with teams from different departments, such as engineering, regulatory affairs, and marketing, to make sure that technical content is clear and correct.
  • Lead the review of documents, giving feedback and making changes to make the content better and easier to read.
  • Do a lot of research and talk to experts in the field to get the technical specifications and user requirements.

Medical Writer

Pharma Innovations, Cambridge, MA

July 2014 - February 2018

  • Wrote scientific papers, reports on clinical studies, and regulatory submissions for new drug applications (NDAs) and investigational new drug (IND) filings.
  • Edited and formatted technical documents to meet company and industry standards while keeping them accurate and consistent.
  • Helped create protocols and clinical trial documents that followed all rules and ethical standards.
  • Worked with research teams to understand data and write up results in a way that was easy to understand.

Freelance Medical Writer

Self-Employed

January 2011 - June 2014

  • Wrote and edited for drug companies, medical device makers, and health care organizations.
  • Focused on making materials for patients, product manuals, and marketing materials aimed at healthcare professionals.
  • Wrote articles for blogs and websites about medical research, health trends, and how to take care of patients.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Graduated: May 2010

Skills:

  • Able to use technical writing tools like Adobe FrameMaker, Microsoft Word, and LaTeX well.
  • A good understanding of the rules set by the FDA and other countries for medical devices and drugs.
  • Great communication and people skills, as well as the ability to work well with people from different departments.
  • Good at paying attention to details and doing in-depth research to help with the creation of technical content.

Certifications:

  • Certified Medical Writer (CMW) - renewed in 2024
  • Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) - valid till 2026

Publications:

  • Smith, J., & Johnson, A. (2022). "Advances in Biomedical Engineering: A Review." Journal of Medical Devices, 15(2), 123-135.
  • Smith, J., Brown, C., & Martinez, D. (2018). "Clinical Trials in Oncology: Challenges and Opportunities." Oncology Research Reviews, 8(4), 287-299.
  • Smith, J., et al. (2013). "Patient Education in Cardiovascular Health: Strategies and Outcomes." Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 28(1), 45-55.

Science technical writer resume template

Science Technical Writer Resume
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The very first thing I tell my new students on the first day of a workshop is that good writing is about telling the truth.

Anne Lamott

Formatting tips

Technical writing involves communicating complex data clearly and concisely. A well-written technical writer resume demonstrates your ability to organize components of a resume, so it is simple for recruiters to quickly grasp your qualifications and experience.

Technical writer resume tips:

  • Use a legible font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. They are widely accepted and make your document easy to look through.
  • Utilize a font size between 10pt and 12pt for the main body text. Headings can be slightly larger (e.g., 14pt to 16pt) to differentiate sections and so they stand out.
  • Maintain consistency throughout your paper in terms of font type, size, and formatting (e.g., bold, italics, underlining). It helps create a cohesive and organized appearance.
  • Ensure adequate margins (usually around 1 inch) to frame the content neatly. Sufficient white space around text blocks improves readability.
  • Apply bullet points to list your responsibilities, achievements, and skills under each section.
  • Avoid excessive design elements such as decorative fonts, bright background colors, or graphics.
  • Aim to keep your resume for a technical writer position concise, ideally fitting on one page resume.
  • Refrain from centered or justified text for main content. Right align dates on resume.

Build a resume online to save you time compared to creating a paper from scratch in a word processor.

The technical writer resume templates and formatting are already set up, allowing you to focus more on content and less on details.

Plus, Resume Trick allows for easy updates and revisions to your document. You can quickly make edits, adjust formatting, or tailor your technical writer resume for different postings without starting again each time.

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Technical writer resume objective or summary

A resume summary is a brief overview of your skills and achievements as they relate to the job you're looking for. It's typically used when you have significant experience in the field.

Technical writer resume summary examples:

1) Technical writer with more than five years of experience writing user manuals and API documentation for software products. Good at turning complicated technical ideas into clear, short, and easy-to-understand documents. A history of making documentation processes better and making users happier. Good at MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, and XML.

2) A technical writer with experience in engineering and manufacturing who is good at writing detailed assembly instructions, safety manuals, and compliance documents. A good grasp of technical drawings and standards.

An objective statement in resume is used when you are new to the field or transitioning into technical writing from another career path. It focuses on your work goals and what you hope to achieve in the position you are applying for.

Sample technical writer resume objective:

1) Detail-oriented professional with a background in software development seeking to transition into a technical writer role. Eager to leverage skills in API documentation, user manuals, and technical editing to contribute to the success of a dynamic tech company.

2) To secure freelance technical writing projects that allow me to apply my adaptability and communication skills to help businesses clarify complex information and enhance customer engagement.

Contact information

Providing contact details ensures that employers can quickly and easily get in touch with you. This accessibility is fundamental for progressing through the hiring process, as it allows recruiters to to reach out to you for scheduling interviews or follow up on your technical writer resume.

What to include in contact information on technical writer resume:

  • Name. Your first and last name.
  • Phone. A number where you can be reached. Make sure your voicemail message is clear .
  • Email. An address that you regularly check. Avoid using informal or overly casual emails.
  • Location. Your city and state (and country for remote jobs) to provide context about your location.
  • LinkedIn (Optional). A profile that is up-to-date and relevant to your professional experience. Ensure it is polished and aligns with your technical writer resume content.

Experience

This technical writer resume part allows you to demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate information, collaborate with teams, and adapt your style to different audiences.

Here you can highlight your familiarity with specific industries, such as software development, healthcare, engineering, or telecommunications. This knowledge is valuable as it indicates your ability to grasp technical concepts and terminology relevant to the specific field.

Start with your most recent or current position and go backward.

What to include in each role in experience technical writer resume section:

  • Job title. Clearly state your job title to provide context for your responsibilities.
  • Company. Include the name of the organization where you worked, along with the city and state (or country).
  • Dates. Specify the duration of your employment (month and year).
  • Responsibilities. Describe your main tasks as a technical writer. Focus on specific accomplishments and contributions that demonstrate your skills and impact.
  • Achievements. Highlight any notable accomplishments, such as improvements in documentation quality, successful completion of major projects, or recognition received for your work.
  • Technologies. Mention the documentation tools or software you used to create and manage content.

Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to describe your responsibilities effectively (e.g., "Authored comprehensive user manuals for software products").

Example:

Senior Technical Writer

Tech Innovations Inc., Seattle, WA

September 2020 – Present

  • Collaborate with software engineers and product managers to produce detailed API documentation for new software releases.
  • Create user guides, installation manuals, and troubleshooting documentation for enterprise-level software products.
  • Implement a streamlined documentation review process, reducing revision cycles by 30%.
  • Conduct usability testing and gathered stakeholder feedback to enhance documentation usability and effectiveness.
  • Mentor and supervise junior technical writers, ensuring consistency and adherence to documentation standards.

Technical Writer

MedTech Solutions, San Francisco, CA

June 2018 - August 2020

  • Developed clear and concise healthcare IT documentation, including system manuals and training materials for medical staff.
  • Worked closely with subject matter experts to translate technical information into user-friendly content.
  • Updated existing documentation to reflect software updates and regulatory changes in the healthcare industry.
  • Conducted documentation audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and internal guidelines.

Education

This part of your technical writer resume showcases your formal credentials. Add ones that are directly related to fields such as English, Communication, Journalism, Computer Science, or Engineering.

This signals to employers that you have a solid background that supports your skills.

Important elements:

  • Degree. Specify the diploma(s) you obtained (e.g., Bachelor of Arts in English, Master of Science in Technical Communication).
  • Institution. Include the name of the college or university where you earned your credentials.
  • Location and dates. Provide the location of the institution (city, state, country) and the dates of attendance or graduation.
  • Relevant coursework. Optionally, list specific courses that are directly relevant to technical writing or that showcase your expertise in related areas.
  • GPA (if relevant). Add your GPA if it’s above 3.5 and enhances your qualifications.
  • Awards. Mention any academic honors like summa cum laude received.

Example of education in technical writer resume:

Master of Science in Technical Communication

University of Washington, Seattle, WA

September 2018 - May 2020

  • Relevant Coursework: Advanced Technical Writing, Information Architecture, User Experience Design
  • Thesis: "Improving User Manuals for Consumer Electronics: A Case Study of Smartphone Documentation"
  • GPA: 3.9/4.0
  • Honors: Dean's List (All Semesters)

Bachelor of Arts in English University of California, Berkeley, CA September 2014 - May 2018

  • Coursework: Technical Writing, Professional Editing, Communication Theory
  • GPA: 3.8/4.0
  • Honors: Cum Laude, Outstanding Student in English Department Award

Technical writer resume skills

By carefully selecting and listing competencies that match the job description, you demonstrate that you understand the requirements of the role and can fulfill them effectively.

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes based on keywords. Including relevant details ensures that your application reaches human eyes for further consideration.

  • Hard skills, also known as technical competencies, are specific, teachable abilities that can be quantified and measured.
  • Soft skills, on the other hand, are less tangible and relate to how individuals interact with others and approach their work.

Hard skills of a technical writer:

  • Technical Writing
  • Documentation Tools
  • Markup Languages
  • Version Control Systems
  • Graphic Design
  • Content Management Systems (CMS)
  • Quality Assurance
  • Information Architecture
  • Localization
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • API Documentation
  • UX Writing
  • Data Analysis

Soft skills for technical writer:

  • Communication
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Empathy
  • Creativity
  • Research Skills
  • Patience
  • Open-Mindedness
  • Initiative

Optional sections

  • Certifications. Highlight any related certifications. Examples for a technical writer resume are Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC), Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Technical Communication Suite, or Certified Information Mapping Professional (CIMP).
  • Languages. If you are proficient in multiple languages, especially those relevant to your target audience or industry, mention them here.
  • Publications. Include a technical writer resume part where you list any articles, blogs, or documents you've authored or contributed to. This can demonstrate your style and subject matter expertise.
  • Professional Development. Mention workshops, seminars, or courses you've attended related to specific spheres. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends.
  • Achievements. If you've received awards or recognition for your skills, mention them in a dedicated section to highlight your accomplishments.

Technical writer cover letter

As you now know, a technical writer resume provides a concise summary of your work history, skills, education, and achievements relevant to the job. In a cover letter, you can elaborate on specific components mentioned briefly in the resume.

Technical Writer Cover Letter
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This is a personalized document that allows you to explain why you are interested in the position and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

How to write a cover letter for technical writer:

  • Header. Include your contact information and the date at the top. Add the employer’s data (if known) below yours.
  • Salutation. Address the document to the hiring manager or the person specified in the job posting.
  • Introduction. Start with a strong opening paragraph that states the position you are applying for and how you found out about the opportunity.
  • Body paragraphs. Discuss specific projects you’ve worked on. Provide examples of your ability to write clear and concise documentation.
  • Closing. Summarize why you are a strong candidate and express your enthusiasm.
  • Sign-off. End with a professional sign-off (e.g., Sincerely, Regards) followed by your full name.

Example of a cover letter for a technical writer:

  • Dear Mr. Taylor,

    I am writing to let you know that I am interested in the Technical Writer job at Olson Electronics. I have more than five years of experience as a technical writer and love writing clearly and concisely. I am sure I would be a great addition to your team.

    I have written user manuals, training materials, and technical documentation for a variety of software and hardware products throughout my career. Because I pay attention to detail, do a lot of research, and can understand complicated information, I have been able to write high-quality documents that are easy to read and follow.

    One of the things I'm most proud of is that I led a team of writers to completely change how my old company did its documentation. We cut the time it took to make user manuals in half and made the documents better overall by using new templates and rules. This got good reviews from both customers and teams within the company.

    I am good at technical writing and also know how to use a number of software programs, including Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, and Microsoft Office Suite. I learn new things quickly and easily get used to new tools and ways of doing things.

    Being organized, paying attention to details, and being able to communicate well are some of my best traits. I am proud of how well I can work alone and with people from different departments to reach the same goals. My previous bosses have praised my dedication and commitment to getting high-quality work done on time.

    I'm looking forward to bringing my skills and experience to Olson Electronics. Thanks for looking at my application. I'm excited to talk more about this chance.

    Sincerely,

    Linda Sparks

If you don't have history, focus on any extracurricular activities, volunteer positions, or internships that demonstrate your abilities and work ethic.

Even if they’re not directly related to the job, emphasize transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Entry-level technical writer cover letter example:

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I am very interested in applying for the entry-level Technical Writer job at Hitech Innovations Inc., which I saw on your website. I recently graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication. I'm excited to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your team.

During my time in school, I learned a lot about the rules and best practices for technical writing. I learned how to break down complicated technical ideas into clear, easy-to-understand content through classes in user documentation, software manuals, and online help systems.

While I was interning at Tech Solutions Plus, I got to work with experienced technical writers. I helped make user guides and other documents that show people how to use software. This way, I got to do research, organize content, and format documents all by myself. This internship helped me get better at working with people from different departments and getting high-quality documents done on time.

I know how to use technical writing tools like Adobe FrameMaker, Microsoft Word, and Visio. This helps me make and format documents quickly and easily. I will make sure that the documentation I write meets the needs of users while also following the company's style guides and brand standards.

I am excited about the chance to work for Hitech Innovations Inc. and help you achieve your goal of providing clients with new and creative solutions. I can't wait to bring my love of technology and my technical writing skills to your fast-paced team.

Thanks for looking at my application. I have included my resume for you to look over. I look forward to the chance to talk about how my skills fit with what Hitech Innovations Inc. needs.

Truly,

Heather Ward

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Proofreading

Don’t forget that your job involves creating clear, accurate, and well-structured documents. Your technical writer resume and cover letter serve as examples of your skills, attention to detail, and professionalism.

Proofreading tips for technical writer resume and cover letter:

  • Afterwards, set your documents aside for a few hours or even a day. Returning with fresh eyes can help you spot errors you might have missed initially.
  • Reading aloud can catch awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and other issues that may not be as obvious when reviewing silently.
  • Utilize spell check tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, or the built-in checker in your word processor. They can find grammar mistakes and suggest improvements.
  • Ensure that formatting, font style, and size are consistent throughout your cover letter and resume for technical writer. Inconsistencies can make them look unprofessional.
  • Have someone else review your application. Another person can provide a fresh perspective and see mistakes you’ve overlooked.
  • Check that your papers are visually appealing and easy to read. Use bullet points, headings, and ample white space.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting a strong resume for a technical writer position is crucial for showcasing your skills, experience, and achievements effectively.

Remember to tailor your application to each job posting, emphasizing relevant abilities that align with the specific requirements of the role.

By following the tips and technical writer resume examples provided in this guide, you can create a document that not only highlights your copywriting expertise but also grabs the attention of hiring managers in your desired industry.

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