9 Point Checklist - Should You be a Technical Writer?

[@sabrinafrew9463]

This helps a lot. I've been trying to find my path in life. I love writing and I want a career that I will love.

[@khadar3467]

Sabrina Frew same

[@TechWrite]

Sabrina, thanks for your response. Wish you good luck in your career choice. Best regards, Ugur

[@TechWrite]

Technical writing does not necessarily need to be hi-tech. I have friends working as tech writers at a patio and garden furniture company.

[@kosterix123]

@Vinu's Vlog me neither. But what do you know about it?

[@cassieberyl3469]

Same!

[@sittingturtleduck]

I’ve always loved writing but didn’t know of technical writing until today. I’m a perfectionist who obsesses over details. Maybe this is a perfect career for me!

[@TechWrite]

A good technical writer is a perfectionist indeed! It's a great personal trait for a tech writer.

[@MarshaMinus100]

I've been technical writing at my job and never knew this was a thing or its own career. One of the highlights of my work. I answered all the questions "correctly". Thank you for this video.

[@kosterix123]

Likewise. I finally found the ikigai to go for.

[@P8860]

Thank you. I remember winning an essay contest in middle school and won Harlem Globe Trotter tickets. I haven't been able to keep a job for more than a year and a half after since I left the military. I've been chewed up and spit out left to bleed. I think writing is my next journey.

[@TechWrite]

Joe, you should try it. Without trying, you'll never know. It took me decades to decide that writing was my thing to do. Good luck to you sir!

[@tammipacker1782]

You have a story to tell; share it!

[@mad4nertz]

Clearly I was born to be a technical writer. I graduated with an unfocused BA almost 20 years ago. I've wanted to write books since I learned to write at age 5. I have also been perpetually discovering my language and technical abilities throughout my entire life. I've had mentors and professors suggest I do something with my writing for my entire adulthood, including one in my early 20s who specifically recommended that I pursue technical writing. My nine answers here are almost all "YES!!!" in capital letters with too many exclamation points. (I do like to be in the outdoors.) Thanks for the video, sir!

[@okaminess]

Same. I love learning and decided to learn C++ this year and I've never been technical at all. I'd only been a user of it.

[@owllofi8138]

same! i love writing and reading books. but the problem is that my parents want me to become a doctor :(

[@stevepotts6113]

@@owllofi8138 Do what you love! You won't be successful or happy following someone else's dream for you!

[@LanieLouK]

I'm majoring in communications and minoring in English. I answered correctly on all the questions. I've been interested in technical writing since high school but I let people talk me out of it. I love writing and I have a great job right now. I'm thinking more of freelance technical writing.

[@ericagordon1903]

For me, its the exact opposite haha. I major in writing and minor in communications

[@karolreyes2753]

Thanks so much for clearing my path!!!!

[@okaminess]

I'm taking a Technical Writing course at Bellevue College. Not bad. I'm combining it with my background in English teaching and my English degree.

[@bhagwansmusicalmelodies7112]

Thank you so much for this clear explanation and guidance....

[@TechWrite]

You're most welcome

[@Reddogg387]

I’m 34 years old with ten years of investigation report writing. I don’t have IT knowledge but am looking to do a coding boot camp and become proficient at a few coding languages. I want to transition into technical writing. I appreciate you posting this and look forward to your other videos. Side note: when leaving comments on technical writing videos, I’m always extra concerned about a typo 😆

[@TechWrite]

I was a reporter for a daily newspaper as well before switching to technical writing. You should do well in tech writing especially if you know some programming. Software industry always needs tech writers (even though tech writers are employed in dozens of other sectors as well). Search my web site TCC6.com for free tech writing tips and tutorials. I wish you well.

[@ViKash-ke7qj]

WOW!! Really thank you for a simple yet inspiring video. It cleared a clutter in my mind.

[@TechWrite]

Glad to hear that! Best regards.

[@jirden]

This sounds like the PERFECT job for me!

[@sakeenahhart113]

Very informative. Thank you so much.

[@MaskedSarcasm]

Darn. Checked 8 out of 9. I can work and communicate with people just fine, but it's not something I'd say I enjoy. The rest are pretty spot on though.

[@annoyingprecision2487]

Thank you!! This is by far the best channel on technical writing.

[@TechWrite]

You're very welcome! Glad you think so. Appreciate it.

[@yashwanthramesh6120]

This really helped me for my interview. Thanks a lot Sir.

[@TechWrite]

All the best!

[@liftlaughlipstick1677]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@TechWrite]

My pleasure!

[@stardvl]

thank you for this. i wanted to go into journalism but have decided the job might not be as promising in the future and also the job outlook is declining for journalists. i want to still write as a career since ive always loved writing & all that, so im exploring my options. i was wondering if technical writers are always very science and math based ? is it very important to minor in something specific ? and also is it very hard to get a job technical writing starting out ? (obviously every job can be hard, i just want to make sure its not nearly impossible). thank you very much!

[@TechWrite]

Miah, I think you've made the better choice. I agree that it's getting harder to make a living in this world as a journalist whereas the demand for tech writers is increasing. Please search for "jobs" at my web site for more job-finding ideas www.technicalcommunicationcenter.com/?s=jobs Also check out my job-finding book on Amazon www.amazon.com/How-Find-Job-Nonfiction-Writer/dp/B08F6Y56DJ/ref=sr_1_15 If I were entering the tech writing field today I would learn not math or science in general but as many programming languages as I could. Tech writers in the software industry who know programming have better chances for success. However, not all tech writers are in the hi-tech or software sector. Just this morning I saw an ad: a floor covering company in Virginia is looking for a tech writer. I had friends who worked as tech writers for a company that manufactured patio furniture. The opportunities are everywhere. Good luck!

[@stardvl]

@@TechWrite thank you!

[@rosegold5720]

hi! currently studying english (specifically creative writing) and plan to get a master's in information. although i planned on going into librarianship, i'm really not sold on it and don't know what to do. this check list helped a lot, considering i really like writing (and the point about needing to always be accurate felt really pointed at me haha) as well as the more financial aspects i want (steady income and benefits). to put it simply, this video really helped though i'm still not sure if i'm cut out to be a technical writer.

[@TechWrite]

Rose, give yourself some time before you make your final decision. You can start tech writing part-time on the side with a remote tele-commuting assignment and see how you feel about it.

[@AliciaRice-v3t]

one class with nine tips each thanks 💚💘💖

[@Sarahbow1991]

Great help - to the point and effective. Thank you!

[@TechWrite]

Carter, thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it.

[@Mayuri889]

Hello, I have worked as a technical writer for 6 years in creating and editing different types of manuals (user, repair, installation, maintenance) in aerospace and SOP s too. I want to also learn software technical writing. I have never used html/xml is is easy to lear that? What advice would you give me? How should I go about it?

[@TechWrite]

Mayuri, HTML/XML is not that hard to learn but you don't really need to learn them from scratch. Most modern text editors come with HTML and XML "engines" already built into them. For example, if you are using FrameMaker it has a great XML engine in it, but it's called a "Structured Authoring" module which generates its own XML code automatically. So if I were you, I'd learn an advanced tech writing editor like FrameMaker or Madcap Flare. They are perfect for all kinds of software tech writing.

[@urbarascott9047]

I love writing but have never done technical writing so this c aught my eye. I want my work to be something I love and provides decent income !

[@johnedwards5137]

This actually fits a lot of stuff I was looking for. Though instead of byline, I think you should relabel it as Famous or Widely Known. I just wanna write, I do like reading comments people have about my work(especially the ones that point out the flaws in my writing), but I rather they judge the work on its own and not because of my name.

[@chrisogle001]

Thank you for this content. Interesting and I look forward to watching your other videos!

[@johnzebond7718]

This was excellent. Thank you, Sir.

[@namratamahananda4578]

Could you help me by answering "What course should I take to go to this industry?" And other required steps? I am pursuing my graduation right now and I'm from India

[@TechWrite]

Search my web site tcc6.com where there are many articles answering your question.

[@NKVERMA-kd8vx]

Thanks for the great video! Hi! I am in the field of tech content writing for now and wanna switch to core tech writing like in the software documentation field. So, I have a couple of related questions, please. 1. Regarding Git and GitHub - Do tech writers need to work only with GitHub for writing documentation or does s/she need to know basic Git, too? Is Git also required for documentation writers for some basic functions? Or, is Git optional or even not required to learn and work with for this purpose? 2. Do beginners need to learn API documentation, too, to enhance their usability and maximize the chances of getting hired. Or is API documentation something to be learned only after having some experience in software documentation? 3. Please also tell me if a DITA XML author tool is good to learn for this purpose. How does it relate to GitHub? Thanks in advance for your valuable insight.

[@TechWrite]

Git is not required but it's a matter of office culture. If all the develoopers are using Git or GitHUb you'll be forced to use it as well. Beginners do not need to learn API documentation. Try Oxygen and FrameMaker for DITA XML tool. They are both good.

[@NKVERMA-kd8vx]

@@TechWrite thank you for your insight.

[@Nicckkeerroo]

helped me with class project thanks!! I'll cite.

[@TechWrite]

Glad to hear that. Best regards.

[@amacy2335]

Hi, thanks for the video. I got 6 correct answers in your list. My flaw is I am not as patient with details as you say. I have 7 years experience as a CAD draftsman. I like that line if work, I like the illustrations. My question to you is. I have had a hard time with spelling all my life, I rely of spell check alot even when I am drafting large sets of engineered drawings. Will this hinder me as a technical writer?

[@TechWrite]

Not necessarily. As long as you proofread your documents with a spellchecker that should not be an obstacle.

[@josephcampo143]

Wow, this seems woefully short on the key characteristics we look for in tech writers. You need to love to learn. The best tech writers are also very curious people. You also need to be very flexible because you need to learn and become an expert in what you are documenting, but then switch to another area and restart your learning. The author is right about being able to work as a team, which is also important. You need to have super time mgt skills too because this field is very demanding. This feedback is based on my 20+ years in the field as a writer and manager.

[@TechWrite]

Joseph, thank you for your feedback. I agree that tech writers need to love to learn new things and be curious about the world around them.

[@Taradays]

Applying for a job in it now and put "forever learning" as one of my skills on my resume.

[@heather6910]

I’ve been working as a medical laboratory scientist for many years, and I’m considering technical writing as a career change. What is the best way to break into this field? (I don’t mind taking a few courses, but I’m not interested in pursuing any more degrees!)

[@TechWrite]

I've written quite a bit on this topic. Please see this link: www.technicalcommunicationcenter.com/?s=jobs Take good care.

[@codyfrasier2897]

Heather, did you ever end up pursuing this? I am a medical laboratory scientist looking into the same thing.

[@breezyFbaby88xx]

@@codyfrasier2897 I just started thinking about this today bc I was considering getting my masters in English, but I found a technical writing graduate certificate that is way less invasive. I have a business admin degree, but I think I'm going to go for this. I need a career change badly and I think some classes under my belt will help me to better get my foot in the door.

[@valeriateran3937]

Helped me a lot.

[@TechWrite]

Glad you liked it.

[@jja7038]

What does he mean by “language”?

[@RunOs3]

This was a very nice video; thank you for making it. Now, what kind of college degree should a person have to be a technical writer? I have a degree that is not in anything related to writing or communications and I wanted to know if I can still become a technical writer? What's your advise?

[@TechWrite]

I had a Sociology degree, not a technical writing degree, and still did pretty well in tech writing. If you have any social science, journalism, or writing (English) background and you love to learn technical systems and describe how they work, you'd have what it takes to become a good technical writer. Veterans and soldiers make good tech writers too since they are used to reading and writing SOPs and instructional manuals. Having said that, if you have the time and money, a tech writing degree from a good college would definitely be an advantage in finding a job. No doubt about that.

[@RiFit]

Computer science is what I'm pursuing. I am currently looking for jobs in this field and most of them preferred a computer science degree

[@RiFit]

@@TechWrite also, I'm so glad you said that about military. I am currently serving and thought this profession was perfect because I have already been doing this for 5 years!

[@RunOs3]

What do you mean you are pursuing computer science? Do you mean you pursuing a degree in Computer Science? There a lot of jobs out there that want you to have a degree in computer science because they want someone who knows a lot of math. @@RiFit

[@stevetucker5851]

I’m not very tech-savvy, but I’ve always excelled at writing. I have a knack for using correct spelling and constructing grammatically correct sentences, and it gives me a sense of satisfaction when I do so. Do you think I would enjoy this career?

[@TechWrite]

Steve, if you don't like technology too much I'd recommend you try copywriting.

[@stevetucker5851]

Technical & Business Writing Thanks for the advice. :)

[@annah.1569]

I see a lot of Technical Writer jobs but never applied to any because I have no idea what it all consists of. I have a BA in Asian Studies with a Creative Writing Minor. Sometime next year, my debut Horror novella will be published. However, that's not giving me a paycheck right now because I'm unemployed with an $80K student loan debt.

[@TechWrite]

Anna, I hear you. I wish you good luck with your creative writing but as you said, it's tough to make money selling fiction. On the other hand, there is always a good market demand for technical writers and it pays pretty good. You may want to consider shifting to tech writing to finance your fiction writing. Did you know that Kurt Vonnegut and Amy Tan were once technical writers? Good luck!

[@annah.1569]

@@TechWrite actually, no I didn't know about Kurt Vonnegut and Amy Tan being Technical Writers. This is very enlightening. The biggest challenge for me right now is trying to get passed women working in HR. For the last nearly 20 years, they have been those gatekeepers wanting to minimize and discredit my work experience for jobs, which is probably a major reason why adults my age were forced to become self-employed, if not unemployed. Do you have any suggestions for the types of companies I should pursue in regards to Technical Writing? Anyway, thanks!

[@TechWrite]

@@annah.1569 Have you tried women-owned small businesses (less than 500 employees)?

[@annah.1569]

@@TechWrite ~ 10 years ago, I did but their business collapsed before I could start working on the job. Generally speaking, I usually have to deal with women setting me up because they want me fired for actually doing my job. Working with men is no problem for me whether the boss, co-workers, and customers are men. It's usually a catty, jealous, and insecure woman who is the problem.

[@Talkin_Sht]

Thanx for the tips.

[@tidyminddoodles]

Very interesting is there a job like technical writing but instead of focusing on technology it focuses on mental health of other topics?

[@TechWrite]

Yes definitely. You can for example write a user guide to fight depression or how to be happy. That would be technical writing too since it would describe how to reach a goal step by step. Tech writing does not have to be only about software and hardware. I have tech writer friends who write manuals on how to install patio furniture.

[@TechWrite]

Check this out: www.everydayhealth.com/depression/a-step-by-step-guide-to-depression-recovery.aspx

[@TechWrite]

You can write an ebook describing how to accomplish any task step-by-step and then sell it on Amazon Kindle. The possibilities are infinite for a technical writer.

[@tidyminddoodles]

Very interesting if I am honest with myself based on your quiz I don't think I have the skill set for this job I make self care doodles and even tried making KZbin videos but the written word is not my strength I think I will check out that link you sent me x

[@dorianvey6675]

I love language, I know HTML/CSS/Javascript programming languages, and spent time as a Korean linguist in the military. I would LOVE to be a technical writer, BUT...... Do you need a degree? That is always the disqualifier. :(

[@TechWrite]

You don't need a degree to become a technical writer. It all depends on the company or client.

[@wackolantern4786]

thank you

[@TechWrite]

You're welcome

[@handiwipe477]

I'm a little confused about the 3rd checkpoint in this video. Just from all my research, I read that technical writing is mostly a solitary job and you spend a lot of time by yourself behind the computer. Does anyone else have thoughts on this? Otherwise, a lot of helpful information here!

[@TechWrite]

Andrew, yes you do spend a lot of time in front of your computer while creating the document itself but you also have to be in touch with SMEs, testers, managers etc. from all levels of the software project. In that sense tech writing is as social an enterprise as it's a solitary one. It's perhaps similar to pro cycling -- yes, you are all alone on your bicycle but then there is a whole team supporting you along the way. Best regards.

[@handiwipe477]

@@TechWrite Thank you for your response :)

[@amaljaradat3410]

I think I am good to be a technical writer cause I got them all right

[@ragima7880]

Thanks a lot

[@WeShareTheSameAffliction]

Do you need a degree to become a technical writer?

[@TechWrite]

Not necessarily. Depends on the company and depends on the project or position. Depends on your skill set. But if you have a masters in tech communication from a prestigious university it of course does not hurt. I did not have a tech writing degree when I became a tech writer back in 1998.

[@sfbluestar]

These days with remote working, you can be fishing and doing technical writing in between bites.

[@TechWrite]

Yes but finding a continuous stream of gigs is the problem. Someone said "I charge $1,000 an hour but the problem is I find work for only one hour a year!"

[@rajyadav-hk2ft]

Good one

[@TechWrite]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ragima7880]

Thanks a lot...

[@TechWrite]

Most welcome!