Resume Writing Tips for Technical Author

Introduction

The role of a technical author involves translating complicated technical concepts into user-friendly documentation, manuals, guides, and online help resources. Given this, a resume for a technical author should reflect not only writing proficiency but also technical acumen, attention to detail, and an understanding of the tools and workflows used in the industry. In today’s technology-driven hiring landscape, a strong resume is essential for catching the attention of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters alike. By focusing on key areas such as resume summaries, skills, achievements, and metrics, you can substantially improve your chances of securing interviews and advancing your career.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch — a brief, impactful paragraph that hooks the recruiter within the first few seconds. For a technical author, your summary should emphasize your writing expertise, technical knowledge, and ability to create clear, user-centric content. Highlight years of experience, proficiency with industry tools, and any specialized domains (e.g., software, engineering, healthcare).

Example: “Experienced technical author with over 7 years specializing in software documentation and API guides. Adept at simplifying complex technical content for diverse audiences using tools like MadCap Flare and Adobe FrameMaker. Proven track record of delivering high-quality manuals that reduce customer support queries by 25%.”

2. Key Skills

Employers and ATS algorithms look for specific skills when evaluating resumes. Technical authors should include a mix of writing proficiency, technical expertise, and software knowledge. Ensure your skills section covers all relevant competencies, ideally tailored to the job description.

• Technical Writing
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• API Documentation
• Information Architecture
• XML / DITA
• MadCap Flare
• Adobe FrameMaker
• HTML / CSS
• Graphic Design (e.g., Snagit, Adobe Illustrator)
• Version Control (Git, SVN)
• Agile Methodologies
• Audience Analysis

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

It’s crucial to distinguish between job responsibilities and achievements on your resume. Responsibilities describe what you were supposed to do, but achievements show how well you performed those tasks. Quantified achievements demonstrate your impact and can set you apart.

Example bullet point that highlights achievement vs. responsibility: “Developed comprehensive API documentation, reducing developer onboarding time by 30%, compared to merely stating ‘created API documentation.’”

4. Tailor to Job

One of the most effective tips to get shortlisted is to tailor your resume for each job application. Analyze the job description carefully — identify keywords and required skills — and incorporate those naturally throughout your resume, especially in the summary, skills, and experience sections. This customization increases ATS compatibility and resonates with recruiters looking for specific qualifications.

5. Tools

• MadCap Flare
• Adobe FrameMaker
• Microsoft Word
• Confluence
• JIRA
• Snagit
• RoboHelp
• Git / SVN
• DITA XML Editors
• Markdown

6. Metrics

• Reduced customer support tickets by X% through improved documentation
• Shortened documentation development cycle from X weeks to Y weeks
• Improved user satisfaction ratings by X points in post-release surveys
• Managed documentation library of over X pages/modules
• Increased documentation accessibility by implementing multi-language support, resulting in X% wider audience reach

7. Education

• Bachelor of Arts in English, Technical Communication, or related field
• Certifications like Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC), or courses in UX writing, Agile documentation, or XML/DITA

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional font such as Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica at 10-12 pt size
• Keep consistent margin (around 0.5-1 inch) and white space for readability
• Use bold and italics sparingly to emphasize important sections
• Ensure bullet points are aligned and concise
• Export in PDF format for submissions but keep an editable copy optimized for ATS in Word or plain text

9. Concise

Avoid lengthy paragraphs or over-explaining tasks. Bullet points should be brief but meaningful, focusing on results and skills. Ideally, keep your resume to two pages maximum, focusing on recent and relevant experience.

10. Bonus

• Include links to an online portfolio or samples of your technical writing to demonstrate your style and versatility
• Incorporate leadership or collaborative experience, such as mentoring junior writers or leading cross-functional documentation projects

Examples

• “Led a documentation overhaul project that consolidated 5 disparate manuals into a single unified guide, improving user navigation and decreasing support calls by 15%.”
• “Authored and maintained over 100 API endpoint documents, increasing developer adoption by 40% through clarity and thoroughness.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, a technical author’s resume must do more than list tasks—it should vividly demonstrate your impact, leadership, and analytical strengths. Emphasizing measurable achievements, technical and writing proficiency, and your ability to work collaboratively ensures that your resume resonates with both ATS software and human readers. By presenting your skills and successes with clarity and focus, you set yourself on a path to unlocking exciting career opportunities in technical communication.