You Just Might Be a Technical Writer by Bryan S. Adar

Let's look at how you can tell if you're already a technical writer. Or if you want to become a technical writer.

The first question, of course, has to be: What is a technical writer? There's no universal definition that covers every situation, but generally speaking a technical writer - or technical communicator - is someone who:

- has the ability to assimilate and convey technical material in a concise, effective manner

- designs, creates, maintains, and updates technical documentation

A technical writer is a professional writer who designs, creates, maintains, and updates technical documentation-including online help, user guides, white papers, design specifications, and other documents. The technical writer's primary responsibility is to gather information and produce documentation tailored to a particular audience.

So, how do you know if you're already a technical writer? Or want to become one? If your response to these questions is either, "Yes, I do that now," or "I'd like to learn how to do that," there's a good chance that you're already a tech writer or should seriously think about becoming one.

The Technical Writer Identification Test

1. Do you like to do research and learn about "stuff?"

When you look for one piece of information, do you often find yourself going off on side trips to find out about other things because you like to know things just for the sake of knowing?

2. Do you work well both alone and as part of a team?

Are you comfortable working on your own, being your own boss, and being responsible for when you work and how? But when necessary, can you work as a productive member of a team?

3. Do you have good analytical skills?

Can you organize information coherently, analyze situations, and propose solutions?

4. Do you have good people skills?

Are you comfortable talking to people, asking questions and evaluating their responses?

5. Do you have basic computer skills?

Are you proficient in word processing, creating spread sheets, and building PowerPoint® presentations?

6. Do you have a basic understanding of technology?

Are you either generally aware of how an internal combustion engine, a nuclear reactor, a light bulb, a computer program, or a jet plane works - or would like to find out?

7. Do you have good language skills?

You don't need a master's degree in English. But you should know how to construct clear, direct sentences.

8. Do people like your travel directions because they're clear and actually get them where they want to go?

9. Do you often write business documentation?

Does your current work involve any of the following:

- Process or equipment instructions

- Cost and schedule estimating

- Project administration documentation

- Writing standards and procedures

- Information management

- Writing design documents that describe the workings of a system

- Creating control documents that communicate project standards

10. Do you want to move into a new and exciting position in a profession with substantial rewards and rapidly growing opportunities?

How about it? Do these questions describe who you are now or who you'd like to become? The field of technical writing is growing and needs writers who can turn raw data into simple to read documentation.

Being a tech writer is a great job. Go interesting places, meet really smart people, learn new things and make really good money. Which is why it’s such a rapidly growing profession. The down side, though, is that there are people who get into the business without knowing as much about it as they should.

If you want to become a technical writer try out our free weekly exercises. They are easy and fun to do. You'll also learn common tech writing terms and current industry trends. Click the link below to check out these exercises:

http://www.techwritertoolkit.com/exercises.html

About the Author

Bryan S. Adar is a successful technical writer and instructional designer. Bryan has lived in the United States for 8 years. Prior to that he lived in India where he was born and raised.

In these past 8 years he’s accomplished a lot. He graduated from school, learned technical writing and worked for companies like Shell, Halliburton, Continental Airlines and British Petroleum. Over these years he’s written dozens of technical manuals, repor