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Manual writer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
1 min read
Quoted experts
Thomas Reynolds,
Dr. Wilma Davidson
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical manual writer skills. We ranked the top skills for manual writers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 55.2% of manual writer resumes contained technical manuals as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a manual writer needs to be successful in the workplace.

4 manual writer skills for your resume and career

1. Technical Manuals

Technical Manuals are informative pieces of writing, often including diagrams and images, which educate the person who is using it and assist them in learning how to control, build, fix, or otherwise handle the product or products which it speaks of. A technical manual is also known more commonly as a user manual and it typically comes with most products, especially items such as furniture, electronics, appliances, software, machinery, and even medication and medical devices.

Here's how manual writers use technical manuals:
  • Provided Logistical assistance during Technical Manual Review conferences which included; in-process evaluations, design reviews, and quarterly progress meetings.
  • Evaluated Engineering Change Proposal impact on technical manuals.

2. Aircraft Maintenance

Here's how manual writers use aircraft maintenance:
  • Implemented temporary aircraft maintenance alerts to maintenance & engineering personnel for items requiring specific action and/or compliance.
  • Reviewed manual revisions, and communicated findings to aircraft maintenance & engineering.

3. Technical Data

Technical data refers to both scientific and technical nature and information recorded and presented in any form other than financial and management information but includes manuals and instructional materials, as well as technical data formatted as a computer database.

Here's how manual writers use technical data:
  • Directed and monitored technical data development from the program level.
  • Prepared technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required publications.

4. Adobe Indesign

Here's how manual writers use adobe indesign:
  • Design all guides with a modern and consistent look using Adobe InDesign, Apple Pages, etc.
  • Designed publication layout materials, including articles, graphics, pictures and blurbs using Adobe InDesign and Illustrator.
top-skills

What skills help Manual Writers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What manual writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Thomas ReynoldsThomas Reynolds LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, University of Minnesota

Technical writing and communication can span many fields. However, there are specific fields that are especially open to technical communication, such as information technology and computer software (technical documentation, for example), as well as medical and health fields. Many of our graduates work for companies that involve computer technology, such as software companies and content management for web consulting firms. In addition, many of our graduates work in biomedical companies that require technical and global documentation of medical devices.

I can't say that I know of a sure bet, but places that deal with medical technology, healthcare, and related fields are probably going to need people well trained to communicate specialized knowledge to a variety of audiences and in a variety of ways. Telemedicine seems to have gained a more permanent stronghold in the healthcare system, and I imagine that the various communication channels involved in this new way of practicing medicine will open opportunities for well-trained graduates such as ours who are willing to be pioneers in this area.

What type of skills will young manual writers need?

Dr. Wilma DavidsonDr. Wilma Davidson LinkedIn profile

Instructor, University of South Florida

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), there are 20 skills listed to increase their value in the workplace. Yearly, NACE surveys employers and ranks these skills and, according to their latest survey, the top five skills new graduates should possess are the following:
Problem-solving
Ability to work on a team
Strong work ethic
Analytic/quantitative skill
Written communication skills

For several decades, the ability to write well has appeared near the top of NACE's list of skills valued by employees. And, I suspect, it will remain among the top for decades to come. Writing, so your ideas and plans are understandable and actionable, is the secret sauce of your workplace success. No matter how good your idea is, if you cannot communicate it easily to another, you won't receive the attention and accolades you deserve.

List of manual writer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a manual writer resume and required skills for a manual writer to have include:

  • Technical Manuals
  • Aircraft Maintenance
  • Technical Data
  • Adobe Indesign

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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