Post job
zippia ai icon

Automatically apply for jobs with Zippia

Upload your resume to get started.

Publication specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted experts
Jamie Bowen Ph.D.,
Jamie Bowen Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical publication specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for publication specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.6% of publication specialist resumes contained technical publications as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a publication specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 publication specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Technical Publications

Here's how publication specialists use technical publications:
  • Served as technical publications specialist for the Motor Information System division that provides aftermarket automotive manuals to the industry.
  • Worked closely with Technical Writing staff in the creation of technical publications for project management related activities.

2. PowerPoint

Here's how publication specialists use powerpoint:
  • Employed Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Boeing/DoD TPAS and XY-Vision publications authoring systems.
  • Created, edited and revised PowerPoint presentations, curriculum and manuals used in training programs.

3. 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 publication specialists use technical manuals:
  • Coordinate technical manual editing composition, production, and delivery in accordance with applicable specifications, standards, and other requirements.
  • Researched, designed, and developed technical manuals and training materials for company-wide dissemination.

4. Adobe Illustrator

Here's how publication specialists use adobe illustrator:
  • Appointed to create OSD (on-screen display) illustrations for new products and to train team members in Adobe Illustrator.
  • Used graphic programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photo Shop and Quark.

5. Desktop

The term desktop commonly refers to the desktop computer also called a personal computer. A PC is named after a desktop as it is placed on or under the desk. A desktop computer consists of different accessories such as CPU, monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, etc. The desktop also refers to the graphical user interface that appears on a computer, displaying all the icons on the monitor screen.

Here's how publication specialists use desktop:
  • Write and/or report on and publish copy for department/school/ University publications using appropriate desktop publishing methods.
  • Designed and desktop published a variety of publications including the Semi-Annual Report to Congress and the Journal of Public Inquiry.

6. Graphic Design

Graphic design is the art of making visual content to communicate messages. Designers apply different page layout methods and visual hierarchy by using letters and pictures to meet the need of end-users. Most companies use graphic design to sell their product or services and to convey complicated information by using infographics.

Here's how publication specialists use graphic design:
  • Aided in marketing, graphic design and public relations for one of the largest records management firms in North America.
  • Served as editor, graphic designer and major contributor for employee, physician, EMS and community newsletters.

Choose from 10+ customizable publication specialist resume templates

Build a professional publication specialist resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your publication specialist resume.

7. Subject Matter Experts

Here's how publication specialists use subject matter experts:
  • Work with outside regulatory subject matter experts and consultants to develop and execute product hazard communications and registration plans.
  • Collaborated with subject matter experts in providing content, creating and coordinating presentations and educational materials that supported corporate compensation function.

8. Training Materials

Here's how publication specialists use training materials:
  • Provided configuration management of training materials
  • Provided logistical support and training materials for the NISC 1st Earned Value Management (EVM) training for the FAA managers.

9. Adobe Creative Suite

Here's how publication specialists use adobe creative suite:
  • Composed publications using Adobe Creative Suite Built databases & forms using Microsoft Access Developed & updated websites using HTML & CSS
  • Completed rapid-turnaround audio, visual and animation content for web deployment using the Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Studio.

10. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how publication specialists use dod:
  • Created dynamic technical slideshows and forms associated with large-scale national Government and DoD conferences.

11. Press Releases

Here's how publication specialists use press releases:
  • Project manager and editor on marketing materials including 74-page annual alumni magazine, e-newsletters, marketing materials, and press releases.
  • Penned numerous newspaper articles, advertisements and press releases in an effort to promote usage of on-base facilities and services.

12. Proofreading

Here's how publication specialists use proofreading:
  • Assisted editorial supervisor in the proofreading, design and production of educational publications.
  • Earned a Professional Sequence Certificate in Editing, and a Certificate in Proofreading.

13. BPA

Here's how publication specialists use bpa:
  • Created revenue forecasts of surplus sales used in BPA's Rate Analysis Model.

14. FrameMaker

Here's how publication specialists use framemaker:
  • Created new manuals for company departments in Adobe FrameMaker, following company and departmental procedures.
  • Consulted with documentation staff in developing localized FrameMaker templates.

15. Word Processing

Here's how publication specialists use word processing:
  • Created and revised technical drawings for documents, briefings, and proposals; performed layouts and paste-up; word processing.
  • Coordinated huge production efforts through several graphics and word processing teams.
top-skills

What skills help Publication Specialists find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on publication specialist resumes?

Jamie Bowen Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Austin Peay State University

Various skills are important for a Communication Specialist. You want them to have clear writing skills and the ability to communicate in both large and small groups. In this day and age, if someone has intercultural communication training, that can stand out because the client pool and the workplace is becoming more diverse in their nature. I would also say any technical skills really stand out, such as experience in Adobe Suite and video/photography skills.

What soft skills should all publication specialists possess?

Jamie Bowen Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Austin Peay State University

It is important to have a diverse resume, so having experience working with or in the media is important. Additionally, having public relations abilities or experience can help land that person the job of their dreams.

What hard/technical skills are most important for publication specialists?

Jamie Bowen Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Austin Peay State University

Any experience working with the Adobe Suite can go leaps and bounds in landing someone a job as a Communication Specialist. However, knowing how to use a camera to take pictures and video and then edit the footage can set them apart from the rest of the pack.

What publication specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Annemarie FranczykAnnemarie Franczyk LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Buffalo State College

No one location is better than the rest. The wider the graduates cast their nets, the luckier they will be in landing a job.

What type of skills will young publication specialists need?

Gheni Platenburg Ph.D.Gheni Platenburg Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor, Auburn University

To prepare for tomorrow's jobs, students need a solid background in fundamental journalism techniques and the technical skills of today. This is a multimedia journalism industry, meaning journalists need to possess the ability to tell stories across multiple platforms. There is no longer such a thing as a journalist who only broadcasts work or writes stories for print. It's OK to have specialty areas, but all new graduates need to have writing, video, audio, and graphics skills.

Additionally, mobile journalism skills will also be essential. Before and after the coronavirus pandemic's start, the ability to produce quality work from outside of the newsroom remains a coveted job skill. I foresee the industry moving more into this direction as we advance. Therefore, students should take the opportunities now to perfect those skills.

List of publication specialist skills to add to your resume

Publication specialist skills

The most important skills for a publication specialist resume and required skills for a publication specialist to have include:

  • Technical Publications
  • PowerPoint
  • Technical Manuals
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Desktop
  • Graphic Design
  • Subject Matter Experts
  • Training Materials
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • DOD
  • Press Releases
  • Proofreading
  • BPA
  • FrameMaker
  • Word Processing
  • User Guides
  • SharePoint
  • DOE
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Fact Sheets
  • Web Site
  • Parts List
  • HTML
  • PDF
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Promotional Materials
  • XML
  • Public Involvement
  • Medicaid
  • Adobe Indesign
  • ISO
  • FDA
  • Maintenance Manuals
  • Hard Copy
  • Content Management System
  • Media Management
  • FAA
  • User Manuals
  • CSS
  • NASA
  • RFP
  • Print Materials
  • Facebook
  • Windows
  • Medicare
  • HR

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.

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs