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Senior technical writer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Thomas Reynolds,

Dr. Christina Fisanick

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical senior technical writer skills. We ranked the top skills for senior technical writers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.3% of senior technical writer resumes contained technical documentation as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a senior technical writer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 senior technical writer skills for your resume and career

1. Technical Documentation

Technical documentation means any documentation that gives a functional, architectural, and handling description of a technical product or a product in use or development.

Here's how senior technical writers use technical documentation:

Create the new Technical Publications Style Manual outlining precise company procedures for maintaining consistency, accuracy and professionalism throughout technical documentation.
Analyzed technical documentation to determine completion and consistency throughout the related documentation for complete Software Development Life Cycles (SDLC).

2. Subject Matter Experts

Here's how senior technical writers use subject matter experts:

Develop Standard Operating Procedures/Standard Work Instruction for reimbursement and pharmacy daily operations through collaboration with Upper Management and Subject Matter Experts.
Worked closely with subject matter experts and management to ensure documentation presented the step-by-step instructions necessary to resolve potential fraud cases.

3. API

Here's how senior technical writers use api:

Developed client-specific developer documentation including deployment guides, Application Programming Interface (API) implementation guides, and technical architecture manuals.
Authored online help and API documentation for this exciting web-based video encoding software company.

4. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how senior technical writers use java:

Developed all required documentation, including online Java help.
Participated in early prototyping of Java Help System.

5. PowerPoint

Here's how senior technical writers use powerpoint:

Created, edited, and updated presentation materials and video materials to support Marketing activities: PowerPoint presentations and video demonstrations.
Created marketing-material set projecting cohesive corporate image, comprising brochures, press releases, and PowerPoint marketing presentations.

6. XML

XML is a medium for storing and transporting data that is independent of software and hardware. XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. XML, like HTML, is a markup language that was created to store and transport data. It was created with the intention of being self-descriptive. There are no predefined tags in the XML language. Another feature is that XML is extensible.

Here's how senior technical writers use xml:

Spearheaded and developed an online documentation system utilizing XML designed to replace paper manuals with on the fly documentation generation.
Developed and delivered a presentation about transaction processing, object-oriented technology, Enterprise JavaBeans, and XML.

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7. User Guides

A user guide or manual is proposed to assist people in using a certain mechanical system. Usually scripted by a technical writer, it can also be written by project managers, programmers, product managers, or other technical staff, especially in a small company. User guides are mostly written for computer hardware, computer software, electronic goods but they can be written for almost any product. Most user guides are written in more than one language and contain associated images to enable users to understand better.

Here's how senior technical writers use user guides:

Created customer service user guides and training manuals, new company regulatory policies and documentation, and related software documentation.
Developed user guides, installation, maintenance manuals, and marketing collateral for a manufacturer of industrial electrical controls.

8. SMEs

Here's how senior technical writers use smes:

Researched application functionality, release delivery requirements, and interviewed SMEs to determine process flows and technical content.
Interfaced with software development and marketing department SMEs to define user requirements and program operation.

9. HTML

Here's how senior technical writers use html:

See http://accelrys.com/products/databases/database-access/discovery-gate.html and https://www.discoverygate.com/webservice_docs/1.2
Developed context sensitive HTML Help file for circuit simulation product designed for the electronic design automation industry.

10. SharePoint

Here's how senior technical writers use sharepoint:

Developed collaborative content strategy based on internal and external customer requirements to create Intranet sites and multiple department libraries using SharePoint.
Managed multiple SharePoint sites for active documentation projects and resulting archives to meet customer version control and compliance requirements.

11. Visio

Visio or Microsoft Visio is computer software that allows users to create and draw vector graphics according to their requirements. The program is used to draw flowcharts, org charts, data flow diagrams, process flow diagrams, and modeling diagrams. Visio is also used to draw architectural designs including; building and floor plans, and 3D geographical maps.

Here's how senior technical writers use visio:

Created diagrams using VISIO for engineering documentation that improved the quality and greatly reduced the time required to create documentation.
Bill Calvert, VP Documentation for clinical testing services in MS WORD, VISIO, Adobe Acrobat 4.0.

12. Confluence

Here's how senior technical writers use confluence:

Assigned as administrator for the Confluence and JIRA applications used for internal and external documentation, communications and project management.
Developed Confluence WIKI presence and migrated existing engineering and operations run of business documentation to collaborative environment.

13. User Manuals

Here's how senior technical writers use user manuals:

Created development plans/schedules for product documentation including product manuals, user manuals, quick reference guides, and other required documentation.
Developed communications program including software user manuals, installation instructions, and technical support documentation for telecommunication cost management software.

14. Jira

Here's how senior technical writers use jira:

Provided proficiency with product life cycle management and project management software including JIRA and Microsoft SharePoint Server.
Collaborated to implement best practices documentation methodology for usage with JIRA.

15. Technical Publications

Here's how senior technical writers use technical publications:

Developed documentation specifications and templates that presented a uniform look for Intel technical publications and provided a standard identity for company.
Recognized ability to develop and maintain product technical publications using technical expertise, problem solving aptitude and strong communication skills.

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What skills help Senior Technical Writers find jobs?

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

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

Thomas Reynolds

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 senior technical writers need?

Dr. Christina Fisanick

Associate Professor of English, California University of Pennsylvania

College graduates in 2021 and beyond, need all of the skills that English programs have to offer: critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, and flexibility. New hires need to be able to adapt to workplace changes quickly and with aplomb, which requires critical thinking and problem solving and the ability to communicate those solutions to a diverse audience clearly and effectively. Those skills are refined and practiced regularly in English programs.

What technical skills for a senior technical writer stand out to employers?

Kate Kurtin Ph.D.

Associate Professor, California State University, Los Angeles

Every article on the subject says that communication skills are the most important skills to have when on the job market - and this is not my bias speaking, even Warren Buffet said it! Public speaking, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, etc., these are things that stand out to employers.

Do you want to know more?

List of senior technical writer skills to add to your resume

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

Technical Documentation
Subject Matter Experts
API
Java
PowerPoint
XML
User Guides
SMEs
HTML
SharePoint
Visio
Confluence
User Manuals
Jira
Technical Publications
Technical Writers

Project Management
Windows
Dita
Develop User
Training Materials
Technical Content
QA
Adobe Framemaker
Release Notes
Madcap Flare
Photoshop
Content Management System
RoboHelp
Style Guides
Engineering Drawings
Adobe Acrobat

Technical Manuals
Wiki
SnagIt
Software Documentation
Documentation Projects
User Interface
Adobe Illustrator
DOD
Linux
Product Documentation
Technical Specifications
Unix
End-User Documentation
PDF

Updated January 8, 2025

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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