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Technical editor skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Thomas Reynolds,
Dr. Christina Fisanick
Technical editor example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical technical editor skills. We ranked the top skills for technical editors based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 16.3% of technical editor resumes contained powerpoint as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a technical editor needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 technical editor skills for your resume and career

1. PowerPoint

Here's how technical editors use powerpoint:
  • Developed Microsoft PowerPoint presentations for various applications as part of the Disaster Recovery Infrastructure solution.
  • Edited Technical Instructional manuals and PowerPoint presentations for clarity and conciseness.

2. English Language

Here's how technical editors use english language:
  • Maintain contact and participate in AECMA Simplified English Committee discussions, Glossary updates, and worldwide review of English language simplification.
  • Edited foreign scientific journal articles translated by nonscientific native language speakers, to assure technical and English language correctness.

3. Proofreading

Here's how technical editors use proofreading:
  • Provided proofreading and editing support for the submission of New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) grant applications.
  • Provide back office operations, advanced document design and formatting, editing, and proofreading.

4. Subject Matter Experts

Here's how technical editors use subject matter experts:
  • Gathered information from existing documentation and subject matter experts, rewrote for clarity where necessary and removed technical ambiguity from documents.
  • Adapted contents of subject matter experts' equipment demonstrations and subject discussions into succinct procedural manuals.

5. Training Materials

Here's how technical editors use training materials:
  • Edited user documentation and training materials in a software/technical environment utilizing the Chicago Manual of Style.
  • Developed the technical manuals and training materials for a manufacturer of high-end security systems.

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 technical editors use xml:
  • Experience: Editing - 204-page Software User Guide manual; input into the Help Studio program (an XML application).
  • Worked with C++, Visual Basic, HTML, and XML while editing programmer docs for Web Data.

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7. Technical Editing

Here's how technical editors use technical editing:
  • Provide part-time content/technical editing of international accreditation survey reports from rehabilitation organizations, mental health centers, and Veteran's Administration
  • Provided technical editing support for biweekly and monthly status reports; electronically deliver reports to internal and external personnel.

8. 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 technical editors use java:
  • Produced, edited and proofread Web new packages using HTML, CSS, Java and Dreamweaver.
  • Collaborated with development and system engineers to author administrator and developer documentation that supports running Java in the cloud.

9. SharePoint

Here's how technical editors use sharepoint:
  • Led terminology reviews and facilitated communication between author and product team for the Microsoft SharePoint Products and Technologies Resource Kit.
  • Created a SharePoint website for distribution of documentation-related tools and news.

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 technical editors use dod:
  • Submitted proposals through the Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
  • Edited end-user and other technical deliverable documentation in support of the Department of Defense (DoD) U.S.

11. Technical Reports

Technical reports are a type of document that is used to indicate either the progress, result, or process of scientific research or the state of problems occurring within such research. A technical report may also showcase the report's overall conclusion and may also include recommendations. This kind of report does not require a peer review and isn't published officially but distributed within the organizations where it was formed.

Here's how technical editors use technical reports:
  • Edited and proofread technical reports for grammar, readability, and technical accuracy and managed document production and client delivery process.
  • Developed feasibility studies, environmental impact statements, new business development proposals, and company newsletter, and various technical reports.

12. Adobe Acrobat

Acrobat Reader, a software program created by Adobe Systems, and they are used to view files in PDF. The main purpose of Adobe Acrobat is to view, create, and edit PDF documents. It can also import nearly all document as well as image formats, and save them in a PDF format.

Here's how technical editors use adobe acrobat:
  • Edit documents of client agency Department of the Treasury utilizing MS Office 2003, Adobe Acrobat 7.0 and other software packages.
  • Converted legacy product data sheets from Adobe Acrobat PDF to a Word 2003 template for the Communication Services department.

13. Web Content

Here's how technical editors use web content:
  • Designed marketing campaigns and related web content that increased new article submission and brought in updates that improved existing articles.
  • Juggled multiple projects within various business lines that included external communications, collateral, and Web content.

14. Indesign

Here's how technical editors use indesign:
  • Designed leaflets utilizing InDesign for Connecticut Army National Guard sites.
  • Produced print-ready publication in Adobe InDesign.

15. Word Processing

Here's how technical editors use word processing:
  • Coordinated documentation production through engineering, illustration, word processing, configuration management, and quality assurance.
  • Interfaced with word processing staff, reviewed completed documentation and followed documents through publication.
top-skills

What skills help Technical Editors find jobs?

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

What technical editor 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 technical editors need?

Dr. Christina FisanickDr. Christina Fisanick LinkedIn profile

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 technical editor stand out to employers?

Kate Kurtin Ph.D.Kate Kurtin Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

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.

What hard/technical skills are most important for technical editors?

Kate Cunningham

Multimedia communication instructor, University of New Mexico

As you can imagine, journalism has become more and more digital, and technical skills play more of a role than they did just a few years ago. For example, if you understand the basics of publishing using a content management system, that's an advantage. If you can add good quality and well-edited video to your online news story, that's an advantage too. Video, for example, helps you add new dimensions to your story and brings in new audience members. We know some people will watch a video and not read a story and vice versa.

Other important technical skills include knowing how to use spreadsheets to analyze data.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about technical editor

List of technical editor skills to add to your resume

Technical editor skills

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

  • PowerPoint
  • English Language
  • Proofreading
  • Subject Matter Experts
  • Training Materials
  • XML
  • Technical Editing
  • Java
  • SharePoint
  • DOD
  • Technical Reports
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Web Content
  • Indesign
  • Word Processing
  • Technical Data
  • Test Procedures
  • HTML
  • Technical Manuals
  • Technical Content
  • DHS
  • Technical Publications
  • PDF
  • SEO
  • Configuration Management
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Windows
  • FrameMaker
  • User Manuals
  • User Guides
  • SMEs
  • QA
  • Visio
  • Technical Writers
  • Government Agencies
  • Technical Accuracy
  • DOE
  • CMS
  • Editorial Support
  • Technical Review
  • ISO
  • Data Sheets
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Press Releases
  • Word Templates
  • GPO
  • Journal Articles
  • Technical Specifications
  • Training Manuals
  • House Style

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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