As a hiring manager, I see many entry-level technical writer resumes. This article offers strong examples and advice to help you create a good resume. We'll cover key sections, important skills, and best practices to make your resume competitive.
Next update scheduled for
Here's what we see in the best entry-level technical writer resumes.
Show Impact By Using Numbers: Highlight metrics like
Include Relevant Skills From Job Descriptions: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Showcase Relevant Coursework Or Training: Add phrases like
Want to know if your resume stands out for entry-level technical writing roles? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of where you stand. It checks your resume against key criteria that hiring managers in the technical writing field look for.
Upload your resume now for a free, unbiased assessment. You'll get a score and useful tips to make your resume stronger for technical writing jobs.
If you are a new graduate or an entry-level technical writer, your education is one of your strongest assets. Place your education section near the top of your resume, right after your contact information and summary or objective. This will show hiring managers your most recent academic achievements first.
Highlight any relevant courses or projects that you have completed, especially those that involved technical writing or communication skills. If you have experience with specific writing tools or technologies, list those as well. These details will help hiring managers see that you have a foundation in technical writing even if you do not have much work experience.
Attach or provide a link to writing samples or a portfolio. These samples should demonstrate your ability to write clear and concise technical documents.
Focus on including pieces that relate directly to the job you are applying for, like user manuals, process documentation, or online help content.
As you prepare your resume for an entry-level technical writing position, keep it concise. You should aim for a single page. This encourages you to focus on your most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight your technical writing projects, proficiency in writing tools, and any internships. Remember, clear and brief resumes are a sign of your ability to communicate complex information efficiently, a key skill for a technical writer.
Respect the reader's time by making sure your strongest points are on the first page. Use a readable font and margin size. If you are faced with the choice, it's better to select the most relevant details over squeezing in less critical information. Think like a technical writer: prioritize clarity and relevance.
As a new technical writer, you should showcase your writing and technical skills prominently. This includes knowledge of tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and content management systems.
List any experience with coding languages such as HTML, CSS, or Python. These can make you a strong candidate because many technical writing jobs value these skills.
When you apply for an entry-level technical writing position, your resume may first be read by a computer system known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It is important to make your resume ATS-friendly so it reaches a hiring manager.
To do this, include relevant keywords from the job description in your resume. For example, use terms like 'documentation,' 'user manuals,' and 'technical guides.' Make sure these keywords are in the context of your work experience and skills. Also, have a clean format with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid tables or columns which can confuse the ATS.
Remember to list your skills clearly. As an aspiring technical writer, highlight your ability to write clearly and organize information well. Include any experience with technical writing tools or software as this shows you have the practical skills needed for the job.
You want to show on your resume why you are a fit for a technical writer role. Think about what skills and experiences in your past work, school, or projects match this job. Your goal is to make it easy for a hiring manager to see you doing this job well.