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.
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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
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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.
When crafting your resume for an entry-level technical writer position, focus on your accomplishments rather than simply listing your job responsibilities. Doing this effectively communicates your actual impact and shows potential employers what you can contribute to their organization.
Example: Instead of writing 'Responsible for creating user manuals,' you could say, 'Developed user manuals that improved client understanding by 25%.' This shows how your work made a difference.
Remember:
When you're starting as a technical writer, your resume should show you have the right skills. Here's what to focus on.
You don't need all these skills, but include those you know. Put these in a skills section. This helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS) which employers use to find good resumes.
For a technical writer job, know how to explain complex info in a way that's easy to understand. Show this through examples like manuals you've written or projects you've worked on. Also, knowing
When you apply for a job as a technical writer at the entry level, showing any leadership roles or promotions you've held can be a game changer. Even if you're not sure how to do this, think about any project or team where you had more responsibilities than others.
Here are some ways to show your potential as a leader:
Remember to be specific about what your role involved and how it added value. If you received any awards or recognition, even in a volunteer capacity, include these as they show leadership qualities.
To stand out as an entry-level technical writer, show the impact of your work with clear numbers. Numbers help hiring managers see the value you bring. Here's how to include them:
Even if you're new to the field, you can use numbers from internships, volunteer work, or school projects. For instance:
Remember, even educated guesses about these numbers can show you understand the importance of results. Focus on metrics like
When you apply for a job as a technical writer at a small company or startup, show that you are flexible and can wear many hats. You might say, 'Assisted with multiple projects in a fast-paced environment' or 'Adapted quickly to new tools and processes.' Small firms like Acme Tech or Beta Solutions value a hands-on approach and versatility.
However, for big companies such as TechGlobal or WriteCorp, you should highlight your ability to work within a structured team. Phrases like 'Worked collaboratively with a large documentation team to meet project deadlines' or 'Complied with detailed company style guides' will show that you understand the scale and processes of larger workplaces.
Remember, for smaller companies, show your range and adaptability. For larger companies, emphasize your ability to follow strict guidelines and work as part of a large team. Both should see you are a good fit, but how you present your skills can make a big difference.