Technical Writers

Skills

• Writing

  Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Speaking

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

• Written Expression

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

• Written Comprehension

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Near Vision

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Comprehension

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Deductive Reasoning

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

• Associate's degree
  35 %
• Bachelor's degree
  33 %
• Some college, no degree
  16 %

Work Activities

• Working with Computers

  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Getting Information

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Detailed Work Activities

• Edit written materials.
• Compile technical information or documentation.
• Maintain records, documents, or other files.
• Determine presentation subjects or content.
• Research new technologies.

Work Interests

• Conventional

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Artistic

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Investigative

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.