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Useful experience for technical writers includes:

• experience in the field they are writing about
• writing, editing or publishing work
• experience in the information technology industry.

Technical writers may do some or all of the following:

• work with managers, developers, users and others to identify their information needs
• plan, research and create clear, accurate content such as instructions, standard operating procedures, forms and policies
• create content in various forms such as video, web, audio, hard copy and interactive eLearning
• analyse work tasks and manage documentation projects
• design the layout and structure of documents
• create language and style guides
• design and draw business, scientific or technical diagrams
• edit other writer's work for consistency and clarity
• test content for its usability
• manage translations.

Strong demand for technical writers

Demand for technical writers is strong due to:

• companies and organisations needing to have properly documented policies, processes and procedures
• the large number of computer software products and electronic products that need easy-to-understand documentation
• growing intranet and internet use, which has created more job opportunities for people with technical writing skills
• growing recognition of the value of clear and concise information, especially online.

Your chances of securing a job are best if you join a professional organisation such as TechCommNZ, create wide networks, and build up a good reputation. 

According to the Census, 546 technical writers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Employers of technical writers include:

• private companies
• government agencies
• computer companies and software developers
• electronics and equipment manufacturers.

Many technical writers are self-employed and work on contract.

TechCommNZ - Technical Communicators Association of New Zealand

thepresident@techcomm.nz - www.techcomm.nz

Technical writers may progress into jobs in other areas that require good writing skills such as communications, policy analysis or editing.

They may also move into management roles such as managing a team of technical writers.

Technical writers may specialise in fields such as:

• science
• computing
• engineering
• information technology
• eLearning development
• content strategy
• UX (user experience) design.

• Public relations professional job information
• Policy analyst job information
• Editor job information
• User experience designer job information

Technical writers need to be:

• excellent communicators, both in writing and orally
• quick learners 
• approachable, and able to relate to a wide variety of people 
• good at planning, time management and project management 
• methodical, persistent and determined.