29 Sep Importance of Tool Knowledge
How Important is Tools Knowledge for New Technical Writers?
— Tanvi Desai
The job descriptions (JDs) for many tech writing roles, even the entry-level ones state that familiarity with authoring tools, CMSs, photo/video editing software, versioning tools, and such is required or at least recommended. MadCap Flare, RoboHelp, DITA, Camtasia, GitHub—the list is endless. This could be daunting for freshers or professionals aspiring to transition into tech writing.
I am fortunate to have started my career as a technical writer straight out of college, around two years ago. I joined an organisation that did not expect candidates to have a background in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or any experience with tools. Their hiring process was based on three fundamental qualities—good writing skills, a passion for technology, and the willingness to learn. These qualities cannot be taught, they must be cultivated from within.
What you should focus on
New technical writers should focus on mastering the evergreen skills of technical writing; skills that hold good even in the age of AI:
- Good command over the English language
- Being a self-learner who is ready to explore different domains
- Strong research skills
- The ability to manage multiple tasks at a time
- Effective collaboration with different kinds of people
Richard Feynman said, “The ultimate test of your knowledge is your capacity to convey it to another.” This ultimate test can be applied by recruiting managers to ascertain whether someone is a promising technical writer or not. After all, the primary goal of technical writing is to help users understand how something works. In essence, technical writers solve problems through written words.
Why you should not obsess over tools
Tools are secondary and can always be learned. Technical writing tools help streamline the writing process and make things easier for technical writers. While familiarity with tools is beneficial, it should not be a necessity for new technical writers. Since, tech writers are known to be fast learners, tools can effectively be learned on the job.
Moreover, as technology advances, tools keep evolving. Being overly focused on learning just one tool can backfire if its functions get automated or if your organisation opts for another tool.
The underlying components for most documentation tools are common. If you learn how to effectively use one tool, it becomes easier to transition to another tool. As an aspiring tech writer, you may read up on the common concepts that documentation tools are based on, such as
Structured Authoring, Single-Sourcing, Chunking. Familiarity with the concepts would help you better understand how documentation tools work.
In conclusion, I believe that knowledge of doc tools should not be a prerequisite for a new tech writer. New tech writers should focus on improving their research, writing, and communication skills. These skills are not niche-specific and can be demonstrated in different domains. That’s why a teacher, an event manager, an English graduate, or a QA tester—all have the potential to become good technical writers, if they are determined and have the correct attitude. Organisations too, must invest in effective on-the-job training and guide new tech writers to flourish.
"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect."
- Anaïs Nin
About the Author
Tanvi Desai started her career in technical writing 2 years ago as a fresh graduate, making her one of the youngest members of the TWT Community. She loves to read and write, and is interested in human psychology, history, and culture.
Current Role: Technical Writer – I
Company: AVEVA
City: Bengaluru
Connect at LinkedIn
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