How to find Technical Writing Jobs

Hello, current and aspiring technical writers! I’m John Hewitt, a technical writer with 30 years of experience, and today, we're embarking on a mission-not to apply for jobs just yet, but to strategically analyze the market. We’re gathering intel to figure out how to enhance our skills based on what employers are currently looking for. Think of it as a research project. You want to know your material inside and out before you can act on that knowledge.
Let’s start with Where to Find Jobs.
Begin by visiting major job boards like Indeed, Dice, ZipRecruiter, Monster, and LinkedIn. These platforms are like bustling marketplaces, constantly updated with new listings. They can be a bit tedious and polluted, though. You look for technical writing jobs and get fed two dozen listings for “Training AI” that pay next to nothing and have 10,000 other applicants. It’s a big, messy market, and you’ll need to adapt until you find the right filters to make the search worthwhile. Each platform has its own abilities and flaws, so you’ll need to adapt.
Incorporate a daily check of these sites into your routine, similar to catching up on daily news. While you’re at it, explore the smaller sites, such as local job boards and company-specific career pages. Focus on companies that interest you or at least are local.
Often, the most suitable opportunities are hidden away on these local platforms. They might be less competitive while aligning more closely with your skills and preferences. More importantly, they’ll tell you the key skills in your area. Different cities and regions often have different specialties. For example, New York has a greater focus on finance than Phoenix, which is more focused on manufacturing and healthcare.
Next, let’s figure out what job titles to look for.
As you sift through these job listings, move beyond the usual suspects like ‘Technical Writers' and ‘Content Writers.’ Look for similar roles like 'Documentation Specialist, 'Technical Editor, 'Information Developer,' and 'UX Writer.' Each title isn't just a different name; it has a different emphasis, but they’re all still within the technical communications world. You don't want to miss out on a good opportunity because you didn't search for the right term.
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Now you want to Analyze Listings.
It's time to don your researcher cap and dive into the world of job descriptions. Each listing isn’t just a set of requirements. Think of it as a puzzle that, when solved, reveals the key to getting that job. Ask the following questions.
What skills are they asking for?
What tools do they require?
What does the daily job look like?
Is this a job you can picture yourself in?
This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about mapping out the exact skills you need to develop and the tools you need to master.
It’s about more than just getting a job; it’s about making sure you fit the role like a glove and can hit the ground running. So, keep your eyes sharp and your notepad app ready-every job description is a puzzle piece towards becoming the best candidate.
Next, Make a List of Tools and Skills to Learn
Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to build a learning agenda. This is your syllabus for the School of Technical Writing Excellence-very prestigious and super exclusive. Your mom would be proud.
You’ll want to compile a targeted list of tools and skills that are shared across the jobs that interest you and figure out what to focus on. Maybe it’s getting to grips with a behemoth like Adobe FrameMaker, or maybe it’s learning to write API documentation without crying a little inside. Figure out what works best for you.
Second, arrange your resources. These could be online courses, tutorials, or books. If you have the cash, you can even take a college course. Choose your weapon.
Third, and this is key, commit to a schedule. Think of it as your training regimen for your brain.
Set regular times for intellectual workouts with no room for "I'll do it tomorrow" excuses. Each session is a step toward transforming you from a hopeful job seeker into a highly attractive candidate. Work within your capabilities. Do you want to dedicate hours in a row or sprinkle-shorter bite-sized sessions? Do what works for you.