Technical Author Requirements, Skills & Qualifications

The following common skills and qualifications are required of a Technical Author:

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field.
  • Good command of grammar and vocabulary
  • Ability to express instructions clearly and briefly in simple language
  • A concern for verbal consistency and an appreciation of tone and style
  • Good documentation skills and the ability to produce visually attractive instructions
  • Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively gather information
  • Ability to grasp and structure large amounts of information and anticipate the reader's knowledge gaps
  • An enquiring mind with attention to detail
  • Editorial judgement
  • Accuracy and a methodical approach to work
  • Ability to work to tight schedules
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills
  • Analytical and questioning skills to get information from experts
  • Ability to work successfully as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Good understanding of computers and other communication tools.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Technical Author skill, qualifications and experience. Job requirements for specific Technical Author roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.