Technical Writers Go Back to List Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Document management software

Tasks
	Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
	Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
	Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
	Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.
	Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
	Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
	Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
	Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
	Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
	Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.

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.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Knowledge
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Search for Jobs on Connecticut's Labor Exchange (CTJOBcentral)
	(Please note that some searches may not produce any results.)

Education & Training   Education:   Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.   Related Experience:   A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.

Browse Through a List of Businesses That Employ People With Your Same Skills
	Potential Employer Search

Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $94,964.00 $45.66  $30.04  $32.36 - $56.35  Bridgeport/Stamford $100,857.00 $48.49  $32.70  $37.15 - $54.43  Hartford $92,533.00 $44.48  $28.62  $30.78 - $53.20  New Haven $92,049.00 $44.26  $28.43  $31.23 - $53.86  New London/Norwich $88,917.00 $42.75  $32.38  $37.78 - $45.69  Torrington $88,474.00 $42.54  $27.77  $30.39 - $51.63

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   69   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

Related Occupations
	Regulatory Affairs Specialists
	Information Security Analysts
	Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
	Social Science Research Assistants
	Proofreaders and Copy Markers
	Reporters and Correspondents
	Public Relations Specialists
	Editors
	Copy Writers
	Library Technicians

	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.