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Skill
Requirements
Mental
- Basic
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Attention to detail.
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Ability to learn technical concepts and
tools quickly.
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Self-motivated.
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Ability to meet deadlines.
Mental
- Specialized
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Ability to collect and organize information.
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Ability to present complex information clearly
in writing.
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Excellent English grammar and punctuation.
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Knowledge of electronic publishing tools.
Social
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Able to work on one's own.
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A team player.
Physical
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Requires working in a seated position, looking
at a computer screen forprolonged periods.
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Must be able to type at least 35 words per
minute.
Skill
Maintenance Requirement
Moderate. Most projects that Technical Writers
work on involve a product that is new to them,
and possibly new to the market. In addition,
the publishing tools utilized will change
occasionally.
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Experience
Prerequisites
Most
positions for Technical Writers require some
experience as a writer/editor or in a technical
field. Getting an internship while in school
is an excellent way to gain this experience.
In good economic times entry-level positions
do exist for those without experience as long
as they have the relevant tool knowledge.
Familiarity
with publishing tools such as FrameMaker,
PhotoShop, Word, and Quark Express is required.
When developing on-line help, experience with
tools such as RoboHELP, ForeHelp, and Windows
Help is required.
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Education/Training
Required
Most
jobs require a Bachelor's degree, either in
a writing field such as English, Journalism,
or Communications, or in a technical field
such as Computer Science or Engineering. Sometimes
a Technical Writing Certificate or a 2-year
degree is sufficient, but often these are
used to supplement a Bachelor's degree in
another field.
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