Manual Writer Career

*A job as a Manual Writer falls under the broader career category of Technical Writers. The information on this page will generally apply to all careers in this category but may not specifically apply to this career title.

Job Description for Technical Writers : Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.


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Technical Writer Career

What skills are required for Technical Writers?

Importance 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.
  Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
  Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

What knowledge is needed to be a Technical Writer?

Importance 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.
  Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace 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.
  Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Work Styles

Importance Styles
  Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
  Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
  Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
  Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
  Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
  Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
  Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
  Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
  Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
  Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
  Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
  Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.