How to Hire Technical Writers: Strategies for Employers

Technical writers are extremely important for businesses today because the business environment is becoming increasingly technical. Providing accurate and understandable content to target audiences is imperative for businesses to remain competitive. Statistics show businesses lose nearly $400 billion annually due to confusing content. Even with easy access to AI tools, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects technical writing to grow 4% annually between 2023 and 2033. Technical writers will continue to play an important role, as they are the experts who can provide that much-needed human touch to set one business article apart from another. 

This article will provide insights for employers and recruiters, including best practices for hiring technical writers. 

Why Hire a Technical Writer

Hiring a technical writer is a good investment for any business. Technical writers have the skills to create accurate and user-friendly documentation that will likely yield a positive return on investment. A good technical writer will provide both quantitative and qualitative benefits. For example, properly written documentation can help reduce customer complaints, support costs and calls, avoid regulatory complications and fines, reduce rework and waste and enable employees and clients to find answers and solutions easily. Technical writers can ensure documentation is complete, accurate, easy to navigate and well-structured. 

Technical writers can produce many different types of technical content. Some of these include:

• Technical and software documentation
• Training and instructional materials
• User manuals and guides
• Technical reports
• Research papers
• Business plans
• Proposals and grant writing
• Policy and procedure manuals
• White papers and case studies

Cost of Hiring a Technical Writer

Several factors can influence the rates charged by a technical writer. These factors include experience, industry specialization, project complexity and location. However, the average rate per hour for a freelance technical writer is $20-$45. Technical writers with more experience can charge more depending on the complexity of the content. The annual cost of hiring a full-time technical writer is approximately $78,000. 

How to Find a Technical Writer

It’s important to find technical writers who have the necessary skills and industry experience you require. Here are some key strategies for finding technical writers:

• Use referrals from colleagues and peers. Ask them for writing samples, and gather information about their practical experience with the technical writer. 
• To hire a freelance technical writer, use reputable platforms such as Upwork or Indeed to find technical writers with the right experience and skills. 
• Post jobs on reputable platforms and ensure the job description clearly outlines your requirements and expectations. 
• Ask the right questions during the interview to ensure you can evaluate the technical writer’s technical skills and soft skills. 
• Ensure you discuss their rates and salary expectations.

Some useful platforms to find qualified and experienced technical writers include:

1. Upwork
2. Indeed
3. Dice
4. Freelancer
5. LinkedIn
6. Technical Writer HQ
7. WriterHire
8. Toptal
9. WriterAccess
10. Simply Hired
11. ProBlogger
12. TechWhirl

How to Hire Technical Writers

Employers should follow a step-by-step technical writer recruitment process that includes screening, evaluating and hiring candidates. Some of these important steps include:

1. Specify your needs in terms of the skills and experience you require for the type of projects you intend to offer the technical writer. This can help narrow down the right candidates for this position. 
2. Clearly define the technical writer’s role and responsibilities. Create a job description that outlines this so the candidates applying for the position know your expectations and requirements. 
3. Post your job ads on reputable online platforms and job boards. Ensure your posting reaches professional organizations and communities. If you have extensive or specific requirements, consider partnering with a recruiting agency to find the best candidates. 
4. Screen resumes and cover letters promptly and identify candidates with the technical writing experience and skills you need. 
5. Once you have shortlisted the candidates, conduct interviews to determine which candidates best fit your company. Ask about the candidate’s technical writing experience, style, process and experience in specific technical writing subjects. 
6. Utilizing pre-employment writing assessments to screen candidates is always a good idea. This can be in the form of writing samples or writing tests.
7. Once you find the right candidate, make an offer that clearly outlines the terms of employment, including the salary, additional benefits and other important details.

Tips to Hire a Technical Writer

Some useful tips for hiring technical writers include:

• Don’t limit yourself to technical writers from a specific industry/sector. Most technical writers have the educational qualifications and experience to work in different technical and scientific fields. Don’t narrow down your options by focusing on a limited niche. 
• Identify employees within your organization who have the necessary skills or expertise you need.  Promoting from within can ensure you get a candidate who’s already familiar with your company, its products and other technical and organizational aspects. 
• Start with a freelance technical writer, as this helps you evaluate the quality of their work. If their work is satisfactory, you can offer them a full-time position.

Job Requirements, Skills and Qualifications For a Technical Writer

Some essential qualifications and skills to look for in technical writers include: 

• A bachelor’s degree (typically in journalism, creative writing, communications or a specific technical discipline). 
• Knowledge of or experience with a technical subject (science, engineering, technology, etc.) 
• Writing skills with a portfolio of writing samples to demonstrate skills and knowledge 

Additional soft skills could include: 

• Research skills 
• Problem-solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Organizational skills
• Communication skills 
• Teamwork
• Time management 
• Ability to meet deadlines

Create a Job Description

Key elements to include in a technical writer job description include:

• Summary of the role
• List of duties and responsibilities 
• Required qualifications and skills
• Additional requirements (soft skills, certifications, specific industry experience, etc.)

Interviewing Technical Writer Candidates

When interviewing technical writer candidates, ensure you cover both technical and non-technical aspects. Formulate questions that help you determine how the candidates prioritize their work, their process, the software and tools they use, how they handle complex guidelines and subjects, their background and experience in the specific subject matter you’re hiring for and their qualifications and skills. It’s also important to evaluate their soft skills, such as their ability to communicate, teamwork, leadership, time management, problem-solving and analytical skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Essential Technical Writing Tools and Software Used in the Industry?

Some essential technical writing tools and software used in the industry include publishing tools, video editing tools, authoring tools, image editing tools, spell check tools, screen capture tools, AI knowledge and research tools, document creation tools, coding tools, editing tools and team management tools. 

This article focused on practical advice that addresses the unique challenges of hiring qualified and experienced technical writers. For additional support and guidance in hiring for this role, contact our hiring team today.