Resume guide · Technical Writer

Technical Writer Resumeoptimized for ATS in 27 seconds

ATS systems at IBM, Oracle, and Adobe prioritize resumes with specific documentation tools and methodologies. Ensure your resume meets their criteria.

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Average technical writer ATS score

34
before
82
after

Measured across technical writer resumes run through HireRaft against a real job description. You see the score, the missing keywords, and the rewrite — before you download anything.

Terms that decide this screen

These are the exact keywords ATS systems extract from technical writer job descriptions. Miss them and you are filtered out before a recruiter sees your name.

API documentationuser manualscontent management systemsMadCap FlareDITAXMLHTMLConfluenceJIRAAgile methodologiescontent strategyversion controlGitRoboHelpsingle-sourcingusability testingSEOcontent auditsstyle guidesknowledge bases

How to structure your skills section

Group them the way a parser reads them — one labelled line per category, plain commas, no tables.

Documentation ToolsMadCap Flare, RoboHelp, DITA
Content ManagementContentful, Confluence, SharePoint
Technical SkillsHTML, XML, Git
MethodologiesAgile, single-sourcing, usability testing
Communicationcross-functional collaboration, content strategy

5 resume mistakes that get technical writers filtered out

The patterns we see most often on technical writer resumes that fail ATS screening — each with the edit that fixes it.

#1

Listing tools without demonstrating proficiency

Fix

Illustrate your expertise: "Created over 200 user guides using MadCap Flare, reducing support tickets by 25%"

#2

Vague descriptions of writing projects

Fix

Be specific about your contributions: "Developed API documentation that improved developer onboarding time by 30%"

#3

Ignoring the importance of collaboration

Fix

Highlight teamwork: "Worked with engineers and designers to produce a comprehensive 150-page user manual"

#4

Not quantifying the impact of your work

Fix

Use metrics to show effectiveness: "Optimized content strategy, increasing web traffic by 40% in six months"

#5

Overlooking SEO in content creation

Fix

Demonstrate SEO knowledge: "Implemented SEO best practices, boosting documentation visibility by 50%"

Who is hiring technical writers

These companies are actively hiring, and their ATS systems are the ones your resume has to pass.

IBMOracleAdobeAmazonMicrosoftSAPSalesforceCiscoSiemensInfosys

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Technical Writer resume — frequently asked questions

What is the ideal length for a technical writer resume?

For those with under 5 years of experience, aim for 1 page. With 5–10 years, 1–2 pages is ideal. Resumes of 2 pages max are preferred, as ATS systems handle all lengths but recruiters favor conciseness.

How can I show the impact of my technical writing?

Quantify your work: "Reduced user errors by 20% through improved documentation." If metrics are unavailable, describe the scope: "Created documentation for a software used by 10,000 users."

Which tools should I include on my technical writer resume?

Include tools like MadCap Flare, RoboHelp, and DITA. Also, mention content management systems like Confluence and SharePoint, as these are commonly used in the industry.

How do I address gaps in employment on my resume?

Explain gaps with constructive activities: "Completed a certification in technical writing" or "Volunteered to create documentation for a local non-profit." This shows continued skill development.

Should I include a portfolio link on my resume?

Yes, a portfolio link is essential. It provides concrete examples of your work. Ensure it's in your contact header for easy access by recruiters and ATS systems.

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