- Top Technical writer interview questions
- According to you, what is the typical daily function of a technical writer?
- What is a white paper?
- How is MS Word and Framemaker different?
- What is the difference between Structured Framemaker and Unstructured Framemaker?
- What are the typical obstacles a technical writer faces during information gathering?
- Where would you use UML or Unified Modeling Language?
- Are XML and HTML similar? If not, how are they different?
- What is DDLC? Name the steps that comprise DDLC.
- What are the phases that contribute to forming SDLC?
- What are the publication tools you have worked on?
- What do you understand by topic-based authoring?
- What format is used for sending information inside an organization?
- What documentation would you use to deliver technical content?
- What is the purpose behind adding a call-out?
- What are the steps you follow when you are starting a new topic on technical writing?
- What are the uses of RoboHelp?
- What is your strategy of approaching SMEs?
- Technical writer HR interview questions
- Do you have any past experience in writing?
- Tell me about yourself?
- Why did you choose technical writer as a career option?
- Do you have any certification in this field?
- How can you contribute to our organization?
- Describe an incident when you overcame a challenge.
- How do you organize, plan, and prioritise your work?
- In your experience, what is the key to ensuring your company was compliant with all laws, regulations, and standards that were applicable to your area of responsibility?
- How your attention to detail helped you in your previous assignments?
- What is that one technical writing tip that you found most crucial?
- What types of technical writing are you familiar with?
- Tell me about some technical writing projects you have worked on.
- Are you comfortable meeting strict deadlines?
- Which technical writing tools do you commonly use?
- Which style guides do you follow?
- What do you think are the most crucial steps to follow in technical writing?
- Tips for technical writer interview
- Popular technical writing blogs to follow
- Popular technical writing Youtube videos to follow
Technical writing is an evolving field. Lucrative monetary benefits are attracting more and more enthusiastic people to choose technical writing as a career option.
In this blog, we have listed some of the most popular technical writer interview questions and answers.
Top Technical writer interview questions
According to you, what is the typical daily function of a technical writer?
Generally, the day starts with preparing a documentation plan which includes the publication requirement and expectation. This is followed by preparation of a questionnaire. Then the SME is interviewed. After gathering all the relevant information, the first draft of the document is done. Revisions are made as and when required as per the suggestion of the editor. After the document gets finalised, it is published.
What is a white paper?
A white paper is an authoritative technical report or guide that conveys technical information concisely and clearly. It presents a complex issue in simpler terms. It explains how a technology works. It may include information on how that particular technology was developed as well.
How is MS Word and Framemaker different?
MS Word or Microsoft Word is a word processing program. It has applications in writing of all forms of our daily life such as a letter, blog, memo, etc. It is very easy to use.
Framemaker or Adobe Framemaker helps to produce large and complex business documents. It is suitable for a web application, print, and CD-ROM. It is ideal for lengthy documentation. It requires more understanding than MS Word.
What is the difference between Structured Framemaker and Unstructured Framemaker?
Unstructured Framemaker is an older version. It has a conventional interface. Structured Framemaker allows to author and publish XML documents. It also comprises familiar publishing features of Unstructured Framemaker. The main difference is Unstructured Framemaker is paragraph-based authoring, while Structured Framemaker is all about element-based authoring.
What are the typical obstacles a technical writer faces during information gathering?
Information gathering is not an easy task to accomplish for a technical writer. There are several challenges a technical writer typically faces. Some of the common challenges are:
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Gathering information from credible sources
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Coordinating with the SMEs
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Improper review of a write-up by SMEs
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Unclear expectations
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Ill-defined products
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Multi-tasking (handling several different projects at the same time)
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Lack of clarity on expected audience
Where would you use UML or Unified Modeling Language?
In order to visualize the design of a system, a standard modelling language or unified modelling language is used. It helps developers to specify, visualize, and construct. The documentation done in the process helps the technical writer greatly to conduct technical communication.
Are XML and HTML similar? If not, how are they different?
No, they are entirely different things. HTML or HyperText Markup Language is a means to display data. It concentrates a lot on how data appears. XML, however, is a software and hardware independent tool. It is used to move as well as store data. It strongly emphasizes on what data is. It also provides a structure.
What is DDLC? Name the steps that comprise DDLC.
DDLC or Document Development Life Cycle is the process of developing a document with aims of making it clearer and easier to comprehend. It comprises steps like Requirement Analysis, Designing Phase, Developing the content, Editing/Proofreading, Publishing, and Maintenance.
What are the phases that contribute to forming SDLC?
SDLC or Software development lifecycle comprises of six phases and they are Requirement gathering and analysis, Design, Implementation or coding, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance.
What are the publication tools you have worked on?
As a technical writer, there are several documentation and publication tools I have been using. Some of them are MediaWiki, Whatfix, Wordpress, Atavist, MagLoft, Calameo, oXygen XML author, MadCap Flare, Prezi, etc.
What do you understand by topic-based authoring?
It is a segmental approach to content development. Content is developed in such a fashion that it is based on certain topics. A well-structured content can be used wherever required in any context.
What format is used for sending information inside an organization?
Within an organization, generally, memos are used for sending information or communicating information.
What documentation would you use to deliver technical content?
API or application programming interface is what I choose. It helps to deliver technical content deliverable. It also contains instructions on how to integrate and use API.
What is the purpose behind adding a call-out?
A call-out is a short thread of text connected by a line, arrow, or similar graphics. It adds extra information to clarify a feature of an illustration or technical drawing.
What are the steps you follow when you are starting a new topic on technical writing?
Sample answer 1
I start by going through the instructions provided. Post that, I start working on my questionnaire for the SME. After the SME meeting, I summarize all the relevant information in a flow-chart. Followed by that I look for any additional relevant information on the web. I go through all my findings and start writing on the topic. Then I send it to my editor for review. Based on any input she might have, I make changes and go ahead with the publication.
Sample answer 2
I follow the five stages of technical writing. I start with Preparation by carefully assessing the requirement of the technical writing project. I assess the target audience and look for questions to best reach them. Then I start my Research and look for specific knowledge related to the requirements. By asking relevant questions to the SME, I gather all the necessary information. Then I proceed for Organization of the information. I complete my First Draft, revise it, and send it for Review to my editor.
What are the uses of RoboHelp?
It is a help authoring tool designed to help systems, e-learning content, and knowledge bases. The latest version allows you to create responsive HTML5 layouts that work on any device size.
What is your strategy of approaching SMEs?
Sample answer 1
My current company has sessions arranged for technical writer and SMEs to interact and communicate. It helps us technical writers greatly in the documentation process. We prepare our questions and present it to SMEs. Further clarifications are done via email.
Sample answer 2
As a freelancer, I rely greatly on networking. I approach SMEs via email and keep the mail as short as possible with apt questions that require very little effort for an explanation. If the client has any special instruction on product highlight, I make it a point to ask the SME such relevant questions.
Technical writer HR interview questions
Here is list of some general and HR interview questions for technical writer position.
Do you have any past experience in writing?
Sample answer 1
I have been a successful blogger for quite some time now. I have written plenty of articles for tech companies as a freelancer. I am yet to gain experience specifically as a technical writer under an organization.
Sample answer 2
I have over 7 years of experience working as a technical writer at a reputed company. Currently, I am looking for a more senior position. I have excellent recommendations. I am known for my clear and crisp presentation and on-time delivery.
Tell me about yourself?
This is one of the most common interview question, irrespective of the profile.
Sample answer 1
I have been a writer for as long as I can remember. Being a tech-savvy person and a writer, I feel technical writing is my true calling. Apart from my work, I am a movie buff and a foodie.
Sample answer 2
I am a technical writer who loves extreme sports. I am also an avid reader. My motto in life is to work hard and enjoy to the fullest.
Related: Read how to answer Tell me about yourself in detail.
Why did you choose technical writer as a career option?
Sample answer 1
I love my role as a technical writer, though I did not start off as one. Being a long-time blogger and having a genuine love for technology, I found myself drawn to this field.
Sample answer 2
Being fascinated with technology yet having no technical training, I always wished if someone could explain how a software worked in simpler terms or how a program could run. I have always been interested in the functions of tech products. Finding simpler explanations from complex information helped me process my technology-related understanding. I found technical writers doing just that. So, I decided to become a technical writer.
Do you have any certification in this field?
Sample answer 1
No. When I started my career as a technical writer, no courses were offered for this kind of a profile. But with time I gathered sufficient experience and knowledge related to the filed. I have attended many workshops and seminars. I have even conducted workshops and spoken on seminars on technical writing.
Sample answer 2
Yes. I have been mentored by the best in the field. I have completed relevant technical writing courses. I even got my first job through a placement the course providers offered. I am ITSM trained as well. I am concentrating on advancing my level as a technical writer through continuous learning.
How can you contribute to our organization?
Sample answer 1
I am known for scaling profit for my present organization. Since I have the ability to process information and present it in a clear, concise manner, I could be of great assistance to your organization who deals with complex software for ordinary people with limited tech understanding.
Sample answer 2
Since your customers are people who are not high-tech savvy like HR or the finance team, you need someone to easily explain the complicated analysis and diagnostic tools that your company manufactures. I am the right person to convey the information. My approach is simple and easy to comprehend.
Describe an incident when you overcame a challenge.
Sample answer 1
My SME had agreed for a follow-up with further questions yet went on cancelling the sessions. My deadline was approaching, so I had to reselect another SME at rescheduling the follow-up with. It led to confusion as the two SMEs differed greatly with their explanations. Ultimately, I managed to sort it out and the client was happy with my work.
Sample answer 2
I had submitted my work for review but even after giving constant reminders I did not hear back from my reviewer. I had missed the deadline. My client was very understanding as I explained my situation. My client even appreciated my commitment to submit good quality work.
How do you organize, plan, and prioritise your work?
Sample answer:
I always plan my work thoroughly. I always break down my job into several tasks one after the other. Depending on the phase and keeping the deadline in mind, I organize and prioritise my task.
In your experience, what is the key to ensuring your company was compliant with all laws, regulations, and standards that were applicable to your area of responsibility?
Sample answer:
I always ensure that compliances are met. I write down all the procedures and compliances required. As I move along with the documentation, I keep my checklist crossed on all the compliances met.
How your attention to detail helped you in your previous assignments?
Sample answer 1
There was a time when an SME had forgotten to mention a specification, very crucial to the documentation I was pursuing. My attention to detail, let me dig deep and get the exact specification which further helped in my explanation of the task.
Sample answer 2
The client had forgotten to mention the target audience for the manual I was preparing. On finding out more on the target audience, I used relevant use-cases and my work was highly appreciated for its easy understanding, relevant and useful examples.
What is that one technical writing tip that you found most crucial?
Sample answer
The most useful tip I have received for technical writing is to present information in the simplest way possible, without any use of flowery language. I do not use unnecessary adjectives and I prefer to give information in lists and instructions as steps.
What types of technical writing are you familiar with?
This question aims to gauge the breadth of your experience in technical writing and whether you're familiar with different types of technical documents.
Sample answer
"I'm experienced in various types of technical writing, including user manuals, API documentation, technical reports, whitepapers, tutorials, and policy documents."
Tell me about some technical writing projects you have worked on.
This question allows you to showcase your past experiences and the specific technical writing projects you've been involved in. It gives the interviewer insight into your capabilities and the types of projects you've handled in the past.
Sample answer
"I revamped user documentation for healthcare software, created API documentation for a cloud platform, and authored technical reports for internal research projects."
Are you comfortable meeting strict deadlines?
This question assesses your ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage time effectively, which is crucial in the fast-paced environment of technical writing.
Sample answer
"Yes, I am very comfortable meeting strict deadlines. In my previous roles, I've often had to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, each with its own deadlines. I prioritize tasks effectively, break down larger projects into manageable chunks, and utilize time management techniques to ensure I deliver high-quality work on time, even under tight time constraints."
Which technical writing tools do you commonly use?
This question aims to understand your familiarity with tools and software commonly used in the technical writing field, showcasing your proficiency in the necessary tools of the trade.
Sample answer
"I follow industry standards such as Chicago Manual of Style, Microsoft Manual of Style, AP Stylebook, and APA Publication Manual, adapting to project requirements."
Which style guides do you follow?
This question aims to understand your adherence to established standards in technical writing, as consistency is key in maintaining professionalism and clarity in documentation.
Sample answer
"I typically follow industry-standard style guides such as:
- The Chicago Manual of Style: Widely used for general writing and publishing standards.
- The Microsoft Manual of Style: Specifically tailored for technical communication in software and technology fields.
- The AP Stylebook: Particularly useful for journalistic and news writing.
- The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA): Often used for academic and research-based writing.
Additionally, I am adaptable to using company-specific style guides or any other relevant standards based on the requirements of the project."
What do you think are the most crucial steps to follow in technical writing?
This question seeks to gauge your understanding of the technical writing process and the key steps you prioritize to ensure the effectiveness and quality of your work.
Sample answer
"The most crucial steps in technical writing include:
- Understanding the Audience: Before beginning any writing project, it's essential to understand the audience's knowledge level, needs, and preferences to tailor the documentation effectively.
- Gathering Information: Thorough research and gathering of information from subject matter experts (SMEs) are crucial to ensure accuracy and completeness in the documentation.
- Planning and Outlining: Creating a clear outline helps in organizing the content logically and ensures that all necessary information is included.
- Writing Concisely and Clearly: Technical writing should be clear, concise, and jargon-free to ensure that readers can easily understand and follow the instructions or information provided.
- Using Visual Aids: Incorporating visuals such as diagrams, screenshots, and charts can enhance comprehension and make complex concepts easier to understand.
- Review and Revision: Reviewing the document for accuracy, coherence, and consistency is essential. It's also crucial to incorporate feedback from stakeholders and subject matter experts to improve the document further.
- Formatting and Presentation: Proper formatting, including headings, lists, and consistent styling, ensures readability and professionalism in the final document.
- Testing and Feedback: In some cases, especially for user documentation, it's essential to test the instructions or information provided and gather feedback from users to identify any areas for improvement.
By following these steps diligently, I believe technical writing can effectively communicate complex information to the intended audience."
Tips for technical writer interview
- Dress professionally: As a technical writer, a lot will be expected from you. It is a serious post and a casual dressing will not be very helpful for you to secure the job. Dress formally.
- Brush up English grammar: There are plenty of organizations who take the written test on grammar before hiring a technical writer. Brushing up clauses and subject agreement might just be a great idea.
- Portfolio: Carry a portfolio of your published writings. You can carry print outs of your published work or you can even carry a pen drive that has links of your published work.
- Latest trends: Technical writing is an evolving field. Latest technologies are coming in to help out technical writers. Thus, it is a great idea to stay abreast with information as it comes. Familiarize yourself with the latest publishing technologies and trends.
Further resources:
Popular technical writing blogs to follow
Popular technical writing Youtube videos to follow
Here is a list of Youtube videos you that you may find useful.
Good luck!
FAQs:
1. What types of questions can I expect in a technical writer interview?
This FAQ will address the common themes and categories of questions that candidates can anticipate during a technical writer interview, providing insights into the areas of expertise and skills that may be assessed.
2. How should I prepare for a technical writer interview?
This FAQ will offer practical tips and strategies for candidates to prepare effectively for a technical writer interview, including researching the company, reviewing technical writing samples, and brushing up on industry-specific terminology.
3. What are some key skills and attributes employers look for in technical writers?
This FAQ will outline the essential skills and qualities that employers typically seek in candidates for technical writing roles, such as strong writing abilities, attention to detail, proficiency with writing tools, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.
4. How can I showcase my technical writing experience and accomplishments during the interview?
This FAQ will provide guidance on how candidates can effectively highlight their technical writing experience, projects, and achievements during the interview, including discussing past projects, addressing challenges faced, and demonstrating problem-solving abilities.
