Top 13 Technical Writing Interview Questions & Answers

I have extensive experience writing technical documents, having worked for both in-house tech companies and freelance clients. I am familiar with and have written documents regarding software engineering, web development, machine learning algorithms, data structures, computer vision systems, cybersecurity & more. I can quickly learn new technologies and write concise and informative documents in order to help readers understand complex topics.

I stay up-to-date in the field of technical writing by reading industry magazines and blogs. I also attend online conferences and workshops to learn about new trends and technologies, as well as traditional events such as local meetups and user groups. Finally, I stay connected with my network of peers in this profession, exchanging ideas or discussing new topics or any relevant news stories we may come across in our research.

My approach to technical writing is based on the idea of simplifying complex subjects and making them easier for readers to understand. To achieve this, I start by breaking up longer sections into manageable pieces. I also use visuals such as diagrams and flowcharts to simplify the content further and make it more visual. Additionally, I include examples when necessary and use simple yet specific language that avoids jargon or complex phrases.

An example of a project that can present significant challenges for a technical writer is creating documentation for an extremely complex software, system, or product. This could involve creating extensive how-to guides and other materials to ensure readers understand the product and how to utilize its functions. The challenge here lies in breaking down the complexity into simple and digestible pieces while also making sure all required information is included. Furthermore, when some sections are more challenging than others it may become difficult to move forward without becoming overwhelmed by the amount of content. In such cases, breaking down the work into smaller milestones is often essential for maintaining motivation and productivity.

I have extensive experience with a variety of tools and technologies, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, RoboHelp, Help & Manual, Oxygen XML Editor, MadCap Flare, and other web technologies such as HTML and CSS. In my most recent technical writing assignment I used Microsoft Office to draft a series of API documentation that was later uploaded into the company’s website. Additionally, I used Oxygen XML Editor to create an intermediate XML version which was then further modified in RoboHelp for the final product.

The prospect of being able to communicate complex technical information in a clear and concise way drew me to technical writing. I enjoy being able to break down difficult concepts and present them in a way that is easy for others to understand.

There is no one answer to this question as it depends on the writer’s individual experiences. However, some audiences that may be considered more difficult to write for include those who are uninterested in the topic, those who are skeptical of the writer’s arguments, or those who have different perspectives from the writer.

When interviewing for a technical writing job, it is likely the interviewer will ask what areas of technical writing you have experience in. To answer effectively, explain your expertise in various documents such as UI, developer and deployment documents, as well as FAQs, knowledge bases, user manuals, API integration tutorials, memos, reports, and whitepapers. Even if the required document falls outside of your current experience level, be sure to emphasize that you are a fast learner and can quickly adapt with guidance.

Are you capable of meeting tight deadlines? When it comes to technical writing, the interviewer may want to make sure that you are aware of their expectations for submitting work within a limited amount of time. Often, we technical writers have pressure to deliver the documentation within a tight deadline. It might be because you got the inputs a little late in the cycle or a reviewer couldn’t provide you timely feedback because of other priorities. Use your answer to demonstrate that you have experience handing in projects within a tight timeline. For example, you might say: “I am accustomed to completing 2000 words or more per day, as my current job regularly requires me to submit tasks quickly. I am comfortable working under a pressing deadline because of my experience in the field, and I always prioritize quality over speed.”

When documenting some complex features or a new feature, technical writers have to get the information from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the feature understanding. If you are a part of the product team, you get the liberty to interview SMEs (this is not an interview for a job where you try to understand the knowledge of the person), this is for gaining knowledge of the feature.
When preparing for an interview with subject matter experts, I first research the topic thoroughly and create a list of questions in order to get the most out of our conversation. Secondly, I set up a call or face-to-face meeting with the expert and confirm any details beforehand. During the conversation, I take careful notes and ask questions that help me better understand their perspective on the topic at hand. Finally, after our discussion, I review my notes and synthesize the information into an organized format that can be used for my research or writing project.

In order to determine your technical writing abilities, it’s important for the interviewer to know that you are familiar with a variety of style guides. For example, you can say that I am proficient in APA, Microsoft Style Guide (MSTP), and Chicago formats. Of those three, I prefer the Microsoft Style Guide (MSTP) because of its simplicity and straightforwardness.

Criticism can be difficult to accept, especially in a professional setting. The job of a reviewer or editor is to maintain the quality of the documents. For doing this, they may send a huge list of comments/feedback to technical writers on their work. From this question, the interviewer wants to understand your thought process when you get feedback or criticism from reviewers.
When responding to criticism from an editor or a reviewer, it is important to remain composed and constructive. Acknowledge the feedback, take the time to ask questions, and demonstrate that you understand the comments. Finally, show your willingness to work hard and make revisions with an open-minded attitude.

When interviewing for a technical writing position, be prepared to explain what interests you about this line of work. Perhaps you have a background in the scientific or medical fields, or maybe you moved from journalism or copywriting. No matter your prior experience, emphasize why you enjoy technical writing and its various benefits to clients and readers.
For instance, you could say, “I’m passionate about breaking down complex concepts into more manageable pieces for general audiences. Taking on the challenge of cracking this puzzle is immensely satisfying, as it allows me to make instruction manuals, how-to content, and white papers easily understandable.”