Showcase Your Achievements: Tailoring Job-Relevant Accomplishments for Technical Writing Roles

Your resume is your first impression. It’s where you show hiring managers not just what you did, but how well you did it. To really stand out, focus on achievements that connect directly to the job you want. Let’s discuss different ways to highlight these accomplishments. Make sure they catch attention from both the ATS and hiring managers.

Start with the Job Description

The job description is your blueprint. Start by reading it closely to understand what the employer values most. Look for:

• Core responsibilities, like “creating user guides” or “collaborating with engineers.”
• Skills that are repeated or emphasized, such as “API documentation” or “project management.”
• Keywords like “technical accuracy,” “editing,” or “cross-functional teamwork.”

These words and phrases are clues. They tell you what to showcase in your resume.

Example: If the job lists “quality documentation” as a priority, consider your achievements. Reflect on instances where you improved document quality or reduced errors. This tells employers you understand what’s most important to them.

Make It Quantifiable

Whenever possible, use numbers to tell the story. Metrics make achievements feel real and measurable. It’s the difference between saying “Wrote user manuals” and “Wrote 10+ user manuals, reducing support tickets by 15%.”

Numbers show impact. They tell hiring managers that your work made a difference.

Some easy ways to quantify:

• Count your work: How many projects? How many documents?
• Measure improvements: How much faster? How many errors reduced?
• Show impact: Did it save time or money? Improve user experience?

Focus on Relevant Achievements

You may have a long list of accomplishments, but keep it focused. Not every achievement fits every job. Look for experiences that align with the skills and outcomes highlighted in the job description. Choose achievements that speak directly to the position you’re applying for.

Example: For a technical writer role, include accomplishments like “Reduced documentation turnaround by 20%” instead of “Organized office events.”

This way, each bullet point on your resume shows you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Use the Right Keywords

Action verbs and job-specific keywords make your resume stand out. They also help with ATS compatibility. Job-specific keywords like “developed,” “optimized,” and “improved” grab attention. They also align with what ATS software is looking for.

Sprinkle these words throughout your experience and accomplishments:

• “Led,” “created,” “enhanced,” “implemented,” “revised.”
• “Developed new onboarding documents, enhancing clarity for new hires.”
• “Improved user guides, cutting support tickets by 25% in six months.”

These words keep your resume active, focused, and relevant.

Show How You Solved Problems

Technical writing is about solving problems through documentation. Show examples where your work addressed issues, clarified complex information, or improved processes.

Example: “Identified gaps in existing API documentation, developed supplementary materials, and reduced developer support calls by 30%.”

This demonstrates that you’re not only thorough but also proactive in finding solutions.

Keep it Clear and Concise

Clarity is key in technical writing—and on your resume. Each bullet point should be easy to read and focused. Use simple, direct language. Avoid long sentences, and don’t over-explain. Let the impact speak for itself.

Here’s a checklist to keep each point strong:

• Start with an action verb.
• Quantify where you can.
• Use keywords from the job description.
• Make it easy to scan.

Example: “Documented software features, resulting in a 20% reduction in customer support inquiries.”

Wrapping Up

Aligning your achievements with the job shows hiring managers that you understand the role. It’s about making connections—showing how your past work matches the new opportunity. Focused, quantifiable, and job-relevant achievements help your resume make a memorable impact. This brings you closer to landing that technical writing position.