Major traits technical writers must have

Two main traits that are must for you to be a successful technical writer (professional) is the ability to learn and the confidence- Rahul Karn

In this world, you will always have to challenge your ability, ability to write, ability to gather knowledge, ability to understand the application, ability to learn tools and many more abilities and above all self-belief and confidence that you have these abilities. Confidence that you have the ability to accomplish anything.

Command on the language and tools are important but I feel correct attitude matters a lot, other skill can be learned on the job also- Rahul Karn

Many times a new project will be thrown on you without prior notice, proper knowledge transfer, training, manuals or study materials and process that too with a tight deadline and you have to do it because you have to deliver and you are paid for that. If you get bogged down by these kinds of challenges (opportunity) no matter how good a writer you are, you may have to taste the dust, but you take this as opportunity sky will not be the only limit.

In today’s environment where every day new technology becoming old, you will have to be on the toe to change with industry and stay ahead of the time. At least in the world of web, the successful technical writers (person) are those who can change with need and who thrive on the challenge of the new and untried.

How to cope with this? Keep updating yourself via a different social network, forums, friends, blogs and also try to attend and volunteer Information Developers Foundation conferences in your country and city. If you get a chance to take classes, go ahead and grab it this will give you immense confidence. Work in that area which keeps you haunted while performing your jobs may be some tool or even any soft skill.

Above all, I firmly believe in taking the bull from the horn. More you will challenge the technology more you will learn. Dip your toe in the water of technology you will learn it.

So, have the knowledge, be informed and wear confidence.

End of the day these are the unhidden source of your income.