Documentation work refers to documenting knowledge in prescribed written format. Organizations maintain records of the work performed by them. Some organizations are expected to create user guides to ensure the targeted audiences are able to use the newly developed software comfortably. All these organizational needs are met by the documentation department. Here is some information to give job seekers a quick start on a career in documentation work field.
Work Nature
Documentation work is a rare blend of technical knowledge and creative writing skills. Work includes producing unique content and editing it for organizational use. Hence specialists are expected to analyze the given matter, comprehend the end user's abilities and reproduce the knowledge in simple and easy to understand manner. An integral part of work is to identify problems, come up with solutions and rectify errors. Hence, documentation work is result of writing, editing and data analysis.
Job Scope
The exact nature of documentation varies as per the work environment of the organization. Documents may relate to manuals, guides, medical records, business records, governing laws, etc. The type of work and expectations from the organization differ with the documentation nature. However, the main responsibilities remain same for each profile. We have described few profiles in brief.
Alternative Titles
A documentation specialist may be known by different names. If you are searching for jobs then make sure you enlist all these titles to ensure no good opportunities escape your search. Popular titles include technical writer, publication specialist, clinical documents specialist, policy and procedure writers, subject matter expert, etc.
Work Requirements
Educational Qualifications: Documentation work is about writing content. Hence, knowledge of English Language and expertise in grammar rules is of primary importance for drafting documents. Job seekers are expected to have completed Bachelor's Degree or certificate course in English, Technical Communication or Technical Writing. Besides, candidates with knowledge in business laws, clinical science or IT get a preference in their field of work.
Skills: Skills are important to ensure knowledge is utilized in most effective and productive manner. Here is a list of skills set expected in documentation experts:
Work Conditions
Documentation specialists work in offices. They enjoy good lighting, ventilation and spacious work stations at work place. Traveling is not required. Employees are expected to put in 45 hours of work per week. Some may work in shifts if they have to coordinate with overseas offices; otherwise rotational shifts are not common for this profile. Also, this profile is free from any major health hazard or safety risks.
Job Outlook
Documentation needs of every organization are ever increasing. Hence, jobs for documentation experts will grow steadily in future. It is important to stay updated with the writing and formatting tools to enhance chances of gaining jobs. Job are available in following industries:
Few employees may consider documentation as a boring profile but it is the best way of utilizing your knowledge to communicate with a layman on core technical issues. We hope this description has encouraged your ambition of making a career in documentation work.