Did you enjoy learning about technical writing? Want to take your interest further? Google created a guide on how you can get a job there.
Technical writers who work at Google don’t only create documentation but also provide a key link between Google engineers, developer advocates, product managers, marketing associates, as well as users and client developers.
What do Google’s technical writers document?
Although some Google technical writers focus on hardware and others on consumer products such as Google Docs, most Google technical writers document programming products like Google Cloud, Android and the like.
Helping developers use these technologies or platforms might involve traditional documentation, code samples, videos, slides, or any other media that gets the job done. Technical writers are seldom bored.
Who can become a technical writer at Google?
There is no single path to becoming a technical writer at Google. Although a few have earned degrees in technical writing, most technical writers come from other worlds. For example, you’ll find plenty of software engineers, development operations engineers, journalists, physicists, lawyers, and teachers now working as technical writers at Google. Despite the wide range of educational and professional backgrounds, this diverse bunch shares the following skills:
- Write clearly in English. They don’t care whether English is your first language or your tenth; they only care about the quality of your writing in English.
- Learn complex technologies relatively quickly.
- Explain complex technologies in useful ways for the target audience.
- Wield strong interpersonal skills.
- Understand code.
Technical writers are rare hybrids, possessing an uncommon mixture of talents.
How can I become a technical writer at Google?
To apply for a job as a Technical Writer at Google, do the following:
- Go to the Technical Writer, Software Engineering page on the Google Careers website.
- Read through the positions and click Apply on those that interest you. (Note that you must click Expand in order to see the Apply button.)
- Complete the application form.
To optimize your chances, highlight your experience documenting technical topics.
In some cases, applicants have the requisite talents but don’t have demonstrable professional experience. If you don’t yet have a technical communication portfolio, they recommend contributing documentation to open-source projects.
If you don’t know any open-source project, here is A list of Open Source Projects with Volunteer Documentation Opportunities.
Ann Green, Content Manager at ClickHelp.com — best online documentation tool for SaaS vendors
