How to Be Technical Editor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 4, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a field such as English, journalism, communications or a related area of study. Coursework should include writing, editing and proofreading.
Gain Work Experience. Technical editors should have experience in the field they are editing. This could mean working as a technical writer, editor or proofreader.
Obtain Technical Knowledge. Technical editors should have advanced knowledge of the field they are editing. This can include topics such as engineering, computer science, medicine and other specialized fields.
Learn and Understand Software. Technical editors should be comfortable with editing software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. They should also be proficient in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Get Certified. A number of organizations offer certification for technical editors. Earning a certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
Network and Promote Yourself. Networking is essential for technical editors. Join professional organizations in your field and attend conferences to meet potential employers and promote yourself.

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This includes offering competitive salaries and benefits, creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and providing training and mentorship opportunities to help employees reach their potential.

You may want to check Multimedia Editor, News Editor, and Senior Copy Editor for alternative.

Job Description

Technical Editor: Responsible for editing and proofreading technical documents, such as user manuals, specifications, reports, and proposals, to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Technical Writer: Writes technical documents, such as user manuals, specifications, reports, and proposals.
Content Manager: Manages content creation and delivery of technical documents, such as user manuals, specifications, reports, and proposals.
Documentation Specialist: Develops and maintains technical documentation, such as user manuals, specifications, reports, and proposals.
Technical Support Representative: Provides technical support to customers by answering questions related to technical documents.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of the English language, including grammar, spelling, punctuation and syntax
Ability to understand and interpret technical specifications, diagrams and schematics
Ability to research, analyze and synthesize information
Familiarity with various authoring tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, FrameMaker and InDesign
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Attention to detail and an eye for accuracy
Knowledge of publishing processes and standards
Understanding of web publishing technology and software

Good technical editing requires a variety of skills, such as an understanding of the subject matter, attention to detail, strong writing and communication skills, and an ability to work well with deadlines. Having a strong grasp of the technical subject matter is essential for a technical editor because they need to understand the material in order to effectively edit it. Attention to detail is also key, as small details can make a big difference in the final product.

Strong writing and communication skills are also necessary for a technical editor, as they must be able to clearly explain their edits and provide feedback in a concise manner. Finally, meeting deadlines is also essential for a technical editor, as it allows them to finish their work on time and ensure that their edits are taken into account. All of these skills are important for a successful technical editor who can deliver a professional and high-quality product.

Deputy Managing Editor, Chief Content Officer/Editor-in-Chief, and Science Editor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in technical editing?
How familiar are you with different styles of technical writing?
Whats your approach to working with complex technical material?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy when editing technical documents?
How do you handle tight deadlines?
Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with others to produce a technical document?
How do you balance the need for accuracy with the need for speed?
Can you provide an example of a successful project you have completed as a technical editor?
What challenges have you faced as a technical editor and how did you address them?
What software do you use for editing technical documents?

Common Tools in Industry

Text Editors. Text editors are programs used to edit plain text files. (eg: Notepad++)
Content Management Systems (CMS). CMS are software solutions used to manage and publish digital content. (eg: WordPress)
HTML Editors. HTML editors are software solutions used to create web pages. (eg: Adobe Dreamweaver)
Image Editing Software. Image editing software are programs used to manipulate and modify digital images. (eg: Adobe Photoshop)
Code Editors. Code editors are programs used to write code for website development. (eg: Sublime Text)
Version Control Software. Version control software are tools used to track changes to a project or website over time. (eg: Git)
Diagramming Software. Diagramming software are programs used to create diagrams and flowcharts. (eg: Microsoft Visio)
Video Editing Software. Video editing software are programs used to edit digital video files. (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro)
Desktop Publishing Software. Desktop publishing software are programs used to create documents with a professional look, such as brochures and flyers. (eg: Adobe InDesign)
Project Management Software. Project management software are tools used to plan and track the progress of projects. (eg: Trello)

Professional Organizations to Know

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)
ISTC (International Society for Technical Communication)
STC (Society for Technical Communication)
AIP (American Institute of Physics)
AIE (American Institute of Environmental Engineers)
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers)
NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers)
NACE International (National Association of Corrosion Engineers)

We also have Executive Producer/Editor, Magazine Assistant Editor, and Creative Editor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Copyediting. The process of reviewing and correcting written material to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency according to the publication's style guide.
Style Guide. A set of rules and guidelines for writing, editing, and formatting text. It is used to ensure consistency among authors and editors.
Proofreading. The process of reviewing written material for spelling, grammar, and other errors before it is published or distributed.
Dangling Modifier. A type of grammatical error involving an adjective or adverb that does not logically refer to the noun or verb it modifies.
Active Voice. A type of sentence construction in which the subject performs the action of the verb.
Passive Voice. A type of sentence construction in which the subject is acted upon by the verb.
Grammar. The study of the structure of a language, including syntax, semantics, and morphology.
Syntax. The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
Semantics. The study of the meaning of words and how they are used in a language.
Morphology. The study of how words are formed from smaller units of meaning, such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Technical Editor? A1: A Technical Editor is a professional who reviews and edits technical documents, such as research papers, user manuals, instruction guides, and product specifications, to ensure accuracy and clarity. Q2: What skills are needed to be a Technical Editor? A2: Technical Editors need excellent writing and editing skills, as well as strong knowledge of grammar and punctuation rules. They should also have experience with scientific and technical terminology, and be familiar with the relevant software and tools. Q3: How much does a Technical Editor usually earn? A3: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Technical Editors in 2019 was $60,380. Q4: What qualifications are required to become a Technical Editor? A4: Generally speaking, employers seek Technical Editors who have a Bachelors degree in English, Journalism, or a related field. Relevant experience in scientific or technical writing is also beneficial. Q5: What are some common duties of a Technical Editor? A5: Common duties for Technical Editors include reading and evaluating technical documents for accuracy and clarity, making revisions to ensure clarity and accuracy, and tracking changes and updating documents. They may also be responsible for assessing documents for compliance with style guidelines.

Web Resources

What Do Technical Editors Do: Daily Work & Skills - franklin.edu www.franklin.edu
Basics of Technical Editing | UC San Diego Division of Extended extendedstudies.ucsd.edu
(PDF) Technical Editors | Robert Keane - Academia.edu www.academia.edu