Understanding the Question

When an interviewer asks, "Can you describe your experience with technical writing and the types of documents you've created?" they're seeking to understand not just the breadth of your experience in technical writing but also the depth and relevance of that experience to the role you're applying for. This question provides an opportunity to showcase your expertise, versatility, and the specific skills that make you an ideal candidate for the position.

Interviewer's Goals

The interviewer's primary goals with this question are to:

1. Assess Your Experience: They want to gauge the extent of your hands-on experience in technical writing, including the complexity and scope of the projects you've worked on.
2. Evaluate the Relevance: The interviewer is interested in understanding how your past work aligns with the current needs of their company or the specific role you're applying for.
3. Understand Your Versatility: By asking about the types of documents you've created, they're looking to see if you have experience with a variety of formats and if you can adapt to their documentation needs.
4. Gauge Your Communication Skills: Your response can also give them insight into your ability to clearly and concisely articulate your experiences and the impact of your work.

How to Approach Your Answer

To effectively answer this question, you should:

1. Be Specific: Discuss specific types of documents you've worked on, such as user manuals, API documentation, installation guides, or product specifications. Mention specific tools or software you've used, like MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, or Markdown.
2. Highlight Your Process: Briefly describe your approach to creating these documents. Mention any collaboration with subject matter experts, your research process, and how you ensured the accuracy and clarity of technical information.
3. Quantify Your Impact: If possible, mention any measurable impact your documentation had, such as reducing customer support calls, improving user satisfaction, or streamlining processes.
4. Align With the Job: Tailor your response to highlight experience that is most relevant to the job you're applying for. If the role focuses on software documentation, emphasize your experience in that area.

Example Responses Relevant to Technical Writer

Example 1:

"In my previous role as a Technical Writer at TechSolutions Inc., I specialized in creating comprehensive user guides and online help documentation for our B2B software products. Utilizing tools like MadCap Flare and Snagit, I developed over 30 user guides that spanned across three major software releases. I collaborated closely with our software development team to ensure technical accuracy, and I implemented feedback from our UX team to improve usability. My documentation played a critical role in reducing incoming customer support queries by 40% within the first quarter of release."

Example 2:

"Over the last five years, I've built a diverse portfolio of technical documentation, including API guides, installation manuals, and release notes. One of my notable projects involved creating an API documentation set for a financial services API, where I used Swagger and Markdown. This project required extensive research and collaboration with our development team to accurately document over 100 endpoints. My work supported our developer community, significantly reducing the learning curve for our API and facilitating a 25% increase in API adoption within six months."

Tips for Success

• Reflect Beforehand: Before your interview, review your past projects and identify the ones that best showcase your skills and achievements.
• Customize Your Answer: Tailor your response to match the job description and the company's sector. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your aptitude for the specific challenges of the role.
• Use Professional Terminology: Demonstrate your expertise by using industry-standard terms and mentioning specific technologies or methodologies you're familiar with.
• Be Concise and Structured: While it's important to provide detailed examples, ensure your answer is structured and to the point to keep the interviewer engaged.
• Express Your Passion: Show enthusiasm for technical writing and for producing high-quality documentation. A genuine interest in your field can make a strong impression.