Atlanta Technical writers, also called Atlanta Technical communicators, put Atlanta Technical information into easily understandable language. They work primarily in information-technology-related industries, coordinating the development and dissemination of Atlanta Technical content for a variety of users; however, a growing number of Atlanta Technical communicators are using Atlanta Technical content to resolve business communications problems in a diversifying number of industries. Included in their products are operating instructions, how-to manuals, assembly instructions, and other documentation needed for online help and by Atlanta Technical support staff, consumers, and other users within the company or industry. Atlanta Technical writers also develop documentation for computer programs and set up communications systems with consumers to assess customer satisfaction and quality control matters. In addition, they commonly work in engineering, scientific, healthcare, and other areas in which highly specialized material needs to be explained to a diverse audience, often of laypersons.

Atlanta Technical writers often work with engineers, scientists, computer specialists, and software developers to manage the flow of information among project workgroups during development and testing. They also may work with product liability specialists and customer service or call center managers to improve the quality of product support and end-user assistance. Atlanta Technical writers also oversee the preparation of illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and charts. Atlanta Technical writers increasingly are using a variety of multimedia formats to convey information in such a way that complex concepts can be understood easily by users of the information.

Applying their knowledge of the user of the product, Atlanta Technical writers may serve as part of a team conducting usability studies to help improve the design of a product that is in the prototype stage. Atlanta Technical writers may conduct research on their topics through personal observation, library and Internet research, and discussions with Atlanta Technical specialists. They also are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter and establish their credibility with their colleagues.

Atlanta Technical writers use computers and other electronic communications equipment extensively in performing their work. They also work regularly with desktop and other electronic publishing software and prepare material directly for the Internet. Atlanta Technical writers may work with graphic design, page layout, and multimedia software; increasingly, they are preparing documents by using the interactive technologies of the Web to blend text, graphics, multidimensional images, and sound.

Some Atlanta Technical writers work on a freelance or contract basis. They either are self-employed or work for a Technical consulting firm and may be hired to complete specific short-term or recurring assignments, such as writing about a new product or coordinating the work and communications of different units to keep a project on track. Whether a project is to be coordinated among an organization's departments or among autonomous companies, Atlanta Technical writers ensure that the different entities share information and mediate differences in favor of the end user in order to bring a product to market sooner.

Work environment. Advances in computer and communications technologies make it possible for Atlanta Technical writers to work from almost anywhere. Laptop computers and wireless communications permit Atlanta Technical writers to work from home, an office, or on the road. The ability to use the Internet to e-mail, transmit, and download information and assignments, conduct research, or review materials allows them greater flexibility in where and how they complete assignments.

Many Atlanta Technical writers work with people located around the world and with specialists in highly Technical fields, such as science and engineering. As a result, they must be able to assimilate complex information quickly and be comfortable working with people from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Although most Atlanta Technical writers are employed directly by the companies that use their services, many freelance writers are paid on a project basis and routinely face the pressures of juggling multiple projects and the continual need to find new work. Atlanta Technical writers may be expected to work evenings, nights, or weekends to coordinate with those in other time zones, meet deadlines, or produce information that complies with project requirements and is acceptable to the client.

Atlanta Technical writers use computer and communications technologies extensively, which allows them to work from home or wherever their work takes them.

A college degree is required for a position as a Atlanta Technical writer. In addition, knowledge in a Atlanta Technical subject, as well as experience in Web design and computer graphics, is important.

Education and training. Employers look for candidates with a bachelor's degree, often preferring those with a major in communications, journalism, or English. Some Atlanta Technical writing jobs may require both experience and either a degree or knowledge in a specialized field—for example, engineering, medicine, or one of the sciences; others have broader requirements, such as a background in liberal arts. Knowledge of a second language is helpful for some positions. Experience in Web design and computer graphics also is helpful, because of the growing use of online Technical documentation.

Other qualifications. Atlanta Technical writers must have excellent writing and communication skills and be able to express ideas clearly and logically in a variety of media. Increasingly, Atlanta Technical writers need familiarity with electronic publishing, graphics, and sound and video production. Also needed is knowledge of computer software for combining online text with graphics, audio, video, and animation, as well as the ability to manage large, complex, and interconnected files.

Atlanta Technical writers must be detail oriented, curious, persistent in solving problems, self-motivated, and able to understand complex material and explain it clearly. Atlanta Technical writers also must demonstrate good working relationships and sensitivity toward others, especially those from different backgrounds. In addition, the ability to work under pressure and in a variety of work settings is essential.

Advancement. Some Atlanta Technical writers begin their careers not as writers, but as specialists in a Technical field or as research assistants or trainees in a Technical information department. By transferring or developing Technical communication skills, they eventually assume primary responsibilities for Technical writing. In small firms, beginning Technical writers may work on projects right away; in larger companies with more standard procedures, beginners may observe experienced Technical writers and interact with specialists before being assigned projects. Prospects for advancement generally include working on more complex projects, leading or training junior staff, and getting enough work to make it as a freelancer.

Many firms and freelancers provide Technical writing services on a contract basis, often to small or not-for-profit organizations that do not have enough regular work to employ Atlanta Technical writers full time. Building a reputation and establishing a record for meeting deadlines also makes it easier to get future assignments. An experienced, credible, and reliable freelance Atlanta Technical writer or editor often is able to establish long-term dealings with the same companies.