When we talk to founders, marketers, and engineers at cloud-native startups, one problem keeps surfacing: “We built the product, but no one understands it outside our team.” That’s where great technical writers come in.
At Writewyze, we’ve worked with a wide range of tech companies; from early-stage startups to scaling unicorns and one thing is clear: the right tech writer doesn’t just document your product. They shape how your audience understands and experiences it.
So how do you hire the right one? In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything we’ve learned about hiring great tech writers; from the skills you should prioritize, to interview tips, and even red flags to avoid.
Why hiring a great tech writer matters more than you think
We’ve seen companies treat technical writing like a nice-to-have. But when you’re building in a category as complex as DevOps, Kubernetes, AI infrastructure, or cloud security, clear documentation becomes one of your strongest differentiators.
Here’s what great tech writing unlocks:
- Shorter onboarding time for users
- Fewer support tickets
- Higher trust in your product
- Better adoption of features
It’s not just about writing manuals. It’s about accelerating understanding and reinforcing your product’s strategic positioning in the market.
One product marketing lead we worked with put it best:
“When our documentation improved, so did our sales conversations. Prospects came in knowing what we do and how we’re different.”
That’s the hidden power of great technical writing: it builds confidence before a human ever joins the call.
What makes a great tech writer?
The best tech writers are technically curious, audience-aware, and fluent in product thinking. They don’t just support the narrative; they drive it.
Here’s what we look for in standout tech writers:
1. Clarity above all
A great writer knows how to take a messy, complex topic and make it simple. This means avoiding jargon, structuring ideas logically, and guiding the reader through with clean, crisp sentences.
We often ask: “Can someone new to this space read your content and feel smarter in five minutes?” If the answer is yes, that’s a strong sign.
2. Deep audience awareness
A good tech writer adjusts tone and depth depending on the reader. Docs for developers? Prioritize code examples and precision. Writing for decision-makers? Highlight benefits and workflows.
This skill is rare and incredibly valuable.
3. Product thinking
Some of the best writers we’ve worked with think like product managers. They ask questions like:
- What’s the user trying to do here?
- Where might they get stuck?
- How can we help them succeed faster?
They’re not just documenting features. They’re mapping out how people experience your product and clarifying its value narrative in the process.
Skills to prioritize when hiring
Let’s get specific. These are the core skills to look for when hiring a tech writer:
- Technical understanding (Not just knowledge): They don’t have to be engineers, but they should be tech-savvy. They must understand how systems work together, ask smart questions, and interpret technical inputs.
- Information architecture: Can they structure a knowledge base? Create logical flow in an onboarding guide? Group concepts meaningfully? That’s the real value.
- Communication with SMEs: Writers who can extract insights from engineers without slowing them down are invaluable. Look for candidates who show humility, curiosity, and strong interview habits.
- Clear, concise writing: We always look at writing samples, not just for grammar, but for flow. Do they write in a way that feels easy to follow? Is it engaging? Do they use examples?
- Strategic insight: Great writers ask: “Why are we writing this?” They think in terms of goals; conversion, activation, support deflection, not just content quantity. They understand that every piece of content contributes to your authority engine, how your company builds trust, influence, and preference in the market.
Red flags to watch for
Hiring a writer who looks good on paper but doesn’t deliver can cost you time and momentum. Here are some red flags we’ve seen over the years:
- They write “at” the reader, not for them. The tone feels robotic or academic.
- They don’t tailor their work for different users. Same style for everyone? That’s a problem.
- They need too much input. Great writers fill gaps themselves.
- They focus too much on tools. Tools are secondary to thinking.
Where to find great tech writers
We’re often asked, “Where do I find these unicorns?” Here are a few effective channels:
- Specialized tech writing communities like Write the Docs or Technical Writing World
- Freelancer platforms (but vet carefully)
- LinkedIn—use keyword filters like “developer documentation,” “API docs,” or “SaaS content”
- Content agencies that specialize in technical domains (like ours at Writewyze)
And don’t underestimate word of mouth. Ask your network. Some of the best writers never advertise, they get referred.
How to screen tech writers (with sample questions)
Here’s where things get tricky. Technical writers often come from different backgrounds; engineering, journalism, UX, marketing, so resumes aren’t enough.
What matters is how they think and how they communicate. These interview questions have worked well for us:
Writing & structure
- “Can you walk us through a complex topic you explained to a non-technical audience?”
- “How do you structure a long-form guide vs. an FAQ or changelog?”
Research & SME collaboration
- “Tell us about a time you had to learn something unfamiliar quickly. How did you do it?”
- “How do you prepare for interviews with engineers?”
Product thinking
- “How do you decide what not to include in a guide?”
- “Have you ever changed the docs based on user feedback? What did you change?”
Brand alignment
- “How do you adjust your tone for different audiences or companies?”
- “Have you ever developed a documentation style guide?”
Pro tip: Ask for a short writing assignment tailored to your product. Make it real, not a generic prompt. That’s the best signal.
When to hire full-time vs freelance
We’ve helped several companies decide whether to hire in-house or outsource. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a breakdown of when each makes sense:
Hire full-time if:
- You have a complex product that’s changing fast
- You need docs as a core part of your product experience
- You want someone embedded with your dev or product team
Hire freelance or agency if:
- You need high-quality docs for a product launch or one-time initiative
- You’re testing the waters before investing in a full-time hire
- You need someone with domain expertise (e.g., Kubernetes, observability)
We’ve seen hybrid setups work too. For example, a company might use an agency for thought leadership and long-form guides, while keeping internal writers focused on product docs.
The bottom line
Hiring a great technical writer is not just about filling a role, it’s about creating clarity, trust, and momentum in your go-to-market motion. We’ve seen the difference a great writer makes. They reduce confusion. They create alignment across teams. They make your product feel polished and usable.
But more importantly, they help shape the narrative around your product. That narrative defines how the market sees you and how you compete.
So if you’re thinking about hiring your first (or next) tech writer, don’t just look at resumes. Look at how they think. How do they explain? And how they write for the real humans using your product. Because great writing isn’t just words on a page, it’s the bridge between your product and the people it’s meant to help.
If you’d like help finding a writer who fits your product and your brand, reach out to us at Writewyze. We help cloud-native startups turn complex products into clear, compelling content while powering a consistent authority engine that positions you as the go-to in your category.
Or, if you’re not ready to hire but want to know what great tech writing looks like, check out our resources or drop us a note. We’re always happy to share what we’ve learned.