Resume Writing Tips for Information Developer

Introduction

Information developers (also known as technical writers or documentation specialists) create user manuals, help guides, and knowledge base articles that make complex information accessible. A strong résumé for this role must balance showcasing your writing skills with your technical knowledge. Because the role often interfaces between engineers, designers, and end users, employers expect to see a blend of communication, analytical, and technical capabilities. This blog provides 10 detailed tips to help you write an effective, optimized résumé that captures recruiters’ attention and passes applicant tracking systems (ATS).

1. Resume Summary

The résumé summary is your first impression. Keep it short, tailored, and focused on your unique value proposition as an information developer. Highlight your years of experience, industries you’ve worked in, key documentation types you’ve mastered, and any specialization in tools or technologies.

Example: “Detail-oriented Information Developer with 5+ years creating user manuals, API documentation, and knowledge bases in SaaS and fintech sectors. Proficient in MadCap Flare, XML authoring, and Agile methodologies, with a track record of reducing customer support tickets by 20% through clear documentation.”

2. Key Skills

List skills that demonstrate both your writing capabilities and technical competencies. Include a mix of soft skills and hard skills relevant to information development. Here are 10 essential skills:

• Technical Writing
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• XML and DITA
• MadCap Flare
• Adobe FrameMaker
• Markdown and HTML
• Agile and Scrum Methodologies
• API Documentation
• Information Architecture
• User-Centered Design Principles

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Rather than just listing job duties, focus on achievements that demonstrate impact, problem-solving, or leadership. Quantify results whenever possible to underscore your contributions.

Example Achievement Bullet Point:
“Redesigned product help documentation, increasing user satisfaction scores by 18% and decreasing average support call duration by 12% within six months.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your résumé to each job description by mirroring keywords and required skills. ATS software scans for specific terminology, so incorporate the relevant language naturally into your experience and skills sections. Align your achievements with what the employer values most.

5. Tools

• MadCap Flare
• Adobe FrameMaker
• RoboHelp
• Confluence
• Microsoft Word
• GitHub
• JIRA
• XML/DITA Editors
• Markdown
• Snagit / Screen Capture Tools

6. Metrics

• Reduced documentation errors by X%
• Shortened product onboarding time by X days
• Increased end-user engagement by X%
• Decreased support tickets related to documentation by X%
• Managed documentation for products with X+ users

7. Education

• Bachelor of Arts in English, Communications, or Technical Writing
• Certifications such as Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)
• Relevant coursework in computer science or information technology is a plus

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional layout with consistent fonts and spacing
• Utilize bullet points for readability and concise phrasing
• Limit résumé to two pages to maintain focus
• Avoid graphics and complex formatting to ensure ATS readability

9. Concise

Be brief and impactful with each bullet point. Avoid jargon unless it’s industry standard, and prioritize clarity. Concise writing reflects your expertise as an information developer.

10. Bonus

• Include links to your portfolio or published documentation, if possible
• Highlight collaboration with cross-functional teams like engineers, product managers, and UX designers

Examples

• “Collaborated with engineering team to create API documentation that improved developer onboarding time by 30%.”
• “Implemented content template standardization, reducing document creation time by 25%.”

Conclusion

For information developers, a résumé that effectively showcases your impact, leadership, and analytical skills is key to unlocking new career opportunities. By emphasizing metrics-driven achievements, mastering relevant tools, and tailoring your résumé to target roles, you demonstrate your ability to not only write well but influence product success and user satisfaction. With a crisp, ATS-optimized format and a focus on measurable results, your résumé becomes a powerful marketing asset — communicating that you’re the candidate who can bridge the gap between complex technology and clear, user-friendly content.