Job Description: Produces a major portion of a complex documentation set (i.e. reference guides, online help, user guides, UI text) that complies with documentation plan requirements. Develops and tests complex user scenarios that show how to use the product being documented. Works effectively with program management, product marketing, and other internal Microsoft customers as needed. May instruct others in writing styles (e.g. reference guides, user guides, solutions books, online). Writes and helps implement documentation plans for the major components of a project. May assist with scheduling and coordinating the work of a team. Skills: 5 years of work-related experience required. Must be able to accomplish objectives that span multiple products or subject areas, and possess proactive and strategic problem-solving skills. Must have excellent writing and analytical skills. Must be able to participate in planning and design, and contribute to a project from end to end with minimal supervision. Strong project management skills required.

Demonstrated ability to combine technical expertise with technical communication skills is required. Must have demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, broad but related areas of technology. Advanced knowledge of the specified technology as well as additional technologies. May require an understanding of one or more major technologies, such as database design and development, networking, client/server applications, security, multimedia, or device drivers, etc. Demonstrated ability to oversee a complex documentation set. The ability to work under deadline pressure is required. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Bachelor's degree in Technical Communications, Journalism, English, or related field preferred. Work-related experience may substitute for a degree.

Typical task breakdown and rhythm-

• Creating new content to keep current
• Updating existing container of content and creating new content within in
• Correcting current content
• Creating new content containers within the library for new updates and releases
• Making sure everything in the container is up to date and linking to the correct content
• Creating how-to articles

This job is not focused on UX writing – it is focused on the how-to content.

Years of experience required-

• 3-5 years of experience as a technical writer
• Experience writing for software that is under development (1+ years)
• Some experience writing how-to’s or instructional content (1+ years)
• Experience writing for an end-user audience
• Some comfort and knowledge with how HTML and XML, mark up and markdown, work. Formatting in a particular way so things render correctly on the publishing side.
• Writing Portfolios are required – including instructional or how-to content. (Not just email marketing or retail web pages)

Top 3 Must-Haves:

1. Writing portfolio includes instructional or how-to content
2. Experience writing for software that is under development (1+ years)
3. Experience writing for an end-user audience