An Oracle technical writer creates copies that inform end-users and coworkers who lack tech knowledge about the company’s current and new technologies. Instead of relying solely on advantages, they explain challenging tech aspects that are practical and useful to the user. Meaning that while a technical writer doesn’t need to explain how a product works, they need to explain how a user can get the most out of the product.
Depending on the team inside Oracle, a technical writer will write different content technical documents, but the most frequent ones are:
- Instruction manuals
- Technical reports
- Technical specifications
- Press releases
- White papers
- Case studies
To create compelling copies, technical writers collaborate with Oracle product managers, engineers, marketing, and other employees inside the company.
Although the skill set is compelling writing, tech writers need to know the industry. Meaning, if a writer specializes in software, they need a minimum basic understanding of how the software works.
Finally, due to the required knowledge, many technical writers are previous engineers or scientists, but it’s also possible to become a tech writer as a general writer.
Understanding what a technical writer does is the first piece of the puzzle. Now let’s explore what Oracle does.
Oracle Technical Writer Qualifications & Responsibilities
Since the company has multiple products, Oracle technical writers usually specialize. Depending on your knowledge, it’s best to set job alerts for particular job positions.
One such team can be the mobile telecommunication team. Here you’ll spend most of your working hours helping the team create and manage documents. Instead of working in a regular CMS (content management system), you’ll work in CCMS (component content management system).
Another possible job position is a senior technical writer. Besides creating, editing, and updating product information, you work closely with programming and design teams as a senior. Meaning, you’ll have more responsibilities, and you’ll answer directly to your manager—naturally, the higher the position, the better the compensation.
There are also remote options and associate positions if you’re looking to gain experience before making any career advancement.
Since new jobs pop up regularly at Oracle, it’s best to have a job alert ready so you don’t miss your opportunity. Not every job position will suit your skills, so it’s helpful to filter out the best-fitting one.
Here are the basic qualifications for a technical writer at Oracle.
Qualifications
Qualifications depend on the seniority level. While a senior technical writer requires 5+ years of experience and extensive writing and documentation development experience, starting positions require far less.
Unlike mid to senior positions, starting tech writers don’t necessarily need knowledge of JavaScript or HTML, although they might have to learn along the way.
Furthermore, while some positions require a minimum of two to three years of experience, you also need a bachelor’s degree in English language, communications, or related fields. If you don’t have a formal degree, it’s enough to have significant work experience in a similar company.
The final alternative is technical writer certifications that you can get by taking online courses. In that case, make sure you take a course that provides the required knowledge and a trustworthy certificate since, to employers, it acts as recognition of your ability.
You can easily apply for open job positions online. Now, let’s explore the different responsibilities of a technical writer at Oracle.
Responsibilities
Your responsibilities include maintaining a clear communication channel with end-users and constant innovation.
The bigger a company is, the more it relies on effective database management. To capture and maintain users, Oracle needs an effective way for users to understand the benefit of its products.
Remember that just because someone is aware that they need a specific product doesn’t mean they know how to use it.
For example, if a user needs a bicycle for commuting, that doesn’t mean that they know how to ride a bike. So if you’re a bicycle seller and make it easy for customers to learn to drive, you’re increasing your sales. The same goes for Oracle and its database management solutions.
Oracle needs technical writers to help companies understand the innovations behind their database management software.
Promotion Possibilities
As a senior technical writer, you’ll work more with engineers directly, while as an associate, you’ll help by creating the necessary documentation for your department.
Similarly, senior positions are more fast-paced since employers expect high-quality documentation in a short amount of time.
Although you might think that your writing style fits the end goal, remember that each business has its standards. Meaning, you might have to adjust your writing to the company’s standards. This is important so that Oracle maintains consistency across different documents.
Oracle Technical Writer Salary
According to Comparably, the average Oracle salary for a technical writer is $117,300 per year, including the base salary and bonus. Oracle technical writer salaries range between $93,000 and $125,000. The average considers all related tech writing jobs in Oracle, which means that your compensation will depend on your department, seniority, and location.
Considering that the average technical writer salary in the U.S. is $74,650, tech writers earn more at Oracle than at other companies.
Finally, Oracle equally distributes compensation between employees of different gender and ethnicity.
Oracle Employee Benefits
According to reviews found on Indeed, the average rating at Oracle is 3.8 out of 5. While this might seem like an average score, many employees are satisfied. Some of the key benefits are:
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401k retirement and investment support
- Paid time off
- Flexible work hours
- On-site perks such as gym
Other perks come with the job that you can find by checking Oracle’s benefits page.
Next, let’s compare the salary range to average technical writer salaries in the U.S.
Final Note
Although Oracle might not be the best place to start as a technical writer, it’s an excellent opportunity for individuals looking for jobs with a better salary or who are moving to a new location.
With multiple departments, solid average salary, and offices scattered across the nation, it isn’t a bad idea to have a job alert set for Oracle.
If you’re a starting technical writer looking for companies to kickstart your career, a great way to bolster your chances is by taking online technical writing courses. Besides improving your skills, you also get a certification that helps you stand above the competition. For employers, seeing a degree or certificate helps filter candidates. If you lack work experience, this is a great way to gain legit knowledge.
Either way, best of luck finding your next opportunity as a technical writer.
FAQ
Here you’ll find frequently asked questions and answers about technical writing.
Is a technical writer a good career?
More than before, companies fight for user engagement and awareness. Previous marketing tactics are rarely enough, so businesses need to use the product itself as a marketing tool. The first one who convinces the user that their product can genuinely help with a specific issue gets the customer. With that in mind, companies need an experienced technical writer more than ever—someone who’ll locate customers’ pressure points and offer a solution to relieve them.
What does a technical writer do?
A technical writer creates technical documents that inform end-users and coworkers about the technical aspects straightforwardly. A successful technical copy explains complex details using everyday vocabulary. A technical writer acts as a translator between the professional product team and individuals who lack professional knowledge.
What makes a good technical writer?
Since the average user doesn’t have to know how product functions, a good technical writer needs to know what product parts are essential to the user and present them intuitively. A great technical copy will organically explain how a product works without the user having to strain themselves or reach out to other sources for help.
What is Oracle?
Oracle is a multinational computer technology company that offers database management solutions, cloud services, and other enterprise-level products. Based in Austin, Texas, Oracle has a large office in San Francisco as well.
If you are new to technical writing and are looking to break-in, we recommend taking our Technical Writing Certification Course, where you will learn the fundamentals of being a technical writer, how to dominate technical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a technical writing candidate.
