How to Build Your Technical Writing Portfolio as a Beginner

Gigi Kenneth
Sep 4, 2024
4 min read

Building a portfolio as a beginner in technical writing can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t have much to showcase. However, a well-crafted portfolio is essential for proving your skills, demonstrating your ability to create clear, concise documentation, and landing your first job or freelance gig in this field.

In this post, we’ll walk you through practical steps to help you build a portfolio from scratch — even if you don’t have professional experience yet.

1. Understand the Purpose of a Portfolio

Before diving into the creation process, it’s important to understand what a technical writing portfolio is and why it’s crucial. Your portfolio serves as a tangible proof of your skills. It showcases your ability to transform complex technical information into easy-to-understand content for different audiences, whether it’s software documentation, user manuals, or step-by-step guides.

Need inspiration? Here are some technical writing portfolio examples.

A strong portfolio helps potential employers or clients see your writing style, your grasp of technical concepts, and your ability to structure and format documents effectively.

2. Start with What You Have

You don’t need professional experience to create a portfolio — start by using what you already have:

If you’ve written any academic papers, reports, or instructional materials, consider including these. They can show your ability to research, analyze, and present complex information clearly.
Write documentation for a project you’re working on, such as a hobby app, a piece of software, or a home automation setup. Even creating a user guide or FAQ for something you’re passionate about can demonstrate your technical writing skills.
Volunteer to create documentation for local non-profits, community organizations, or small businesses. This can help you gain real-world experience while contributing to a cause you care about.

3. Create Sample Projects

If you don’t have existing work to showcase, create your own samples! These can be hypothetical but realistic documents that demonstrate your ability to write for different audiences:

User Guides and Manuals: Write a comprehensive guide for a software tool you use frequently or any productivity app. Focus on clarity and usability.
How-To Articles and Tutorials: Create step-by-step guides on solving common technical problems or using specific features of a software product. You could write a tutorial on setting up a blog with WordPress or configuring a router.
API Documentation: If you have some basic programming knowledge, try creating documentation for a simple API. This is highly valued in the tech industry and can set you apart from other beginners.

Remember, the goal is quality over quantity. Even a few well-crafted pieces can make a strong impression.

4. Contribute to Open Source Projects

One of the most effective ways to build a portfolio is by contributing to open-source projects. Open-source communities always need documentation, and contributing to these projects can provide real-world experience, showcase your collaboration skills, and expand your professional network.

How to Get Started:

Explore platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Open Source Friday to find projects looking for contributors. Look for repositories tagged with “documentation,” “docs,” or “good first issue.”
Start by reading the project’s existing documentation and looking for areas that need improvement — perhaps the installation guide is confusing, or the README lacks clarity. You can also suggest and write new content like FAQs, tutorials, or API documentation.
Join the project’s communication channels, like Slack or Discord, to ask questions, introduce yourself, and engage with maintainers. Open-source contributions are also an excellent way to demonstrate your ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Make sure to showcase your contributions in your portfolio. Include links to your pull requests or the updated documentation you worked on, and provide context for what you improved or created.

Contributing to open-source projects not only builds your portfolio but also gives you credibility and visibility within the tech community.

5. Start a Blog or Write on Platforms Like Medium

Creating a blog is a great way to demonstrate your writing skills and thought leadership. Write about topics that interest you or align with the technical writing field, such as:

Best practices in technical writing.
Reviews of tools and software you use.
Case studies or documentation trends.

If creating your own website feels like a big step, use platforms like Medium, Dev.to, or Hashnode. These platforms have built-in audiences that can help you gain visibility and connect with other writers.

6. Use Free or Low-Cost Tools to Build a Portfolio Website

Once you have a few samples, create an online portfolio to showcase your work. Here are some easy-to-use options:

Wix or WordPress: These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and customizable templates, allowing you to create a professional-looking site with minimal effort.
GitHub Pages: If you’re comfortable with basic HTML or Markdown, GitHub Pages is a great free option. It also demonstrates that you’re tech-savvy and familiar with version control systems.

We covered this a bit more in Building a Personal Brand as a Technical Writer.

Your portfolio website should include:

An About Me section with a brief bio.
A Writing Samples section with links to your work.
A Contact Information section so potential employers or clients can reach you.

7. Network and Engage with the Community

Building connections is crucial for finding opportunities and getting feedback on your work. Join technical writing communities like Write the Docs, TechWhirl, or LinkedIn groups. Participate in discussions, attend webinars, or collaborate on small projects to expand your network and gain more exposure.

Networking can lead to opportunities for paid work, mentorship, or more portfolio pieces.

8. Keep Updating and Improving Your Portfolio

Your portfolio should be a living document that evolves with your experience. Regularly update it with new projects, refine older samples, and remove outdated content. Make sure it reflects your latest skills, especially if you’re learning new tools or technologies.

Conclusion

Building a technical writing portfolio as a beginner might seem challenging, but it’s entirely achievable with the right approach. Start with what you have, create your own samples, contribute to open source, and engage with the community. Remember, your portfolio is an ongoing project that grows with you — don’t be afraid to start small and build from there!