Sr. Technical Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Sr. Technical Writer

🔹 Company: Salesforce

🔹 Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Enterprise Technology & Infrastructure

🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Creating documentation and content experiences for Salesforce products
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams in an Agile development environment
• Producing in-app assistance, help, guides, interactive training, and videos
• Defining and running operational processes for content creation and management

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong technical background and excellent writing skills to create user-friendly content for complex software products.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Document software for technical audiences, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and approachability

✅ Learn complex technologies quickly and create solution-oriented content strategies

✅ Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and the User Experience team to gather information and provide content

✅ Measure the success of content and iterate based on feedback and data

✅ Define and run operational processes for content creation and management

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under tight deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A related technical degree is required.

Experience: 3+ years of experience documenting software for technical audiences.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in technical writing or a related field
• Ability to write clean, concise, and approachable content
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to learn complex technologies quickly
• High standards of quality and a learner's mindset

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with source control software such as Perforce or Git
• Experience with XML-based authoring tools such as Oxygen
• Knowledge of DITA and structured authoring
• Experience working in an Agile development environment

ASSUMPTION: While a related technical degree is required, Salesforce is open to career changers with solid work history and excellent writing skills who are comfortable with technical concepts.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $111,200 - $152,900 per year (based on location and experience)

Benefits:

• Stock Options
• Equity

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the location and experience level specified in the job listing. However, it is always recommended to verify the compensation package directly with the employer.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Salesforce is a leading global provider of customer relationship management (CRM) software and related services, operating in the Software Development industry.

Company Size: Salesforce has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment.

Founded: Salesforce was founded in 1999 and has since grown into a publicly-traded company with a strong global presence.

Company Description:

• Salesforce is the world's #1 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform
• They help companies of every size and industry connect with their customers in a whole new way
• Salesforce is committed to creating a workplace that's as diverse as the customers they serve

Company Specialties:

• Enterprise Cloud Computing
• Customer Relationship Management

Company Website: http://www.salesforce.com

ASSUMPTION: Salesforce is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the software industry, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring significant experience and expertise in technical writing.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Technical Writer will report to the Content Experience team and collaborate with various cross-functional teams.

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with 2-3 days on-site in San Francisco, CA, per week.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential career progression into management or specialized roles within the technical writing field
• Opportunities to work on various products and features, expanding technical knowledge
• Access to learning and development resources to enhance skills and advance career growth

ASSUMPTION: As a senior role, this position offers opportunities for career growth and development within the technical writing field and the broader Salesforce organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Salesforce office in San Francisco, CA, is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): 415 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105, US

Geographic Context:

• San Francisco is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its tech industry, diverse neighborhoods, and natural beauty
• The city offers a wide range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes
• San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and cool summers

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, providing flexibility and a better work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-site or virtual interview with the team
• Final interview with the Content Experience team lead

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing samples and portfolio
• Technical knowledge and problem-solving skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Salesforce values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare writing samples or a portfolio showcasing your technical writing skills
• Research Salesforce products and understand the role's responsibilities

ATS Keywords: Technical Writing, Documentation, Agile Development, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Content Strategy, Customer Advocacy, Content Measurement, XML Authoring, Source Control, DITA, Structured Authoring, Communication, Learning Mindset

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and applicants should tailor their application materials to demonstrate their fit for the position.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Source control software (e.g., Perforce, Git)
• XML-based authoring tools (e.g., Oxygen)
• Structured authoring tools (e.g., DITA)
• Collaboration and project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the mentioned tools and technologies is not required but may be beneficial for applicants.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer Success
• Innovation
• Equality
• Trust

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Agile and adaptable
• Data-driven and analytical

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong passion for creating user-friendly content for complex software products?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Do you thrive on learning new technologies and adapting to change?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Salesforce's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career at the company.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working with complex and rapidly-changing technologies
• Meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple deliverables
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Competing with a large pool of highly-qualified applicants

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to face these challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a demanding work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other senior technical writing positions but may offer more opportunities for collaboration and cross-functional work
• Salesforce's large size and global presence provide more extensive resources and growth opportunities compared to smaller companies
• This role may have a more structured content management process compared to smaller, more agile organizations

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles and companies to better understand the unique aspects of this position and the Salesforce work environment.

📝 Sample Projects

• Creating user-friendly documentation for a new Salesforce product feature
• Developing an interactive training module to help users understand a complex software concept
• Collaborating with the User Experience team to create in-app assistance for a Salesforce application

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they approached them.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader Content Experience team and Salesforce's product strategy?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the team currently, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Salesforce support the professional development and growth of its technical writing team members?
• What is the typical career path for a Sr. Technical Writer at Salesforce?
• How does the Content Experience team collaborate with other departments and teams within Salesforce?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare writing samples or a portfolio showcasing your technical writing skills
• Research Salesforce products and understand the role's responsibilities
• Follow up with the hiring manager after one week if you haven't heard back

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.