Staff Technical Writer

As a Staff Technical Writer at Kong, you will have a wide range of responsibilities including writing deployment and configuration guides, user guides, tutorials, and best practices guides tailored to meet real user needs. You will also engage directly with the product to ensure accuracy in your content, collaborating with engineers, product managers, and UX designers throughout the process.

To apply for the Staff Technical Writer position at Kong, candidates should have at least 6 years of experience in writing technical content for developers or enterprise admins. A strong ability to work asynchronously with global teams and a willingness to engage in continual improvement is essential for this role.

Collaboration is key for a Staff Technical Writer at Kong. You will work closely with other writers, engineers, product managers, and UX designers to create clear and concise technical documentation. Additionally, you will interact with technical support staff and community members to refine and enhance the content further, ensuring that it meets user needs effectively.

Kong fosters a friendly and collaborative culture where curiosity and improvement are highly valued. As a Staff Technical Writer, you’ll be supported in your professional growth and encouraged to explore new challenges, all within a fast-paced, innovative environment focused on API technology.

Kong offers competitive compensation that varies by location and reflects a variety of factors including experience and role. Potential additional rewards such as sales incentives may also be available based on specific terms and roles. As an equal opportunity employer, Kong is committed to offering fair and equitable compensation for all qualified applicants.

To ensure user-friendly documentation, it's essential to understand your audience thoroughly. I focus on writing in a clear, concise manner while using language that matches the technical level of users. Additionally, I prioritize user feedback and conduct usability testing to refine content based on real-world user interactions.

In my previous roles, I have engaged in docs-as-code models where documentation is treated as code. This includes using VCS for version control, collaboration tools for real-time updates, and employing CI/CD practices to automate documentation deployment. This model enhances collaboration and ensures documentation is integrated seamlessly with product development.

Collaboration with technical teams involves clear communication, active listening, and respect for their expertise. I make it a point to set regular check-ins and utilize collaborative tools for feedback and document sharing. This ensures alignment on goals and enables me to create accurate, high-quality content.

Maintaining accuracy in documentation involves several strategies. I make it a priority to engage directly with the product, testing features and gathering input from engineers and product managers. Additionally, I implement a review process that includes peer feedback to ensure content quality and correctness before publication.

I prioritize writing projects by assessing their impact on the end-user and aligning with the team's product roadmap. I collaborate closely with stakeholders to understand deadlines and project requirements, allowing me to manage my time efficiently while addressing the most critical documentation needs first.

In my last role, I identified that our documentation reviews were time-consuming and inconsistent. I proposed implementing a documentation style guide and a standardized review checklist that streamlined the process. This not only improved turnaround times but also enhanced the overall quality of our documentation.

To familiarize myself with new products or features, I engage in hands-on experimentation, studying available resources, and collaborating with the development and product teams. I also encourage feedback and engage in discussions to glean insights that enhance my understanding and enable me to communicate effectively.

Keeping updated with industry best practices involves following relevant blogs, participating in webinars, and being active in professional writing communities. I also prioritize continuous learning through online courses and certifications that refine my skills and keep me abreast of the latest trends in technical communication.

I adopt a positive mindset toward receiving feedback, viewing it as an opportunity for growth. I actively listen to the suggestions, ask clarifying questions if needed, and integrate useful feedback into my work. This approach not only improves my writing but also fosters better collaboration with my colleagues.

I am drawn to Kong's innovative approach in the API management space and the collaborative culture that prioritizes user success. As a Staff Technical Writer, I see an opportunity to leverage my expertise in a vibrant environment while contributing to a team that values growth, improvement, and impactful documentation for developers and enterprise admins alike.