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Learn Why Writing Skills are Important for Every Job

Even if they’re not listed among the keywords in a job description that interests you, strong writing skills are important in almost any role. If you don’t have to send an old-school letter via snail mail, you’ll at least have to compose an effective email or perhaps write a report or other document pertinent to a task or project.

Written communication skills are one of the attributes most sought out by employers, regardless of the job they wish to fill.

There’s more remote work and less face-to-face interaction in today’s workplace. Being a strong writer enables you to successfully communicate with others without scheduling a meeting or call.

Good writing can help clinch your sales pitch. As you reach out to prospective clients, a well-written pitch will better clarify your key message points and enhance your credibility.

Written documents can be referred to at any time. This is helpful in myriad ways, for instance, standardizing work procedures or documenting exactly what transpired during a meeting or strategy session. Writing new policies, steps, and procedures allows for future consistency and better-quality control.

How to Be a Better Writer

Here are a few tips to make just about anything you write easier for your audience to read and understand:

Know your audience. Understand who will be reading what you write and what language works best. Formal or more informal? Are you trying to reach customers or fellow employees who are more familiar with your product or service? It’s the secret to any form of effective communication: Put yourself in their shoes before you reach out to them.

Do your research. Gathering information that is current, accurate, and relevant will help you determine what content to use.

Plan and outline your document. Following an outline ensures that you include all the necessary information correctly and stay on point. Bonus: Outlining skills can also be used to map out non-writing projects. You always have your outline to refer to, especially if you have to delegate or collaborate with other team members.

Pay attention to grammar. You don’t have to be an expert but know at least the basic rules of English grammar, including constructing clear sentences. Use online resources like Grammar Girl, or check out Elements of Style, the classic book by Strunk and White, or Woe Is I, a more modern, lighter-toned guide.

Edit and proofread. Editing is the process of perfecting your written work. You may make significant changes to the structure, organization, or content. Or, you may need to check for any misspellings or typos. Strong editing skills are an asset in many professional situations, from reviewing a report to polishing up an email before you hit “send.”

When it comes to writing your resume, cover letter, and other communication with prospective employers, the experienced career coaches at PrideStaff Fresno are here to help. We also have extensive resources to help you continuously improve in your current role, whether it means sharpening hard job skills or communications and other transferable traits that will assist you regardless of where your professional path leads. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.