When looking for a job, it’s fair to say that education and/or experience would be a big aspect of getting hired. However, unless you’re in the comms, journalism, or PR position, you probably don’t give any thought to your writing skills. But every company benefits from good writing, both internally and externally.
Interestingly, even if a job doesn’t require writing skills, being a good writer is one of the most interesting predictors of success no matter what industry or job description.
Good writers have well-structured thoughts. Good writing correlates with crisp thinking which makes them sought-after, both as team members and as sole project managers.
Clear communication builds confidence. While other skills matter a great deal, you’ll go further if you can express yourself well with written words whether you’re communicating with bosses, customers, or coworkers, since the way you write influences how people view you.
Good writers have less errors to fix. Imagine writing a cover letter or a client pitch that has plenty of errors – there will always be extra work to do to fix it.
How to improve your writing
If you’re going out on a job hunt, remember that it’s always a good idea to brush up on your writing skills. You don’t want your written communication to give other people the wrong impression of you. Here are some tips to help you become more confident in your writing:
The best way to improve writing is to read a lot – you can learn more from reading the works of other great writers. On your next MRT ride, read news and articles, rather than play games or scrolling through Instagram on your phone.
Even if you’re a good writer, always review everything you write – you have to ensure it’s free of mistakes.
Less is more in the case of words – use as few words as possible to communicate your meaning. People’s attention span is getting shorter these days. Imagine reading an essay when it could have been a news headline.
Don’t use complex words when you can use simpler words that are easier to understand. Good communication is about getting your point across, not boasting your vocabulary skills.
Use anecdotes and examples wherever you can. A story is worth 1,000 words. Adding one whenever possible helps you connect with the reader so they remember your message.
If possible, get someone else to proofread your work. No matter how good we think we are, we all tend to miss mistakes in our own writing.
The way you write really tells readers the kind of person you are, and it’s an outlet for your intelligence to shine through. Makes sense, right?
