I can’t think of a job that doesn’t require some amount of writing. It’s not always listed in a job description, but people are expected to be able to communicate in writing—especially in today’s technology-based world. (Even if writing isn’t a regular part of a job, the application process will likely involve writing.)
Like it or not, you’re judged by your communication skills. If your professional written communication is full of errors, it tells others that what you’re doing isn’t that important to you. And the poor written communication of one person can reflect negatively on an entire organization. Regardless of how skilled you are in other areas, your overall effectiveness as a professional is lowered if your writing is weak.
Writing is interwoven with reading and listening. If an employer, client, customer, or even a colleague questions your writing skills, they may also question your ability to read carefully, pay attention to details, organize information, and navigate facts.
You don’t have to be a talented, creative writer of prose and poetry. But your writing should communicate information in simple, concise, and organized language that makes your point—with correct grammar and spelling. Can you eliminate the fluff and shape the key points into a concise e-mail, memo, or report?
If you think you can’t, don’t worry. You don’t have to go back to school. Your editor will be your educator. You’ll learn from the changes he or she makes. As your writing improves, your overall effectiveness and confidence as a professional will improve as well—it’s true; I’ve seen it happen.
No matter what field you’re in, clarity in writing is important. Miscommunication can be detrimental. I edit documents within many industries—finance, technology, real estate, law, health care, education, and more. This means there are people in many industries who know they need help with their writing. They know that with polished written communication, others will see them as credible, capable, and competent.
Poor writing skills can halt your career.
A 2016 article in Education News cites a study by the College Board that found writing skills to be a “gatekeeper” for being hired and promoted at corporations in the United States: http://www.educationnews.org/k-12-schools/report-writing-skill-a-gatekeeper-and-ticket-to-work/.
Companies that participated in the study made statements about writing as it relates to the hiring process: “Those who provide employers with poorly written cover letters will most likely not get an interview.” They also reported that writing is involved in the promotion process: “You can’t move up without writing skills.” Most important, they noted, “Writing deficiencies are costing American companies upwards of $3.1 billion each year.”
The authors of the study stated, “Educational institutions should focus on developing the writing skills of their students in order to better prepare them for future employment.”
As a former teacher, I know that writing instruction is already an integral part of school. It starts in kindergarten with the development of the visual-motor skills involved in writing and the use of invented spelling to determine how phonemes (letter sounds) combine to make words. Writing instruction continues throughout high school. Perhaps there should be a stronger emphasis on how necessary strong writing skills are for employment.
Being able to communicate clearly in writing matters. If you think your writing is weak, find someone who can help. It can mean the difference between advancing in your profession or not.
