Build Business Writing Skills You Can be Proud Of

Few other skills are more important in the working world than strong writing skills. The ability to put your thoughts into words and communicate those words to others in writing is valued by employers in every field.

Don't believe me?

Try submitting a resume and cover letter filled with misspellings, typos and bad sentence construction. Do you think any employer will contact you for an interview if you submit something like that?

No.

How you write is often viewed as a sign of your intelligence and attention to detail. It is worth the time and effort to improve your writing skills.

Doing so is easier than you think. First, gather the right tools.

Pen
Paper, or
Computer
Printer and
The right books

Pen and Paper

This one is easy. You don't need anything fancy. Just a run-of-the-mill ballpoint pen and a few sheets of looseleaf paper.

If you prefer to type, rather than hand write, you might use a computer.

Computer and Printer

Why is a printer necessary? Because you will want to print your drafts so that you can read and mark them as you find mistakes. It is much easier to edit on paper than on screen.

No matter which tools you choose for the actual writing, make sure you choose the right ones.

When it comes to business writing, there are a few standard reference books that you can't go wrong reading. If you can, you might want to go ahead and buy a copy of one or two of these.

The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition

This slim volume has been around for nearly a century. It is written in a more casual style than most grammar books. But, the advice is sound. If you buy no other book on writing and grammar, buy this one.

On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition

More formal than Elements, On Writing Well is a classic reference volume for writers, especially in business.

Style Guides

If you will be compiling reports or proposals, you may want to check out one of the many style guides such as:

This is by no means a complete list. Rather, a starting point to help you figure out which book or books you like best and will use. Once you have gathered your tools, it is time to get to the nuts and bolts of improving your writing skills.

Where do you begin?

You can start with your cover letter.