Writing skills are essential for any professional, especially if you want to impress your boss and advance your career. But how can you showcase your writing skills to your boss without sounding arrogant or desperate? Here are some tips to help you demonstrate your writing prowess in a subtle and effective way.
The first step to showcase your writing skills is to know your audience, in this case, your boss. What are their goals, preferences, expectations, and pain points? How do they communicate and what tone do they use? How do they like to receive information and feedback? By understanding your boss's needs and preferences, you can tailor your writing to suit them and make a positive impression.
LOL. It is funny how the question used the word 'showcase'. Good writers, I want to believe, just write. They simply write. With just one read, a boss at a writing firm or any boss who enjoys and acknowledges excellent writing would know which writer in their team has the skills needed for a particular kind of job. It is that simple. I manage a small team of writers myself and I know when a writer is trying to impress. I know when they are being genuine writers with innate and honed skills. It doesn't hide. Just know the rules and know how to 'bend' it to suit whatever you are working on. Every boss likes a writer who knows how to use words and use them well.
The second step to showcase your writing skills is to write with clarity and conciseness. This means using simple and precise language, avoiding jargon and unnecessary words, and organizing your ideas logically and coherently. Your boss is likely to be busy and have limited attention span, so you want to make sure your writing is easy to read and understand, and delivers your message effectively.
The third step to showcase your writing skills is to proofread and edit your work. Nothing can ruin your credibility and reputation faster than spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting errors in your writing. These mistakes can also distract your boss from your main points and arguments, and make you seem careless and unprofessional. Therefore, you should always check your work for accuracy, consistency, and readability before sending it to your boss.
Whilst proofreading is primarily to ensure correct spelling, grammar and coherency of your writing (all of which are important), there can be other things to consider. When writing within or on behalf of your organisation, think about the company's brand and their values. Does your company have a tone of voice? Are there certain values that your company align to? Does your writing reflect these things? Has your writing achieved the purpose for which it was created? There are also additional things to think about when proofreading a piece of creative writing. What kind of moments are you trying to create in your storytelling? Does your piece flow? Is the message communicated in the way it is intended?
The fourth step to showcase your writing skills is to use feedback and data to improve. You should always seek constructive feedback from your boss and other colleagues on your writing, and use it to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and to learn from your mistakes. You should also use data and metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of your writing, such as open rates, click-through rates, conversions, or satisfaction scores. By using feedback and data, you can show your boss that you are willing to learn and grow as a writer.
The fifth step to showcase your writing skills is to show creativity and originality. This means using your writing to express your personality, voice, and perspective, and to add value and insight to your work. You can also use creative techniques such as storytelling, metaphors, analogies, or humor to engage your boss and make your writing more memorable and persuasive. However, you should also be careful not to overdo it or to compromise your professionalism or credibility.
The sixth and final step to showcase your writing skills is to highlight your achievements and contributions. This means using your writing to showcase your results, impact, and value to your boss and the organization. You can do this by writing effective reports, proposals, newsletters, case studies, or testimonials that demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and expertise. You can also use your writing to celebrate your successes, thank your boss and colleagues, and ask for recognition or promotion.
Another way to showcase your writing skills within your corporate organisation is through collaboration. Be available to your colleagues, direct reports and/or your manager/s. Should they ask for your input, take the time to review their writing and offer suggestions. Explain why you are offering those suggestions so that they in turn are enhancing their own writing skill and developing a trust in your ability. Offer alternatives freely and appropriately. Sometimes, companies haven't yet developed their tone of voice and this can be reflected in things such as letter and/or email templates, policy write ups or presentations. Check through the appropriate channels to see if they'd be open to an alternative then send your version through.