Importance of Strong Writing Skills

Strong writing skills are critical for a variety of reasons. First, you need them to effectively complete written homework and papers in college. These skills also help in communicating via email with instructors and with classmates on group projects and teamwork. Several classes are offered in colleges that help improve writing skills. These are critical as employers commonly want employees with strong written communication skills.

Writing skills help in college class performance. In English classes, you typically write many papers that will become the main source of your grade for the semester. Strong writing skills are key to success. Other classes, including many business courses, also require strong writing skills. Professors, even in non-English courses, commonly assign written homework and papers. Students are often graded on writing skills as well as content: poor grammar, spelling and punctuation may lead to markdowns.

Writing skills also help in getting a job. When you prepare application materials, including a resume and cover letter, you have the chance to sell yourself and your abilities through articulate and persuasive writing. Additionally, employers often assess responses to application questions, resumes and cover letters to determine a candidate's written communication skills. Some employers may even set aside resumes and letters that have a single grammatical, spelling or punctuation error.

In a July 2012 article, business instructor Dr. Stephanie Heald-Fisher pointed out that employers increasingly consider writing skills in not only hiring, but also promotion decisions. As you move up into management positions in a company, the importance of written communication also increases. Even email interactions with customers and business associates can be evaluated. Strong written communication conveys intelligence, professionalism and attention to detail. These are qualities that are key in leadership roles where you represent the image of the business.

While much emphasis is placed on verbal and listening skills in communication, writing also conveys messages internally and externally for an organization. Whether preparing internal memos or emails or sending letters to company clients and customers, you convey a message in your writing. For example, an insurance company might send a letter to a client about a health care decision. The employee who drafts that letter must not only articulate the intended message, but project a professional image for the business.