Writing Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making

Professionals need to be able to write effectively to succeed. Writing isn't only formal letters; Email and text are common ways to communicate today. Using your resume and cover letter to showcase your writing skills to a potential employer is a great way to leave a good impression. After that, every email you send will be evaluated, even after you've been hired. Even good writers can improve their skills. Here are some common mistakes you may not be aware of that you’re making.

Too Casual

We have a culture of informal written communication. If your text is often a series of abbreviations or emojis, it can be difficult to revert to a more formal style of writing. Be careful not to rely too much on humor, puns, and jokes when writing in a business context. Your goal should be to write in a way that is appropriate and will appeal to your audience.

Voice Too Passive

You don't need a degree in English to understand passive and active voices, but your normal tone of voice doesn't always allow you to see the difference. When you write passively, your audience may end up not taking you seriously. They may think you don't have enough conviction to make your point. Many grammar-checking programs will flag passive voice, so you might want to use one.

You Don't Edit Before Hitting Send

They say that the best way to find a typo is to click "Submit". Finding a typo at the worst possible time can be frustrating. Be sure to take a moment to review your thoughts before sending them. You never know when a mistake can go from simply embarrassing to problematic.

Your Message Isn't Clear

Although written communication can be effective, it can be difficult to understand what the sender is trying to say. Time is of the essence when it comes to getting to the point. Emails should be as long as necessary to convey your message, but as short as possible so as not to bring back unnecessary information.