Why I prioritize hiring good writers, regardless of the role - and 7 ways to improve your writing skills

Why I prioritize hiring good writers, regardless of the role - and 7 ways to improve your writing skillsWhy I prioritize hiring good writers, regardless of the role - and 7 ways to improve your writing skillsIve found that one of the most interesting predictors of success is being a good writer- even if the job itself doesnt require much writing. For this reason, I emphasize hiring good writers and encourage team members to prioritize writing skills. Almost every time Ive broken the hire good writers rule, Ive regretted it.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreFor the past 25 years, Ive asked for a writing sample from job candidates. I dont request they create something new (because I think its important that job candidates bedrngnis have to complete anything resembling free work). Any piece of writing is useful, as long as you wrote itentirelyyourself.Why care so much about this?Beca use every company benefits from good writing- both internally and externallyHere are three reasons why being a good writer is important, and why writing is a skill worth focusing on, no matter your job description1. Good writing correlates with crisp thinking.Writing provides excellent insight into the way someones mind works. Good writers have well-structured thoughts and an orderly outlook. Who doesnt want great thinkers on their team?2. Clear, persuasive communication is the underpinning of a successful professional.Other skills matter a great deal, of course, but youll go further if you can express yourself well in writing. Whether youre communicating with partners, customers, or coworkers, the way you write influences how people view both you and your company. Clear communication builds confidence and creates more productive relationships.3. If youre a good writer, there will always beworkfor you to do.And if youre not a good writer, there will sometimes be more work for your b oss to do, because if they care about how you or the company is coming across, theyll have to fix your written work.Here are seven tips for becoming a better writer1. Read a lot, ideally from as early an age as possible.In my experience, the best way to become a great writer is toread. A lot. Reading expands your vocabulary, solidifies your grammar, enables you to draw inspiration from great writers, and more. So read before bed. Read on your commute if you take public transportation. Read whenever you have time, all the time.2. Review everything you write.Im not perfect, but I review everything, including emails. This helps ensure my writing is free of mistakes. Take the extra few seconds to give your writing one more read. Its worth it3. Use as few words as possible to communicate your meaning.Less is almost always more. Nobody wants to read a 200-word message that could have easily been 50.4. If theres a simpler word, use it.Good communication is about getting your point across i n the easiest way possible for the reader to digest it. Quite simply, simple words work best. Theres no need to say you disseminated information when yousentit.5. Make sure your points are parallel.Now were getting into the weeds a bit, but I certainly notice this one. Failing to use a parallel structure can degrade otherwise good writing. For example, if five of the six qualifications on your resume begin with verbs but one doesnt, that single outlier will feel off and make you look less qualified.6. Use anecdotes and examples wherever you can.A story is worth 1,000 words. Adding one whenever possible helps you connect with the reader so they remember your message.7. When it matters, have someone edit your work.We all miss mistakes in our own writing. AtNakedPoppy, the clean beauty startup I co-founded, we have our resident grammarian comb through every single social media and blog post before it goes live.Writing is an outlet for your intelligence to shine through. Thats why, rega rdless of your field, improving as a writer will help you succeed.Its never too late to learn what makes great writing. If your writing chops need work, heres my advice pick up a copy ofThe Elements of StyleorRevising Proseand take a workshop or an online class.But remember that nothing is more important than reading often. When you read great books and articles, youre learning at the feet of the masters.This article first appeared on Minutes.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people