When to Use Your Writing Skills at Work

Just because you write fiction or you write as a journalist doesn’t mean you can’t use these same skills at work. Or at your club or society. Most organisations produce a newsletter or bulletin, plus documents, instructions and letters.

Writing skills are transferable. Volunteer to do these writing tasks as an opportunity to develop and exercise your writing skills on the job:

Acceptance letter to welcome new employees or club members.
Acknowledgement of someone who achieved something – even a small win.
Advice for users of your company’s products or services.
Announcements of forthcoming events.
Annual Reports are a major writing and photography and proofreading assignment.
The apology letter to customers when something wasn’t up to expectations.
Application forms for new employees or new members, in plain English.
Appointment letters for new employees.
An appreciation letter for an achievement, written on behalf of the boss.
Approval in writing when someone asks if they can do something.
Authorisation documents, giving people the authority to do things – officially.
Bereavement or condolence letters when someone’s family member has died.
Cancellation notices, when a service or product has ceased being offered.
Claims forms, in plain English, so customers can make their claims simply.
Collection letters when debts are unpaid. Stating facts doesn’t mean being rude.
Complaint letters when something is not up to the agreed standard.
Replies to unhappy clients who complained, which means letters are written one at a time.
Compliments passed on for work well done.
Confirmation of some verbal arrangement the company has set up.
Congratulations to a company member for their achievement outside the company.
Covering letters which accompany goods or information when it is delivered.
Credit application forms need to ask personal information with subtlety and discretion.
Delegation requests, when the boss is unable to do everything himself/herself.
Directions to find places, with maps.
Directives, when the boss wants something done a certain way.
Disagreement expressions, when it takes skill to express opposing viewpoints with finesse.
Dismissal letters written with due reference to employment contracts – and humanity.
Encouragement letters to members who are under-achieving.
Endorsements for suppliers who ask for one.
Errors need correcting, with a note explaining changes made to the supervisor.
Revised instructions written so errors don’t recur.
Farewell letters to employees who retire.
Follow-up letters to people who didn’t buy at the first opportunity.
Fund-raising letters. These are a real art.
Get Well Soon letters to members or employees.
Gift Certificates. They need words.
Goodwill gestures to new neighbours at work or at home.
Government compliance documents.
Handling or storage instructions for delicate items like art or computers.
Holiday arrangements and rosters need to be explained in simple language.
Official notification letters need careful wording. Check the relevant laws first.
Inquiries need follow-up letters offering further information.
Introducing new members, new equipment.
Invitations for clients to attend functions.
Orders from your company to suppliers.
Persuasive or explanatory letters from the sales department.
Recommendations. When clients ask for your advice, give it in writing.
References for departing employees or club office holders.
Obituary notices for newspapers.
Referrals, when you can help someone else.
Refusals need delicate wording or you’ll offend someone.
Reprimands and written warning letters, because not everyone follows the rules.
Requests. People can be helpful if you ask them politely.
Reservations in writing can eliminate disappointments.
Resignation letters need special care.
Responses to customers’ questions are a one at a time thing.
Sales letters should describe benefits, not just features and facts.
Social events might deserve a mention in the press. Write the press release.
Speeches written for yourself, or for the boss.
Suggestions in writing carry more weight.
Sympathy letters are not easy to write, but you are now a trained writer.
Termination of a lease, membership or rental agreement requires clear wording.
‘Thank You’ in writing carries more heartfelt meaning than a verbal ‘Thanks’.
Transmission of data or funds need clear explanatory text.
Warning signs need to be 100% clear, maybe with a graphic illustration as well.
Welcome letter to new employees sets the right tone from the start.