Among the myriad of skills that have risen to prominence in this new work era, one stands out: written communication. In an age of distributed collaboration, written communication can be your most potent tool, your defining edge.
Jesse Chambers, CEO at wrkfrc, has delved deep into the intricacies of remote work dynamics. Through his experiences, he has observed that often, it’s not the flashiest of tech tools or sophisticated strategies that make the most impact. Sometimes, it’s the rudimentary skills, honed to perfection, that differentiate an average candidate from a stellar one. And written communication tops that list.
Now, why is that?
“Clarity in Expression Mirrors Clarity in Thought”
In remote setups, the majority of your interactions are textual. Be it emails, chat threads, or project documentation, your words represent you. If you’re precise, clear, and articulate in your written communication, it not only makes you appear competent but also showcases a clarity of thought. It tells employers you can dissect complex tasks and explain them in an understandable manner.
Documentation: Your Silent Advocate
Jesse emphasizes the power of documentation: It’s more than just ‘writing stuff down’. Proper documentation is a testimony of your work, achievements, and the value you bring. When remote hiring managers sift through resumes and project reports, they’re not just looking for keywords. They’re looking for evidence of systematic thinking, structured execution, and a flair for clear communication. Proper documentation, led by stellar written communication, serves this very purpose.
Bridging the Gap of Physical Absence
In a remote setting, you’re not there in person to explain, elaborate, or defend your work. Your writings do that for you. The better you write, the less room there is for misinterpretation or oversight. Each email you send, every piece of work you document becomes a testament to your commitment, clarity, and capability.
Setting the Path for Collaboration
Remote work often involves team members spread across different geographies and time zones. It’s written communication that ensures everyone’s on the same page. Chambers has highlights that clear written directives can drastically reduce misunderstandings, saving teams from endless back-and-forths. It sets a clear path for collaboration, ensuring that everyone’s aligned towards a common goal.
Taking all these into account, you might wonder, “What’s my next step?” Here’s an actionable insight to mull over: Dive deep into every piece of written communication you’ve sent in the past week. Analyze. Refine. Learn. The betterment of your written communication skills isn’t a one-off task. It’s a continuous journey, in a remote-centric world, let your words be your strongest advocate.