Boost Your Visibility to Recruiters
Voltaire once said that writing is the painting of the voice. That was over three centuries ago, and it still hasn't changed. The formality of the written words, structure, and the ends to which they can be put allows us to communicate in broad and narrow ways. As such, for you to express yourself clearly and understandably, you need to have good writing skills.
Good writing skills are required everywhere. A National Association of Colleges and Employers study revealed that 73.4% of employers are looking for candidates with strong writing skills. This means that having exceptional writing skills as an international student in the US makes your resume shine as bright as silver in the sun.
In this post, we'll go over:
- Why it is essential to have good writing skills
- How you can improve your writing skills and become a more valuable candidate
- How to boost your visibility to recruiters as an International Student in the US
Let's get started.
Why Is It Important to Have Good Writing Skills?
Nearly everyone we meet, especially those along our career paths, has read at least some of our writing before meeting us in person. Shoddy writing skills create poor first impressions. It often shows that you have lost, disorganized or incomplete thoughts leaving readers with a bad taste in their mouths.
On the flip side, good writing skills allow you to convey information in a more complete, informative, clear, and direct way without getting lost in translation. After all, isn't that what you want?
In addition, writing is a significant part of your academic and personal life. Whichever field of study you are in, you face essay writing tasks that you must tackle by the horns. Good writing skills allow you to ace your essays, boosting your grades with minimal effort. It also helps you to communicate your opinions, thoughts, and ideas effectively to your peers through texts or emails.
8 Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills
For many international students in the US, presenting their abilities and skills the way they would want in written words is as hard as climbing a hill. It not only affects how they communicate on a personal level but also on a professional level. They find it hard to write a proper resume or cover letter that recruiters will find appealing, making it hard to find work in the US.
The good news is that you can nurture, cultivate, and to do exercises to improve your writing skills. Here are a few ways you can improve your writing skills.
Be Direct
Get rid of filler words. They do nothing but take up room and slow down the flow of a sentence. Good writing is clear and concise. Don't mince words; be as frank as possible while expressing yourself.
Use Short Sentences
As a general rule, shorter sentences are easier to read and understand. Avoid cramming too much into a single sentence. Each sentence should have its own idea and flow from one concept to the next.
Portray Your Personality in Your Writing
The trouble with having a writing persona is that most people aren't aware of the importance of having one. Instead, they try to conform to the social norms handed down to them or try to mimic someone else's personality. You must develop and shape your own personality through your writing to sound authentic.
Use Simple Words
A good writer should use the simplest words to express the most complex emotions. Heavy and complicated words only wear out readers. Be straightforward, choose terms that explain your ideas, and clear your message.
Write Short Paragraphs
Short paragraphs are easier to digest. Each one should consist of sentences that support the same idea. They also make the page look more visually appealing and easy to skim.
Use an Active Voice
Passive voice creates long and complex sentences. Using an active voice is the most direct path to making your point.
Edit Your Work Ruthlessly
Check your word choice and sentence structure. If it doesn't add to your overall message, ax it. The tighter your content, the more likely the audience will stay with you until the end.
Join a Writing Community
Writing groups are an excellent resource for finding answers to your writing questions. They are a broad group of writers who share their experiences. They provide a healthy and respectful environment where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism from other writers. If you have an issue, group members can offer encouragement and advice on how to get through it.
The first step to help you improve your writing is to write and keep on writing. Write without editing and let your imagination run wild.
Boosting Visibility to Recruiters as an International Student in the US
The Internet has forever changed the way job seekers are found. With hiring managers and recruiters using search engines to research candidates, it's now more important than ever to be seen in the results. Decisions are made based on what they find before they even consider talking to you. Therefore, you mustn't fall behind to maintain your competitive edge in your desired job search.
Employers expect to see at least a minor presence in a highly competitive job market. The key to getting noticed by recruiters is to manage your online presence actively. Treat it as your brand and use it to make yourself irresistible so they can hire you.
You can up your online presence with a few simple changes to your online habits in no time. You can begin by focusing on the most fundamental aspects, such as:
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile has become a standard in the job industry. LinkedIn makes it exceptionally simple to check how complete your profile is and will provide suggestions for improving it.
Show Your Writing Skills
If you want to be hired as a writer or looking at a different career that isn't centered around writing, your written communication skills need to be up to par. Many job postings require proving writing skills during the application procedure. An excellent way to show your writing skills is by developing and sharing content online.
You can use blogs, updates, and other social networks such as Twitter to enhance your overall profiles and increase your exposure. One of the easiest ways to get started is using free writing blog platforms such as blogger, Medium, WordPress, etc. Maintain a regular posting schedule. Consider creating a goal, such as sharing two to three industry-related articles weekly.
Attend Networking Events
As an international student in the US, it's essential to take advantage of opportunities to meet people and build your support network. An excellent place to start is in your current school, where you'll likely be surrounded by students who share your interests. You are more likely to land a job with a friend or acquaintance than when applying for various positions.
Consider participating in school events like career fairs or resume critique workshops, as well as going to industry events. You gain an advantage over the competition when you learn about job openings through your network.
Start Improving Your Writing Skills Today
In today's global job market, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is critical to your success, even if you don't plan to earn a living through writing. You will drastically improve your writing skills with a few simple and consistent exercises. All it takes is the willingness to learn and practice discipline.