Career overview
Writers and Authors
O*NET-SOC 27-3043.00
Median pay / yr$72,270
OutlookAverage
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
What it takes
The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Writers and Authors.
Skills employers look for
- WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Knowledge areas
- Sales and MarketingKnowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Communications and MediaKnowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Certifications that help you get hired
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