Struggling with Email Writing in HR: How Can I Improve My Written English Skills?

Hi all,

I am working as a Sr. Executive - HR at a private company for the past 3 years. Over the last few months, I have been receiving negative feedback about my written communication internally from my immediate boss (Sr. Manager - HR). He keeps reviewing my drafted emails and often asks for corrections even on minor matters. However, he mentions that my spoken English is good.

I am keen on improving my written English skills, especially in drafting emails. I would appreciate any advice on how to enhance my written English.

Thank you.

Hi Sathya,

Firstly, it is a great sign that you have taken the feedback given by your reporting manager positively and have the mindset to improve. There are many online English writing and speaking courses for free. Read books and newspapers. It will not happen overnight, but you should work towards it. Keep practicing. Good luck!

Warm regards,
Gloria

Apart from what Gloria has mentioned, please also go through and learn the email etiquettes available on this site.

Thank you.

I am working as a Sr. Executive in HR in a private company for the past 3 years. For the last few months, I have been receiving negative feedback about my written communication from my immediate boss, a Senior Manager in HR. He follows up with me on my email drafts and makes me correct them, including the subject line. However, he keeps saying that my speaking skills in English are good. I want to improve my writing skills in English, particularly my email drafting skills.

Tips to Improve Written Communication Skills

To improve your written communication skills, I suggest the following:

1. Have a very clear subject line. In this post, you have used an excellent subject line - "I want to improve my Written English."

2. Draft logically.

3. Use short sentences.

4. Where possible, use bullet points.

5. Work on your sentence construction, grammar, and vocabulary. This will come with practice. I suggest you draft and then seek help from someone with a good command of English to edit your draft.

6. Don't expect quick results and don't be disheartened by criticism. However, you should feel that you are improving.

7. Although your boss says that your oral English skills are good, I strongly suggest you ask others to correct you when you speak in English. Practice speaking in English as often as possible to use new words and improve your thought process.

8. Read the daily English newspaper and magazines aloud.

Best Wishes

Thank you to all my friends for providing various suggestions and tips. In particular, I have taken note of act423's advice and will be implementing it on a daily basis. Thank you, Gloria, for your input as well. I usually surf regularly, but this particular point had not crossed my mind before. Ram, I appreciate your help and will definitely reach out to you soon.