Writer duties and responsibilities
Regardless of the type of content being written, some of the most common duties and responsibilities of a writer in any domain include:
- Research and investigate topics of interest
- Interview credible sources
- Fact-check information before publication
- Get permission from sources to quote or mention them
- Produce quality content tailored to a specific audience
- Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, sources, and other key individuals
- Respect and follow deadlines
- Revise their work based on editorial feedback
Writer skills and qualifications
A successful Writer candidate has some of the following skills and qualifications:
- Passion for writing
- Excellent interviewing skills
- Great time management skills
- Exceptional research and analytical skills
- Strong understanding of SEO and other online content practices
- Excellent ability to produce engaging content
- Exceptional communication skills
- Strong marketing skills
Writer experience requirements
Writer candidates with previous experience creating the same type of content you need are an asset, since they would require minimal training. Internship experience with a media outlet or university newspaper is considered experience for recent graduates. However, requesting a portfolio of published or unpublished works from candidates is also a good way to assess their skills. This approach allows you to assess if the candidate matches the tone and stylistic approach that your company wants in a Writer. Strong candidates should have some by-line content in their portfolio.
Writer education and training requirements
A successful Writer candidate has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, creative writing, communication, or a related discipline. Marketing Writer positions may require a bachelor’s degree in business or marketing, while a Technical Writer may need a degree in their specific field. There are currently no required certifications or educational requirements for writers in Canada. However, candidates with education or membership in a union or professional association are an asset.
Writer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average Content Writer in Canada earns an average salary of $54,352 annually. Salaries vary based on geographical location, publication, type of content, and level of experience. For example, the salary for a Freelance Writer may be lower than that of the salary for a Writer working full-time at a national publication.
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