Microsoft Word as a skill

[stanigator]

Would you consider this skill is expected out of every professional in this day and age, or would you think there are specific services that can be offered simply by knowing how to use Word really really well (I mean next-to-expert level)?

[Orionjoel]

I would have to say no to there being a big demand for Word as a skill.

Almost all businesses that I am aware of have an expectation that people can use word to some degree. At least well enough to get by in day to day tasks.

The only exception may be with some things such as Mail Merge, or the like. You may find that there are needs for some of the more advanced skills however I Wouldn't expect there to be a full time demand.

The problem is that the stuff you may be able to do as an expert with word are things that most business will go to a graphic designer for.

You might have a better chance with a program such as Excel or Access or even powerpoint at finding a demand for more advanced skills.

[Peterw]

Originally Posted by Orionjoel

I would have to say no to there being a big demand for Word as a skill.

Almost all businesses that I am aware of have an expectation that people can use word to some degree. At least well enough to get by in day to day tasks.

The only exception may be with some things such as Mail Merge, or the like. You may find that there are needs for some of the more advanced skills however I Wouldn't expect there to be a full time demand.

The problem is that the stuff you may be able to do as an expert with word are things that most business will go to a graphic designer for.

You might have a better chance with a program such as Excel or Access or even powerpoint at finding a demand for more advanced skills.

There's definitely more demand for good Excel/Access/Powerpoint skills but why not learn the whole MS Office suite to expert level? There's a certification for it (MOS or MOUS I think it's called). I'm considering doing it soon after all my other exams in December.

Also MS Project, Visio and Sharepoint are quite hot.

[Orionjoel]

I would agree that the whole package would be more useful. However at the same time, I still believe it is a skill that would be sort in conjunction with other skills that are the primary role while the office skills are a secondary skill.

Where as Project and Visio may be more primary skills depending on the job role.

[danthony]

If you are a good writer and can place yourself in great demand in your market, this will make any Word editor an asset. Heck, check out Freelancing, many people making a very generous living with this.