Microsoft Word is a word processing application that enables individuals to create attractive, professional-looking documents. This includes documents like letters, reports, resumes, and essays, just to name a few.
Users can purchase Microsoft Word on its own or as part of the Microsoft 365 package suite.
One of the huge benefits of using Word as a word processing software is that “what you see is what you get.” In other words, when you create a document on your screen, you can then print it out, and it will look the same. Because of this, it’s easy for users to make professional-looking documents that they can effortlessly share with friends, family, and coworkers.
Features of Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a popular word processing software due to its numerous helpful features. In particular, it has a variety of built-in tools, customizable design features, and collaboration tools that make using this software intuitive and versatile. These features are discussed in more detail below.
Built-In Tools
Microsoft Editor, a tool within Word, spellchecks while you write so you can be sure your report is error-free before you submit it to others. In addition to its spellcheck feature, Microsoft Editor also offers suggestions that help individuals improve their word usage and writing clarity. Individuals can use Editor both in their Word documents and in emails.
Word also has a Hidden Text tool, enabling users to create non-printing characters within a document. This is particularly helpful for teachers and others in academic or educational roles. Users can hide the correct answers to quizzes and tests when they print them out for distribution to students.
Professionals who must keep certain information confidential can easily due so by implementing the Hidden Text feature within Word. Additionally, these professionals can make use of Word’s Document Inspector. This tool improves document security by reviewing a document and ensuring that any information that should be kept private is kept private. Similarly, Document Inspector erases personal or confidential information associated with the file to be shared with others.
Visually Attractive
Word is highly customizable. Individuals can either start with a completely blank document and change the formatting to their liking or choose from Microsoft’s large number of templates. This is especially helpful for those using Word for a very specific purpose, such as creating a resume.
Additionally, users can easily add charts and graphs when creating a document using Microsoft Word. In doing so, individuals can add visual interest to reports and documents and capture vital information to help with their communication efforts. Similarly, Word comes with a library of images and icons. Anyone working on building a report or other document can quickly place these icons within their document to make their project more attractive and exciting.
Collaboration Tools
It’s also easy for individuals to collaborate on Word documents, especially for those who have access to Microsoft 365 and OneDrive. Using this cloud-based system, professionals can simultaneously edit a Word document, allowing for seamless collaboration on a team. It’s also incredibly easy to download and share Microsoft Word documents. Individuals can even collaborate on a document in different languages if needed, as Word provides real-time translation.
Word also “collaborates” with other platforms like LinkedIn. For example, professionals applying for a job can use Word's Resume Assistant, powered by LinkedIn, to cater their application to a specific role and then send it to LinkedIn recruiters.
Who Uses Microsoft Word?
Who uses Microsoft Word? Well, the better question might be who doesn’t use Microsoft Word. This word processing software is widely available and helpful for just about anyone who wants to create a professional-looking document. It can be catered to various uses, from writing letters to building reports.
In particular, Microsoft Word is used across the board in education, whether you’re a student or a teacher. Teachers can use this software to create hand-outs to cover important topics, develop course syllabi, and draft study guides for students as they study for upcoming exams. Similarly, students use Microsoft Word when completing book reports, history write-ups, and other projects.
Upon graduating from school, individuals can also use Word to create resumes and cover letters for applying to jobs. Microsoft Word even includes basic resume templates, giving individuals a head start when it comes to creating documents that will “wow” potential employers.
Professionals in all different industries also benefit from using this word processing software. This includes industries like law, marketing, journalism, business, and tech, just to name a few. Some specific roles that use Microsoft Word regularly are Freelance Writer, Administrative Assistant, Bookkeeper, and Lawyer — though there’s no limit to the types of jobs that benefit from knowing how to use Word.
Learn Microsoft Word
There’s no better way to learn a new skill than by practicing in an interactive and hands-on course! NYIM offers several Microsoft Word courses that provide precisely that opportunity. Courses are available both in person at the school’s Manhattan classroom and virtually using teleconferencing platforms like Zoom.
Individuals who have no prior experience with Word may consider enrolling in the school’s Microsoft Word Level 1 class. This course meets for one day and teaches essential Word techniques, including preparing and sending mass emails and letters. Students also learn how to format documents (and avoid common mistakes), including shortcuts to help optimize their time.
Those who have a bit of experience using Word may consider joining NYIM’s Microsoft Word Level II class. This course teaches advanced Microsoft Word features, including writing macros and recording tasks. Additionally, students learn how to automate tasks and create custom document styles and templates, among other things.
NYIM also has two classes for those interested in obtaining certification through Microsoft. This includes the Word Specialist Certification Program and the Word Expert Certification Program. The Word Specialist course includes Word training, covers the cost of the exam, and offers two hours of private tutoring in Word. Similarly, the Word Expert Certification includes both Microsoft Word classes, private tutoring, and the cost for students to take the exam.
