A Learning Journey February 2016 from opinion editorial essay example , image source: totplay.blogspot.com
Every week brings files, emails, new jobs, and job lists. How much of that is totally different from the job you’ve done? Odds are, maybe not much. Many of our tasks are variants on something.
Do not reinvent the wheel each single time you start something fresh. Instead, use templates–as starting point for 17, standardized files with formatting and text. As soon as you save a version of the template add, remove, or alter any data for that record that is unique, and you’ll have the job.
Templates work everywhere: in word processors, spreadsheets, project management programs, survey programs, and email. Here is how to use templates from your favorite apps–and the way to generate documents from a template–so you can get your tasks done quicker.
Templates take time to build, and it’s easy to wonder whether they are worth the investment. The answer: absolutely. Editing a template takes much less time than formatting some thing. It’s the distinction between copying and pasting some text, or retyping it.
That is only one benefit: Using a template means you are not as likely to leave out crucial information, too. For example, if you need to send freelance writers a contributor agreement, modifying a standard contract template (instead of composing a new contract each time) guarantees you won’t leave out that crucial clause about owning the content once you’ve paid for it.
Templates also guarantee consistency. You send clients or investors regular project updates. With a template, you know the update will constantly have the formatting, design, and general arrangement.
How to Create Fantastic Templates
Not many templates are created equal–and some things do not need a template. Here are a few tips to follow.
First, templates must be comprehensive. It’s more easy to delete info than add it in, so err on the side of adding rather than too small.
Imagine you’re creating a template of your resume. You would want to record in-depth facts so you’ll have all the information you want to submit an application for any job.
You always have the option to delete notes that are less-important on, but you may forget it in the last 25, if it is not in the template.
Some tools will automatically fill in these variables for you (more on that in a bit). But if you have to fill in the data on your own, include some text that’s obvious and easy to look for so you can find.