Microsoft Word - Useful Shortcuts to Increase Job Skills

Do you ever get frustrated trying to format something in Microsoft Word?  Or, are you looking for innovative ways to impress your current or potential employer?  If you learn some little-known shortcuts and features that are available within MS Word, you will quickly see that this commonly used word processing program is far more functional than most people realize.  And, voila! -  an end to your frustrations and an instant edge over your competition in the job market!

One-Touch Word Count: To start off, did you know you can instantly access the word count in any document or section you are working on with just ONE CLICK of a button instead of going through your Tools Menu every time you want to check your word count? Just follow these simple steps to add a word count button to your tool bar:

1. From the main menu, choose Tools
2. Choose Customize
3. Click the Commands tab.
4. In the Categories list on the left, click Tools. The list of tools available appears on the right side of the dialog box.
5. Scroll through the list and click Word Count.
6. Click Word Count and drag it to your toolbar.

You're all set!

Instant Random Text Generator: Graphic designers often use 'dummy text' to fill in a mock-up design they are working on.  With the random text generator, it's easy to quickly create the number of paragraphs and sentences in the paragraphs by simply typing =rand(#,#) ENTER key.  The first # represents the number of paragraphs you need and the second # specifies how many sentences are in the paragraphs.  So, for instance when I type, =rand(2,3) ENTER key, the following instantly appears on the page:

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.  The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.  The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.  The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.  The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

Quick Text Selection: Another time-saving shortcut is the ability to select a single word or paragraph. To select a word just double click on it. To select an entire paragraph, just triple click on any word within the paragraph. You can now edit the highlighted text however you need to!
Symbols the easy way: Instead of choosing symbols from the Format Font menu, it's easy to create these commonly used symbols:

• Copyright symbol - type (C) - a letter "C" in parentheses. Word and PowerPoint automatically converts this to a copyright symbol. ©
• To get a trademark symbol, type (TM) to get ™
• For a registered trademark symbol (an R in a circle), type (R) to get ®
• Note that you can type the letter or letters in either upper or lower case. Word & PowerPoint converts either to the correct symbol for you.  

So, now that you have learned a few new ways to work with Microsoft Word, are you curious to learn more time-saving shortcuts? Historically, when the economy slows down, many people get additional job and software training to improve their ability to find (or keep!) a job.  Some of the shortcuts described above are taught at computer training schools or online tutorials.  Other desk reference tools such as TheWordTipster have hundreds of shortcuts easily displayed next to your computer.  Microsoft Word is one of the most utilized programs in the workplace, so doesn't it make sense to know as much as you can about it to give yourself that competitive edge over other job candidates?

The Word Tipster is a resource for Microsoft Word users to instantly access more than 500 of the most useful MS Word keyboard shortcuts and tips you've never seen! Increase your speed, creativity, productivity and efficiency when using Microsoft Word. It's the perfect tool for writers, transcriptionists, paralegals, administrative professionals, and students! For more information visit http://WordTipster.com

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