Entry writers precisely work to classify all goods under transportation and compile the necessary paperwork, including customs invoices and cargo handling records. The remuneration for entry writers is impressive, and the job projections are attractive. If you are interested in this career line, here is how to grow your skills and improve your chances of success.
What Do Custom Entry Writers Do?
Your main responsibilities as a customs entry writer are reviewing export and import documents, ensuring all custom invoices and shipment documents are ready, and preparing the paperwork needed for clearance. You will need to use specialized software to keep track of inventory, sign documents, apply for refunds and drawbacks, and organize customs rejections.
Entry writers also respond to customer questions and complete routine clerical duties. Entry writers need basic computer skills and impeccable organization and time management to keep up with these roles.
In essence, therefore, the role of entry writers includes various responsibilities. These differ based on the individual’s particular job, the company they work with, and the industry in which they work. A successful candidate will take on the responsibility of managing the customer experience. They will also be expected to prepare and gather the required documentation and information for import and export shipments. Their work is to ensure that all entries are accurately classified using the right tools. If you are interested in this role, consider growing your skills by working with a reliable custom writing service.
How Does One Become an Entry Writer?
Customs entry writer jobs are highly attractive and rewarding. If you are interested in this carer, one of the main things to factor in is the educational requirements. According to recent data, nearly 40% of entry writers have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Only 3% of them had master’s degrees. Understand that while a decent fraction of entry writers have college degrees, this is not a fundamental requirement for a career in this field. You can successfully become one while possessing only a GED or high school degree.
What Skills Does One Need?
In a typical sense, a high school education or a GED is enough to get you a job as an entry writer. While some companies will require you to have a college degree in associated fields like logistics management or communication, this isn’t always the case.
Most employers are not interested in your academic credentials in this field. However, they pay attention to your basic knowledge of customs regulations, incoterms, and the harmonized tariff schedule. In other words, you can boost your employment credentials by mastering the intricate principles and concepts and the predefined commercial terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce. Most organizations that offer jobs to entry-level writers provide on-the-job training.
Here are other skills you need to thrive as a customs entry writer:
- Customer Service
One of the most important skills you need to become a successful entry writer is customer service. This category comprises several useful skills and competencies employees need to interact with customers successfully. According to experts, effective customer service is the holy grail of any business. Those who have it have the power to reveal all the secrets of success.
Employers will be interested in your ability to speak persuasively and show empathy. Other important customer service skills include adaptability and the ability to use positive language during challenging encounters. Effective customer support also means having self-control and clear communication skills.
- Effective Time Management
Customs entry writing is one of the most challenging jobs one can do. You need impeccable time-management skills to keep up and ensure there are no details. According to surveys, customers tend to terminate company engagements if their requests are not handled on time.
To get a job as an entry writer, show the hiring manager that you are organized and can handle multiple responsibilities on short notice. Emphasize your scheduling skills and ability to be creative when facing unforeseen emergencies.
The Bottom Line
Entry writers also plan shipment routes and review transit time, arranging the booking with customers and careers. In this role, you must be well-prepared and versed in customs regulations. You will also be expected to monitor all details since inaccurate records and erroneous details can result in serious problems for shipments. Success in the role will require you to be good at effective time management and have the capacity to achieve demanding deadlines. You will also need impeccable data entry skills.