If you’ve a talent for grammar, then a career as an editor is the perfect choice. While you’ve obviously got a gift for the written word, crafting your resume and selling your editing prowess can often be easier said than done. But, there’s no need to worry! Our resume example and writing guide will help you create an impressive resume that will help you land your next editing role.
As an editor, you’ll have a keen eye for detail and the ability to consistently deliver high quality and grammatically correct content. Your resume needs to mirror these skills and project your professionalism by being clear, concise, and formatted to perfection. You’ll also want to emphasize your skills in time management, author collaboration, and adherence to editorial style guides and policies.
Our resume example opens with a compelling professional summary. This is your initial pitch, so it needs to grab the hiring manager’s attention. This summary highlights your passion for enhancing written content, technical expertise, and top-notch project management skills. Keeping your profile direct will show why you’re the perfect editor.
Areas of expertise follow to capture the recruiter’s attention during the initial scan of your resume. Keep the skills section to around nine key areas; detailing too many can negatively impact readability and make the hiring manager zone out. Check the job description for keyword inspiration so you can highlight the specific editing skills the recruiter is looking for.The jewel on our resume example is the professional experience section. Every hiring manager wants to know what you have achieved as an editor. Our resume example balances paragraphs with bullet points, providing recruiters with vital information about each role’s responsibilities and accomplishments. Education wraps up the perfect editor resume.
The overall look of our resume example is clean, organized, and professional, all characteristics associated with a top-performing editor. It goes without saying that once you’ve adapted our resume example to your specific experience, then apply your outstanding proofreading and editing skills to polish your resume.
When outlining skills on your editor resume, ensure they are relevant to the job opportunity by checking the job description or other target jobs to identify in-demand skills. Here’s some of the most important competencies that you can list in the skills section:
Proofreading
Copyediting
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Project management
Content research
Digital marketing
Relationship building
Summary example
Accomplished Editor with more than 8 years of experience enhancing written works and collaborating with clients to produce targeted, compelling content for diverse audiences. Detail-oriented and results-driven with a valuable combination of editing and project management skills. Thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments; able to balance competing priorities while meeting key deadlines. Possess strong knowledge of web publishing tools, including WordPress, Google Analytics, Adobe CS, Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, HTML, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Employment history example
Editor at Energy Solutions, Houston, TX 2019 - Present
Edit a wide range of content for publication–articles, blog posts, white papers, technical briefs, press releases, and case studies–to attract and engage target audiences. Showcase innovation of company products and strengthen brand’s reputation as a thought leader in the industry. Collaborate with internal and external colleagues across functions and disciplines to complete key projects on time. Review and edit scripts for marketing and instructional videos. Participate in brainstorming sessions with marketing department. Develop content to promote products across vertical markets and create collateral for major product launches.
Edit complex technical jargon into concise, impactful, and widely accessible content that aligns with the interests and priorities of end users.
Served as ghost writer for numerous articles and blog posts on behalf of senior leadership for publication on company forums and industry trade publications.
Writer / Editor at Career Services Experts, Austin, TX 2015 - 2019
Developed and edited professional marketing documents for various career fields, implementing comprehensive SEO strategies to ensure optimal searchability. Performed research into a diverse range of industries. Created original, dynamic personal marketing content. Proofed content developed by internal and external writing teams; ensured high levels of accuracy prior to project delivery. Edited documents in line with editorial standards, correcting grammar, spelling, and sentence structure to produce quality and grammatically correct content. Collaborated with editorial team and senior editors to deliver critical documents within set deadlines.
Leverage knowledge of organizational SEO strategies to enhance content performance across a diverse range of search engines.
Recognized for consistently delivering exceptional performance, maintaining high levels of accuracy in reviewing/editing documents while ensuring key projects are completed on time.
Education example
Bachelors of Arts in English at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Skills example
Copyediting & Proofreading
Cross-functional Collaboration
Online Research & Fact-Checking
Technical Editing
Social Media
Digital Marketing
Relationship Building
Search Engine Optimization