11 Editor Resume Examples for 2025

An effective editor resume is your first step to landing a job. In this guide, we show proven resume examples. Learn key tips for formatting, word choice, and highlighting relevant skills. Whether you're new to editing, a mid-level professional, or an industry veteran, these strategies will help you get noticed by employers.

  Compiled and approved by Grace Abrams
  Last updated on See history of changes

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At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best resumes for editors:

  • Impact With Numbers: Show how you use numbers. Focus on metrics like articles edited, error rate reduction, publication time saved, and audience engagement increased to stand out.

  • List Skills And Tools: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are AP Style, content management, SEO, copyediting, and proofreading. Choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Highlight Digital Experience: Experience with digital content is important now. Use snippets like social media management or online publishing.

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Position education on your resume

When you arrange your resume, think about what shows your fit for an editor role best. If your most relevant qualifications are your degrees or certificates in English, journalism, or communication, showcase these near the top. This is especially important if you are new to the field or have recently advanced your education.

If you have years of editing experience, your work history should come first. Keep your education section short and to the point. If you hold an advanced degree in a related field, it makes a good impression to list it, but you might show it after your professional experience. Always remember that recent relevant education can be a strong point for you, so if you have taken any new courses that are directly related to editing jobs, make sure they are easy to find on your resume.

Tailoring for job applications

Include a portfolio link in your resume. This could be a personal website or a PDF with samples of your editing work. It shows your skills directly and effectively.

Highlight any experience with specific style guides like AP or Chicago Manual of Style. Mention this in your skills or experience sections to show your industry expertise.

Ideal resume length

As someone looking to work as an editor, your resume should be as concise and as clear as the content you would produce. For those with under 10 years of experience in editing or related fields, aim to present your information on a single page. This shows you can prioritize information effectively, a key skill for an editor.

For editors with a longer history in the field, up to two pages can be appropriate. Use this space to highlight your most relevant roles and achievements. Remember, clarity is vital, so avoid filling space with less significant experiences.

Showcasing technical proficiency

Make sure to list software tools you're proficient in, such as Adobe InDesign, MS Word Track Changes, or various content management systems (CMS). This is crucial for roles that require extensive editing and formatting.

Include any experience you have with other languages or translation work. This can be a great advantage in international or multilingual publishing environments.

Resume screeners and ATS

Make sure your resume can get past resume screeners and applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems filter resumes before a hiring manager sees them. You can do this by:

  • Using keywords from the job listing in your resume. This helps the ATS match your resume to the job.
  • Keeping formatting simple. Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and avoid graphics or tables. This helps the ATS read your resume correctly.

Make your skills stand out

When you tailor your resume, think about the unique skills you bring to an editing role and show how they match the job you want. It's important to be clear and specific so the hiring manager can see you're a good fit.

  • Show your experience with editing software like Adobe InDesign or Final Cut Pro if the job needs these skills.
  • For a management role, include the number of projects you have led. An example could be: 'Oversaw a team that delivered 10+ monthly publications.'
  • If you're moving from another career, highlight similar tasks you've done. For example, if you worked with communication in your last job, mention how you edited company newsletters or reports.

Listing irrelevant work

Many people add jobs to their resume that do not show their editing skills. This can confuse hiring managers. Only include work that shows your ability to edit well. For example, if you write about a past job at a restaurant, explain how it helped you manage tasks or pay attention to details.

Another mistake is not proving your editing skills with clear examples. Say which editing tools you know like 'Grammarly' or 'Hemingway Editor'. Also, list any style guides you follow, like 'AP Style' or 'Chicago Manual of Style'. This shows you understand rules needed for good editing.

Use strong action verbs

When you apply for a job, your resume needs verbs that make your skills stand out. Choose words that show you can take charge and make things happen. Avoid verbs that are weak or common, like 'did' or 'worked.' Use ones that give a clear picture of your editing skills.

Before each list of verbs, think about what you did in your past jobs. Pick verbs that match your achievements. For example, if you improved a text, use verbs that show that skill.

  • To show your skill in improving text, use enhanced, refined, polished, revised, amended.
  • For leading projects, say you managed, directed, coordinated, supervised, oversaw.
  • If you made content better, use transformed, elevated, revitalized, rejuvenated, renewed.
  • To show you worked with others, say you collaborated, partnered, consulted, engaged, liaised.
  • If you helped the company grow, use contributed, boosted, advanced, expanded, escalated.

Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like Communicate, Provide, Spearheaded, Contribute, Headed.

Showcase your achievements

Focus on what you've achieved, not just your job duties. As an editor, you want to show employers the value you've brought to past roles. Revisiting your resume to highlight these successes is key.

Instead of listing tasks, like 'responsible for editing articles,' quantify your impact. For example, 'increased readership by 20% through targeted content editing.' Another good change can be from 'edited writing for clarity' to 'enhanced article engagement by improving readability, resulting in a 30% decrease in reader complaints.'

Key skills for editors

As an editor, your resume should show your technical ability to polish written content. Here are some skills you might include:

  • Proofreading
  • Copy editing
  • SEO knowledge
  • Content management systems (CMS)
  • AP Style
  • Chicago Manual of Style
  • Grammar expertise
  • Fact-checking
  • Project management tools
  • Adobe InDesign

You do not need every skill listed, but you should include those that match your expertise and the job you want. Place these skills in a dedicated section and also mention them in your work experience to show how you have applied them. This helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan your resume for keywords. Remember, the job of an editor can vary. A video editor, for instance, would need different skills like video editing software knowledge.

Always be honest about your skill level. It’s better to be straightforward than to overpromise and underdeliver. If you’re applying to a role that requires a specific style guide, such as MLA or APA, be sure to list that as a skill if you are familiar with it.

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