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Creating a standout CV as an editor is essential for setting yourself apart in a competitive job market and securing your next opportunity. Your CV should highlight your editorial skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in refining content across different mediums. It should also showcase your expertise in grammar, style, and structure while demonstrating your ability to meet deadlines and collaborate with writers, designers, and clients.
This guide provides essential insights, templates, and CV examples to help you craft an effective editor CV that catches the attention of employers. Read on for:
- Editor CV sample
- Editor CV templates
- The best CV format for an editor
- A step-by-step CV writing guide
- Dos and don’ts for your editor CV
- Frequently asked questions for editors
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Editor CV sample
Dom Webster
07912 345678
dom.websterr@example-example.co.uk
46 Roman Road, Leeds, LS2 3ZR
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Seasoned and productive editor with experience in SEO, research, and project management. Mastery of interactive long-form and investigative journalism. Proficient in providing ongoing training and monitoring new editorial employees. Outstanding team leadership talents.
WORK HISTORY
07/2014 – Current
Leeds Herald – Leeds
Editor
- Developed and optimised online and print strategies to maximise coverage, advertiser investment, and subscriptions.
- Assigned over 100 news stories to the editorial team each week.
- Commissioned 2 special features each month.
- Finalised the layout and selected photos for each edition.
- Proofread and approved up to 25 final story submissions each week.
01/201` – 07/2014
Leeds Live – Leeds
Assistant Editor
- Developed and implemented effective content acquisition strategies for the Leeds area.
- Pitched 20+ weekly stories to the commissioning editor.
- Collaborated with specialists such as artists and analysts to execute successful content.
- Provided concise and constructive editorial feedback to junior writers.
- Handled internal staff correspondence through emails and scheduling.
02/2006 – 01/2011
The Yorkshire Post – Leeds
Journalist
- Wrote and proofread blog and social media posts, features, and articles.
- Chased leads to create full investigative and factually correct stories.
- Interviewed individuals by phone, Skype, and in person for human interest stories for a weekly newspaper column.
- Managed competing deadlines with efficiency.
- Produced eye-catching headlines and social media posts to engage audiences.
SKILLS
- Headline writing
- Detail-oriented
- Project management
- Strategic content planning
- Managing media
- Syncing footage
- Creating page layouts
- Writing features
- Syntax and linguistic skills
- Story pitching
EDUCATION
2005
University of Leeds, Leeds
Master of Arts | Journalism
2002
Leeds Sixth Form College, Leeds
A-Levels | English Literature, Art, Media Studies
Select the best format for your editor CV
A well-structured CV can make a strong impression on potential employers and help you stand out. For most editors, a chronological format is often the best choice. This layout showcases your career progression, emphasising your most recent roles and achievements. It allows you to demonstrate your growth in the editorial field and your ability to handle various types of content, from articles to complex editorial projects.
A skills-based CV format might be more suitable if you’re new to editing or transitioning from another field. This format highlights your core competencies, such as proofreading, content creation, project management, and expertise in editorial tools. A skills-based CV allows you to focus on transferable skills and strengths, which is ideal if you’re building your editing career.
Here are some key tips for structuring your editor CV:
- Keep it concise: Aim for a one- to two-page CV, focusing on the most relevant experience and skills.
- Organise your CV into sections: Include contact details, a brief personal summary, work experience, skills, and education.
- Use bullet points: Bullet points help hiring managers quickly identify your key accomplishments and expertise.
How to write an editor CV step by step
Creating an effective CV as an editor goes beyond just listing your experience; it’s about presenting yourself as a skilled, detail-oriented professional who can elevate content to the highest standards.
Here are the key areas we will cover:
- How to present your contact details
- How to write a a professional summary for your editor CV
- How to show your work experience as an editor
- Essential skills to include on your editor CV
- How to showcase your educational background effectively
- How to present your contact details
- How to write a professional summary for your editor CV
- How to show your work experience as an editor
- Essential skills to include on your editor CV
- How to showcase your educational background effectively
How to present your contact details
The contact details section of your CV should be placed at the top, as this is the first thing recruiters will see. Ensure your contact information is accurate, clear, and easy to find. Here’s how to format it effectively:
- Full Name: Include both your first and last name.
- Location: Mention your city or country, and specify if you’re open to relocation.
- Phone Number: Provide a reliable number where you can be easily reached.
- Email Address: Use a professional and simple email address.
Example
Charles Creek
70 Brynglas Road
Leeds
07912 345 678
charles.creek@example.co.uk
How to write a professional summary for your editor CV
Your personal statement (professional summary) is one of the first sections hiring managers will read on your editor CV, so it’s essential to make a strong, lasting impression. You should use these 3-4 sentences to summarise your work history, educational background, and key achievements. It’s your chance to highlight what sets you apart as a candidate. Keep it concise and focused on why you’re the ideal person for the job.
Here’s how to structure your personal statement:
- Quick introduction: Start with a brief overview of your background as an editor, emphasising your areas of expertise, such as content editing, proofreading, project management, or digital media.
- Key achievements: Mention significant accomplishments, like successfully managing editorial projects, improving content quality, or publishing impactful work, to demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality results.
- Tailor to the job requirements: Customise your personal statement to match the specific role you are applying for. If the position requires expertise in SEO or magazine publishing, for instance, highlight relevant experience in those areas.
Example of an editor personal statement
A highly skilled and detail-oriented editor with over 5 years of experience in content creation, proofreading, and project management. Expertise in enhancing the quality and readability of articles, features, and digital content. Notable achievements include improving editorial workflow processes and leading teams to meet tight deadlines. Passionate about delivering engaging and error-free content that resonates with readers.
How to show your work experience as an editor
The work experience section of your editor CV is essential for demonstrating your practical expertise, editorial skills, and the impact you’ve had in the field. This section allows employers to assess your ability to create high-quality content, manage projects, and lead teams. Here’s how to structure this part of your CV effectively:
- Use a reverse chronological format: Start with your most recent positions and work backwards. This format makes it easier for employers to see your career progression and growing expertise. For each role, include the organisation’s name, your job title, and dates of employment.
- Highlight key responsibilities: Focus on tasks demonstrating your expertise in content editing, proofreading, project management, and team collaboration.
- Quantify your impact: Whenever possible, include metrics to showcase your achievements, such as increasing engagement, meeting editorial deadlines, or improving content quality.
- Tailor your experience: Adapt your work experience to match the specific job you’re applying for.
- Be concise: List your key duties and achievements using bullet points.
Example of an editor CV work experience
Senior Editor
Creative Media Solutions, London
March 2020 – Current
- Led a team of 8 editors in producing over 200 articles per month for digital and print publications, increasing readership by 30%.
- Implemented editorial processes that reduced editing time by 20%, improving content delivery and meeting tight deadlines.
- Edited and proofread articles for clarity, style, and accuracy, ensuring error-free content that resulted in a 15% increase in user engagement.
- Managed relationships with contributors, commissioning 15+ articles per week and overseeing the publication schedule.
Editor
Digital Publishing Group, London
June 2017 – February 2020
- Edited and proofread daily news stories, features, and blogs.
- Collaborated with writers, designers, and project managers to deliver 50+ successful editorial projects, contributing to a 10% growth in online traffic.
- Managed content for social media platforms, driving a 20% increase in followers and engagement.
- Assisted in developing editorial guidelines that streamlined content creation.
Essential skills to include on your editor CV
Your CV should highlight a blend of technical expertise and essential soft skills. By showcasing six to eight key skills, you can demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the role.
Be sure to include skills mentioned in the job requirements, as many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan for specific keywords. Including relevant skills helps ensure your CV passes through these systems and reaches hiring managers. Below are some specific skills to consider:
Editor-specific skills
- Content editing
- SEO optimisation
- Proofreading
- Layout and design
- Copywriting
- Editorial strategy
- Social media content management
General skills
- Communication skills
- Project management
- Creative thinking
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
How to showcase your educational background effectively
Education is an important aspect of any CV, as it demonstrates your skills and knowledge foundation. Employers in the editorial industry value strong academic credentials that highlight your ability to understand and create high-quality content. While hands-on experience is crucial, showcasing your formal education can greatly enhance your CV.
A degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field is highly beneficial and shows your proficiency in writing, editing, and research. Additionally, mentioning any relevant specialised courses, workshops, or certifications can further strengthen your application and set you apart from other candidates.
Example of an editor education section
Master’s Degree in Journalism
University of Cambridge | 2019 – 2021
Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature
University of Manchester | 2015 – 2018
Dos and don’ts for an editor CV
Do
DO include relevant technical skills
Editors should showcase proficiency with key tools such as content management systems (CMS) and SEO tools like Google Analytics. Familiarity with HTML, WordPress, or social media management platforms is also valuable. Highlighting these technical skills demonstrates that you have the tools to manage content and effectively contribute to the editorial process.
DO tailor your CV for each job application
Each editorial position may require a slightly different skill set or focus. Customise your CV to highlight the experience and skills most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and makes your application more compelling.
DON’T
DON’T forget to proofread
As an editor, attention to detail is at the core of your role, and your CV should be no exception. A CV with typos or grammatical errors is a significant oversight and may raise immediate concerns for hiring managers, questioning your ability to catch mistakes in professional work. Ensure your CV is flawless by proofreading it multiple times, and consider asking a colleague or friend to review it as well.
DON’T overlook your soft skills
While technical skills are crucial for an editor, soft skills such as communication, time management, and collaboration are equally important. Employers want editors who can work well with writers, designers, and other team members, as well as those who can communicate ideas clearly and adapt to changing deadlines. Make sure your CV reflects these skills.
Your editor CV questions answered
Can I use a CV template for my editor CV?
Yes, using a CV template can be a great way to structure your editor CV clearly and professionally. Choose a template that is clean, easy to navigate, and reflects your editorial expertise. Be sure to customise the template to showcase your specific skills, achievements, and experience, ensuring it aligns with the type of editor role you’re applying for.
What if I am a recent graduate with limited experience?
If you’re just starting out and want to write a great CV with no experience, a skills-based CV can be a great option to highlight your strengths. Focus on your academic achievements, such as relevant coursework, writing samples, internships, and any part-time editorial work. Highlight transferable skills like attention to detail, communication, and time management.
Should I include freelance work on my editor CV?
Yes, absolutely. Freelance work can be valuable to your CV, especially if it showcases relevant editorial experience. Highlight specific projects you’ve worked on, the skills you used, and the results you achieved. Freelance work demonstrates your ability to manage multiple tasks independently and your versatility in adapting to different editorial requirements.
What are the different types of editors?
There are almost as many types of editors as there are types of content! Your role will utterly depend on the kind of publication you’re joining. You might find a features editor, commissioning editor, section editor, or editor-in-chief at a newspaper or magazine. Other types of editors might work for marketing departments to proof in-house copy. Editors can also work in traditional publishing houses, where they appraise manuscripts for publication into books.
Do I need to include a cover letter with my CV?
While a cover letter is not always necessary, it is highly recommended. A well-written cover letter allows you to explain why you’re passionate about editing, how your skills align with the job requirements, and why you’re a great fit for the company or project. It provides an opportunity to present yourself more personally and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role, helping you stand out from other candidates.
Create your editor CV today
Creating a standout CV is essential to showcase your skills and experience as an editor. By following the tips and examples provided, you can craft a CV that highlights your strengths and sets you apart in a competitive job market. Ready to take the next step? Use our CV builder today to personalise your CV and download it instantly—your perfect editing role is just a click away!
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