How To Write a Proofreader Editor Resume
To write an eye-catching proofreader editor resume, you need to demonstrate how your background in copywriting and editing can provide value to potential employers. It should show you have impeccable grammar, communicate clearly and succinctly, and have a solid understanding of industry best practices. Get tips on how to synthesize your experience and provide a dynamic resume to hiring managers looking for an editor.
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
1. Write a brief summary of your proofreading and editing qualifications
The profile is your first chance to make an impression on the hiring manager. Ensure it’s a positive one by writing a dynamic summary of your qualifications and experience, focusing on the value you provide to the employer. Use keywords like “brand awareness,” “increased engagement,” and “search engine rankings,” depending on what seems most important from the job description. This is also a good place to list required proficiencies, such as AP or Chicago style.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A Senior Copy Editor with 10+ years of professional experience, specializing in copywriting, editing, quality assurance, proofreading, and SEO techniques. A strong history of leading teams of writers and editors to create and optimize web pages for enterprise clients. Adept at identifying process improvement opportunities to enhance the quality of deliverables.
Entry-Level Profile Example
A Proofreader and Copy Editor with three years of experience, specializing in copywriting, proofreading, brand messaging, and content creation. A proven track record of coordinating with creative teams to create social media and marketing copy. Adept at identifying strategies to enhance content and drive brand awareness.
2. Outline your proofreading and editing experience in a compelling list
Proofreader editors are focused on making sure every word in a piece of content is valuable and contributing toward the goal. They’re also tasked with identifying and correcting grammatical and stylistic errors. A strong resume with an accomplishment-driven professional experience section can be a shining example of all these skills.
When you’re writing the bullet points to describe your job duties and responsibilities, use metrics and keywords that matter to the prospective employer. This could be the number of pages you edited or an increase in search engine optimization (SEO) performance.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Senior Copy Editor, Portland Web Page Creators Inc., Portland, OR September 2015 – Present
- Manage the writing, editing, and publishing of 100+ web pages for enterprise clients across various market verticals and industries, including banks and major retailers
- Evaluate drafts from the creative team, analyze content specifications, identify opportunities to drive SEO, and provided constructive feedback
- Oversee a team of editors, writers, and marketing specialists and coordinate cross-functionally with graphic designers and web developers
- Perform quality assurance reviews for all web pages prior to publication, identify grammatical errors, and ensure alignment with project requirements
- Track and coordinate project progress and publications using Asana
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Marketing Proofreader Editor, Brand Solutions Inc., New York, NY June 2019 – Present
- Write, edit, and proofread marketing copy and materials to support social media campaigns on Facebook and LinkedIn, refine content, and ensure consistency of brand voice across all articles and social media channels
- Collaborate with creative teams to evaluate copy, conduct quality assurance reviews, and discuss ideas to enhance brand messaging for clients
- Review drafts from marketing copywriters, resolve grammar and punctuation errors, and provide recommendations to improve marketing copy
- Utilize WordPress and Hootsuite to format and prepare content for final publication
3. Add your proofreadering and editing education and certifications
Many hiring managers require applicants for editing jobs to have at least a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree is often preferred. Common degree programs for editors include English, Creative Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, and Linguistics. List your degree on your resume following the template below.
Certifications help verify your skills and experience, so list any you have earned in their own section. You can also include a separate list of industry credentials, such as professional memberships, fellowships, or prestigious awards.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- University Of Portland, Portland, OR | 2012
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing, The American Copy Editors Society | 2013
4. Make a list of your proofreader editor-related skills and proficiencies
Proofreading and editing are skills all on their own, but many hiring managers are looking for well-rounded candidates who can also help with copywriting, content strategy, and providing feedback to writers. Listing all applicable skills shows a hiring manager what you’re capable of and helps them envision you in the role.
Read through the job description carefully to identify the most important capabilities and include these in your list of the key skills and as keywords throughout the rest of your resume. Here are some sought-after skills to consider:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Adobe Suite | AP style |
| Blogging | Brand messaging |
| Content creation | Copy editing |
| Copywriting | Digital publications |
| Editing | English |
| Google Suite | Grammar |
| Journalism | Microsoft Office Suite |
| Modern Language Association (MLA) | Project management |
| Proofreading | Publishing |
| Punctuation | Quality assurance |
| Social media | WordPress |
How To Pick the Best Proofreader Editor Resume Template
A resume should always be grammatically correct and look like a professional document, but this is even more important for proofreaders and editors. Make sure any template you choose is free of typos or errors. It should be clean, simple, and uncluttered. A traditional font like Garamond or Cambria is best. Consider a template that has room to include a link to a portfolio and a list of publications you’ve worked on.
Proofreader Editor Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- No Experience
- 2-3 years
- 5-10 Years
- 10+ Years
Jessica Langston
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, New York, NY
Profile
A Proofreader and Copy Editor with three years of experience, specializing in copywriting, proofreading, brand messaging, and content creation. A proven track record of coordinating with creative teams to create social media and marketing copy. Adept at identifying strategies to enhance content and drive brand awareness.
Professional Experience
Marketing Proofreader Editor, Brand Solutions Inc., New York, NY
June 2019 – Present
- Write, edit, and proofread marketing copy and materials to support social media campaigns on Facebook and LinkedIn, refine content, and ensure consistency of brand voice across all articles and social media channels
- Collaborate with creative teams to evaluate copy, conduct quality assurance reviews, and discuss ideas to enhance brand messaging for clients
- Review drafts from marketing copywriters, resolve grammar and punctuation errors, and provide recommendations to improve marketing copy
- Utilize WordPress and Hootsuite to format and prepare content for final publication
Freelance Proofreader Editor, Self-Employed, New York, NY
May 2018 – June 2019
- Edited, proofread, and wrote copy for small business clients in the greater New York area, which included thought leadership articles, marketing pieces, and web pages
- Conducted research on a variety of topics to create compelling content and conducted editing to refine copy in alignment with clients’ business specifications
Education
Bachelor of Arts in English
Columbia University, New York, NY September 2014 – May 2018
Key Skills
- Copywriting
- Marketing writing
- Brand messaging
- Editing
- WordPress
- Proofreading
Frequently Asked Questions: Proofreader Editor Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for proofreader editor resumes-
Using descriptive and unique action verbs in your bullet points gives the hiring manager an idea of how you work with words and helps them engage with your resume. Choose strong action verbs that describe your role and its value. Don’t forget to use any verbs in the job description to align your resume with the role. If you need some fresh ideas, try some options from this list:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Aligned | Analyzed |
| Annotated | Collaborated |
| Conducted | Coordinated |
| Curated | Edited |
| Enhanced | Fact-checked |
| Improved | Managed |
| Optimized | Organized |
| Performed | Proofread |
| Reviewed | Revised |
| Transformed | Wrote |
How do you align your resume with a job description?-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, editing jobs are expected to experience a 4% decline through 2032. Stay competitive in this challenging job market by aligning each resume you send out to that specific job description. Tailor your resume by using the same language and paying attention to what’s important to the hiring manager.
An academic editing job may be focused on MLA and American Psychological Association (APA) style and conforming to journal requirements, while a position with a publishing company is likely to focus more on developmental editing and collaborating with writers. Ensure your skills list, job duties, and profile reflect the must-have qualifications for the position.
What is the best proofreader editor resume format?-
The reverse chronological format is a good choice for a proofreader editor resume because it lets you show a clear career progression and puts the emphasis on your professional experience. This can be especially valuable if you’ve worked your way up from proofreader to developmental editor because it shows you’re reliable and committed to your work.
This format is also considered the most traditional, which can help your resume look more professional — especially when paired with a strong template.
Craft your perfect resume in minutes
Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!
Sending a cover letter with your resume can increase your chances of getting a job offer. A cover letter lets you provide more context on your career progression and accomplishments. It’s also a great demonstration of your editing skills with a longer piece of content. Look through our examples of editor cover letters to get ideas on how to create one with a skimmable format and engaging content.
