As a freelance editor, one specific resume challenge you may encounter is effectively showcasing the breadth of your editing projects while also emphasizing the diversity of your skill set. Our guide will help you strategically organize and present your work experience in a way that highlights your multifaceted capabilities and distinguishes you in a competitive market.
- Which sections do you need to include in your resume to meet recruiters' requirements;
- How to write your freelance editor resume experience section - even if you have don't have little to no work experience;
- Real-life professional examples to guide you how to write the most important freelance editor resume sections;
- Adding even more sections so your freelance editor resume stands out with professionalism and your personality.
We've also selected some of the best (and most relevant) resume guides for the freelance editor role you're applying for:
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Enhancing your freelance editor resume: format and layout tips
"Less is more" - this principle is key for your freelance editor resume design. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on why you're the ideal candidate. Simultaneously, it's crucial to select a resume design that is both clear and simple, ensuring your qualifications are easily readable.Four popular formatting rules (and an additional tip) are here to optimize your freelance editor resume:
- Listing experience in reverse chronological order - start with your most recent job experiences. This layout helps recruiters see your career progression and emphasizes your most relevant roles.
- Including contact details in the header - make sure your contact information is easily accessible at the top of your resume. In the header, you might also include a professional photo.
- Aligning your expertise with the job requirements - this involves adding essential sections such as experience, skills, and education that match the job you're applying for.
- Curating your expertise on a single page - if your experience spans over a decade, a two-page resume is also acceptable.
Bonus tip: Ensure your freelance editor resume is in PDF format when submitting. This format maintains the integrity of images, icons, and layout, making your resume easier to share.
Finally, concerning your resume format and the Applicant Tracker System (ATS):
- Use simple yet modern fonts like Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, etc.
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are friendly to ATS systems. Avoid script fonts that look like handwriting, however.
- Fonts such as Ariel and Times New Roman are suitable, though commonly used.
- Both single and double-column resumes can perform well with the ATS.
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PRO TIP
Mention specific courses or projects that are pertinent to the job you're applying for.
Essential sections that should make up your freelance editor resume include:
- The header - with your contact details (e.g. email and telephone number), link to your portfolio, and headline
- The summary (or objective) - to spotlight the peaks of your professional career, so far
- The experience section - with up to six bullets per role to detail specific outcomes
- The skills list - to provide a healthy mix between your personal and professional talents
- The education and certification - showing your most relevant degrees and certificates to the freelance editor role
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Proven editing and proofreading skills, with examples of published work the candidate has edited
- Knowledge of specific editing software and tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere for video editing or track changes in MS Word for text editing)
- Detailed understanding of language, grammar, and writing conventions specific to the types of content being edited (e.g., books, articles, web content)
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple projects, demonstrating strong time-management skills
- Experience or familiarity with the specific industry or subject matter pertaining to the content being edited (e.g., technical editing, fiction editing, academic editing)
Essential tips for crafting your freelance editor resume experience section
The experience section is indeed the core of your freelance editor resume. It's where you present your past and current job roles. But how should you approach this crucial part?
A common error is treating the experience section as merely a list of job duties. Many candidates fall into the trap of detailing what they did without illustrating the impact of their actions.
To effectively write your freelance editor resume experience section, consider these guidelines:
- Emphasize your achievements, supported by concrete metrics such as percentages, revenue increases, or customer satisfaction rates;
- Avoid using generic buzzwords like communication, hard work, or leadership. Instead, demonstrate how these skills added value in your previous roles;
- Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb, followed by a skill, and then the result of your actions;
- Tailor your resume for each job application by selecting the most relevant experiences, responsibilities, and successes.
We have an array of resume examples that illustrate how to optimally curate your freelance editor resume experience section.
- Enhanced the clarity and readability of 50+ manuscripts for independent authors, improving their average ratings on Amazon by 1.5 stars
- Collaborated routinely with authors to refine tone and style, successfully adhering to diverse genre-specific writing conventions
- Implemented a meticulous proofreading process to identify and correct grammatical, punctuation, and formatting errors, increasing client satisfaction by 30%
- Provided comprehensive editing services for over 100 articles and blog posts for major industry players like TechCrunch and Wired, boosting web traffic by 40%
- Spearheaded the development of content strategies, resulting in a 25% increase in reader engagement for client websites
- Advised authors on SEO best practices, leading to a 35% improvement in organic search rankings for clients' content
- Reviewed and refined over 200 STEM-related academic papers, enhancing their acceptance rate by 20% in high-impact journals like Nature and Science
- Facilitated workshops on effective academic writing for non-native English speakers, significantly reducing manuscript rejection due to language issues
- Coordinated with researchers to preserve the integrity and accuracy of highly technical content, maintaining a 99% client satisfaction rate
- Executed content editing for a suite of 25+ e-learning courses for platforms like Udemy, contributing to a user base growth from 10K to 50K in two years
- Optimized multimedia content for better user retention, resulting in a 15% decrease in drop-off rates for clients' digital courses
- Provided creative direction to align course content with educational objectives, successfully overseeing multimedia integration that increased engagement by 22%
- Guided first-time authors through the self-publishing process on platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing, contributing to 10+ Best Seller listings
- Performed developmental editing for a series of successful crime fiction novels, each selling over 20,000 copies
- Leveraged extensive network of publishing professionals to assist authors with cover design, marketing, and distribution, enhancing the market reach by 300%
- Crafted and refined marketing copy for over 100 online campaigns across multiple sectors, including retail and technology, driving an average lead conversion rate of 5%
- Consulted with clients to highlight brand voice and messaging in content, which improved user engagement rates by 20% on social media channels
- Conducted content audits and performance analysis, enabling clients to focus on high-ROI strategies and eliminate inefficient content spending
- Managed the editorial calendar and publication process for a regional lifestyle magazine, consistently meeting tight deadlines for a monthly circulation of 50,000 readers
- Organized and directed photoshoots and interviews, ensuring content was both relevant and engaging, which helped secure a 20% increase in ad revenue
- Fostered relationships with contributors and freelancers to streamline content creation, cutting production costs by 15% without compromising quality
- Revamped technical manuals and user guides for software products, leading to a 50% reduction in customer support queries due to improved clarity and usability
- Managed a team of freelance writers to produce accurate, high-quality technical content within aggressive project timelines, doubling the output from the previous year
- Instituted a quality control protocol for documentation versioning, effectively minimizing errors and inconsistencies across multiple product releases
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Include the total number of manuscripts or documents edited to demonstrate volume of work experience.
- Specify the percentage of clients who implemented your suggested edits, indicating acceptance and satisfaction rates.
- List the average turnaround time for editing assignments to showcase speed and efficiency.
- Mention any measurable improvement in client content engagement, such as increased readership or shares after editing.
- State the number of repeat clients or long-term contracts to reflect reliability and client trust.
- Quantify the size of the largest editing project managed to illustrate the capacity for handling substantial assignments.
- Highlight any reduction in error rates post-editing through percentage improvements to show attention to detail and impact on quality.
- Detail the range of document types and genres edited to portray versatility and breadth of subject matter expertise.
Action verbs for your freelance editor resume
Making the most of your little to none professional experience
If you're hesitant to apply for your dream job due to limited professional experience, remember that recruiters also value the unique contributions you can offer.
Next time you doubt applying, consider this step-by-step approach for your resume's experience section:
- Rather than the standard reverse chronological order, opt for a functional-based format. This shifts the focus from your work history to your achievements and strengths;
- Include relevant internships, volunteer work, or other non-standard experiences in your freelance editor resume's experience section;
- Utilize your education, qualifications, and certifications to bridge gaps in your freelance editor resume experience;
- Emphasize your interpersonal skills and transferable skills from various industries. Often, recruiters seek a personality match, giving you an advantage over other candidates.
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PRO TIP
If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.
Popular freelance editor hard skills and soft skills for your resume
Apart from assessing your professional expertise, recruiters are on the lookout for whether your skills align with the job.
Your profile would thus be assessed in regard to your:
- Hard or technical skills - your ability to perform on the job using particular technologies or software
- Soft skills - how you adapt, communicate, and thrive in different environments.
Both types of skills - hard and soft skills - are important for your resume, so make sure to create a dedicated skills section that:
- Lists up to five or six skills that align with the job advert.
- Integrates vital keywords for the industry, but also reflects on your personal strengths.
- Builds up further your skills with an achievements section within which you explain what you've achieved thanks to using the particular skill.
- Aims to always quantify in some way how you've used the skill, as it's not enough to just list it.
What are the most sought out hard and soft skills for freelance editor roles?
Check out the industry's top choices with our two dedicated lists below:
Top skills for your freelance editor resume:
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Grammar and Punctuation Mastery
AP Style
Chicago Manual of Style
Content Management Systems (CMS)
SEO Principles
Microsoft Office Suite
Fact-Checking
Publishing Software Proficiency
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Communication
Adaptability
Self-Motivation
Problem Solving
Client Relationships
Project Management
Creativity
PRO TIP
If you're in the process of obtaining your certificate or degree, list the expected date you're supposed to graduate or be certified.
Certifications and education: in-demand sections for your freelance editor resume
Your academic background in the form of certifications on your resume and your higher degree education is important to your application.
The certifications and education sections pinpoint a variety of hard and soft skills you possess, as well as your dedication to the industry.
Add relevant certificates to your freelance editor resume by:
- Add special achievements or recognitions you've received during your education or certification, only if they're really noteworthy and/or applicable to the role
- Be concise - don't list every and any certificate you've obtained through your career, but instead, select the ones that would be most impressive to the role
- Include the name of the certificate or degree, institution, graduation dates, and certificate license numbers (if possible)
- Organize your education in reverse chronological format, starting with the latest degree you have that's most applicable for the role
Think of the education and certification sections as the further credibility your freelance editor resume needs to pinpoint your success.
Now, if you're stuck on these resume sections, we've curated a list of the most popular technical certificates across the industry.
Have a look, below:
The top 5 certifications for your freelance editor resume:
- Certificate in Editing (CE) - University of Washington
- Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS) Certification - Board of Editors in the Life Sciences
- Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) - Society for Technical Communication
- .Certified Editor in the Life Sciences (ELS) - Board of Editors in the Life Sciences
- Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) - American Marketing Association
PRO TIP
Bold the names of educational institutions and certifying bodies for emphasis.
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Which one to use: a resume summary or a resume objective?
The freelance editor resume summary or objective serves as a good introduction to your experience for recruiters.
Have you ever wondered which one (the summary or objective) will be more appropriate for your freelance editor resume?
- If you are a less experienced professional, write a resume objective statement. The objective is about three sentences long and provides recruiters with information about your career goals, strengths, and achievements . It should basically denote how you see yourself in this particular role, and what is your relevant experience and/or know-how;
- If you happen to have plenty of relevant experience, select your most impressive achievements for your resume summary. The summary is no longer than five sentences and serves as a storytelling instrument - highlighting your greatest career wins . Don't forget to align your summary with the job requirements to ensure your resume stays relevant to the role.
Read on for more information and examples of resume summaries and objectives from real world professionals.
Resume summaries for a freelance editor job
- With over 10 years of experience, a seasoned freelance editor brings to the table a rich portfolio of published works ranging from bestselling novels to acclaimed academic journals. Skilled in both developmental editing and copyediting, they boast a proven track record of enhancing author voice and ensuring textual coherence, with a signature accomplishment of guiding a debut novel to receive a prestigious literary award.
- Dedicated journalism professional with 15 years of expertise in crafting compelling news stories now pivoting towards a freelance editing career. This individual excels at restructuring narratives and fine-tuning prose with an eagle eye for detail, having notably increased readership for a major metropolitan daily by 25% through quality content editing.
- An enterprising graphic designer with a creative flair, holding 8 years of experience in visual storytelling, is now switching gears to embrace the challenges of freelance editing. This candidate is adept at utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and has a keen understanding of narrative pacing, which they applied in significantly boosting engagement for a leading digital magazine.
- Former university lecturer with a PhD in English Literature and a passion for the written word is embarking on a new journey as a freelance editor. Equipped with unparalleled expertise in critical analysis and a history of improving students' writing skills, this individual is eager to apply their academic rigour to enhance and refine a variety of texts.
- Driven professional eagerly seeking to launch a career in freelance editing, armed with a BA in English Language and Literature and a zeal for delivering articulate and polished content. Committed to mastering editorial techniques and providing meticulous attention to detail, this dynamic novice is determined to foster clarity and consistency in diverse writing styles.
- Aspiring to develop a robust career in the dynamic field of freelance editing, this enthusiastic new entrant combines a fresh perspective with an unyielding commitment to learning and perfection. With an Advanced Certificate in Editing from a recognized institution and a voracious reading habit, they aim to apply theoretical knowledge and passion to make an impactful contribution to written works across genres.
Other freelance editor resume sections to support your expertise and skills
Recruiters are always on the lookout for that freelance editor candidate who brings about even more value to the role.
This can be either via their personality or additional accreditations they have across the industry.
Add to your resume any of the four sections that fit your profile:
- Projects for your most impressive, cutting-edge work;
- Awards or recognitions that matter the most;
- Publications further building up your professional portfolio and accreditations;
- Hobbies and interests to feature the literature you read, how you spend your time outside of work, and other personality traits you deem may help you stand out .
Key takeaways
We trust that this Enhancv guide has been informative and useful. To summarize the essential points:
- Opt for a simple and readable format, focusing more on your freelance editor achievements rather than just duties;
- Emphasize your accomplishments in the freelance editor experience section over mere responsibilities;
- If lacking relevant experience, utilize various resume sections like education and volunteering to demonstrate your suitable skill set;
- Never overlook the significance of pertinent higher education, training, and certifications;
- Incorporate diverse sections in your resume to highlight not just your skills expertise but also your personality.
