Crafting a CV that stands out in a fiercely competitive job market is a significant challenge you may face. By consulting our guide, you can learn to emphasise your unique editorial skills and experience, ensuring your application captures the attention of potential employers.
What information should you include in your editor CV? Learn how to create your interview-landing and job-winning profile with our bespoke guide on:
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche editor role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
- Creative Marketing CV Example
- Sales And Marketing CV Example
- Fashion Marketing CV Example
- Social Media Manager CV Example
- Marketing Director CV Example
- Content Manager CV Example
- Content Marketing CV Example
- Advertising CV Example
- Digital Marketing Executive CV Example
- Commercial Director CV Example
Resume examples for editor
Explore additional editor cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Editor
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - Rosie's CV is organized in a way that makes key information easily accessible, with sections clearly separated and presented concisely. Each section, from the summary to the achievements, provides specific details while maintaining brevity and focus on key points that align with the job role.
- Strong Career Trajectory Across Prestigious Companies - Rosie's career growth is evident through her progression from an intern at Penguin Random House to a junior editor at Bloomsbury Publishing. This trajectory highlights her advancement within well-respected industry leaders, demonstrating her capability to thrive in competitive environments.
- Emphasis on Relevant Technical Skills and Tools - The CV highlights Rosie's proficiency in essential publishing software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, showcasing her technical capabilities. Additionally, her focus on digital tools underscores her adaptability in evolving publishing landscapes, enriching her value to potential employers.
Senior Editor
- Clear and Structured Presentation - Jack Taylor's CV is well-organized, enabling a smooth flow of information that emphasizes clarity and conciseness. Each section is neatly structured, presenting information consistently and making it easy for readers to navigate through various achievements, experiences, and skills pertinent to his role as a Senior Editor. This structured approach underscores his editorial acumen.
- Impressive Career Trajectory and Growth - The progression from Assistant Editor to Senior Editor at renowned publishing houses like Phaidon Press and Thames & Hudson demonstrates a strong upward career trajectory. Over the years, Jack has evidently capitalized on his experiences and responsibilities to grow into leadership roles, reflecting both his drive and commitment to the publishing industry.
- Industry-Specific Achievements and Impact - The CV highlights impactful achievements such as leading successful art book series and implementing strategies for global audience expansion. These accomplishments are not just presented as numbers; they also explain the broader business relevance, such as enhancing market share and sales growth, which are pivotal to any art publishing entity.
Assistant Editor
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - Rosie's CV is well-organized, starting with her personal information and moving through her career history in reverse chronological order. Each section is clearly defined, making it easy for potential employers to quickly find key information such as her skills, achievements, and educational background.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - The CV illustrates Rosie's progressive career growth from a Political Reporter at BBC Radio 4 to a Senior Political Correspondent at Sky News. It highlights her promotions and increased responsibilities, showcasing her dedication and capability to excel in the field of political journalism.
- Achievements with Business Relevance - The document includes significant achievements that go beyond mere numbers. Rosie's leadership in audience engagement initiatives, marked by measurable increases in audience reach and subscription rates, directly correlate with the business's success and underscore her impact on the organizations she worked for.
By Role
Editor in Chief
- Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is meticulously arranged, beginning with direct contact details and a succinct summary, followed by clearly defined sections for experience, education, skills, courses, and achievements. Each section is well-organized, facilitating easy navigation and ensuring that critical information is promptly conveyed to the reader.
- Progressive Career Trajectory in Editorial Leadership - The career path shows substantial growth from an Associate Editor to an Editor in Chief, demonstrating upward mobility and increasing responsibility. This progression across prestigious organizations like Nature Research and Elsevier indicates recognition of leadership capabilities and domain expertise in energy research.
- Indicators of Strategic and Transformational Leadership - Henry's consistent focus on strategic leadership is evident through initiatives that resulted in increased impact factors and quality submissions. His ability to lead teams, steer publishing strategies in line with industry trends, and cultivate global networks underscores his soft skills in managing change and fostering innovative cultures within editorial settings.
Medical Editor
- Clarity and Structure of Content - Alexander Jackson's CV excels in clarity and structure, systematically presenting information that is easy to read and logically organized. Each section flows naturally into the next, beginning with personal details and a concise summary that quickly communicates his core competencies.
- Career Trajectory and Growth - His career progression from an Editorial Specialist to a Senior Medical Editor demonstrates a clear trajectory of growth and increasing responsibility within the medical field. This advancement is evidenced by his movement across reputable organizations such as Pfizer, GSK, and Novartis.
- Industry-Specific Tools and Expertise - The CV highlights Jackson's proficiency with industry-specific tools and methodologies like the AMA Style Guide, Adobe Acrobat, and regulatory knowledge pertaining to FDA and EU standards. His technical depth is further demonstrated through certifications and training in medical editing and data integrity.
Technical Editor
- Structured Presentation of Career Progression - The CV is organized in a manner that clearly delineates each stage of Jacob Roberts' career, showcasing a logical progression from roles such as Wine Industry Advisor to Senior Technical Editor. Each position is accompanied by specific achievements and contributions, providing a comprehensive view of the evolution of skills and responsibilities over time.
- Combination of Industry-Specific Expertise and Language Skills - Jacob Roberts’ CV highlights a unique blend of deep knowledge in the wine industry with multilingual capabilities in both English and French. This rare combination is further supported by specialized education, such as a Bachelor of Science in French and Wine Studies and advanced wine certifications, which are integral to his roles in technical editing and wine education.
- Impactful Achievements That Emphasize Business Value - The achievements section showcases initiatives with quantitative and qualitative outcomes, like enhancing translation accuracy by 30% and speeding up content review processes by 40%. These accomplishments underscore Jacob’s ability to bring about significant improvements in operational efficiency and educational content quality, which are crucial for organizational success in the wine and education sectors.
Content Editor
- Clarity and Structure in Presentation - The CV is neatly arranged with distinct sections for experience, education, skills, courses, and achievements, contributing to a clear and accessible layout. Each job position and educational attainment is presented with precise dates, locations, and concise bullet points, which enhances readability and allows hiring managers to quickly understand the candidate's background.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Noah Jones demonstrates a consistent progression in his career, moving from a Content Editor role to Senior Writer, and then to Content Manager. This upward trajectory indicates not only career growth but also increasing responsibilities, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive across different roles in the content strategy field.
- Leadership and Project Management - Throughout his experience, Noah has effectively managed teams, mentored junior writers, and coordinated with multiple departments, underscoring his strong leadership qualities and project management skills. His ability to lead initiatives that increase productivity and enhance content quality highlights his competence in fostering team growth and achieving organizational objectives.
Digital Editor
- Structured Career Progression - The CV displays a well-organized career trajectory, showcasing a clear advancement from Content Producer to Senior Digital Content Manager. This progression reflects the candidate's consistent growth and ability to take on increased responsibilities over time.
- Diverse Technical Proficiency - The use of industry-specific tools like CMS and Adobe Creative Suite, combined with methodologies such as Agile workflows and comprehensive SEO strategies, emphasizes the candidate’s technical competency and adaptability in various digital environments.
- Leadership in Innovative Content Solutions - The candidate demonstrates leadership and innovation by pioneering content initiatives that not only enhance audience engagement but also drive substantial increases in organic traffic. This capability to lead teams in crafting creative solutions is reinforced by the successful launch of new content projects.
News Editor
- Crystal-clear content presentation - The CV's clarity and structure are exemplary, with information conveyed concisely and logically. The use of bullet points under each experience entry ensures that achievements and responsibilities are straightforward to digest, enhancing readability and giving employers an immediate understanding of the candidate's contributions.
- Remarkable career progression - Rosie Gray exhibits an impressive career trajectory, marked by notable promotions and industry shifts that emphasize a dynamic professional journey. From her beginnings as a Digital Reporter to positions like Senior Content Editor and eventually Deputy Consumer Editor, her path reflects both growth and strategic positioning within influential media organizations.
- Emphasis on unique industry methodologies - The CV highlights advanced technical skills and methodologies specific to journalism and digital content creation, such as crafting comprehensive investigative reports and designing bespoke digital reporting tools. These elements showcase technical depth and a proactive approach to adopting and leveraging modern journalism tools.
Production Editor
- Clear Career Advancement in Publishing - Isaac Scott's CV effectively outlines a clear career trajectory, showcasing his progression from Editorial Assistant to Senior Production Editor. This trajectory emphasizes both his dedication to the field and his capability to handle increasing responsibilities and leadership roles.
- Integration of Advanced Tools for Process Improvement - The inclusion of specific tools and methodologies, like advanced proofreading software and Adobe InDesign, illustrates Isaac's technical depth in the publishing industry. These elements not only show his technical proficiency but also highlight his initiative in integrating new technologies to enhance editorial processes.
- Quantifiable Impact on Business Operations - Achievements in Isaac's CV are particularly impactful due to their quantifiable nature. For example, the 25% increase in efficiency and 30% improvement in project completion rates demonstrate his ability to drive significant improvements within the organizations he worked for, proving his worth in tangible business results.
Copy Editor
- Structural Clarity and Conciseness - The CV is organized in a clear and concise manner, allowing easy scanning through sections like experience, education, and skills. Each section is detailed with bullet points, making the candidate's qualifications and achievements easily digestible without overwhelming potential employers with excessive information.
- Career Growth and Industry Experience - Matilda's career trajectory is indicative of significant growth, moving from a Junior Copywriter to a Senior Copy Editor within reputable companies. This upward movement demonstrates her competence and ability to take on more complex responsibilities, reflecting her robust understanding of the industry and her expanding expertise over time.
- Impactful Achievements Benefiting Businesses - The CV doesn't just list responsibilities; it highlights achievements with business relevance such as increasing audience engagement by 25% and improving readability across mediums by 30%. These metrics illustrate Matilda's capability to deliver substantial improvements that benefit her employers' objectives.
Video Editor
- Clear Structure and Conciseness - The CV excels in presenting content with clarity and precision, offering a well-organized layout that facilitates effortless navigation through each section. This structured approach ensures that key information is easily accessible, showcasing the candidate's skills and experience succinctly and effectively.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Poppy Griffiths' career advancement is evident through her progression from a Junior Video Editor to a Senior Video Editor, demonstrating growth and increasing responsibility within the industry. Her tenure at reputable organizations like BBC Studios and ITV Studios illustrates a successful and stable career path, highlighting her ability to excel and adapt within the competitive video editing landscape.
- Technical Mastery and Industry Expertise - The CV emphasizes Poppy's proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. Her expertise in these technical tools, combined with her specialized courses, underscores her deep understanding of video editing methodologies and her commitment to staying at the forefront of the field through continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Photo Editor
- Professional Growth and Leadership - Louis Wood's career trajectory is marked by steady advancement, from a Photo Retoucher position at Pixsy to a Senior Digital Photo Editor role at Getty Images. This progression highlights not only his industry experience but also his ability to lead and manage a team of photo editors, indicating strong leadership qualities.
- Technical Proficiency and Innovative Practices - The CV emphasizes Louis's deep expertise with Adobe Photoshop, a critical tool in digital photo editing, alongside advanced digital workflows. His role in implementing a new digital workflow system demonstrates his ability to leverage technical skills to optimize processes and enhance operational efficiency significantly.
- Impactful Achievements with Concrete Outcomes - Louis’s CV effectively quantifies his impact through achievements such as improving operational efficiency by 30% and maintaining a 98% approval rate from clients. These accomplishments underscore his capacity to deliver high-quality results that resonate with business goals and client satisfaction.
Managing Editor
- Structured Content Presentation - Isabella Watson's CV is meticulously structured, offering a clear, chronological presentation of her professional journey. This methodical layout allows readers to easily comprehend her experience and expertise, enhancing the CV’s readability and effectiveness.
- Impressive Career Growth - Isabella has shown remarkable progression in her career, advancing from an Editorial Project Coordinator to Managing Editor within a span of five years. This growth, coupled with her experience at renowned publishing houses, underscores her capability and ambition in the publishing industry.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV showcases Isabella's comprehensive understanding of critical industry tools such as Biblio, alongside advanced proofreading protocols. Her technical proficiency not only reflects her adaptability but also her ability to drive operational enhancements within her field.
Acquisitions Editor
- Structured career progression - The CV outlines a clear and impressive career trajectory, showcasing William's advancement from an Editor at Hachette UK to a Senior Commissioning Editor at Orion Publishing Group. This progression not only indicates his growth in responsibility and influence but also highlights his commitment and expertise within the publishing industry, particularly in Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres.
- Demonstrates strategic impact and leadership - Through clearly defined bullet points, the CV emphasizes William's strategic mindset, such as his role in leading cross-functional teams to achieve a 40% faster time-to-market for book launches. His ability to coordinate effectively, initiate market analyses, and foster relationships with key stakeholders demonstrates strong leadership qualities and a commercial acumen that drive significant business results.
- Incorporates industry-specific achievements and methodologies - The details provided, like initiating a market analysis project and crafting compelling book proposals, highlight William’s industry-specific expertise. These actions led to substantial outcomes such as a 30% market share increase and a 50% boost in acquisition approvals, showcasing a deep understanding of publishing dynamics and trend identification that are crucial for success in this field.
Commissioning Editor
- Structured Skill Presentation - The CV provides a concise and well-organized display of skills, with specialized tools like Photoshop and methodologies such as mobile-first design, clearly reflecting their relevance to photo editing and editorial production. This structured layout allows potential employers to quickly assess the candidate's qualifications in context with industry requirements.
- Illustrates an Upward Career Path - The candidate's career trajectory charts a clear progression from an Editorial Photographer to advanced positions such as Visual Content Specialist and Photo Editor, showcasing significant growth within the media and journalism industries. This upward movement underscores the candidate's ability to assume greater responsibilities and deliver results at higher levels of decision-making.
- Emphasis on Strategic Adaptability - The CV showcases the candidate’s adaptability through diverse industry experiences across notable organizations like Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg, and The Guardian. Each role highlights the individual's capability to adjust to distinct editorial environments and collaborate cross-functionally, thereby improving process efficiencies and sustaining a competitive edge.
Features Editor
- Structured and Clear Content - Ruby Gibson's CV exhibits a clear and well-organized structure. Key sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements are separated effectively, making it easy to navigate and extract relevant information efficiently. The summary is concise, offering a snapshot of expertise in financial journalism and editorial leadership without overwhelming the reader.
- Impressive Career Growth - The CV reflects a robust career progression, with Ruby moving from a Business Reporter to a Senior Financial Editor. This trajectory showcases not only vertical growth within prestigious organizations like BBC News and Reuters but also suggests an expanding influence and responsibility within the equity markets and financial journalism sector.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - Ruby demonstrates depth in equity markets reporting, a niche within financial journalism. Skills such as using Bloomberg Terminal and insights into equity capital markets (ECM) are highlighted, showcasing both technical competence and specialized knowledge that are crucial for leadership roles in financial media.
Social Media Editor
- Clear and cohesive presentation - The CV is structured in a concise manner with well-organized sections, allowing for easy navigation through the candidate’s professional journey. Each section begins with prominent headings and is purposefully filled with concise content, ensuring the key achievements and responsibilities are effectively communicated without overwhelming the reader.
- Focus on adaptive leadership and strategy - Freddie's career trajectory emphasizes growth in leadership roles, with a consistent focus on strategic initiatives across various high-profile media organizations. The transition from the role of an Online Editor at Sky News to a Digital Content Strategist at The Guardian highlights his capability to adapt and flourish in roles that involve guiding teams towards innovative digital strategies and audience engagement.
- Emphasis on industry-specific technical depth - The CV underscores specific tools and methodologies crucial to the media industry, such as YouTube Analytics, SEO best practices, and multimedia campaign execution. These elements showcase Freddie’s technical proficiency and his ability to leverage these tools to achieve substantial increases in subscriber growth and viewer engagement, illustrating a deep understanding of digital platforms.
Editorial Project Manager
- Structured and concise presentation - The CV benefits from a clear structure, starting with a concise header and summary that communicate the applicant's expertise in climate policy communication. The distinct sections for experience, education, and skills ensure easy navigation, enhancing clarity for the reader.
- Consistent career growth and specialization - Jacob's career trajectory displays a steady progression within the climate policy and communication field. Starting from a Senior Editor role and moving up to Editorial Manager, the different positions highlight a specialization in environmental communication, showing both vertical growth and deepening expertise in the same industry.
- Business impact through key achievements - The achievements listed in the CV, such as enhanced editorial efficiency and improved report structures, underscore Jacob's ability to drive significant business-related outcomes. These accomplishments are tied to tangible impacts, like increased engagement and error reduction, translating into improved business performance and credibility.
Freelance Editor
- Structured Content Presentation - The CV employs a clear and concise format, making it easy to navigate and read. Each section is well-organized, offering concise information that highlights the candidate's key strengths and abilities, ensuring the reader can quickly understand the individual’s qualifications and relevance to the position.
- Dynamic Career Trajectory - Rosie Gray's career journey is marked by consistent growth, starting as a Content Specialist and progressing to roles with increased responsibilities such as Life Stories Facilitator. This trajectory not only illustrates her growth within the industry but also her ability to adapt and excel in various roles, showcasing her dedication and expertise in storytelling and memoir interviewing.
- Technical and Methodological Depth - The CV underscores a high level of industry-specific skill, particularly with advanced recording equipment and digital audio production. These technical proficiencies highlight Rosie’s capability in managing high-quality storytelling projects, enhancing her effectiveness as a Memoirs Interviewer by ensuring rich and authentic narrative captures.
How complex should the format of your editor CV be?
Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your editor CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:
- Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
- Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
- Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
- Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.
One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.
PRO TIP
For certain fields, consider including infographics or visual elements to represent skills or achievements, but ensure they are simple, professional, and enhance rather than clutter the information.
The top sections on a editor CV
- Professional Summary: Defines your editor expertise and value.
- Editorial Experience: Showcases relevant editing roles and achievements.
- Industry Skills: Highlights technical and software proficiency for editing.
- Published Works: Provides a portfolio of your edited work for credibility.
- Education & Training: Indicates qualifications specific to editing and publishing.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your command of language by providing examples of publications you've edited, showcasing your ability to enhance clarity, flow, and engagement in written content.
- Demonstrate your eye for detail by mentioning specific editorial projects where precision and attention to grammatical correctness were crucial to the success of the work.
- Include any familiarity with style guides or editorial standards, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, to show your versatility and adaptability in editing different types of content.
- Emphasize project management skills by detailing your experience in coordinating with writers, managing deadlines, and ensuring the timely delivery of edited content.
- Showcase your technical proficiency by listing editing software you are skilled in, such as Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word's Track Changes, or content management systems.
Recommended reads:
Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning editor CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for editor:
- Senior Editor-in-Chief | Digital Content Strategist | MA in Journalism | 15+ Years' Experience
- Associate Editor | Specialising in Tech Publishing | Copywriting Pro | Certificate in Editing & Proofreading
- Lead Video Editor | Multimedia Production Expert | BA in Film Studies | 8 Years in Broadcast Media
- Executive Content Editor | SEO and Web Analytics | Certified in Digital Marketing | 10 Years' Editorial Expertise
- Junior Editorial Assistant | Passion for Literary Fiction | BA English Literature | Emerging Editing Talent
- Managing Editor | Health & Wellness Publications | NCTJ Qualified | 12 Years Shaping Inspiring Content
Catching recruiters' attention with your editor CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your editor CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a editor job:
- Seasoned Editor with over 15 years of experience overseeing content for distinguished publishing houses, specialising in educational materials. Proven ability to enhance readability, manage high-profile authors, and consistently deliver projects under tight deadlines. Biggest career achievement includes spearheading the editorial launch of a bestselling series.
- Dynamic Editor with a decade of demonstrated expertise in the fast-paced world of magazine publishing, possessing a keen eye for engaging content curation and a track record of increasing readership by 30% across various niche publications. Adept in leveraging advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite to bring visual stories to life.
- Accomplished Marketing Manager transitioning into the editing sphere with solid transferable skills, including 8 years of storytelling acumen, strategic brand development, and a masterful command of digital content creation tools. Leverages an MBA and fluency in Spanish and French to foster dynamic international communications.
- Former Software Developer making a strategic shift to editing with 7 years of experience in technical writing and documentation. Brings a unique perspective with a strong grasp of complex IT concepts, ensuring accuracy and clarity in instruction manuals and technical guides for non-expert audiences.
- Eager to embark on an editing career with an unyielding passion for literature and language. Recently graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in English Literature, I am determined to apply my theoretical knowledge and outstanding written communication skills to craft compelling narratives and elevate content quality.
- Aspiring Editor with a fresh perspective, aiming to leverage my Creative Writing diploma and exceptional organisational skills to meticulously edit and refine manuscripts. Enthused by the challenge of nurturing new literary talent and driven by a lifelong dedication to contributing to impactful storytelling.
How to meet job requirements with your editor CV experience
We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:
- Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
- Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Managed a team of writers and coordinated with freelance contributors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality content, while fostering a collaborative editorial environment.
- Developed and maintained the editorial calendar, effectively balancing evergreen content with trending topics to maximise audience engagement and website traffic.
- Implemented rigorous copyediting and proofreading processes to uphold high standards of accuracy, clarity, and readability in all published materials.
- Oversaw the content strategy for various digital platforms, including blogs, social media, and newsletters, enhancing brand presence and driving user interaction.
- Analysed performance metrics using tools like Google Analytics to adjust editorial strategies, resulting in a 20% increase in reader retention over a 12-month period.
- Conducted regular content audits to identify gaps and opportunities, leading to a more robust and diverse range of articles that catered to the target demographic.
- Maintained an in-depth understanding of SEO best practices and integrated them into editorial guidelines to boost organic search rankings and visibility.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to align editorial content with promotional campaigns, increasing cross-platform consistency and message coherence.
- Navigated sensitive and controversial topics with tact and due diligence, ensuring all content adhered to journalistic ethics and legal standards.
Senior Editor
Senior Editor
Vogue Magazine
03/2018-08/2022
- Spearheaded the editorial strategy for a leading lifestyle publication, increasing monthly web traffic by 45% through engaging content development and SEO enhancements.
- Managed a team of 10 editors and freelance writers, improving team productivity by 30% through the implementation of a new editorial workflow system.
- Led the editorial calendar planning, ensuring a 25% increase in content output while maintaining a consistent quality that exceeded industry standards.
Associate Editor
Associate Editor
Wired Magazine
06/2011-05/2016
- Contributed vital editorial decisions for a top tech-focused magazine, growing the subscriber base by 20% within the first year of taking the role.
- Oversaw the transition from print to digital, which expanded the magazine’s reach by including multimedia content resulting in a 50% increase in online engagement.
- Curated and edited a prominent yearly industry report, which became a cited source for tech trends in mainstream media outlets.
Editorial Manager
Editorial Manager
Forbes Media
09/2016-12/2020
- Directed the editorial team for a prominent business news portal, leading to a 35% growth in B2B audience share through targeted content campaigns.
- Developed a network of expert contributors, enhancing the portal's credibility and diversifying the types of content provided to our readers.
- Implemented a data-driven approach to content selection, increasing the publication's relevance and timeliness, which directly impacted a 40% rise in daily readership.
Managing Editor
Managing Editor
Paris Review
01/2012-12/2017
- Cultivated a revamped digital presence for a historic literary journal, resulting in a tripled online subscription rate within two years.
- Led a successful rebranding initiative that modernized the journal's image and attracted a broader, younger readership demographic by 30%.
- Optimized content distribution across various platforms, streamlining efforts that effectively reduced the time-to-publish by 20%.
Chief Content Editor
Chief Content Editor
Time Warner Inc.
04/2019-Ongoing
- Orchestrate the content direction for a multinational media conglomerate, overseeing 50+ publications and ensuring content quality and brand consistency.
- Piloted a digital transformation project that integrated AI-driven analytics for content performance, boosting user engagement metrics by 60%.
- Negotiated high-profile partnerships with content creators and influencers, significantly raising the profiles of multiple key publications within our portfolio.
Features Editor
Features Editor
Elle Magazine
10/2009-03/2013
- Coordinated exclusive feature articles for a renowned fashion magazine, which were recognized with two National Magazine Awards for excellence in reporting.
- Built a collaborative network with industry insiders that generated a 50% increase in exclusive story leads.
- Enhanced multimedia feature presentations on digital platforms, which boosted social media sharing by 80% per feature article.
Copy Editor
Copy Editor
The New York Times
07/2013-10/2018
- Enforced strict editorial guidelines for a leading national newspaper, improving overall content accuracy by 25% and reducing retractions.
- Trained a team of copy editors in advanced grammar and style techniques, significantly elevating the writing quality across the publication.
- Collaborated with the investigative journalism team to fact-check and refine complex reports, enhancing the newspaper's reputation for reliability.
Digital Editor
Digital Editor
CNN Digital
05/2014-02/2019
- Transformed the online presence of a traditional news outlet, increasing its digital audience by 100% through strategic content and platform optimization.
- Launched a successful social media campaign that virally engaged millions, positioning the outlet as a leading source for breaking news.
- Developed a contributor program that doubled the outlet's content volume, providing more diverse viewpoints to the audience.
Executive Editor
Executive Editor
Scientific American
11/2013-04/2018
- Enhanced team efficiency by introducing robust editorial standards and processes, cutting down production time for feature articles by 30%.
- Played a key role in launching a new editorial section that captured an untapped market segment, leading to a 20% increase in ad revenue.
- Executed a streamlined peer-review system, which heightened the credibility and accuracy of the journal's published research.
Lead Content Strategist
Lead Content Strategist
BuzzFeed
02/2020-2024
- Overhauled the content strategy for a floundering online platform, pivoting to a video-first approach that tripled user interaction rates.
- Integrated consumer data analysis into content creation, leading to personalized user experiences and a 40% increase in content retention times.
- Forged strategic partnerships with content distribution networks, amplifying reach by 100% and driving substantial growth in ad revenue.
How to ensure your editor CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your editor CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your editor CV:
HARD SKILLS
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Grammar and Punctuation
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Content Management Systems (CMS)
Fact-Checking
AP Style
Video Editing
Image Editing
Project Management
SOFT SKILLS
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Leadership
Teamwork
Problem-Solving
Decision Making
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
CV education and certificates: your academic background as proof of your skill set
A common misconception about your editor CV education is that you only need it, if you have less professional experience. That is completely false. The CV education section serves to back up your technical (and sometimes personal) capabilities, fill in gaps in your work history, and show you have the initial industry background and know-how. When creating your education section:
- List your degrees in the reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent (and relevant) ones first;
- Include your degree and university names, start and graduation dates. It's optional to also denote you received a "First-Class Honours" for diplomas that are more relevant to the role;
- Curate your relevant university coursework, projects, or thesis work if you happen to have less professional expertise and need to integrate more job keywords and skills.
Your professional qualifications don't need to stop at your academic background. It's advisable to also select up to three of your most noteworthy (and relevant) industry certificates and feature them in a dedicated section. Once more, include the certificate name, the institution that issued it out, and the date you obtained it on. You could feature both hard skills and soft skills certificates, as in the examples below:
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Recommended reads:
Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your editor CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
