Copy Editor Resume Example & Writing Guide

Copy editors are the gatekeepers of clarity, ensuring that everything that’s written is clear, concise, and free of errors. They’re the last line of defense against bad grammar, spelling mistakes, and misinformation. And they play a crucial role in ensuring that the tone of a piece is consistent and matches the style guide for the publication.

If you love language, writing, editing, and attention to detail, you might be ready to break into the world of copy editing. Here are some tips and an example resume to help you write a fantastic copy editor resume that will help you land your dream job.

How to Write a Copy Editor Resume

Here’s how to write a copy editor resume of your own.

Write Compelling Bullet Points

Bullet points are the most important part of your resume because they’re the first thing recruiters will read. And they’re the best way to showcase your experience and skills.

But many candidates make the mistake of using generic bullet points that don’t really tell a story or provide any context about their experience.

Instead, you should use your bullet points to tell a story about your work. And you should use specific details and numbers to illustrate your contributions.

Related: What Is a Copy Editor? How to Become One

Identify and Include Relevant Keywords

When you apply for a copy editor role, your resume is likely to be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. This system looks for certain terms related to the job like “copy editing” or “proofreading” in order to determine whether you have the skills and experience necessary for the position. If your resume is missing the right keywords, your application might not even make it to a human recruiter.

To increase your chances of getting an interview, use this list of common copy editor keywords as a starting point to help you customize your resume:

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Copy editors use a variety of programs and systems to do their job effectively. They rely on programs like Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop to format and design documents. They also use programs like Crystal Reports and Excel to generate reports and track changes.

So if you have experience with any of these programs, be sure to list them in your technical skills section. Additionally, copy editors should be familiar with the style guides used by their publication, such as the AP Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style.

Related: How Much Does a Copy Editor Make?

Remember The Basics

As you’re crafting your resume, it’s important to keep a few basic guidelines in mind.

Create Easy-to Scan Sections

There are a few things you can do to make your resume more readable and skimmable for employers. First, don’t center your text, use left alignment instead. Align your dates and locations to the right, and keep the font size uniform throughout the document. Additionally, use bullets rather than paragraphs to describe your experiences, and keep bullets under 2 lines each. Finally, try to leave some white space on the page to create visual separation and emphasize key points.

Be Concise

There is no set length for a resume, but it is generally recommended to keep it to one or two pages. When deciding how much information to include, be sure to focus on the most relevant and recent experience. If you have a lot of experience to share, consider narrowing it down to the most important points. In general, brevity is key when writing a resume.

Proofread

Proofreading your resume is an important step in ensuring that it looks its best. There are a few key things to look for when proofreading: spelling mistakes, punctuation mistakes, and grammatical mistakes. It is also important to be aware of easily confused words. Spell-checking your resume is a good way to catch mistakes, but it is important to have someone else read it over as well.

Consider Including a Summary

When it comes to your resume, using a summary statement is a great way to ensure that the recruiter or hiring manager understands exactly what you have to offer. A summary statement can be a brief overview of your experience, skills, and goals, making it an excellent way to introduce yourself to a potential employer. It can also be a great way to show how your skills and experience relate to the job you’re applying for. As you write your summary statement, be sure to focus on your most relevant skills and experiences, and be clear about what you’re hoping to do next.

Related Resume Examples

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• Technical Writer
• Editor
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