Resume

Prepress Operator Resume Example & Writing Guide

Use this Prepress Operator resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.

Prepress is a specialized area of graphic design that deals with the preparation of artwork before it’s printed. As a prepress operator, you’re responsible for ensuring that your company’s artwork looks great when it’s printed on everything from business cards to billboards.

If you have a passion for print media, enjoy working with graphics software like Photoshop, and have an eye for detail, prepress might be the perfect job for you! Here’s some tips and an example to help you write a fantastic prepress operator resume that will get you noticed by recruiters.

David Moore
Chicago, IL | (123) 456-7891 | [email protected]
Summary

Highly skilled prepress operator with 10+ years of experience in the printing and publishing industry. Proven ability to produce high-quality output while meeting tight deadlines. Excels at collaborating with team members to achieve common goals.

Education
Chicago Vocational Career Academy Jun '08
High School Diploma
Experience
Company A, Prepress Operator Jan '17 – Current
  • Operated a variety of pre-press equipment including: platen presses, guillotine cutters, and sheet fed folders to prepare job materials for printing.
  • Maintained knowledge of current technology in the industry and used this knowledge to troubleshoot problems with equipment or processes.
  • Used various measuring tools such as rulers, calipers, depth gauges, etc., to verify dimensions on printed material prior to shipping jobs out.
  • Communicated effectively with other departments regarding print production issues and participated in quality control activities related to print production.
  • Performed other duties as assigned by management within the Print Production Department that support the overall mission of the company.
Company B, Prepress Operator Jan '12 – Dec '16
  • Operated computer-based digital prepress software to create and edit PDF files for printing, including page layout, trapping, imposition and color separation
  • Prepared plates for four-color process printing using photopolymer plate making equipment; ensured quality of printed product met company standards
  • Maintained inventory of consumable materials (ink, paper, film) as well as non-consumables (plates, blankets and rollers) in accordance with budget guidelines
  • Ensured that all press runs were completed on time by monitoring production schedule adherence and completing necessary tasks ahead of schedule
  • Performed routine maintenance on the digital prepress system and other equipment used in the print shop
Company C, Graphic Designer Jan '09 – Dec '11
  • Created visual concepts, using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
  • Developed the graphic elements that appear on product packaging, advertisements, and websites.
  • Worked with clients, printers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the final product met their needs and expectations.
Skills

Industry Knowledge: Print Production, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, QuarkXPress, Preflight
Technical Skills: Roland VersaWorks, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite
Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Time Management

How to Write a Prepress Operator Resume

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

Write Compelling Bullet Points

When it comes to writing bullet points, the more specific you can be, the better. Rather than saying you “prepared files for print production,” you could say that you “prepared files for print production using Adobe InDesign to convert PSD files into high-quality PDFs for press release distribution.”

The second bullet point is much stronger because it provides specific details about what you did and the tools you used to do it. It also provides a quantifiable result (“converted PSD files into high-quality PDFs”).

Identify and Include Relevant Keywords

When you submit your resume online, it’s likely that it will be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. These programs look for certain terms related to the job opening in order to determine whether or not you’re a good fit. So, if you want your resume to make it past the pre-screening process, be sure to include relevant keywords throughout all of the sections.

The most commonly used keywords for prepress operator roles are:

  • Prepress
  • Printing
  • Prepress Preparation
  • Prepress Services
  • Lithography
  • Digital Printing
  • Printing Services
  • Pre-press
  • Screen Printing
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Platemaking
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Artwork
  • Graphic Design
  • Proofing
  • Screen Printing Technology
  • Photography
  • CTP
  • Pantone
  • Digital Printing Technology
  • Film
  • Composition
  • RIPing
  • Offset Printing
  • Vector
  • Pre-press Production
  • Graphics
  • Halftones
  • Adobe Photoshop for Screen Printing

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a prepress operator, you need to be proficient in the use of various software programs and systems. This might include programs like Adobe Creative Suite, QuarkXPress, and InDesign. You should also be familiar with print production processes and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Listing your technical skills prominently on your resume will show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and experience to do the job.

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