Resume Writing Tips for Senior Sub Editor

Introduction

As a senior sub editor, your role demands a blend of accuracy, creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking. Your resume should reflect all these qualities clearly and persuasively. Unlike entry-level positions where responsibilities are often straightforward, a senior role requires showcasing measurable achievements and the impact of your editorial contributions. Whether you’re transitioning to a new company or climbing up the editorial ladder, a standout resume is your pathway to opportunities. In this blog, we delve into ten detailed tips designed to make your resume shine and resonate with hiring managers as well as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the prime real estate of your document. It’s a concise snapshot that hooks recruiters right away. As a senior sub editor, emphasize your years of experience, versatility across content types, leadership abilities, and key accomplishments in content quality and team management.

Example: “Accomplished Senior Sub Editor with over 8 years of experience in leading editorial teams, enhancing content accuracy, and optimizing publication workflows. Proven track record of increasing audience engagement by 25% through innovative content strategies and adherence to editorial excellence.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting a diverse skill set is vital to demonstrate your editorial expertise and leadership capabilities. Include both hard and soft skills relevant to your role.

• Advanced Copyediting & Proofreading
• Content Strategy Development
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
• SEO & Keyword Optimization
• Fact-Checking & Quality Control
• CMS (Content Management Systems) Proficiency
• Multimedia Content Editing
• Deadline & Project Management
• AP Style & Associated Guidelines
• Data-Driven Editorial Decision Making

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Recruiters value measurable achievements over simple task listings. Quantify your impact with numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes to showcase your editorial effectiveness and leadership contributions.

Example: “Spearheaded the quality control process that reduced factual errors by 40ross all monthly publications, improving brand credibility and reader trust.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application by carefully studying the job description. Mirror the keywords and highlight experience and skills that align with the employer’s specific needs. This increases your chances of passing ATS scans and appealing directly to hiring managers.

5. Tools

• Adobe InCopy
• WordPress
• Google Analytics
• Grammarly
• AP Stylebook
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Content Management Systems (CMS) – e.g., Drupal, Joomla
• Slack & Trello (for team communication and project management)
• SEO tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs
• Fact-Checking Platforms (e.g., FactCheck.org, Snopes)

6. Metrics

• Increased content accuracy rate by 30% over two years
• Reduced editorial turnaround time by 20% under leadership
• Boosted organic web traffic by 25% through SEO editorial improvements
• Managed a team of 10 sub editors, achieving a 95% retention rate
• Oversaw publication of 100+ projects quarterly with 99adline compliance

7. Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Communications, or English Literature
• Certification in Copyediting or SEO (e.g., Poynter ACES Certified Editor)

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional font – Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica at 10-12 pt size
• Incorporate clear headings, bullet points, and sufficient white space for easy scanning

9. Concise

Keep the resume concise—preferably two pages—while ensuring you cover all critical areas. Use bullet points and actionable language, avoid clutter, and focus on relevance to the job.

10. Bonus

• Include a link to an online portfolio showcasing published work or editorial projects
• Incorporate endorsements or testimonials from previous supervisors or collaborators (if space permits)

Examples

• Implemented a new editorial checklist that increased content publishing efficiency by 15%, ensuring quicker go-to-market timelines.
• Led cross-departmental collaboration to integrate SEO best practices, resulting in a 20% uplift in organic search rankings.

Conclusion

For senior sub editors, a resume that effectively showcases your impact, leadership skills, and analytical approach sets you apart in the hiring process. Focus on including measurable achievements and tool proficiencies, tailoring your resume for each application, and maintaining concise, clear formatting. This strategic approach not only appeals to human recruiters but also ATS, ensuring your qualifications are recognized and your career advances to the next level.