The role of a copy editor is a challenging one. A copy editor is responsible for editing content created by other individuals or companies, making sure that everything is accurate and that the spelling, punctuation, and language are up to par.
If you are interested in applying for a copy editor job, then you need to make sure that you are prepared for the fact that most of the work will be done quietly and behind the scenes. This kind of work tends to be more tedious, but also more rewarding and satisfying than your typical job.
In this article, we will discuss what kind of writing samples you should bring to your interview, as well as some of the things that you should avoid. We will also give you some tips on how to stand out from the crowd and land that dream job!
The Most Importance Of Excellent Grammar And Spelling
If you are applying for a job in a foreign country, you will be expected to provide samples of your English language skills. These will determine, in part, whether or not you are fit for the job. Many copy editors are fluent in foreign languages, so if that is not the case, you might have a problem. Even in countries where English is the primary language, employers will often check for basic English language skills, especially if you are applying for a job in a field that requires a lot of written communication.
Even if you are applying for a relatively menial position, your spellchecker and grammar checker utilities will be invaluable in helping you get through the editing process. Every document that you will be working on will have at least a few errors in it, so it is important to be able to find these and correct them before your eyes start to water, literally. Your eyes will be crying out for mercy, and you will not be able to keep them open long enough to accomplish any real work.
If you are still in primary school, then this may be the only kind of writing sample you have available. However, even if you have published articles in major magazines, it is still not too late to learn how to write an excellent sentence. With a little bit of effort and some truly excellent educational materials, you can and will become a shining example of written English.
What About Creative Language?
Apart from being able to edit other people’s work, you will also be asked to write your own articles. While it is not necessary to be able to write creatively in order to become a copy editor, it nonetheless helps. If you do have creative writing skills, then chances are, your articles will be rather entertaining to read.
If you are applying for a job in a field that requires you to write creatively, then you should not expect to receive guidance from others. You will have to prove your skill by either publishing your creative work or presenting it in some form of a portfolio. Since creative writing is rather subjective and does not always follow a strict formula, it is important that you have a variety of samples that you can pull on to show your creative potential.
Avoid Poor Impression Management
Even if you are applying for a job in a field that does not require you to write regularly, it is still important to maintain a professional appearance during the hiring process. If you do not want to end up in a situation where you have to work for a foul-tempered individual, then you should refrain from being too loud, too vulgar, or too unpredictable. These are all bad qualities to give off in a written communication sample, particularly if you are applying for a job in a relatively conservative environment. Although it might be tempting to put your best foot forward and show the employer what you can do, the truth is, you might hurt your chances of being hired.
If you want to impress potential employers without being overbearing and seem more like an even tempered individual, then you should strive to be consistent with your writing sample. While it is impossible to write an excellent sample without having some variety, you should avoid anything that is wildly inconsistent, no matter what the circumstance.
No Fluff
If you are submitting an application for a copy editing job, then it is important to keep the style and the language of the piece simple and to the point. You should never use jargon or overly complex language, especially when applying for a job in a field where your words will be looked up in a dictionary. If you have a tendency to wander off on irrelevant tangents, then you should re-focus the topic of your article or essay, if possible.
A good copy editor will always keep the language and the style simple. If the employer senses that you are trying to overcomplicate the issue or the language, then they will likely question your ability to do the job simply and effectively. If you have published articles in major media outlets, then it may be difficult to find your next job, as employers will assume that you are trying to act as a trouble-shooter, or that you have some sort of press card, which you cannot afford. Omitting needless words and using simple, familiar language will not prevent you from being successful, however, it will certainly help.
Editing Is More Than Measuring Up
While it is essential that you know how to edit and put the correct punctuation and spelling in your work, the fact that you have done so does not necessarily mean that you are fit for the job. Even with an excellent spelling and grammar checker, there is still more than one error in a typical piece of writing. If you are applying for a job in a country where the English language is not your mother tongue, then you will need to make sure that you are aware of the cultural differences in the way people speak and write. If you do not know the language, then you should learn a new one. If possible, you should also study the English language in a different country and on a different continent. Knowing a second language is much easier when you are traveling, as you can leverage the language learning app on your phone or tablet. Even if you know how to edit and how to put the right punctuation marks and spelling in your work, you will still not be able to do so effectively if you do not know the language. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are all interrelated, so if you know how to fix one, then you know how to fix all of them. If you want to learn more, then we have compiled a list of all the essential English grammar rules you need to know for a copy editing job.