Whether you’re an experienced author, editor, or marketer, having an editor look over your work is a great way to ensure the quality of your product. An editor can help you find the strengths and weaknesses of your writing, suggest areas for improvement, and help you find the perfect words to express your ideas.
While you may not need a PhD to be an editor, it certainly helps. Having a professional edit your copy before you publish is an easy way to ensure high-quality content that will attract, engage, and retain your audience. But what type of writing samples are needed for an editorial interview?
The Short Version
When you’re first applying for an editorial position, your resume will most likely be assessed via a short-form interview. Since you have limited space and the interviewer is most likely to have limited time, you need to make the most of it. To this end, you should prepare a short version of your standard resume. The key is to condense the key points of your career into a concise summary.
This summary should consist of your most recent and relevant publications, along with the names and qualifications of the editors you worked with. If you’re asked about your hobbies or if you give a brief speech about your previous projects, you’ll need to prepare these too. Be sure to include any awards or honors that you may have received.
Though you may feel tempted to put down everything you know and have learned in your entire life, that would be overdoing it. Your editor will have enough on their minds already, so you should keep it short and sweet.
The Medium Version
If your editor has more time, they may ask you to prepare a medium version of your resume. A medium-version resume is usually between five and seven pages, and sometimes even longer. While this may not seem like a lot of space, having more room to explain your career gives you the opportunity to show a bit more creativity. You can even add an additional page or two for more specific skills or projects. In a medium-version interview, you’ll have the chance to elaborate on the key points from your short-form interview.
In the medium version, you should include all the key information from your short-form resume, as well as any other relevant information that wasn’t asked about during your short-form interview. Keep the language clean and simple, as a medium-version resume is generally aimed at a more general audience. You should also include any additional pages from your resume, as well as any websites or social media platforms you may have created.
The Long Version
If all goes well in your interview and you’re offered the position, your editor may send you a long-form resume. A long-form resume is generally between seven and ten pages, and can even be a few pages longer. The advantage of a long-form resume is that you have the space to briefly explain your entire career, including information that may not have been covered in your short-form or medium-form interviews. You can also add an additional page for more specific skills or projects. A long-form resume is aimed at an audience that includes more experienced professionals.
In a long-form interview, you’ll have the opportunity to elaborate on the key points from your short-form and medium-form interviews. Be ready to answer questions about yourself, your previous experiences, and how you’ll contribute to the magazine. You should also prepare for this interview by getting a sense of the overall vibe of the publication. If you have any queries regarding the position, be sure to prepare some responses. While it’s not required, it’s always a plus if you can add value to the conversation.
As your career develops, you may find yourself submitting more and more writing for publication. While most publications will only require a short version of your resume, you should continue to develop and grow your writing to show a wider audience your skills. If you’re asked to write an article for a niche publication, you should consider doing so to demonstrate your expertise in a specific field. The general rule is: always tailor your samples to the requirements of the position you’re applying for.