Sample Professional Resume for a Copy Editor - Critique
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About this Sample Resume Critique
In this sample resume critique, the certified professional resume writer at
ResumeEdge explains
the process of creating the client's "after" resume from the client's "before" resume.
So that you may easily compare them to judge the quality of
ResumeEdge's work,
both the "before" and "after"
sample resumes are linked below. They are also linked from the Sample
Resumes page.
Sample Resume Critique
Dear Samantha ~
Because of your interest in writing as a career, I chose a “stylish”
format to best display your skills. Unlike a business template
that would be used for someone in, say, finance, the stylish
format is more artistic, while remaining elegant and well organized.
I began your resume by placing your name flush left, then increasing
the font size so that it would stand out from the rest of the text.
I placed your most important contact information (phone number
and email) flush right and above the line, while placing
your physical address below the line. Generally speaking,
hiring managers will contact you by phone or email. Rarely, if
ever, do they contact you by snail mail.
In the body of the resume, I began with a Qualifications Summary.
Unlike an Objective that simply states what you want, a
Qualifications Summary goes further by explaining what you can
offer the targeted company. You're sending a powerful message
when you place the hiring manager's needs above your own.
Here, I described you as meticulous and results-oriented - a necessity
for anyone who wants to work as an Editor. I mentioned that you
already have experience with a “…major on-line editing
service and a public policy magazine.” I then listed your
computer proficiencies. If nothing else, being technically savvy
will get you in the door of many places, where you can then work
your way to the position you seek.
The section that follows is your Professional Experience. Here,
I detailed in a quick and concise manner what your duties and accomplishments
were for each position. I began each bulleted sentence with the
strongest action verb possible, while also revising text for clarity
and conciseness.
For example, you wrote:
“Copy edit articles for non-profit public policy magazine.
Proofread layout, contribute to editorial meetings.”
I revised that to read:
“Edit copy, proofread layouts, and participate in editorial
meetings for this non-profit public policy magazine.”
You'll see that I listed your duties first. Hiring managers are
quite busy and generally skim resumes. That's why it's so important
to condense data and to present the most important tasks first.
I ended your resume with your education. Although you are a recent
graduate, you do have enough editorial experience to impress a
hiring manager - a background many candidates will not have.
You'll note that I excluded your volunteer experience and interests.
Because you have professional experience, volunteer activities
aren't as important, nor in this instance are they germane to your
job search. If you had volunteered in some capacity that would
reflect on your career goal, I would have included that information.
In regards to interests or hobbies - rarely, if ever, are they
presented in US resumes. The only exception would be if one of
your hobbies strengthens your career capabilities. Otherwise, you're
running the risk of admitting to a hobby the hiring manager finds
dangerous (i.e. hang gliding), dull (bird watching), or frivolous
(entering Rover in dog shows). It's best to leave personal interests
and hobbies to the interview process. Here, you can use it as a
way to “break the ice.”
All decisions to modify or exclude data were in keeping with the
guidelines and standards set forth by the Professional Association
of Resume Writers (PARW). With this resume, you now have a powerful
tool that's filled with pertinent data while also being aesthetically
pleasing.
It was a pleasure serving you, Samantha. Best of luck in all your
future endeavors.
ResumeEdge Editor
Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
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ResumeEdge give
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