How to Write a Proofreader Resume
Do you cringe at the idea of sending a text containing a misspelled word? Are you distracted and displeased if you find an error while reading any type of content? And, are you constantly tempted to email people a revised copy? You must work in proofreading.
“Attention to detail” might very well be your middle name. So, clearly, we’re not going to teach you how to catch any error on your proofreader resume. We would never have the audacity! However, we can supply you with the latest tricks in the recruiting industry to help your resume shine in front of companies and headhunters.
First, organize your resume in sections. The main ones should be:
- your contact details
- professional summary
- skills
- experience
- education
On top of these, you can also include hobbies, interests, and volunteer experience as well, but only if they are relevant to the role you’re applying to. For instance, volunteering as a tutor at your local community center could be a better addition to your proofreader resume than playing soccer during the weekend.
Remember to always list your experience and studies from the most recent to the oldest. Doing so will provide recruiters with a clear idea of who you are professionally at that moment, while also being able to easily find how you started out.
Recruiters in every sector love to see how you contributed to the companies you previously worked in. That’s why having a portfolio of writing samples is so important. If it’s a live website that’s even better. Pick the work you’re most proud of and include them in your portfolio along with your application.
To make a real impression on prospective companies, push further and include real, quantifiable results. As a proofreader, you can’t claim to have managed a certain amount of accounts or have sold X number of products but here are a few ideas on how to quantify your results:
- average time spent on texts
- number of words written per min
- accuracy rate
- SEO impact of your piece’s improvements
Looking for a shortcut to showcasing your proofreading resume skills? Simply download our resume template below. It will spare you the nuisance of building a layout, so you can focus on your content.
Proofreader Resume Template
WALT WHITMAN
(555) 555-5555 | w.whitman@mail.com | New York | linkedin.com/walt.whitman | w.whitman.com
PROOFREADER AND COPY EDITOR
Emerging professional with experience proofreading, copy editing, and line editing for online and print publications. Strong eye for detail, rapidly identifying and correcting errors and inconsistencies in grammar, spelling, syntax, and formatting. Organized and efficient, staying ahead of milestones to ensure on-time project completion.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Line Editing and Proofreading - Copy Editing - Proofreading Symbols
AP Style & Chicago Style - Client Relations - Business Communications
Workflow Management - Microsoft 365 - Organization and Prioritization
EDUCATION
BA in Creative Writing | University One | New York |20XX
Proofreading Certificate | Writer Academy One | Online | 20XX
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Proofreader and Editor | Freelance | Websiteone.com | 20XX to Present
- Deliver customized proofreading and editing services to individual and business clients, assisting with a wide range of content, including blog posts, marketing materials, academic papers, book drafts, communications, and more.
- Provide simple mark-ups, general edits, and in-depth feedback on content, flow, logic, and syntax.
- Earned and maintained five-star ratings on multiple platforms, building a reputation for reliability, efficiency, quality, and professionalism resulting in repeat business and referrals.
Copy Editor | Company Two | Remote | 20XX to 20XX
- Edited articles, reviews, and editorial pieces, providing markup and ensuring alignment with AP Style guidelines.
- Created a definitive style guide for staff writers, leading to a 37% reduction in errors and rewrites.
- Coached junior writers on proofreading best practices and created visual proofreading guide for quick reference.
Staff Intern | Company One | New York, NY | 20XX
- Developed writing, editing, and proofreading abilities by seeking mentoring from senior copy editors.
- Use standard proofreading marks to read original copy to identify and indicate grammatical, typographical, spelling or formatting errors.
Are you ready to start? Download the proofreader resume template here.
Your proofreader resume can bring you into many career environments. Virtually every industry that sells a product or a service needs to advertise it. And what is crucial before launching any communication? That’s right: proofreading. Below are the companies that provide the highest level of employment for proofreaders:
- newspapers, editorial groups, and other publishers
- business support services
- professional, scientific, and technical services
- employment services
- advertising, and public relations
As far as pay goes, according to Monster’s salary data, the average salary for proofreaders is $21.30 per hour. Nevertheless, your education and experience shown on your resume as well as the type of industry and location you work in will play a critical role and can increase how much you ultimately bring home. Here are examples of the sectors where proofreaders earn the highest average wage:
- merchant wholesalers, non-durable goods ($29.27 per hour)
- business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations ($28.43 per hour)
- accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services ($28.24 per hour)
- other professional, scientific, and technical services ($27.75 per hour)
- management of companies and enterprises ($26.54 per hour)
Regarding location, here are the top-paying states in the country for this profession:
More specifically, these are the metro areas in the U.S. with the most demand for proofreaders:
Wondering what a proofreader’s wage could look like in your city? Check it out in no time on Monster’s Salary Calculator. This tool will also offer you useful insights on salaries for similar roles and career progression. For example, proofreaders can easily transition into copywriters or various other writer roles.
Get Another Pair of Eyes on Your Proofreader Resume to Boost Your Success
We have no doubts about your proofreading resume skills but relying on industry experts can take you even further. Try Monster’s resume writing services and have a certified writer go through your document. They’ll find the best keywords for your desired role and tailor your resume exactly to your skill set.