So you don't want to be an editor?

Editing is a satisfying job. But sometimes even dedicated word nerds want—or need—to do something different. If you’re considering a career change, here are a few ways to position your editing skills as valuable assets.

Most editors have extremely advanced communication skills, as well as the desire and the ability to notice and correct inconsistencies and redundancies. These are valuable in any and all workplaces. Companies with sales operations, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities all seek to hire people who are detail-oriented and willing to step up and fix small problems before they get worse. If you are planning to change your career, here are some things to consider to help you rebrand and market yourself in a different field.

Look for job titles that include the words “support” or “operations”

• These keywords really mean“organizer” and “rule enforcer.” The people in these roles ensure that data is entered correctly and tasks are done correctly and completely.
• Don’t limit yourself to jobs that have “editor” in the title.
• Expand your search beyond communications and public relations.
• Remember that being an editor doesn’t only mean being focused on grammar and punctuation. It also means paying attention to clarity and efficiency.

Take advantage of your cover letter

Use the same words and phrases from the job description to describe how your editing work aligns with the skills the company is looking for.

• Be honest. Just say you are looking to change careers.
• Use anecdotes with specific examples of when you used the desired skills listed in the job description. For example, if the job description says, “correctly enter sales data into content management system,” then prepare a story about how you worked closely with a writer and a subject expert to perfect an infographic. Select these stories ahead of time and be prepared to speak about them in case you are selected for an interview.

Apply even if you don’t think your skills match exactly

• Employers craft job descriptions with the perfect candidate in mind. They are thinking about every single skill or task they would want the candidate to have or perform. No candidate will meet every single requirement. No employer expects candidates to meet every requirement. So if you believe you meet most of the description’s “required skills,” apply.

If nothing else, know that re-directing your career is possible. Be encouraged. A few adjustments to your résumé, a good anecdote, and a hefty dose of enthusiasm can get you that new start in a new field.

Dilane Mitchell is a sales support representative who is dedicated to making her team an efficient but compassionate and inclusive machine.

So You Don't Want to be an Editor? was originally published in Tracking Changes (Fall 2019 edition). Members receive a PDF of the quarterly Tracking Changes newsletter by email.

Header Photo by William Iven on Unsplash