Video Editor Resume Example (Full Guide & Templates)

Video Editor Resume Example

Writing a resume is like editing a movie; every frame (or line, in this case) has a purpose. 

So let's dive into the elements that make this video editor resume a blockbuster in the eyes of hiring managers:

• Using a reverse-chronological resume format. By listing their most recent work experience first, this format immediately shows hiring managers how relevant the candidate is.
• Including professional contact details. A video editor resume’s contact information should always be factual. This example includes the candidate’s first name, last name, email address, phone number, and portfolio link.
• Featuring an eye-catching resume summary. Just like a movie trailer, this video editor resume summary offers a glimpse into the candidate's professional skills and enthusiasm for the role, convincing the hiring manager that the whole resume is worth reading.
• Adding quantifiable achievements. Numbers speak louder than vague descriptions. By quantifying their work achievements, this video editor resume highlights the value this candidate brings to an employer.
• Keeping the education section short. Real-world experience always comes before education. That’s why this video editor resume takes the right approach, keeping the education section brief and to the point.
• Organizing the information in bullet points. Bullet points make sure this video editor resume is neatly organized and readable, so hiring managers can find the most important information at a glance.
• Separating soft skills from hard skills. Keeping relevant hard skills like "Adobe Premiere expertise" and crucial soft skills like "team collaboration" in separate subsections keeps this video editor resume easy to navigate.
• Adding optional sections: This video editor resume lists memberships in professional video editing associations as well as hobbies that can speak volumes about their commitment to the craft and make them stand out from other candidates with similar skills and work experience.

9 Steps for the Perfect Video Editor Resume

You’ve seen what a flawless video editor resume looks like. Now it’s time to write your own.

Just follow these steps to make it:

#1. Choose The Right Resume Format (and Layout)

Choosing the right resume format is like selecting the perfect sequence for a film edit—it sets the tone and pace for what’s to come.

There are three primary resume formats to consider:

• Reverse-chronological (also known as chronological)
• Functional (also known as skill-based)
• Combination (a balanced blend of the two)

Out of all the options, the reverse-chronological format is the star performer for video editors. It puts your latest projects and accomplishments front and center and lets your most relevant skills shine. 

Plus, it aligns perfectly with hiring managers' expectations. The reverse-chronological resume format is universally acclaimed, which means hiring managers expect candidates to use it.

The next step after settling on a format for your resume is getting its layout right.

Before the hiring manager reads your video editor resume, they’re going to look at it. And if it doesn’t look good, it may end up in the no-go pile before they even read its contents.

Here are some tips to make your resume layout shine:

• Choose the right font. Go for a clean, professional font that isn’t overused. Try Roboto or Ubuntu, and avoid cliches like Times New Roman.
• Keep the font size consistent. The hiring manager should be able to read your resume without squinting, so aim for a font size of 11-12 pts for the main text and 14-16 pts for headings and section titles.
• Set the page margins. Keep margins at one inch on all sides; otherwise, your resume might look too empty or too cluttered with text.
• Adjust the line spacing. Use the standard line spacing of 1.0 between lines and 1.15 for subheadings. You don’t want your resume to make the hiring manager squint as they’re reading it.
• Stick to a single-page layout. Keep your resume no longer than one page long, and make every word count. Hiring managers are swamped, which means they are likely to lose interest in candidates that exceed this recommended length.
• Save as PDF. Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure the layout stays intact, regardless of the device or OS used to open it. The only exception is if the employer explicitly requests that you use a different format.

Or Use a Resume Template

Let's face it—putting together a video editor resume can feel like editing a full-length documentary. 

Fiddling with margins, juggling the line spacing, and keeping your content from spilling over on page two can sap away both your time and creative energy.

What if we told you there was a shortcut?

Check out our free resume templates, crafted shoulder-to-shoulder with top-notch HR professionals.

Not only do these templates check the box for being ATS-friendly, but they also score high on readability and visual appeal by blending professionalism with a modern twist.

So, why tinker endlessly with generic text editor templates that take hours? Just try our meticulously designed resume templates, and have a gorgeous resume finished in minutes. 

Just look at the first impression one of our resume templates makes compared to that of a standard text editor:

#2. Provide Your Contact information

The contact information section on a video editor resume should be factual and to the point. 

Here's what to include:

• Full Name. (E.g.Casey Johnson)
• Job Title. Make sure the title aligns with the role you're after. (E.g., Senior Video Editor)
• Phone Number. If you’re applying internationally, don't forget to add the country dial code in front of your phone number. A missed digit could mean a missed opportunity.
• Email Address. Stick with a professional email. A variation of your name is usually a safe bet. (CaseySFXMaster@yahoo.com doesn’t work, but casey.johnson@gmail.com does.)
• Portfolio Link. Having an online portfolio is crucial for anyone in the video editing world. Feel free to also add relevant links to relevant social media, like LinkedIn or Vimeo.
• Location. Just add your city and state/country. But if you're open to relocating or remote work, make sure to mention it somewhere in your resume.

Piece of cake, right? 

Just make sure to double-check your contact information for mistakes before sending in your video editor resume. A typo on your email or phone number can make you miss out on a job interview.

Now let’s compare a great contact information section to a not-so-great one:

#3. Add a Resume Summary

Hiring managers sift through a mountain of resumes each day, leaving you just a few precious seconds to grab their attention.

That's where a resume summary or objective comes into play. This short paragraph, located right at the top of your resume, quickly tells the hiring manager about your video editing experience and the skills you can bring to the table.

Here's a quick rundown on the two:

• Resume Summary. Ideal for seasoned video editors, the resume summary offers a quick, engaging snapshot of your years of professional experience, most noteworthy achievements, and top skills.
• Resume Objective. If you're just starting out in video editing, the resume objective outlines your skills, qualifications, and professional ambitions and helps frame you as a promising candidate.

Let’s look at two examples:

There you have it! Whether you go for a summary or an objective, make sure it's tailored to the role you're after.

#4. List Your Work Experience

When it comes to landing a job as a video editor, your work experience is the star of the show. 

This section speaks volumes about who you are professionally, and it’s what hiring managers will be looking at first. So the first thing you need to do is make sure the section is formatted the right way.

Here's how to nail it:

• Use reverse chronological order. Your most recent job should be up top, making it easy for the hiring manager to learn about your most recent experiences first.
• List actual job titles. Stick to the formal titles you've held. Drop the jargon and buzzwords like “motion magician” or “frame fixer” - they won't do you any favors.
• Provide the company’s info. Include the name and location of your previous employer. If it wasn’t a household name, you could even provide a brief description of what the company does.
• Specify the employment dates. Stick to the mm/yyyy format to keep things standard.
• Describe your responsibilities and achievements. Bullet points work best here. Aim for 5-6 points for your latest role and 3-4 for older ones.

Now, if you want to really dazzle the hiring manager with your work experience section, there are a few extra steps to take.

Just follow these tips to make your work experience section pop:

• Keep your work experience relevant to the ad. If you've been around the block as a video editor, just focus on your most recent and relevant roles. (Your barista experience during college will just take up resume space.)
• Highlight your achievements above your responsibilities. It's great that you know how to cut footage, but so do all the other candidates. Achievements like improving engagement metrics, leading a team, or winning awards, on the other hand, can all show hiring managers the immediate value that comes with hiring you.
• Use numbers as much as possible. Quantifiable achievements give you real credibility. Saying you "Increased YouTube channel subscriptions by 30% in three months" sounds way more impactful than just "Managed a YouTube channel."
• Go for powerful verbs. Ditch the "managed" and "handled;” they make you sound passive. Instead, use action verbs like "orchestrated," "crafted," or "optimized" to show initiative and make your experience stand out from other candidates.

Now let’s check out some examples to drive the point home:

What if I don’t have work experience?

If you're a newbie in the video editing world, you might be thinking you don’t have the work experience needed for a jaw-dropping resume.

But don't sweat it!

Most entry-level jobs know you're just starting in your career and don't expect a Michael Khan-level portfolio from you. That doesn’t mean you can’t still dazzle them.

Instead of focusing on your lack of jobs, what you can do is showcase the experiences that prove your enthusiasm and skills in video editing.

Consider mentioning any of the following that apply to you:

• Internships
• Volunteer work
• Academic projects
• Personal projects
• Extracurricular activities

Maybe you've had a class project that had you buried in editing software and made you the go-to person for all video editing. That's golden, and it absolutely belongs on your video editor resume.

Here’s an example:

#5. Highlight Your Most In-Demand Video Editor Skills

The skills section is one of the most important sections on your video editor resume.

What you include here gives hiring managers a quick snapshot of what you can bring to the table. In a nutshell, your skills tell the employer how ready you are for the job and how much training you might need.

The trick here is to tailor this section to the job you're applying for, not list every skill you possess.

For example, if you're aiming for a role in film editing, there's no need to list your social media management skills.

Here's how you can make your skills section shine:

• Match your skills to the job. Read the job ad carefully. Take note of any software or technical skills they're looking for and add the ones you're proficient in.
• Stay updated. Video editing tools and techniques change rapidly, so you should keep an eye on industry trends and update your skills section with relevant, in-demand skills you have accordingly.
• Organize your skills. Keep your skills section tidy by separating your hard skills (like proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro) from your soft skills (like attention to detail). This makes it easier for hiring managers to find the skills they’re looking for

So now that you've got the basics down for including skills on your video editor resume, you might be wondering about the most in-demand industry skills at the moment.

Take a look at our curated list of the most sought-after hard and soft video editing skills in 2024!

59 Most In-Demand Video Editor Skills

12 Video Editor Soft Skills

1. Communication skills
2. Teamwork
3. Creativity
4. Attention to detail
5. Problem-solving
6. Time management
7. Adaptability
8. Active listening
9. Leadership
10. Analytical thinking
11. Stress management
12. Organizational skills

47 Video Editor Hard Skills

1. Adobe Premiere Pro
2. Final Cut Pro
3. DaVinci Resolve
4. Avid Media Composer
5. Adobe After Effects
6. Color Grading
7. Video Compression
8. Video Encoding
9. Sound Editing
10. Audacity
11. Adobe Audition
12. Keyframing
13. Motion Graphics
14. Visual Effects (VFX)
15. Storyboarding
16. Multi-Camera Editing
17. Video Stabilization
18. Cutaway Shots
19. Transitions
20. Match Cut
21. L-Cut and J-Cut
22. 3D Video Editing
23. Text Animation
24. Audio Synchronization
25. Time Remapping
26. Audio Mixing
27. Jump Cuts
28. Non-Linear Editing (NLE)
29. Cross Dissolve
30. Frame Rate Conversion
31. Aspect Ratio Management
32. Masking
33. Chroma Keying
34. Rotoscoping
35. 4K Video Editing
36. Script Syncing
37. Noise Reduction
38. Script Breakdown
39. Exporting and Rendering
40. Layering
41. Audio Post-Production
42. Speed Ramping
43. Plug-in Utilization
44. Titling
45. Subtitling
46. Color Correction
47. Image Stabilization

#6. Polish Your Portfolio

As a video editor, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Just like a writer has a portfolio of articles or stories, you need a showreel to prove your editing skills.

One way to do this is by placing a clickable link on your video editor resume that directs hiring managers straight to your portfolio. You can host it on platforms like Vimeo, YouTube, or even your website.

But if you've got a mix of video editing projects that line up well for the job you're eyeing, you can even create a separate portfolio section on your resume. 

This allows you to elaborate on your star projects and the skills that make you a perfect fit for the role.

Here's an example:

Remember, video editing jobs can range from the film industry to advertising and beyond. According to Zippia, while technology is the highest-paying sector for video editors in the US, media is by far the most popular. Thus, you should always curate your portfolio or showreel to match the kind of job you're applying for.

For example, if you're applying to edit social media content for a tech company, the hiring manager won’t particularly care about that horror film you edited last Halloween. 

Stick to what's most relevant, and you'll be good.

#7. Mention Your Education

Education is valuable, and over 73% of video editors have a bachelor’s degree. But your academic credentials aren’t the be-all, end-all of your resume.

The truth is, unless you’re a recent graduate, your work experience and portfolio matter more.

But that doesn’t mean you should breeze past the education section without giving it a second thought!

To make sure every section of your resume shines, make sure it’s formatted correctly by adding the following elements:

• Degree Name. E.g. BFA in Video Production
• University name. E.g. Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• Location. E.g. The Netherlands
• Years attended. E.g. 2014 - 2018

Here’s an example:

If you've graduated from university, there's no need to list any prior education, such as your high school degree. Keep this section brief by leaving out unrelated certifications—those can go in a different section.

#8. Consider Optional Sections

When making your video editor resume, don't undermine the value of the optional sections.

Yes, your skills and experience are the stars of the show, but if you have leftover space on your resume, these additional bits can add depth to you as a candidate.

More importantly, they can tip the scales in your favor if you’re competing with candidates who have similar work experience.

Here are some optional sections to consider:

• Awards. Did you win a film festival or get accolades for exceptional editing? Adding these can give your video editor resume a little extra glam.
• Memberships. If you're part of any relevant organizations, like the Motion Picture Editors Guild or American Cinema Editors, it adds heft to your credibility.
• Certifications. These prove you're not just dabbling in video editing–you’re committed. Staying on top of new industry trends and honing your skills shows dedication to your craft.
• Languages. With the rise of global content, speaking a foreign language is a skill that can be a strong addition to any application.
• Hobbies and interests. Some hobbies and interests can improve your chances of getting an interview, so long as they’re directly related to the field or showcase transferable skills, like a knack for storytelling through photography.

Here's how it can look on a resume:

#9. Match It With a Cover Letter

You might think a cover letter is redundant when applying for a job, but your video editor resume can only take you so far on its own.

Hiring managers expect a cover letter with your application, and not having one can hurt your chances of landing an interview.

Writing a cover letter shows you're willing to put in that extra effort to land that specific job. It also allows you to elaborate on your achievements or anything else you didn’t have enough space to explain on your resume.

Here are some essential tips for writing an impactful cover letter:

• Add Your Contact Details in the Header. Make sure your name, contact information, and job title are at the top, and keep it all consistent with your resume.
• Personalize the Greeting. Skip the generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Do some research and address the hiring manager directly by name to make a strong impression.
• Write a Strong Opening. Your cover letter’s opening paragraph should grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to read more about you. Briefly mention why you want this job and highlight one or two of your best skills or achievements that make you a good fit for it.
• Explain More in the Body. This is where you can go into a bit more detail about your experience and skills. If there's something on your resume that needs more context, this is the place to expand on it.
• End with a Call to Action. Invite the hiring manager to take some sort of action. (E.g. “I'd love the chance to discuss my ideas for your upcoming projects.”)
• Close Professionally. Sign off your letter formally, but not in an overly stiff way. "Sincerely" followed by your name is a good choice and not quite as cold as “Yours Faithfully.”

Key Takeaways

And there you have it—your guide to crafting an impressive video editor resume!

By now, we hope you feel prepared to score your ideal video editor position!

Before you send in your application, here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

• The way your resume looks is as important as what it contains. Go for a clean, professional template and opt for a reverse-chronological format to make it easier for the hiring manager to check out your professional experience.
• Add a quick summary at the top of your resume to catch the hiring manager’s attention. Highlight your best skills, notable achievements, and how long you've been in the field.
• Provide a link to your online portfolio on your resume for extra value. Put together a collection of your most outstanding and relevant work, and even include a dedicated section for it if you have the space.
• Match your skills to the job. Take a look at the job listing, note down the needed skills, and add the ones you have in your skills section.
• Perfect your video editor application with a matching cover letter.