You’ve polished your demo reel, optimized your LinkedIn, maybe even fed your résumé through an AI scanner. But let’s be real — getting editing gigs today isn’t just about talent or tools.
It’s about who knows you and who’s willing to vouch for you.
In a market where AI is trimming down entry-level creative roles and job boards are flooded with applicants, networking has quietly become the strategy that separates booked editors from burnt-out ones.
The Harsh Truth: Great Edits Aren’t Enough
Back in the pandemic-era freelance boom, editors were in high demand. Companies scrambled to produce video content. Rates were high. Turnaround time? Fast.
Fast forward to now — job volume might be up, but competition is even higher. AI tools like Runway and Adobe Sensei are automating some tasks. And brands are becoming choosier.
That’s why many editors are finding that simply applying online — even with a killer reel — just isn’t cutting it.
Want to Land the Gig? Build the Connection
“Networking is more about farming than hunting,” says Ivan Misner, founder of BNI. And if you’re a video editor waiting until you’re jobless to start reaching out, you’re already late.
The best gigs often don’t make it to job boards. They get passed from producer to creative director, from editor to editor, in quiet group chats and DMs. That means if you’re not actively staying in people’s minds, you’re invisible.
Dorie Clark, author of The Long Game, calls it the “favor economy.” Someone might recommend you for a gig not because they’re close to you — but because helping you helps someone they know.
Your name won’t get dropped in the right Slack channel unless someone has a reason to remember it.
Social Media ≠ Real Networking
Liking other editors’ reels on Instagram? Cool. Commenting on a LinkedIn post? Fine. But don’t mistake that for real connection.
You need to go deeper.
Clark suggests texting old collaborators just to say hey. Send someone a video you saw that reminded you of their style. Offer feedback on a new project without expecting anything in return. Those small actions build familiarity — and familiarity leads to trust.
And trust? That’s how referrals happen.
Referrals Trump Résumés
Harvard career advisor Gorick Ng says it best: “It’s hard to fall in love with a résumé.”
It’s even harder to fall in love with a link to a Google Drive folder.
But when someone says, “Hey, I worked with Jordan on a crazy deadline last year — total pro,” you move to the top of the list. The best way to bypass the algorithm is to be the person someone’s already talking about.
4 Networking Moves for Video Editors This Week
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Re-engage 3 people you’ve worked with — send a no-ask check-in.
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Post a behind-the-scenes tip from a recent edit on LinkedIn or Instagram.
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Send a compliment to another editor or filmmaker whose work you admire.
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Ask for a low-lift favor — like, “Can I drop your name in a cold email?” Not “Can you get me a job?”
Final Cut: The Job Market Is a Timeline — Are You in It?
In a world full of reels and résumés, being remembered is more important than being perfect. You don’t need to know the most people — you need the right five who believe in your work and are willing to say your name in the right room.
So stop editing in isolation. Reach out. Stay visible. Be helpful. Make it human.
Because in 2025, the video editors getting hired aren’t just talented.
They’re connected.