We asked hiring managers from top video production companies—including Vox Media, BuzzFeed, and Vice Media—what makes a video editor resume stand out. Their feedback was surprisingly consistent.
If you want to move from the application pile to the interview, here’s what they say works.
1. Lead With Your Technical Skills (But Show Them in Action)
Yes, you need to list your software. But anyone can say “Adobe Premiere Pro” on a resume. Hiring managers want to see how you’ve used it to deliver results.
Must-have tools to highlight:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Final Cut Pro
- Avid Media Composer
- DaVinci Resolve
- Motion graphics (Adobe After Effects)
- Color correction and grading
- Audio editing and mixing
Better than just a list:
-
Edited 50+ videos in Premiere Pro, streamlining workflows so every project hit deadline without sacrificing quality
-
Created motion graphics in After Effects for 10 client campaigns, boosting viewer engagement by 20%
2. Make Your Portfolio & Reel Impossible to Miss
Your resume gets you noticed; your reel gets you hired. Put clickable links at the very top of your resume.
Reel checklist:
- Only your best work (not every project you’ve ever done)
- Variety—show different genres, formats, and techniques
- Keep it tight: 2–3 minutes
- Align with the type of work the company produces
Example:
3. Show You’re More Than a Button Pusher
Editing isn’t just cutting clips—it’s storytelling. Hiring managers love editors who collaborate and contribute creatively.
Instead of:
Edited videos for various clients
Try:
- Worked with directors to shape narrative arcs that elevated the final product
- Participated in brainstorming sessions to develop innovative concepts
- Collaborated with producers to align edits with brand tone and campaign goals
4. Customize for Every Role
Generic resumes feel lazy. Before you apply:
- Research the company
- Scan the job posting for keywords
- Highlight the exact skills they ask for
Example:
If they focus on social media:
- Edited short-form videos optimized for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts
- Designed thumbnails and titles that increased click-through rates by 18%
If they emphasize storytelling:
- Developed narratives that resonated with niche audiences
- Used pacing and visual rhythm to evoke emotion
5. Put Numbers on Your Impact
Numbers make your resume believable. Avoid vague lines like:
Improved audience engagement
Instead, try:
- Edited 30+ videos for a channel with 500k subscribers, increasing average watch time by 25%
- Introduced new editing techniques that boosted likes, comments, and shares by 30%
Other metrics to consider:
- Increased views/subscribers
- Higher completion rates
- Social shares
- On-time, on-budget delivery
6. Prove Your Range
Versatility is gold. Show you can handle different formats, audiences, and styles.
Examples:
- 60-minute environmental documentary—crafted a compelling narrative that inspired action
- 15-second Instagram ads for a beauty brand—drove a 50% spike in site traffic
- Educational videos for a nonprofit—simplified complex topics for mass audiences
💡 FasterGig Pro Tip: The best resumes tell the story of your skills through results, not just responsibilities. Every bullet point is a mini case study of why you’re worth hiring.