Turn Your Film Editing Resume into a Hiring Magnet
Identify and correct the most common pitfalls that keep hiring managers from noticing your talent.
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
- Hiring managers canât see your specialization
- ATS may rank you lower for filmâediting keywords
- Replace generic titles with specific ones like âSenior Film Editorâ or âPostâProduction Editorâ
- Add the type of projects (e.g., feature film, documentary)
Editor, XYZ Studios (2018â2022)
Senior Film Editor â Feature & Documentary, XYZ Studios (2018â2022)
- ATS sees a list of tools but not how you used them
- Recruiters canât gauge proficiency level
- Pair each software with an achievement or responsibility
- Mention version or level (e.g., Advanced Avid Media Composer)
Software: Avid, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve
Avid Media Composer (Advanced) â edited 30âminute documentary, reducing postâproduction time by 15%
- Dilutes focus on editing expertise
- ATS may penalize irrelevant keywords
- Keep only filmârelated roles or translate transferable skills into editing language
- Create a separate âOther Experienceâ section if needed
Barista, Coffee House â 2015â2016
Removed unrelated role; added âFreelance Coloristâ to highlight relevant skill
- ATS canât parse dates
- Hiring managers view it as unprofessional
- Use a clean, reverseâchronological layout
- Standardize dates as âMonth YYYYâ
- Align margins and bullet styles
2019 â 2021 Senior Editor XYZ Studios
Senior Film Editor, XYZ Studios â Jan 2019 to Dec 2021
- Impact is vague, making it hard to assess value
- ATS may miss numbers that boost relevance
- Add metrics: % increase, time saved, audience size
- Use active verbs and concrete results
Edited promotional videos for clients.
Edited 20+ promotional videos, increasing client engagement by 35% and winning two industry awards.
- Use a clear, descriptive headline
- Include relevant filmâediting keywords
- Show measurable results
- List software with proficiency level
- Keep formatting ATSâfriendly
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Save as PDF with searchable text
- Add a strong action verb
- Insert a quantifiable result
- Mention the editing software used
- Trim to 1â2 lines