The position of senior editor is one of distinction, and is usually reserved for those who are the best in their field. A senior editor is most often second in command to an executive editor, and this role is considered to be one of the top publishing jobs. Although some non-publishing industries use the distinctive title of senior editor, it is best known in the journalism field. To obtain a senior editor position in this field, you will need to achieve some very important milestones in your career first.
Here are five tips for obtaining senior editor publishing jobs:
To earn one of the best publishing jobs in the world, you must first be an expert in publishing. To obtain a top editing role, you require more than straight editing skills. You need to understand all the activities involved in producing your publication and be actively involved in writing, lay-out, and planning content. It is also important to be able to work in collaboration with editors, photographers, freelance writers and staff journalists amongst other contributors. Excellent interpersonal communication skills are therefore essential.
For this reason, it is vital that you obtain a degree in the journalism field. This degree can be further enhanced by obtaining minors in other aspects of communications, management, or any number of other business fields.
Next, gain a solid (and excellent) reputation in the field of publishing or, more specifically, journalism. This is done by getting out and reporting, writing, or otherwise working in the industry. Perhaps no better publishing job exists than the position of reporter. This allows you to network, make a name for yourself, and create the experience you will need to become a senior editor someday. Of course, you are unlikely to transition from journalist directly to a senior editorial position. At some point, you will need to move from straight journalism to an editing role. As you grow in experience you will eventually be in a position to apply for senior positions.
Another important key to obtaining a senior editor position is to build relationships in the industry, network amongst colleagues and generally get out and meet people in your field. This includes the fringe players as well as the top executives. Take in every single name, and try to make sure that they remember yours as well. Always keep your word, and build a reputation of integrity. Do not compromise your journalistic integrity either. In a very competitive, often back-stabbing world, a person of integrity, decency, and diligence will be like a cool breeze on a hot summer’s day – a relief! You never know where a job offer might come from, so live your life as if every person could be the key to your success.
If you do this, over time, you will see that you are being mentioned as a leader in your field. When this happens, it is time for you seek out and apply to be a senior editor. The senior editor is one who is able to function in all aspects of the field, and can pass that knowledge on to the next generation as well. It is not enough to just be great at what you do. You have to be able to teach others to be great as well. This is the mark of a person who is ready to be a senior editor. If you feel that you have gained the knowledge, skills and experience to undertake senior editor publishing jobs and also are well respected in your field, don’t hold back for fear you aren’t ready yet.
In fact, once these things line up in your career, perhaps it’s time to actually demand you become a senior editor. This does not mean to march in and demand it from your employer. You first have to demand it of yourself. In other words, you need to broaden your employment scope. Look to other companies if your current company is not interested. Put your name out there on the airwaves and see what comes back to you. Go out and seek the jobs that are available. This is vital as the window to becoming a senior editor is sometimes very small. Do yourself a favor and strike while your iron is hot.
The position of senior editor is an honor and if you have spent any time in publishing then you already know it’s not easy. You will be responsible for the employees that you tutor, and the work that they produce as well as being actively involved in production yourself. This is also one of the most rewarding positions in the publishing world, and worth the pressure. If you are a dynamic teacher who knows publishing inside and out, why not be a senior editor and teach others to do the same?
