Getting hired as a video editor can seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re just starting out. However, with the right skills, experience, and persistence, it is very possible to land your dream job editing videos. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get hired as a video editor.
What skills and experience do I need?
To get hired as a video editor, you need a specific set of technical and soft skills. Here are some of the key skills and experience employers look for:
- Proficiency with video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve, etc.
- Knowledge of shot types, camera angles, transitions, audio editing, color correction, etc.
- An artistic eye and storytelling skills
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Collaboration and communication skills
- A killer editing reel or portfolio
- Relevant work experience such as internships or assistant editing roles
- A degree in film, media production, or related field (not always required but preferred)
The most important thing is to get proficient with editing software like Premiere Pro and learn editing principles. Build up your portfolio by taking on small freelance gigs, doing personal projects, or volunteering/interning at local production companies. Get any type of professional experience you can to start building up your resume.
How can I build my video editing skills?
Here are some tips to master video editing skills:
- Take online courses on Lynda, Skillshare, Udemy, etc. to learn editing software and principles.
- Watch behind the scenes videos and interviews with professional editors.
- Read books like “The Technique of Film and Video Editing” by Ken Dancyger.
- Edit videos for friends, family, school projects, or local businesses to practice.
- Experiment constantly and try new techniques with every edit.
- Analyze films, TV shows, trailers, music videos, etc. and pay attention to the editing style.
- Join online editing communities like Reddit to exchange tips and feedback.
- Invest in your toolkit – buy a powerful computer optimized for video editing and get professional software like the Adobe Creative Cloud.
It takes a lot of dedication and practice to become an expert video editor. The more you edit, the better you will get. Be open to feedback, constructive criticism, and learning new things to constantly improve your skills.
How should I create a video editing portfolio?
Your portfolio is one of the most important factors in getting hired as a video editor. Follow these tips to build an impressive portfolio:
- Showcase 8-12 of your best editing samples, not everything you’ve ever done.
- Include pieces that highlight a range of skills -trailers, montages, corporate videos, narrative pieces, etc.
- Host your reel on a professional site like Vimeo or Wix and make sure it looks polished.
- Customize your reel based on the type of editing jobs you’re applying for.
- Focus on storytelling, smooth cuts, seamless transitions, color correction, and audio mixing.
- Get feedback from professional editors on how to improve your reel before applying for jobs.
- Update your reel regularly as you gain more experience and samples.
Having an impressive and focused editing portfolio will give you a major edge over other applicants. Invest time into crafting great samples for your reel and website.
Where can I find video editor job openings?
Here are some top places to look for open video editor positions:
- Job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and industry-specific sites.
- Professional associations like the National Association of Broadcasters and American Cinema Editors.
- Social media groups and communities for video editors.
- Individual production company websites.
- Freelancing sites like Upwork, Freelancer, etc. to find freelance gigs.
- Networking at video production conventions and film festivals.
- Joining a post-production studio as an assistant editor and working your way up.
- Interning at TV networks, film studios, corporate video teams, etc.
Persistently check job boards, post on social media, reach out directly to companies, and tap into your network. Sign up for job alerts so you never miss an opportunity. With patience and persistence, you’ll eventually find the right opening.
What should my video editor resume look like?
Make sure your resume is tailored specifically for video editing jobs. Here are key tips:
- Highlight your video editing skills, software proficiency, and past experience at the top.
- Include key details like where you went to school, internships, and any awards/accolades.
- Use keywords like “Adobe Premiere”, “Final Cut Pro”, “post-production”, etc. to get past applicant tracking systems.
- Keep it concise – 1-2 pages max, easy to skim layout.
- Link to your portfolio website, reel, and LinkedIn profile.
- List relevant skills like collaboration, meeting deadlines, creativity, attention to detail, etc.
- Only include older, non-relevant experience if you lack video editing jobs.
- Update your resume for each application to match keywords in the job description.
A tailored resume with your best editing experience highlighted will show employers you have what it takes to excel as a video editor at their company.
How do I prepare for a video editor interview?
Landing an interview means you’ve impressed employers with your resume and portfolio. Now you need to prepare to ace the actual interview:
- Practice your interview skills so you feel confident and relaxed.
- Review the company’s work and clients so you understand their style.
- Prepare stories that highlight your best video editing successes and capabilities.
- Brush up on editing terms and techniques in case they test your knowledge.
- Prepare 5-10 questions to ask about the role, company, projects, etc.
- Bring work samples, portfolio website link, business cards, and resume copies.
- Dress professionally and show enthusiasm for the company and position.
- Send thank you notes to stand out after the interview.
Preparing for likely questions, practicing your delivery, and showing passion will help you impress your future employers during interviews.
What types of questions do video editor interviews involve?
Some common video editor interview questions include:
- Tell us about your editing experience and skills.
- What video editing software do you have experience with?
- How would you handle last-minute deadline changes or difficult clients?
- Do you prefer working independently or collaboratively in a team?
- What do you enjoy most and least about video editing?
- How do you stay up-to-date on the latest editing trends and techniques?
- What editing projects are you most proud of and why?
- Where do you see yourself in your career in 5 years?
- What is your video editing process from start to finish?
- How would you prioritize projects when handling multiple requests or clients?
Have clear stories and examples ready to answer behavioral questions like these. It also helps to anticipate technical questions about equipment, software, codecs, troubleshooting issues, etc.
What else can I do to stand out and get hired?
Beyond the traditional resume and interview process, here are some extra things you can do to stand out and get noticed by employers:
- Network consistently and make connections in the industry.
- Highlight your work on social media and enter editing contests.
- Start a video editing blog, vlog, YouTube channel, or podcast.
- Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups locally and nationally.
- Get additional certificates or training in niche skills.
- Send “resume reels” showcasing your skills directly to companies.
- Reach out directly to studios and editors you admire and ask for informational interviews.
- If you don’t hear back, politely follow up and reiterate your interest.
- Consider moving to a media hub like L.A., New York, Vancouver, Atlanta, etc.
Getting hired often comes down to who you know and how proactive you are in putting yourself out there. Find ways to get on a studio’s radar even if they aren’t actively hiring.
What salary can I expect as a video editor?
Video editor salaries can vary based on factors like:
- Location – Larger media markets pay more
- Type of company – Corporate, TV network, indie studio, YouTube channel, etc.
- Level of experience – Assistant, junior, senior level
- Type of content – Films, commercials, news, social media, etc.
According to Payscale, the average video editor salary in the U.S. is around $55,000. Entry level positions start closer to $35,000-45,000. Senior editors at major studios can make $75,000-100,000 or more.
Major metro areas like New York and Los Angeles tend to pay editors more compared to smaller cities and rural areas. Do your research on typical pay rates where you plan to apply.
Should I freelance or try to get a staff job?
There are pros and cons to freelancing versus working staff:
Freelancing | Staff Job |
---|---|
More flexible schedule | Steady, predictable income |
Work for multiple clients | Typically get benefits like insurance, retirement |
Less creative control | Build relationships with team/editors |
Unpredictable deadlines and income | In-house mentorship and training |
Get to cherry pick projects | More opportunity to move up and specialize |
Many editors start freelancing to build experience and flexibility. But staff editing jobs tend to offer better stability and growth opportunities once you’re established.
Should I specialize or be a generalist?
Early on, it helps to be a generalist editor skilled in a range of genres and types of video work – corporate, narrative, trailers, social media, etc. This exposes you to more opportunities.
Once you gain more experience, you may want to specialize in areas like:
- Film/TV editing
- Trailer editing
- News editing
- Sports editing
- Documentary editing
- Video game editing
- Virtual reality 360 editing
- Color correction
- Motion graphics
Specializing lets you command higher rates and gives you a niche to market yourself in. But you don’t want to pigeonhole yourself too early before developing well-rounded skills.
How can I keep improving as an editor?
Complacency is the enemy of great video editors. Here are some tips for lifelong learning and improvement:
- Stay on top of new software updates, plugins, and innovations.
- Take workshops or online training on new techniques.
- Follow industry leaders and top editors on blogs, social media, at conferences, etc.
- Watch films and TV shows analytically – look for interesting transitions, shot pacing, etc.
- Read books about film history, storytelling, and the art of editing.
- Join professional organizations like ACE to network and learn from others.
- Experiment with new styles outside your comfort zone with personal projects.
- Get feedback from mentors, clients, and peers on how to improve.
Great editors know they can never get complacent. There are always new things to learn and skills to hone in this fast-paced, creative industry.
Conclusion
Getting hired as a professional video editor takes patience, persistence, and polish. Build up an impressive portfolio showcasing your creative editing skills. Pursue any opportunity for professional experience you can find, and network constantly to make connections. Stay humble and proactive, and don’t get discouraged by rejection. With the right attitude and dedication to lifelong learning, you can get on the path to video editing career success.