To be employed as a managing editor, you will usually need several years’ experience as an editor in a similar publication. You will also need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in journalism or equivalent field. Experience in photography and image processing is usually highly regarded, as is sound knowledge of the main subject matter of the publication.
It can be helpful to browse job ads for managing editors even if they are jobs with publishing companies you are not interested in. Reading selection criteria can give you a clear idea of the sort of skills, experience, and knowledge employers are looking for in these positions and, if necessary, you can take steps to improve in areas you are lacking in. When you are ready to begin applying for managing editor positions, there are a number of ways you can find suitable positions in publishing and jobs in related fields.
Online Journalism and Editor Job Sites
The Internet has made looking for jobs in publishing easier than ever before. Online job sites are an efficient way to quickly locate jobs that suit your requirements. In particular, specialist job sites which only advertise jobs in their particular field can be excellent places to source specific positions as well as great sources of career and job search advice. There are many communications, media, journalism, and even editor job sites which advertise editing jobs of all kinds. Most of these sites allow you to apply online directly to the employer from the Web site. You can find these sites by simply doing an Internet search on ''publishing jobs.''
Large Generalist Job Sites
The large job sites may advertise jobs across all categories, but they allow you to search by category, location, and salary and make it easy to find what you are looking for. You can also do an advanced search using keywords that target your ideal job more specifically. There is also an option to request an email job-alert to inform you whenever a new position is advertised which meets your specific requirements. Many jobs with publishing companies are advertised on these sites so it is important to include them in your job search strategy.
Professional and Industry Journals
There are a number of state- and nationally-based journals related to the publishing industry and the journalism profession. Top employees are often sought through advertising in these publications. This is because employers know that the readers of these publications are keeping up to date in their profession and showing an interest in the industry as a whole. It is worthwhile to subscribe to a few of the most appropriate journals and to keep an eye out for advertisements for managing editors.
Newspapers
A lot of jobs are still advertised in good, old-fashioned newspapers, so do not forget to include them in your job search. At least once a week buy a newspaper which has a large employment section as well as a quality news section. Tabloids are not ideal for this. A quality broadsheet newspaper is more likely to advertise well-paying managing editor positions.
Direct Contact with Publications
You can make a list of publications you would like to work for from the Yellow Pages or Yellow Pages Online or you can purchase a book containing all the publishers in the United States. One such publication is Writer’s Market, but there are others as well. You can find these sources by doing an Internet search. In fact, you may find Internet versions with links to the publishers’ Web sites which will save you a lot of time. Publishers’ Web sites will often advertise job vacancies so you can quickly see what is available. You can also email them and ask if they are expecting any upcoming openings.
Consider an Overseas Appointment
There is a growing global demand for editors and you may find it easier to obtain an overseas appointment as a managing editor if you have not previously worked in this role. If you can speak another language, you may find working in another country is an excellent way to fast-track your career back home.
However, as you go about looking for a job as a managing editor, you need to be prepared to stay with your job search. Getting jobs with publishing companies is not easy. Although some people get the job of their dreams very quickly, for others it is a numbers game. If you get discouraged and give up you may never get the job you are looking for. Patience and persistence are virtues that will help you achieve your career objectives. Have a plan and work it out. See every rejection as bringing you one step closer to a job offer. If you do this and stay the course you will succeed and be very grateful for your determination and commitment.
