How to Be Managing Editor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

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Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Most employers require that prospective managing editors hold a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field.
  2. Gain Relevant Experience. To be a managing editor, you typically need to have significant experience in journalism or similar fields. You can gain experience by working as a reporter, editor, or other journalism-related positions.
  3. Develop Skills. Managing editors need to have strong communication skills and be able to effectively manage and lead a team of editors. You should also have strong writing and editing skills and be knowledgeable about grammar, syntax, and style.
  4. Pursue Certification. Although not required, some managing editors pursue certification through organizations such as the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) or the National Association of Science Writers (NASW).
  5. Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary experience and skills, you can begin applying for managing editor positions. You can search for job postings on job boards, newspaper websites, and other job sites.
  6. Interview. Once you have been selected for an interview, you should prepare by researching the company and practicing common interview questions.
  7. Get Hired. After the interview process is complete, you will be offered a job if you are successful. At this point, you can accept and become a managing editor.
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You may want to check Chief Editor, Columnist, and Data Journalist for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Develop and implement editorial strategies to meet organizational goals.
  2. Oversee staff of editors, writers, and other content creators.
  3. Assign and edit articles, stories, and other content.
  4. Evaluate editorial performance and make decisions on staffing and budgeting.
  5. Design and maintain quality standards for content.
  6. Research and stay abreast of industry trends and news.
  7. Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  8. Negotiate contracts with vendors and freelancers.
  9. Monitor publication metrics to evaluate success.
  10. Manage the publication’s digital presence.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Excellent writing and editing skills
  2. Excellent organizational and time management skills
  3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  4. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
  5. Ability to work collaboratively with other editors, writers, and designers
  6. Knowledge of publishing industry trends and standards
  7. Knowledge of content management systems
  8. Knowledge of SEO best practices
  9. Knowledge of social media platforms and their use in marketing
  10. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and other editing tools

The ability to manage an editorial team is a critical skill for any editor. Effective management can ensure that the team is productive, efficient and successful. To be successful, a managing editor needs to be organized and have strong communication skills.

They need to be able to juggle multiple tasks and delegate duties appropriately. They also need to be able to set clear deadlines and expectations for their team. they need to be able to collaborate with other editors and departments to ensure everyone is working towards the same goal.

Finally, they must understand the importance of feedback and be willing to provide guidance and constructive criticism when needed. By having these skills, a managing editor can ensure that the team is successful in achieving its goals.

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Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have in managing editing?
  • How would you handle a situation where one of your team members was not meeting expectations?
  • What strategies do you use to motivate and engage writers?
  • How do you stay organized while managing multiple projects at once?
  • How do you ensure the accuracy and quality of editorial content?
  • How do you handle creative differences between yourself and writers?
  • What techniques do you use to promote collaboration among the editorial team?
  • How do you measure the success of an editorial project?
  • How do you prioritize tasks and complete projects on time?
  • What tools and technologies do you use in managing editorial content?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Project Management Software. A software application used to plan and execute projects. (eg: Trello)
  2. Communication Platform. A platform that allows for easy communication between team members. (eg: Slack)
  3. Calendar Software. A software application used to organize and track activities and events. (eg: Google Calendar)
  4. File Sharing Software. A software application used to store, share and collaborate on files. (eg: Dropbox)
  5. Document Collaboration Software. A software application used to create, edit, and manage documents with teammates. (eg: Google Docs)
  6. Task Management Software. A software application used to assign, track and manage tasks. (eg: Asana)
  7. Time Tracking Software. A software application used to track the amount of time spent on tasks. (eg: Toggl)
  8. Content Management System. A software application used to create and manage website content. (eg: WordPress)
  9. Data Analysis Software. A software application used to analyze, visualize and interpret data. (eg: Tableau)
  10. Video Conferencing Software. A software application used to facilitate virtual meetings. (eg: Zoom)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME)
  2. The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)
  3. The National Association of Science Writers (NASW)
  4. The American Copy Editors Society (ACES)
  5. Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
  6. Media Communications Association International (MCAI)
  7. Association of American Publishers (AAP)
  8. American Society of News Editors (ASNE)
  9. American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
  10. National Union of Journalists (NUJ)

We also have News Anchor, Sports Anchor, and Investigative Journalist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Copy Editor. A copy editor checks written content for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and style before publication.
  2. Proofreader. A proofreader checks written content for typos, errors in spelling and grammar, inconsistencies, and formatting errors.
  3. Layout Editor. A layout editor is responsible for the design and page layout of a magazine, book, or website.
  4. Style Guide. A style guide is a set of standards for writing and editing that help maintain consistency across a publication or organization.
  5. Editorial Calendar. An editorial calendar is a list of content that is planned for publication in advance.
  6. Content Strategist. A content strategist is responsible for creating and managing an organization’s content strategy to ensure it aligns with the overall business goals.
  7. SEO Editor. An SEO editor is responsible for optimizing written content to make it more search engine friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Managing Editor? A1: A Managing Editor is a professional responsible for overseeing the editorial operations of a publication, such as a newspaper, magazine, or website. They are responsible for editing, proofreading, and publishing content, as well as assigning stories to writers and managing the editorial team. Q2: What qualifications do Managing Editors need? A2: Managing Editors typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field, as well as several years of experience in the media industry. They should also possess strong writing and editing skills, knowledge of publishing software, and an understanding of media law and ethics. Q3: How much do Managing Editors earn? A3: The salary of a Managing Editor can vary depending on the size and type of publication they are working for, as well as their level of experience. Generally, Managing Editors earn between $50,000 and $90,000 per year. Q4: What is the job of a Managing Editor? A4: The job of a Managing Editor is to oversee the editorial operations of a publication, including editing, proofreading, and publishing content. They are also responsible for assigning stories to writers, managing the editorial team, and ensuring that content meets deadlines and follows industry standards. Q5: What skills do Managing Editors need? A5: Managing Editors need a variety of skills to be successful in their role, including strong writing and editing skills, knowledge of publishing software, an understanding of media law and ethics, and the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks.

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