How can you keep your proofreading portfolio and resume professional?

1 Choose the right format

Depending on your target market and niche, you may need to adapt your portfolio and resume format to suit different platforms and preferences. For example, some clients may prefer to see your portfolio as a PDF document, while others may want to browse your online portfolio on a website or a platform like LinkedIn. Similarly, some clients may want to see a traditional resume, while others may prefer a more creative or visual resume. You should research the best practices and expectations for your industry and audience, and choose the format that showcases your proofreading skills and achievements in the most effective way.

2 Highlight your proofreading skills

Your portfolio and resume should demonstrate your proofreading skills and how they add value to your clients. You should include examples of your proofreading work, such as before-and-after samples, testimonials, or case studies. You should also highlight your proofreading qualifications, such as certifications, courses, or memberships. You should emphasize your proofreading specialties, such as the types of documents, genres, or styles you can handle. You should also mention any relevant tools, software, or systems you use to enhance your proofreading efficiency and quality.

3 Tailor your portfolio and resume

Your portfolio and resume should not be one-size-fits-all. You should tailor them to each client and project you apply for, based on their needs, goals, and preferences. You should research the client and their industry, and use the appropriate language, tone, and keywords. You should also select the most relevant and impressive proofreading samples and achievements for your portfolio and resume, and avoid including anything that is outdated, irrelevant, or redundant. You should also customize your cover letter or pitch to explain how your proofreading skills can help the client achieve their desired outcome.

4 Proofread your portfolio and resume

This may seem obvious, but it is crucial to proofread your portfolio and resume before sending them to any client. You want to avoid any typos, grammatical errors, formatting issues, or inconsistencies that could undermine your credibility and professionalism as a proofreader. You should use a combination of tools, such as spell checkers, grammar checkers, style guides, and proofreading checklists, to ensure your portfolio and resume are flawless. You should also ask for feedback from a trusted colleague, friend, or mentor, who can spot any errors or areas for improvement that you may have missed.

5 Update your portfolio and resume

Your portfolio and resume are not static documents. You should update them regularly to reflect your current proofreading skills, experience, and achievements. You should add new proofreading samples, testimonials, or case studies as you complete more projects and gain more clients. You should also update your proofreading qualifications, skills, and tools as you learn new things or acquire new certifications or memberships. You should also remove any outdated or irrelevant information that no longer represents your proofreading abilities or goals. Updating your portfolio and resume will help you stay competitive and relevant in the proofreading market.

6 Showcase your personality

Your portfolio and resume are not only a way to showcase your proofreading skills, but also a way to showcase your personality and style. You want to stand out from the crowd and make a connection with your potential clients. You should use your portfolio and resume to convey your unique value proposition, your passion for proofreading, and your professional brand. You should also use your portfolio and resume to show your communication skills, your work ethic, and your customer service. You should use a friendly, confident, and engaging tone, and avoid being too formal, boring, or generic.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?