As the title suggests, senior editors edit reports, technical and scientific specifications, learning materials, users' manuals and anything that is ready for print or to be uploaded on the internet. It is their responsibility to see that the content of the publications is short, precise, correct, accurate, and easy to read and understood by people from non-technical and non-scientific background.
As a senior technical editor, you are expected to have impressive writing skills. You should smell any grammatical and spelling mistakes just in one glance. You must be knowledgeable about the subject matter and the editorial guidelines while editing drafts, reports, etc. written by technical writers. Further, a good presence of mind to provide new ideas and suggestions in improving the writing materials is a must. Above all, you should follow good ethical practices in your work and take a decision sensibly before publishing the material.
Since you are applying for a senior editor's position, there should be no room for editing from the readers' angle. In short, the senior editor technical cover letter should serve as an example of great writing.
Follow these simple three rules while writing the cover letter:
- Engage the reader from the starting paragraph. Mention the position you are applying for, and name the source of job advertisement. Then, immediately add a sentence that could prove your suitability for the position. Ensure that this sentence gives the reader reason for reading your cover letter.
- The readers would like to know what contributions you can make for the company if given an opportunity. Do not write that you are seeking the position to enhance your experience and editing skills. Instead, simply mention that you are looking forward to contributing your skills and experience for the benefits of the company.
- If you could make a short story about your achievements, the reader will like it, and you will be easily remembered. Moreover, this will help you in presenting yourself differently than others, and the reader will be engaged in your cover letter.
Technical Publications Senior Editor Cover Letter
James C. Butts,
1201 Granville Lane,
Newark, NJ 07104,
(973)-000 8956.
Email: jcbutts@abc.com
Date: November 4, 2011.
Mr. Robert C. Hovis,
Hiring Manager,
ABC Healthcare Center,
4643 West Side Avenue,
Hackensack, NJ 07601.
Dear Mr. Hovis,
I am applying for the position of a senior technical editor as you had published in last week's Healthcare Journal. My four years experience as a senior technical editor at Faith Hospital, blended with complete coursework in technical writing at ABC University, makes me the right candidate for the applied position in your organization.
I started my career as a technical writer for a research company engaged in the healthcare products. Having worked for three years with that organization, I created a name for myself in the technical writing field. I had written many research materials that earned me a reputation and recognition in the company. My knowledge about English grammar, and ability to write concisely and error-free articles helped in getting promotion as a junior editor. This position gave me lots of confidence in editing complex materials with ease and perfection.
Presently, I am working in a pharmaceutical company proof-reading and editing research materials relating to healthcare products. I am also producing a monthly newsletter for the company. In these four years, I have performed extensive editing work in all sorts of users' manuals, online materials, and created illustrations to guide people on how to use the products.
I have knowledge of online and media printing technology. I am experienced in using the software used in technical publications such as Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, Robohelp, MS FrontPage, HTML, Dreamweaver, FrameMaker, and Snagit.
I would be glad if you could spare few moments in meeting with me. That way, I will be able to explain you in a better way about the things I can do for your company. Please accept my call next week, and oblige me with a positive response. Thank you for giving the opportunity to apply.
Yours sincerely,
James C. Butts
Enclosure:
Resume.
As a technical editor, you will not only be editing the written materials, but also the images and illustrations used in the publications. Hence, do not forget to include your image-editing skills in the cover letter. If you refer this sample of a senior technical editor cover letter, you will never miss anything you should include in the letter. |
