Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Will 19 Years Do...?

Found a job posting just now for a Copy Editor/Proofreader...which is exactly what I do. It's a U.S. based company, so there's no way I'm relocating, but I just wanted to read the job description and its requirements.

It's very clear that they're DEFINITELY in need of a copy editor/proofreader!

• Excellent knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation is required as this position is the quality control point between creative/production and printing.
• Must be extremely detail oriented and able to work within set, tight deadlines at maximum efficiency. Must thrive in a fast-paced work environment. Must be organized and able to arrange a daily work schedule based on priorities. Must be flexible in regards to scheduling and be able to shift priorities quickly. Must meet deadlines.
• Must be able to work independently as well as with a team and be a self-starter with initiative. Must be a team player, excellent communicator, amiable, flexible and someone who enjoys working in a fun environment (sense of humor encouraged). This position will occasionally require evening and/or weekend work.
• Extensive knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style preferred. Must be sensitive to advertising copy and use this "filter" when reviewing work.
• Must be able to follow the established process for work flow.
• Ideal candidate must have a college degree in English, journalism, or related field or equivalent work experience.
35 years' experience as a proofreader/copyeditor; additional related experience helpful.
• Agency experience preferred but not mandatory.

11 comments:

mother in israel said...

I think someone didn't proofread that ad very well. It's probably supposed to read "3-5 years." Amazing what they expect of copyeditors these days.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad they are hiring us older folks. 35 years of experience is quite valuable! And they got the apostrophe correct, didn't they? That counts for something.

(P.S., No I don't really have 35 years of experience. It just feels that way.)

Anonymous said...

Wouldn't it be an amazing world if job ads really read that way? They want to hire older folks!

torontopearl said...

Tuesday Wishes: You had me laughing with your comment when I read it at 12:30 a.m.!

Mother in Israel: Thanks for visiting. Yes, I know what it's SUPPOSED to say. The ad clearly indicates their need for a proofreader/copy editor.

Miriam: I'm 45 now, and in need of a full-time job. Can I say I've been proofreading my parents' correspondence since I was 10 (this is true, as English was not their first language), so that gives me 35 years' experience? (and yes, the apostrophe at least was in the right place.)

Rhea: Yeah, can you picture a job header: BABY BOOMER WANTED, 40 and over preferably....

mother in israel said...

And I thought I was being so clever. . . I better get some sleep.

Ezzie said...

LOL. Make sure you get paid your worth, Pearl! :)

cruisin-mom said...

Hahaha, that's so funny Pearl...you are the one they should hire, since you were able to spot that ridiculous mistake!

Anonymous said...

OMG, this was great! There was a story/urban legend I recall about a man trying to drink 68 glasses of water in a day instead of the 6-8 the doctor recommended. (Yeah, I'd ask for edification on that one too!)
What you mentioned about helping parents with correspondence resonated with me - I've been writing business letters, complaint letters, and reading mail for my father for a loooong time. Nowadays I mainly proofread my husband's schoolwork, as he is a non-native English speaker as well. Considering my degree is as a teacher of English as a second language, I'd say I'm glad I'm putting my studies to good use!

marallyn ben moshe said...

oy i hope they pay a gazillion dollars a month plus benefits...listen, they can ask, can't they??? sometimes the word chutzpah is the only word in town...have a great day...

... Is the Window to Our Soul said...

Ok... that's one that needs to be sent to Jay Leno for "Headlines in the News"

torontopearl said...

Mother in Israel: hope you got some sleep.

Ezzie: did you not yet realize that I'm a genuine Pearl...and thus priceless!

Tuesday: so do you, so do you!

Raggedy: i love that example of the man drinking water, whether it's true or not.

Marallyn: hmmm....chutzpah. ya think these big companies know how to spell the word, or is it just us little people who know how to spell AND incorporate the word into our language and person?

Sweettooth: don't i wish...