Page 49 - Choices Magazine - KS3 - Issue 3

Working hours Skills JOB:

You’ll typically work a 9am to 5pm week. You’ll need to be: Proof-reader
Occasional evening and weekend work may be
necessary to coordinate with large marketing • highly organised, with the
campaigns, events, product launches or the ability to work on multiple A thorough knowledge of spelling and grammar is essential in
development of a new website. projects at once the world of publishing as is the ability to work to tight deadlines
• experienced with one or As a proof-reader you’ll ensure that material is clear,
Part-time work and job sharing are possible for web more CMS
content managers, as you’ll usually put in place • strategic, and able to consistent, complete and credible, and that text is well written,
policies, content plans, and schedules for your oversee large projects and grammatically correct, and accessible. You’ll take the initial
material, or the copy, and make it ready for publication.
organisation to follow in your absence. Companies coordinate the work of
may hire on a fixed-term basis if they’re looking for others You’ll work on a range of publications, including:
a web content manager to come in and set up books newspapers other electronic
guidelines, or to complete a specific project, such • an excellent writer and resources.
as migrating content to a new website. editor, with good spelling journals websites
and grammar and the ability You’ll be required to correct spelling, grammar, and layout
to adapt to house styles
Qualifications • able to research, collate (proofreading), check content, impose consistent styles and
reword or rewrite (copy-editing). This depends on the project, the
and summarise information
You don’t need a formal qualification to become from different sources employer or the client and their own specialist experience. Many
proof-readers perform both functions in tandem.
a web content manager, however a degree • logical and analytical, with
can provide useful experience in writing, editing, an ability to spot patterns, They’re employed by publishers, businesses, and public bodies
but increasingly on a freelance basis, so it’s common to have
presenting and group coordination, particularly if it’s gaps, and repetitions in
mainly assessed through essays and presentations. web content several clients at the same time. Many people retrain for editorial
work as a second or third career.
• able to communicate
A degree or qualification in a similar subject to the confidently and clearly
website you are managing can be advantageous
as you’ll be able to apply your knowledge to with a variety of Responsibilities
identify gaps and inaccuracies in the content. stakeholders
• technically minded, with
Sometimes employers look for candidates with a an understanding of HTML, Activities depend on experience and whether you work in-house or freelance.
qualification in information management, media CSS, JavaScript, and other They may include:
management or digital communications. The web technologies • correcting spelling mistakes and • checking that authors have provided all
Chartered Institute of Library and Information • knowledgeable about the grammatical errors the required materials and paperwork
Professionals (CILIP) provides a list of accredited website’s users and industry • sub-editing text written by a number of • resolving queries directly with the author,
qualifications, which include undergraduate and authors to ensure consistent house style e.g. style and text inconsistencies
postgraduate courses, foundation degrees and • willing to stay up to date • working with IT-based publishing systems • coding manuscripts for design features,
short courses. See the list at CILIP - Getting Qualified. with developments in
your subject area and and databases, as well as via the such as hierarchy of headings, to
Skills and experience are most important, and in developments in internet or from paper manuscripts instruct the production team
these can be gained through education, work the digital world. • liaising regularly with authors and • creating artwork briefs to detail the 49 | JuL Y 2021
experience and volunteering opportunities. publishers by phone and email content of illustrations

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