what is an editor?
As an editor, you work across various media outlets. You select content, prepare it in a way that suits the medium and target audience. Your messages are conveyed differently on the radio than on television. Sometimes, you craft your messages yourself. From a flood of information, you filter out the essential facts. You then produce a report based on these. It informs or entertains viewers, listeners, or readers. Additionally, you have a team of journalists at your disposal who provide you with material. You also source photos, graphics, or videos to accompany your texts. Your most important task as an editor is to thoroughly research your reports. This takes time. It also requires in-depth knowledge of specific subject areas. Therefore, as an editor, you are often responsible for a particular section, such as politics, business, or culture. You frequently work across different media channels. You produce your content for print publications and digital magazines. Are you fascinated by the role of an editor? Then read on to discover what makes you successful in this profession.
editor jobsworking as an editor.
In your role as an editor, you produce creative and well-researched content. You make complex information accessible to viewers, listeners, and readers. Your contributions are engaging yet thorough, providing detailed insights. You have an excellent knowledge of your subject area and know which facts are relevant. Your specific responsibilities depend on your employer. Curious about what tasks you might have as an editor? Then read on.
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your area of responsibility
As an editor, you have the entire media product in your mind's eye. Your main responsibilities include:
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Plan topics: Your job is to filter relevant information for your target audience. Are there any issues that stir up strong opinions? You and your editorial team gather an overview of all the contributions. In doing so, you draw on journalists, interns, agency reports, press offices of companies, and social media.
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Distributing contributions: The collected topics are on the table. During editorial meetings, you discuss who will handle which contribution. You assign topics to reporters, for example, those conducting interviews on site. Journalists then write articles on specific subjects for you. You might also produce a radio or television segment yourself.
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Create content: When producing content, you focus on providing a high level of information and maintaining an engaging flow. The main point comes first, followed by all additional details. If an article becomes too long, you shorten it. Throughout, you keep your target audience and the platform in mind. In online posts, content is important, but it must also offer real value to the user.
- Edit and publish posts: You have the content ready. Now, you put the post into its final form. To do this, you enhance it with photos or videos. You use cartoons to draw attention to issues. Graphics clearly present data tables. If you think the post is successful, you go ahead and publish it.
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who are your colleagues?
As an editor, you work closely with a team of journalists and editors. Sometimes, photographers are also part of your colleagues. Occasionally, you deal with marketing teams who motivate you to write PR articles about important clients or companies. If you work for a radio or television station, your main contacts are usually presenters. Directors and production managers are also among your points of contact.
types of editors.
Editors prepare information in a media-friendly manner. Usually, you specialise in a particular area such as culture, politics, sport, or economics. Therefore, there are different types of editors. Here are some for you:
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Image editor: As an image editor, you bring texts to life. You create or organise photos, graphics, or cartoons. Your job also involves editing images digitally. When using images from external databases, you ensure that image rights are properly cleared.
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Music editor: If you specialise in the art of sound, everything for you revolves around music. Usually, you have an excellent knowledge of a particular genre such as classical, pop, or rock. You provide information about concerts and news, report on artists, and engage with reviews. If you work for a radio station, you are responsible for putting together the music programme.
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Online editor: Your job as an online editor is to create content for websites and online services. This includes news articles, newsletters, and services such as accident reports or speed camera locations. In this role, you work closely with the marketing team or external agencies. After all, it's also about maintaining visibility on the internet. Search engine optimisation (SEO) is therefore an important aspect.
- Social media editor: As a specialist in social media channels, you distribute posts according to the specified strategy. You create content that reaches and engages people. On social networks, you don't just share information but also encourage interaction. Your moderate discussion forums and manage various groups. Additionally, you monitor which activities are successful and what doesn't resonate.
salary as an editor.
If you search for your salary as an editor on popular Swiss job platforms, you'll find a wide range of figures. This is because your pay depends on several factors. Key among them are your education, work experience, and your place of work. If you hold, for example, a Bachelor's degree or a MAZ certificate, you'll start on a higher salary. Some companies also offer additional benefits such as share packages, a 13th-month bonus, or a company car. As a starting salary, you can expect around CHF 72,000 per year, which is roughly CHF 6,000 per month. Find out more here about your gross salary as an editor.
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how much do I earn as a full-time editor?
As an editor, you can earn between 43,000 and 120,000 CHF per year. That works out to roughly 3,600 to 10,000 CHF per month. Your salary mainly depends on your specialisation and your level of experience. For example, as an online editor, you might earn just under 70,000 CHF annually. If you work in television or for a major Swiss daily newspaper, your salary could be over 100,000 CHF a year. Having an academic qualification and additional training with a certificate can also boost your earnings.
A basic salary alone doesn't make a role attractive. Large companies often offer appealing additional benefits. These can include share packages, staff discounts, mobile devices, and a company car. Thanks to these numerous perks, you'll receive a comprehensive and attractive overall package. -
in which industry do I earn the most as an editor?
Attractive gross salaries are offered to you by the major media companies in Switzerland. However, associations and insurance firms also provide interesting additional benefits. Your salary may be slightly lower in agencies. But don’t just focus on your base pay. Consider the overall package your future employer is putting together. Share options and discounts can boost your total remuneration and make a position truly appealing.
training and further education as an editor.
There is no such thing as a traditional apprenticeship as an editor. Different paths can lead you to your dream job. You might pursue a specialised degree in subjects like Political Science, Economics, or Humanities and Social Sciences. Suddenly, you discover your passion for getting to the bottom of things and writing about them. Further training as a journalist then becomes the logical next step. If you are interested in the profession after completing your vocational baccalaureate, you can undertake a traineeship. Working at a newspaper publisher, you will learn a great deal about the craft of journalism.
Alternatively, a degree in Communication with a focus on Journalism provides a solid foundation to kick-start your career as an editor. Whatever route you choose into editorial work, further journalism training will support you. It prepares you for your role and opens up career opportunities. For example, consider the certificate course in editorial management offered by the Swiss School of Journalism.
position as editor.
As an editor, your primary environment is newspapers, radio, or television. However, there are also interesting opportunities in other areas. Large companies seek you for their communications and PR departments. Agencies offer you varied roles, working for multiple clients. Sometimes, trade associations have positions for press officers. Are you looking for an attractive role as an editor? Take a look at our job listings on this page.
positions for career changers as editors.
People switching into journalism from related fields have good prospects of becoming successful editors. For example, studying linguistics provides a solid foundation. However, a specialised degree in subjects like mathematics or economics also equips you with valuable expertise. Any skills you lack can be developed through further training in journalism. Several years of professional experience will boost your chances of landing an attractive role with good prospects. Through Randstad, you can find a suitable job as a career changer.
career opportunities and development potential as an editor.
As an editor, you haven't reached the end of the career ladder yet. Your next step up is to become a department head. In this role, you'll take responsibility for all areas. You'll assign tasks to the editors of sports, culture, and business. After several years of professional experience and successful work, even a senior editorial position such as editor-in-chief could be within reach. If you're not interested in a senior management career, you can choose to specialise. How about working as a press officer or communications manager? Looking to develop further as an editor? Check out our tests and tipps.
competencies as an editor.
Editors deal with a flood of information every day. You process it and distribute it strategically. As a communicative and articulate individual, you are perfectly suited for this. Other important skills include:
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Jack of all trades: As an editor, you juggle multiple tasks at the same time. You assign responsibilities and oversee the results. In your spare time, you write your own articles and carry out research for them. You enhance your texts with images or videos. You keep production schedules and deadlines in mind and stick to them.
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Creativity: You write your own stories and prepare content in a targeted way. Creativity is essential for this. Nothing is more boring than a topic that has already been covered multiple times. You’re bursting with ideas and give the subject an original spark.
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Curiosity: In your profession, you thrive on being up-to-date. That means you’re always in the know. You’re aware of what’s currently trending culturally, scientifically, or politically. Even if you’re not yet an expert, you ask the right questions. This way, you manage to provide your readers or listeners with well-informed information.
- Resilience: As an editor, you often work under time pressure. You have deadlines to meet. Your superiors expect you to stay one step ahead of the competition. Despite the tight schedule, you deliver quality work, even when external texts don’t quite meet your standards. You handle criticism well in your profession.
benefits of working as an editor at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work as an editor at Randstad:
✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ training courses and opportunities for personal development
✓ clear information available in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? There’s often the chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad
your training budget as an editor at randstad.
If you work as an editor for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining programme from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will be reimbursed for the course fees later, provided you pass the course exam. Your consultant from Randstad is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge all during your working hours as an editor.
tips for applying as an editor at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as an editor? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalised documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances:
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1. find a position as an editor
Search through Randstad job vacancies. If you can't find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally, without any obligation, or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as an editor
The job advert continues: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete.
✓ CV with photo
✓ employment references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet, or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as an editor
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview as an editor. Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the editor profession.
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what does an editor do?
As an editor, you ensure that curated information reaches its target audience effectively. You manage the delivery of messages across various media such as newspapers, the internet, radio, or television. Presented in an engaging way, they find their way to the intended readership. Curious? Find out more about your responsibilities as an editor here.
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how much do I earn as an editor?
Your gross salary as an editor range between 43,000 and 120,000 CHF per year. It mainly depends on your level of professional experience and your specialisation. By undertaking further training, you can increase your salary and open up career opportunities. Additional benefits also have a positive impact. Find out more here about how much you can earn as an editor.
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is being an editor a good profession?
If you enjoy creating media content and entertaining people with informative stories, then being an editor is your dream job. You’re full of creativity, manage journalists, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends. An exciting and varied career awaits you, opening many doors. You can pursue a management path or specialise in a particular area. Want to know what’s involved in working as an editor? Keep reading here.
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is the editor difficult?
As an editor, you're always under time and success pressure. The management expects you to stay one step ahead of the competition. Despite the stress, you manage to deliver high-quality and engaging content. Your profession is challenging and exciting. Thanks to your further training and professional experience, you meet all the requirements. Want to learn more about the role of an editor? Find out what makes it so interesting here.
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do you need experience to become an editor?
Newspaper publishers, television companies, and businesses generally require professional experience. In further training courses, you gain the essential skills for your craft. Practical experience helps you develop further. Even career changers with relevant experience have excellent prospects of starting out as editors. Through Randstad, you can find positions for both experienced professionals and those switching careers. Are you wondering if you’re suited to the role of editor? Find out here what skills you need.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become an editor?
As an editor, you are a versatile professional with excellent training. You have completed a degree in communication with a focus on journalism. A traineeship at a publishing house also provides you with a solid foundation. Further training prepares you for your role as an editor. If you also have several years of professional experience, you'll find it easy to secure an attractive position. Discover our current job vacancies for editors here.
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how do I apply for a vacant position as an editor?
Applying for a position as an editor is straightforward with Randstad. First, create a Randstad profile and browse our job board for available roles. Found an interesting opportunity? Then send us your application letter along with your CV and certificates without delay. Need assistance with your application? Take a look at our application tips to help you craft a compelling and effective application.
