If you are doing these things, YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO MAKE IT!!!! Well… You might. BUT, beware! This post may call you out to stop doing these 10 things if you ever want a great video editing job. 

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Colleen and in this blog, I will help you get a job doing what you love. Whether that’s video editing, graphic design, or blog writing.

For more tips on video editing, creativity and freelance lifestyle, be sure to check out my youtube channel where I dive into the nitty gritty about my self-employed life as a freelance video editor!

Anyways, let’s get started!

STOP Limiting yourself to one hiring platform

Why is this a problem?

Certain types of jobs and clients gravitate towards specific hiring platforms, especially if you haven’t developed a “specialty” yet. Only using one platform might lead you to only applying for certain types of jobs.

I think it’s much more beneficial to test out multiple platforms on a regular basis. This is the fastest and the most efficient way to apply to a variety of video editing jobs and get your next job FAST!

STOP Pushing others to watch your reel

This can include sending your reel to people as a way of asking them for a job.

Also, this includes sending ONLY your reel when you’re actually applying for a job. I am a video editor, but I’ve adopted more of a “boss” mentality this year, and the one thing that drives me nuts is people trying to sell me their services when I didn’t ask for it….

OR having to do more work than necessary when it comes to reviewing an application.

What I’m trying to say is that no one wants to watch your reel. NOT UNLESS you’ve guided them through what you can offer them and why you’re the perfect person for the position AND how exactly this reel is relevant to the client.

STOP Ignoring your LinkedIn profile

Maybe I’m being bitter and old, but your LinkedIn profile is a huge asset!

Anytime I’m creeping on a client or candidate, I’m looking at their LinkedIn profile. If your profile isn’t up to date with a recent picture of you, I assume you’re not on social media, you don’t care about social media, you don’t care about how you look to possible clients, or you’re not interested in picking up new work. 

STOP Limiting your niches

It’s just like limiting yourself to one platform; Limiting your niches before you’ve gotten enough experience can lead to getting… no experience at all!

Say you only want to edit gaming videos for YouTube. That’s pretty niche and plenty of opportunity, BUT if you’re having trouble getting into the gaming niche, it may be because you aren’t experienced enough.

OR you may not even have the soft skills (time management, organizations, etc.) needed to convince potential clients of your ability. Experience trumps everything else, no matter what niche of video editing it falls into.

STOP Have a bad attitude with clients

Does this mean letting clients walk all over you? Of course not! But, this point means more to me, just don’t be a prick.

So much of maintaining good client relationships is about friendliness, trust, humor, and just kindness. There are TONS of customer service that goes into being a freelancer and handling multiple clients at once. Remember this, and you’ll never lose another client. 

STOP jumping into edits without setting up the project 

Why is there a problem?

It’s VERY common for video editors to get so excited to start a project that they just grab footage and throw it in and start editing. Sometimes you can get away with this!

On larger projects, like a narrative or documentary, my advice is SLOW AND STEADY in the beginning, making sure your files are labeled properly before pulling it into the project. Make sure your files are in the correct and correctly named FOLDERS before pulling them into your project, and that your bins within your project are organized and labeled.

Believe me, I’ve regretted rushing into projects in the past, so take it from me!

STOP Giving up so easily

This one I have to say because there are some who follow me who, I feel, are giving up too easily on video editing, OR they have a pessimistic view on the video editing journey.

The freelance game is HARD, and it took me years of on and off searching for jobs and a consistent 2 years of really trying to replace my 9-5 job to be where I’m at now. If you truly want to pursue video editing, understand that it’s all about the journey, and there is sooo much to learn in the process of becoming a professional video editor!

STOP Sending general cover letters

Why is there a problem?

A general cover letter makes hiring in bulk very easy, but it will also make you get looked over pretty quickly.

A custom, tailored cover letter to each client is ALWAYS going to have a stronger effect on the client. This can include pulling in the client with an engaging line at the beginning, citing specifics on why you are the perfect fit for them, and giving custom feedback on how you can improve their company.

STOP Having a chaotic work schedule

If you’re a freelance video editor, or striving to be one, it can be easy to succumb to a chaotic work schedule because no one is “watching” you clock in! You’re in charge of your own schedule for the most part, so try to have a routine. My advice here is to find the times in the day that work best for you and stick to those times. 

For example, my peak is between 10am and 2pm, then rebounds after 6 or 7pm until 10pm. Taking advantage of your peak hours in the day is truly the healthiest way to be a long term freelance video editor!

STOP Avoiding keyboard shortcuts

Why is this a problem? 

Well, anyone can be a video editor! It’s a professional video editor that uses the tools available to them to perfect their speed and efficiency along with their creativity to maximize their skills. It can be tempting to continue with your same workflow with every project that you do.

What would be better is for you to always keep in the back of your mind, “is there a faster way I can do this?,” or “is there a shortcut for this? Let’s find out!” Building those little habits of one shortcut after another is a great way to speed up your video editing and ultimately become a more desirable video editor.

Looking for more help getting your first job as a video editor? You’re in luck! My SkillShare class is now LIVE and here to help you with all the steps you need to take to set yourself up for your video editing career!