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Key Takeaways
- The top skills to look for in a video editor are fluency in editing software (like Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve), strong narrative editing ability, audio mixing, multi-camera editing, motion graphics, and a solid grasp of visual pacing.
- Great editors also bring essential soft skills like attention to detail, responsiveness to feedback, and clear communication—especially important for collaborative or fast-moving teams.
- The most reliable way to evaluate a video editor is by assigning a short test project that mirrors real work and shows how well they interpret direction, make creative decisions, and manage time.
A skilled video editor helps shape how people experience your brand. From the way your message sounds to how it feels on screen, editing plays a huge role in how your content lands with your audience.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the top skills to look for in a video editor, from the technical tools they need to the soft skills that make them great to work with. You’ll also get a few tips on how to spot those skills in interviews and portfolios, even if you’re not an editing expert.
The 10 Core Capabilities Every Video Editor Needs to Bring
Hiring a video editor can feel tricky if you’re not deep in the editing world yourself. However, knowing the key technical skills to look for will help you make a smart decision and avoid costly edits later.
These are the must-haves for anyone serious about producing high-quality, on-brand video content.
- Editing software fluency: Every editor needs to be comfortable with industry-standard software. Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve are the go-to platforms for most professionals.
- Color correction and grading: Consistent color makes your content look polished and professional. Editors who know how to correct lighting issues or apply a custom color grade can keep your videos aligned with your brand style. They should be able to do this even if the raw footage comes in a little off.
- Audio editing and mixing: Clean audio is just as important as clean visuals. A skilled editor can remove background noise, balance voice-overs with music, and make sure everything sounds natural and easy to follow.
- Motion graphics and animation basics: Even simple animation skills can go a long way. Whether it’s adding lower thirds (like a person’s name on screen), animating a logo, or creating simple transitions, these touches make videos more dynamic and engaging.
- Understanding of video formats and codecs: Your editor should know how to export your videos correctly for YouTube, Instagram, or your website. That means understanding different formats, resolutions, and file sizes. They should also know how to keep things looking crisp everywhere.
- Multi-camera editing: For interviews, live events, or panel discussions, multi-camera editing keeps things visually interesting. Look for someone who can sync angles smoothly and cut between shots without distracting jumps.
- Light VFX (Visual Effects): This doesn’t mean they need to have worked on Marvel movies. But being able to remove a green screen, add digital overlays, or clean up a distracting background is a huge plus.
- Narrative editing and story flow: Strong editors don’t just trim footage—they shape a story. They know how to sequence scenes, build tension or momentum, and craft a compelling arc that keeps viewers engaged. Whether it’s a 30-second ad or a 10-minute brand film, narrative instincts separate decent edits from truly memorable ones.
- Workflow speed and efficiency: Speed isn’t just about cutting quickly. It’s about knowing shortcuts, building templates, and avoiding common editing mistakes that slow things down.
- Attention to visual detail: Great editors notice the little things like awkward cuts, framing that feels off, or shots that go on too long. This instinct helps make the content feel tight and professional without being overproduced.
Strong video editors don’t just “clean up” footage. They elevate it—technically, creatively, and strategically. When you’re reviewing portfolios or test edits, don’t just look at polish—look for storytelling, audience awareness, and brand alignment. That’s what separates the pros from the button-pushers.
8 Soft Skills That Help Editors Thrive on Any Team
You can hire someone with all the right software skills, but if they can’t take feedback or manage their time, the project can still fall apart.
Soft skills matter just as much as technical ability, and when it comes to creative industries, sometimes they matter more.
They’re what keep projects moving smoothly, reduce revision rounds, and make someone an editor you’ll want to work with again.
- Strong communication: A good editor knows how to ask questions when something is unclear and how to give updates without being chased. They also take feedback in stride and make changes without drama.
- Good time management: Video projects often come with tight deadlines. Editors need to balance multiple tasks like cutting footage, cleaning up audio, and syncing music. They need to do this while staying on schedule and not sacrificing quality.
- Creativity: Editing isn’t just about making things look clean. It’s about finding smart ways to solve problems, build rhythm, and keep the viewer engaged. Creative thinking helps editors find solutions when footage is limited or the pacing feels off.
- File management and organization: A good editor keeps project files clean and accessible. That includes labeling footage clearly, using logical folder systems, and saving backup versions. It makes collaboration way easier and is especially important when working with a team that includes designers, marketers, or content leads.
- Problem-solving ability: Things can go wrong. Export errors, missing files, or weird audio glitches are all common issues. Editors who can troubleshoot on the fly save time for everyone.
- Adaptability: Whether the brand tone changes, the client changes their mind, or the footage just isn’t great, editors need to stay flexible. The ability to pivot without losing momentum is huge.
- Collaboration and responsiveness: Great editors don’t work in isolation. They take direction, ask smart clarifying questions, and know how to balance creative ownership with client feedback. Whether they’re working with a producer, marketer, or founder, responsiveness and collaboration are what keep projects moving forward and on-brand.
- Critical thinking: Sometimes, editors have to make tough calls, like choosing the stronger take or deciding what visuals best support a message. Being able to make smart decisions without needing constant input is a big plus.
- Emotional intelligence: Creative work can be personal. Editors with emotional awareness tend to handle feedback better, collaborate more easily, and stay calm under pressure. That makes a big difference when deadlines get tight.
One of the common mistakes to avoid when hiring a video editor is putting too much weight on technical knowledge and not enough on how well someone works with others. Soft skills are the glue that holds the whole project together.
f you’d rather not have to assess for all of these hard and soft skills yourself, it’s worth checking out some of the top video editor staffing agencies that can help you find candidates who already meet these standards.
How to Tell If a Candidate Actually Has These Skills
You don’t need to be a video editing expert to recognize a skilled editor. You just need to know what to look for and how to set up a simple test that reflects the kind of work they’ll actually be doing for your team.
Start with their portfolio
A solid portfolio gives you a clear sense of what someone can do. Look for variety in projects such as different formats, tones, or industries that show adaptability. Pay attention to pacing, polish, and how easy the edits are to follow. If a piece tells a clear story and keeps you engaged, that’s a great sign.
Watch out for red flags like clunky transitions, poor audio, or edits that drag on too long. Inconsistent quality across projects can also hint at a lack of experience or focus.
Follow up with a test project
A short trial edit gives you insight into both technical ability and soft skills. Ask candidates to cut a short clip. This could be 30 seconds of branded content, a teaser, or a quick intro video. It doesn’t have to be fancy. What matters is how well they understand your brief, how quickly they deliver, and how they respond to feedback.
Many entrepreneurs and business experts recommend tailoring trial projects to reflect real tasks. That’s the best way to see how someone handles the actual work and not just a generic test.
Give all candidates the same raw assets, a basic creative brief, and a clear deadline. You’re not just looking at the final product—you’re evaluating how well they follow instructions, make creative decisions, and communicate during the process. Did they clarify expectations? Meet the deadline? Submit a polished edit that matches the brief?
Test projects reveal far more than a resume or portfolio can. They show you how someone actually works—and whether they’re ready to be part of your team.
Smart Interview Questions to Ask Video Editor Candidates in an Interview
Once you’ve narrowed down your candidates, the interview is your chance to get a clearer picture of how they actually work. The right questions can reveal everything from technical know-how to how they handle pressure, feedback, and last-minute changes.
Here are a few solid ones to keep in your back pocket.
1. “Walk me through your typical editing workflow. What’s your first step after receiving raw footage?”
A good answer shows they have a clear, organized process. This covers everything from sorting and labeling clips to assembling a rough cut. It also gives you insight into how they manage time and prioritize tasks.
2. “How do you handle syncing audio if it’s slightly off?”
This checks for both problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. A thoughtful response might mention waveform matching, manual syncing, or using tools like PluralEyes.
3. “What’s your process for preparing exports for different platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok?”
Strong candidates will understand the importance of aspect ratios, compression settings, and platform-specific formatting. It shows they can deliver finished work ready for publishing.
4. “What do you do when a client asks for a style you’re not familiar with?”
Look for openness and a willingness to learn. A solid answer might include researching similar content, asking smart questions, or testing styles before delivering.
5. “Tell me about a time you had to fix a project last minute. What did you do?”
This one reveals how they perform under pressure. Bonus points if they stayed calm, worked efficiently, and still met the deadline without cutting corners.
6. “How do you manage project files and revisions?”
Editors who are organized will talk about naming conventions, version control, and tools like Frame.io or Dropbox for easy sharing.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right video editor can have a big impact on how your brand is perceived. Whether you’re producing product demos, social clips, or full-length explainers, strong editing makes the difference between content that gets ignored and content that gets results.
The best video editors combine technical ability with creative judgment. When you know what to look for, it’s easier to find someone who fits your content goals and works well with your team.
This article covered the key skills and traits to look for, but there’s more to the process. If you want help figuring out where to find great editors and how much to budget, check out our complete guide on how to hire video editors.
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