Skills:

Organization and project management. I can manage all aspects of a project – including planning assignments, researching and requesting information, working with writers and photographers on story development, setting deadlines, editing stories, making photography decisions, designing pages, proofing pages and preparing pages for printing.

Editing. My above-average spelling and grammar skills serve me — and the publications I have worked for — in producing a product that is made to the highest standard possible. I edit stories to adhere to Associated Press Style. I enjoy helping writers improve their stories for brevity, clarity, organization and structure.

Page design. I have designed several formats, including tabloid, broadsheet and glossy. I think in terms of the total editorial package — not just the textual elements of a story, but also the visual elements. Good photography will set off any story, and I work well with photographers to convey what the story needs.

Writing. While the majority of my writing experience has been feature writing for newspapers and magazines, I also can write in news style or turn my abilities to other formats. In any format, I write for brevity, clarity, fairness and accuracy. I have even taught both news and feature writing classes.

Technical skills. I am well-versed in both QuarkXPress and Photoshop, and I am familiar with many word processing programs. I work equally well on a Macintosh or a PC, and I learn quickly on most any software program. I have also maintained several company Web sites, which have involved placing text and uploading photos through a software interface. I am currently learning two new skills: basic HTML programming for this Web site and video editing using Final Cut Express.

Qualities and Attributes:

Teamwork. I work with others effectively, and I understand that a team works best when everyone works together in harmony to produce the best possible product.

Constant improvement Not only do I consistently look for ways to upgrade and improve my own skills, but I also upgrade the content and design of every publication I handle.

Positive workplace I bring a positive attitude to my work and my workplace. I have made workplaces better by suggesting and implementing fair policies and giving my co-workers the advice and support they need to get the job done. I accept supervision well and carry out my duties willingly.

In summary, I am an outward-focused, detail-oriented, objective, decision-maker. I am good at both talking to and listening to people and utilizing strengths to make a strong team. If there is a plan to be carried out or a deadline to be met, I am the best type of person because of my ability to coordinate the many details of a project. I like to design, talk, write and ultimately, improve my own abilities and help others improve theirs.