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If you’ve Googled “proofreader job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of bland posts. They all look the same: a few bullet points about grammar skills, a list of qualifications, and a generic “apply here.”
The problem? These cookie-cutter job descriptions don’t actually help you attract a great proofreader. Top candidates—the ones who can catch errors before they go live, polish writing so it flows, and protect your brand’s credibility—aren’t excited by checklists.
What they want to know is:
- What kind of content will they be proofreading?
- Why does this work matter?
- Who will they collaborate with?
- And what’s it like working in your company’s culture?
When your job description skips those questions, you lose out on the best talent—and end up with a pile of generic applications instead.
That’s why in this article, we’ll walk through what a proofreader job description should really look like. We’ll also share good examples (and a bad one), plus a copy-paste template you can adapt to your own team.
👉 Before we dive in, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It breaks down why most job ads fail, and how you can transform yours into a recruiting tool that excites and inspires candidates.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What a Proofreader Actually Does - Their Roles
At its core, a proofreader is the final gatekeeper of your written content. Their job is to make sure every piece of text your company publishes—whether it’s a blog article, marketing campaign, product manual, or internal report—is polished, professional, and error-free.
But proofreading isn’t just about fixing typos. A great proofreader ensures your writing is clear, consistent, and aligned with your brand’s voice. They catch the small things others miss: grammar mistakes, formatting inconsistencies, awkward phrasing, or even tone shifts that could confuse readers.
In many ways, proofreaders protect your reputation. A sloppy email, a misprinted brochure, or an error on your website doesn’t just look unprofessional—it can cost trust. That’s why attention to detail, strong language skills, and the ability to focus under tight deadlines are essential qualities for this role.
The best proofreaders aren’t just nitpickers with red pens—they’re partners in communication. They help your team present ideas with clarity and confidence, ensuring that what you publish reflects your standards of quality.
Two Great Proofreader Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Descrription For Experienced Proofreader
📌 Job Title: Proofreader for Marketing & Editorial Content (Remote, Full-Time)
🏢 Company: Brightline Media
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
(Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are — Brightline Media
Brightline Media is a fully remote content studio serving B2B SaaS, e-commerce, and health brands across North America. Our 22-person team publishes 120–150 long-form articles, email campaigns, and landing pages each month for growth-stage clients (Series A–C). We care about measurable outcomes—clear messaging, higher conversions, and content that protects brand credibility. Our writers follow client style guides (AP/Chicago variants), and our editors/PMs run projects through Asana, Google Docs, and Grammarly Business.
The Role
We’re hiring a seasoned proofreader to be the final quality checkpoint on everything we ship. You’ll ensure grammar, punctuation, formatting, and voice consistency are flawless across articles, marketing pages, emails, and sales collateral. You’ll collaborate with writers, editors, and designers to keep standards tight and timelines moving.
What You’ll Do
- Proofread blogs, long-form guides, landing pages, emails, and sales one-pagers
- Enforce client style guides; maintain internal glossaries and terminology
- Catch grammar, punctuation, spacing, hyphenation, and formatting issues
- Flag clarity issues and suggest light line edits when needed
- Check layout/typography handoffs (H1/H2 hierarchy, captions, callouts)
- Prioritize multiple deadlines and turnaround same-day rushes when required
What You’ll Bring
- 2+ years professional proofreading/editorial experience (agency or in-house)
- Expert command of English and at least one major style guide (AP, Chicago)
- Meticulous attention to detail; you spot errors others skim past
- Comfort working in Google Docs, Asana, Grammarly, and basic PDF mark-up
- Polished, collaborative communication with writers and PMs
Compensation
- 💰 $48,000–$60,000 USD base, DOE
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (company contribution)
- 401(k) with company match (US) / pension-equivalent support (non-US)
- 20 days PTO + 10 company holidays + sick days
- $1,000 annual learning stipend (courses, books, certifications)
- Home-office stipend + coworking reimbursement
- Fully remote with flexible core hours (team syncs Tues–Thurs)
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You love being the last line of defense for brand quality
- Your superpower is consistency: voice, tone, formatting, and details
- You want a team that values speed and standards—and gives you the tools to uphold both
How to Apply
Apply via our WorkScreen link: [Insert link]. You’ll complete a short evaluation to demonstrate attention to detail and style-guide accuracy. We review every application and respond within two weeks.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Proofreader (Willing-to-Train)
📌 Job Title: Junior Proofreader (Editorial Team) — Remote-Friendly
🏢 Company: Brightline Media
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
(Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are — Brightline Media
Brightline Media helps growth-stage brands publish clean, confident content at scale. We partner with marketing and product teams to turn complex ideas into clear writing that converts. You’ll join our editorial group (3 editors, 10 writers) and learn our quality workflow across Google Docs, Asana, and Grammarly Business, using AP/Chicago-based client style guides.
The Role
If you love reading, notice tiny errors, and want to build a career in editing, this is for you. You’ll start with surface-level proofreading (spelling, punctuation, basic grammar), learn our style guides, and gradually take on more complex checks with mentorship from senior editors.
What You’ll Do
- Proofread for typos, punctuation, spacing, and basic grammar
- Apply client style guides (we’ll train you) and update internal glossaries
- Support editors on final pre-publish checks and QA passes
- Learn to flag clarity/tone issues and propose simple fixes
- Manage a steady queue with clear deadlines
What You’ll Bring
- Strong command of written English (degree helpful but not required)
- Curiosity, focus, and a calm approach to deadlines
- Growth mindset—you seek feedback and level up quickly
- Familiarity with Google Docs; exposure to AP/Chicago is a plus
Compensation
- 💰 $34,000–$40,000 USD base, DOE
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (company contribution)
- 18 days PTO + 10 company holidays + sick days
- $600 annual learning stipend + structured mentorship
- Remote-friendly schedule with flexible start times
- Home-office stipend for setup
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’re detail-obsessed and want to turn that into a craft
- You’ll get hands-on training, clear feedback, and a growth path into editing
- Your work will directly improve the polish (and performance) of content seen by thousands
How to Apply
Apply via our WorkScreen link: [Insert link]. You’ll complete a short, practical proofreading exercise. We respond to every applicant within 1–2 weeks.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown: Why These Proofreader Job Posts Work
1. Clear, Specific Titles
Instead of “Proofreader” or “Junior Editor,” the job titles spell out exactly what the role involves and who it’s for:
- “Proofreader for Marketing & Editorial Content (Remote, Full-Time)”
- “Junior Proofreader (Editorial Team) — Remote-Friendly”
This adds context, filters the right applicants, and signals transparency.
2. Video Adds a Human Touch
Including a short Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager makes the post feel personal and approachable. Candidates don’t just see a faceless job listing—they hear directly from the team they’d be joining. That builds trust and connection.
3. Company Context Feels Real
Rather than a vague “About Us” section, the descriptions highlight Brightline Media’s team size, type of clients, workflow, and tools. This paints a clear picture of the environment and helps candidates self-select.
4. Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks
Notice how the duties go beyond “fix grammar” or “check punctuation.” They emphasize impact:
- “Be the final quality checkpoint”
- “Protect brand credibility”
- “Support editors on pre-publish QA”
This language shows why the role matters and how it connects to company goals.
5. Transparent Compensation
Both posts include real salary ranges. This builds trust and weeds out mismatched applicants early. Transparency also signals that the company values fairness.
6. Separate Perks & Benefits
Instead of merging everything into “Why you’ll love working here,” perks and benefits are clearly separated: health coverage, PTO, stipends, flexibility, etc. Candidates can easily scan what’s offered.
7. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section
This part is written in a conversational, candidate-first style. It speaks to what they value (“you love being the last line of defense,” “you’re detail-obsessed and want to turn that into a craft”) instead of what the company wants. That flips the perspective—and makes the post more engaging.
8. Respectful Application Process
By explaining that every applicant will get a response within 1–2 weeks and that applications go through WorkScreen, the process feels fair and efficient. In a market where most candidates hear nothing back, this alone makes the job post stand out.
👉 The overall result: these descriptions don’t just check boxes—they connect. They respect candidates’ time, highlight company culture, and sell the opportunity instead of just listing duties.
Example of a Bad Proofreader Job Description (And Why It Fails)
📌 Job Title: Proofreader
Company: Global Media Group
Location: Remote | Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking a proofreader to review documents for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Key Responsibilities
- Check documents for errors
- Ensure accuracy of grammar and punctuation
- Review formatting
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in English or related field
- 2–3 years of experience proofreading
- Strong communication skills
How to Apply
Send your CV and cover letter to careers@globalmediagroup.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Job Title
Just “Proofreader” doesn’t say who the role is for, what type of content they’ll be working on, or why it matters. It’s vague and uninviting. - Cold, Minimal Introduction
The job summary is a single sentence with no context about the company, its mission, or the team environment. Candidates can’t tell if they’d be excited to join. - Responsibilities Are Too Broad
“Check documents for errors” could mean anything—marketing, legal, academic. There’s no clarity, so the wrong candidates are likely to apply. - No Salary or Benefits Mentioned
Leaving out compensation feels outdated and makes candidates suspicious about transparency. Serious applicants want to know what they’re signing up for. - Culture and Values Ignored
Nothing about the team, collaboration, or company culture. To top talent, this reads like a faceless contract gig rather than a role with purpose. - Dismissive Application Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” comes across as cold and disrespectful. It signals a one-sided relationship instead of a fair process. - Zero Personality in the CTA
The call-to-action is flat: “Send CV.” There’s no encouragement, no enthusiasm, and no sense of opportunity—it feels transactional.
👉 In short, this kind of job post might attract some applicants, but they’re likely to be the wrong ones: people mass-applying to any proofreading gig instead of thoughtful, detail-oriented candidates who care about quality.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Proofreader Job Post Stand Out
Even after writing a strong job description, there are a few extra touches you can add to make your post more trustworthy, engaging, and appealing to top talent:
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Job seekers worry about scams—and with good reason. Reassure them up front that your hiring process is safe and legitimate.
👉 Example: “We take applicant privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or sensitive personal information during the hiring process.”
2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Great proofreaders are detail-focused, but that kind of work is mentally draining. Showing that you value work-life balance makes your post more attractive.
👉 Example: “Enjoy 20 days of PTO annually, plus flex Fridays so you can recharge and return with fresh focus.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Proofreaders often aspire to grow into editors or content strategists. Mentioning this pathway makes your post resonate with ambitious candidates.
👉 Example: “We offer mentorship with senior editors and an annual $1,000 learning stipend to help you level up your skills.”
4. Add a Video for a Personal Touch
A short Loom or YouTube clip from your hiring manager or editor-in-chief can transform your listing from faceless to personal. Candidates want to see the humans behind the brand.
👉 Example: “Here’s a quick video from Sarah, our Senior Editor, sharing what it’s like to work on the Brightline Media team.”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Be Transparent About the Hiring Process
Proofreaders value clarity. Sharing what comes after “Apply here” makes candidates feel respected and reduces application anxiety.
👉 Example: “Our process includes an initial review, a short proofreading exercise, and a 30-minute interview with the editor. Every applicant receives a response within two weeks.”
Adding even one or two of these extras can make your proofreader job description 10× more compelling—and help you attract serious, motivated candidates instead of mass applicants.
Should You Use AI to Write a Proofreader Job Description?
AI can be a helpful tool—but only if you use it wisely. Many companies make the mistake of clicking “generate” and pasting the result straight into a job post. The problem? Those AI-written templates often sound generic, lifeless, and disconnected from your actual company.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- Generic output → “We are looking for a detail-oriented proofreader to join our team” isn’t going to inspire top candidates.
- Attracts the wrong applicants → Lazy, one-size-fits-all posts tend to pull in people who mass-apply without caring about fit.
- Hurts your brand → A job description is a first impression. If it feels robotic, candidates assume your company culture is the same.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
Instead of letting AI decide what your job post should say, feed it the raw ingredients and let it polish, structure, and enhance your message.
👉 Example Prompt:
“Help me write a proofreader job post for Brightline Media. We produce 120+ monthly content pieces for B2B and e-commerce clients. We’re hiring a proofreader to enforce AP/Chicago style guides, protect brand credibility, and support our writers/editors. Our culture values attention to detail, collaboration, and deadlines. We offer $48–60K salary, 20 days PTO, remote flexibility, and a $1,000 learning stipend. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Please write in a friendly, human tone.”
This way, AI becomes a partner that refines your input instead of replacing it.
👉 Bottom line: AI should never be your ghostwriter—it should be your editor’s assistant. Use it to sharpen your message, not to create one from scratch.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Copy-Paste Proofreader Job Description Templates
We get it—sometimes you don’t have hours to craft the “perfect” job description. You just need a strong starting point you can edit and make your own.
Here are two quick templates you can copy, paste, and customize for your company:
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational (Culture-First) Template
Job Title: Proofreader – Keep Our Content Flawless at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] turns complex ideas into clear, confident writing for [your industry/clients]. We value precision, fast feedback loops, and a supportive editorial culture. You’ll join a collaborative team that cares about getting the details right the first time.
The Role
You’ll be the final set of eyes on blogs, landing pages, emails, and reports—ensuring error-free, on-brand content. You’ll partner with writers/designers, uphold our style standards, and protect our brand credibility across everything we publish.
What You’ll Do
- Proofread marketing/editorial copy for grammar, punctuation, consistency, and tone
- Apply and maintain our style guide ([AP/Chicago/House Style]) and terminology/glossary
- Flag clarity issues; suggest light line edits when needed
- Manage deadlines across multiple projects; handle occasional rushes
What You’ll Bring
- Strong command of written English and editorial conventions
- Familiarity with [AP/Chicago/House Style]
- Meticulous attention to detail; calm under deadlines
- Collaborative communication with writers/editors/PMs
- Experience with [Google Docs, Grammarly, CMS, Asana] is a plus
Perks & Benefits
- [Health/Dental/Vision] coverage
- days PTO + company holidays + sick days
- Annual learning stipend: [$X00–$X,000]
- Remote-friendly with flexible hours; home-office stipend
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You love being the last line of defense, you notice what others miss, and you enjoy collaborating to ship clean, consistent, on-brand content—fast.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. Every applicant receives a response within [X–Y] days.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Template
Job Title: Junior Proofreader at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] is hiring a junior proofreader to polish copy before publication. You’ll help ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency across our marketing and editorial content.
Responsibilities
- Review blogs, emails, landing pages, and documents for typos and basic grammar
- Enforce [AP/Chicago/House Style] and internal terminology
- Flag unclear phrasing; suggest simple fixes
- Support editors on final QA and pre-publish checks
- Meet deadlines across a steady project queue
Requirements
- Strong written English; detail-oriented and organized
- Familiarity with [AP/Chicago] preferred (training provided)
- Comfortable in [Google Docs/Grammarly/CMS]
- Growth mindset—open to feedback and coaching
Perks & Benefits
- [Health/Dental/Vision] coverage
- days PTO + company holidays
- Learning stipend: [$X00–$X,000] + mentorship
- Remote-friendly schedule; flexible start times
How to Apply
Submit your application via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. We respond to every applicant within [X–Y] days.
Next Step: Let WorkScreen.io Handle the Evaluation
Writing a great proofreader job description is only half the battle. Once the applications start rolling in, the real challenge begins:
- How do you separate serious candidates from low-effort applicants?
- How do you quickly identify the proofreaders with real skill — not just polished résumés?
- And how do you avoid spending hours manually screening submissions?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Here’s how WorkScreen helps you hire smarter:
✅ Quickly spot your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Run one-click skill tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate low-effort or AI-driven applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
👉 Bottom line: You’ve put effort into writing a strong, human job description — don’t let your evaluation process become a bottleneck. Let WorkScreen.io help you screen fairly, save time, and make better hiring decisions.
🔗 Sign up with WorkScreen.io today and start hiring with confidence.
Proofreader Job Description - FAQs
A strong proofreader combines technical language skills with soft skills:
- Language mastery: grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary
- Familiarity with style guides: AP, Chicago, MLA, or your company’s house style
- Attention to detail: the ability to catch subtle errors others miss
- Time management: delivering accurate work under tight deadlines
- Consistency: ensuring tone, formatting, and terminology match across projects
- Collaboration: communicating clearly with writers, editors, and designers
Proofreader salaries vary depending on location, industry, and experience:
- Entry-level or junior proofreaders typically earn between $32,000 – $40,000/year in the US.
- Mid-level proofreaders average around $45,000 – $55,000/year.
- Experienced or specialized proofreaders (e.g., legal, medical, technical content) can earn $60,000+/year, especially in large organizations or niche industries.
Freelance proofreaders often charge per word or per project, ranging from $20–$40/hour.
- Proofreaders focus on surface-level issues: grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistency.
- Editors may go deeper — restructuring sentences, improving clarity, rewriting sections, or shaping the overall voice.
Think of proofreading as the final polish before publishing, while editing can reshape the text itself.
Not necessarily. While a degree in English, journalism, or communications can help, many successful proofreaders are self-taught or come from related backgrounds like writing, publishing, or marketing. What matters most is a proven eye for detail and experience working with text. Certifications from professional organizations (e.g., CIEP, EFA) can also build credibility.
