Joshua Cook
Clarkston,MI
Summary
Effective Staff Writer producing engaging articles and using sharp editing skills by writing for a verified vendor of the federal government. Looking for a freelance Staff Writer or Editor position where a great education and a background in journalism, editing, customer engagement, and social media management will be highly valued.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Writer
Federal Benefits Service
Farmington Hills, MI
12.2019 - Current
- Drafted and published accurate, engaging and fact-checked stories pertaining to the Federal workforce.
- Identified key mistakes in documents and used well-developed proofreading skills to make changes.
- Edited documents for grammar, clarity, content and formatting.
- Managed production of digital content for social media platforms.
Bartender Shift Manager
Union Woodshop
Clarkston, MI
04.2006 - 10.2023
- Managed bar area, created cocktails on the menu and handled regulation compliance and customer relationships.
- Monitored daily checklists and side worksheets to keep other bar staff members on task.
- Implemented special events to boost customer revenues and profits.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation and upselling techniques.
- Supervised cleanliness of guest service areas before, during and after service.
Freelance Content Writer
Grunge Magazine
03.2022 - 09.2022
- Researched and wrote original content for Grunge magazine website, youtube account, and social media platforms.
- Created engaging content to attract readership and increase traffic to sites.
- Generated ideas for fresh blog posts based on industry trends.
- Referenced credible sources for stories and reports.
- Delivered high-quality, insightful, informative and entertaining written content while meeting tight deadlines.
Content Writer
SourceReality
Lake Orion, MI
10.2011 - 02.2014
- Wrote topics concerning eastern philosophy, western occultism, and the popular blend of spirituality in the modern world.
- Interviewed, performed with, and promoted major musicians within the Kirtan community.
- Applied strong writing, editing and proofreading abilities to each assignment to produce the best possible content.
- Edited and proofread content to verify proper grammar, quality and consistency.
- Formatted articles, blogs and webpages with HTML, photos and infographics.
Assistant Bookstore Manager
Mayflower Bookshop
Berkley, MI
02.2011 - 04.2013
- Studied and worked directly under Robert Thibodeau, owner of Mayflower Bookshop, who was a metaphysical consultant for the Howard Stern Show, Pearl Jam, ZZ Top, Grateful Dead, and Alice Cooper.
- Helped list and price rare books in-store and online.
- Performed floor moves, merchandising, display maintenance and bookkeeping to keep sales areas well-stocked, organized and current.
- Assisted owner with development and maintenance of bookstore operating budget.
- Counted and balanced registers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
Oakland University
Rochester, MI12.2020
Skills
- Article writing expertise
- Journalistic reporting
- Editing skills
- Managing site-wide content
- Social media administrator
- Investigative research
- Excellent communication abilities
- Strong customer service worker
- Proficient with Microsoft Office
- Skilled in Wordpress (CMS)
Additional Information
- Created and edited content for a well-known Michigan-based Podcast.
- Volunteered annually as Reading Aide Specialist at Independence Elementary in Clarkston, Michigan.
- Organized and led writing workshops at Clarkston Independence Public Library.
- Professionally performed gambling demonstrations, card magic, & mentalism at events in the greater Detroit area.
References available upon request
Timeline
Freelance Content Writer
Grunge Magazine
03.2022 - 09.2022
Staff Writer
Federal Benefits Service
12.2019 - Current
Content Writer
SourceReality
10.2011 - 02.2014
Assistant Bookstore Manager
Mayflower Bookshop
02.2011 - 04.2013
Bartender Shift Manager
Union Woodshop
04.2006 - 10.2023
Bachelor of Arts - English
Oakland University