39 Editor Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Editor interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Behavioral Questions
- 3. Career Goals Questions
- 4. Commitment Questions
- 5. Common Questions
- 6. Compatibility Questions
- 7. Competency Questions
- 8. Decision Making Questions
- 9. Development Questions
- 10. Discovery Questions
- 11. Education Questions
- 12. Leadership Questions
- 13. Open-ended Questions
- 14. Process Questions
- 15. Situational Questions
Accomplishment
1. What was your greatest accomplishment as an Editor?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear you talk about something you're proud of. What you choose to discuss as your most significant achievement shows the interviewer what you think is important, and how you achieved it will tell them how you get things done. Try thinking about challenging projects or problems you helped solve or big ideas you suggested. If you are a recent graduate or someone with minimal relevant career experience, then you probably don't have many career-oriented accomplishments, and that's okay. That doesn't mean you don't have things to be proud of. Consider leadership roles in college, volunteer work you're passionate about, and articles or publications you may have contributed to in the past. The employer does not just want to know what you did, but with who, when, where, and how you did it as well.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest accomplishment was when I was a content leader and editor at a local design agency. I was part of a small team of writers and editors assigned to redesign the website to attract new regional clients. As a senior member of the team, I was tasked with being the content strategist and overall editor of content related to marketing and branding. Our team was small but expected to deliver big results as bigger agencies in our market were crowding out our little agency. I spearheaded the process for the website redesign by having clear creative milestones and regular check-ins with the agency owners. I was able to engage other team members in a way that made everyone feel valued and motivated. I even sat alongside my design counterparts to make edits right to their files, building up camaraderie and ensuring efficiency. Our team completed the project on schedule, and quickly we were able to see an increase in site traffic. We landed two new client pitches within 30 days and secured both of them for long-term campaigns. Through trust-building and collaboration with every team member, I can proudly say the redesign was a major success."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Accomplishment
2. What have your achievements been to date?
How to Answer
Interviewers want to learn about specific examples of your work that you are proud of. These examples give them an idea of projects you have completed and what they can expect from you. Think of professional achievements that are most recent and somewhat relevant to the job or career. Sometimes employers will ask for your greatest professional achievement, and sometimes they'll leave it open to interpretation. No matter how they phrase the question, keep your answer focused on professional achievement. Before the interview, take some time to prepare an outline of your achievements to feel comfortable providing a solution during your interview.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my last position as a junior editor, our team lost a colleague when due to relocation. He was the lead editor for our social media and marketing campaigns. Unfortunately, no one else on the team had worked on this type of work. Since I had experience editing other social media-related content and marketing materials during a past internship, I volunteered to take on the lead role as his temporary replacement until a more senior editor could get hired and trained. I got the chance to work with several other senior editors and learned as much as possible within a short amount of time. I was able to keep the content fresh and exciting while learning a lot about how to work with experienced writers. Eventually, when the senior editor was hired, I was assigned to train him, and he included me as part of the team as an advisor."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
3. What was your biggest disappointment as an Editor?
How to Answer
The interviewer asks this question to get you to discuss a negative and how it was handled. The interviewer is looking for how you handled the situation and what you learned from the experience. Choose something significant in your professional life where someone or something fell short of expectations and what you did to handle it, along with any professional learning you may have acquired and how you would approach the situation in the future.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My biggest disappointment is that I was not given a full-time offer at the end of my internship this past summer. However, my manager explained that interns had no full-time offers due to a temporary hiring freeze. He also noted that if and when that freeze was lifted, I would be the first to whom they would be making an offer. In retrospect, I chose the internship for the experience and role as a junior editor and didn't look as closely at how things were going at a corporate earnings level. However, it has given me the opportunity to explore other options have the opportunity to meet with other employers such as you."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
4. Imagine that the author of an article did not like your edits, and argued with you. What would you do?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn more about how you work with authors and work through disagreements. Give a specific example, if possible. How you present your opinion to a writer is often more important than whatever is going on in the manuscript. We're all humans, and we all bring different experiences to the table. No one wants to be treated as if their time and skills aren't valuable. If you want the final product to be the best it can be, a healthy working relationship between writer and editor is a must.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I've learned through my past experiences that a good editor should avoid changing an author's voice or writing style. The editor should ask questions of the author regarding unclear issues in the writing and offer suggestions on how to clarify for reader understanding. If an author does not like my suggested edits, I've found that it's best to open up the discussion, explain my point of view, and be respectful and straightforward. I'll offer suggestions and rewrite the sentence or paragraph so the author can see my points more clearly, but I typically let the author make the final call."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
5. How do you stay motivated with repetitive tasks like proofreading, fact-checking or source-checking?
How to Answer
Employee motivation is an essential factor for every employer. Suppose they have to choose between an inexperienced but motivated job seeker and a seasoned assistant with ten years of experience who does not like their job. In most cases, they will choose motivation over experience. Ultimately, it's your attitude that counts. Your nonverbal communication tells a story about your motivation. You should do your best to show enthusiasm in the interview, smile, talk positively about everything, and listen carefully. They have to see your motivation, not only listen to you talk about it.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"From my point of view, the job of an editor is not a repetitive job. Of course, some tasks repeat regularly, but that's the case with every other job as well. New problems and challenges occur all the time, which makes the job challenging and interesting. In my past role as an editor, I have been quite innovative and often experimented with styles and formats. Therefore, despite the work being repetitive and cumbersome at times, innovation helps me remain motivated."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
6. What motivates you as an Editor?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know if you'll be an engaged, happy, and productive worker inspired to do your very best in that environment. They want to know that you will align with what they believe in and in the values and mission they've established at the company. Providing insight into the forces that motivate you at work can be a window into your personality and work style, thereby helping your interviewers understand you as a person and a potential employee. Think about what you find most gratifying in your past work as an editor. Take some time to consider why you chose this career, and maybe even make a list of all the aspects of previous jobs that excited and energized you the most.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm driven primarily by my desire to learn new things, both big and small, and take on new roles and responsibilities so that I'm constantly growing as an editor and contributing more to my team and the organization. I believe that the smallest details can make a big difference, even in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Luckily, I genuinely love to exhaustively review, check, confirm, and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
7. Give an example of a time when you had to edit or write a piece under a strict deadline. How did you ensure that you met the deadline?
How to Answer
There will always be some goals you have to attain and some deadlines you have to meet in your job. Hiring managers want to know that you understand deadlines and want to know more about your experience meeting them. You will have to deliver your edits on time, and sometimes the deadline will be tight. Describe a specific situation, keep it positive - it's your attitude to overcoming obstacles that interests the interviewers.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I experience tight deadlines all the time while working as an editor. At my last company, some freelance writers sent their articles just one day before the close, so I had to edit them after hours and often through the night to ensure that the articles were ready for press on the next day. It was hard, but I never complained because I understand how things work in the magazine and news business. It is one of the reasons why I considered quitting the job and why I applied for the position of editor for a publishing house. Editors have deadlines when editing books, but it depends more on their time management skills; while in the newspaper business, you have to wait for someone else to send you their work for editing. You never really have things under control."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
8. What have you done in past situations to contribute toward a teamwork environment?
How to Answer
This question asks about the structure and functioning of the team and your role in developing and sustaining that team. You should try to give an example of a properly functioning team and your role in getting the team to that level. If you're a team member, talk about what you did within the team to contribute to the success. Consider an example from your background and professional experience and use the S-T-A-R approach whenever possible.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I joined my last company, my team was having daily status meetings that often lasted more than an hour. There was often no formal agenda, and team members usually spent the time complaining about something or someone. After a few weeks, I requested that we have 15-minute check-ins each morning and a one-hour weekly meeting on Wednesdays over lunch. Then I introduced the concept of spontaneous, daily standup meetings for any person on my team to call and lead during the week to solve any difficult problems. We were able to get the team working well together daily to the point that we were able to reduce the status meeting standup to once a week."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
9. Give an example of a time when you made a mistake because you did not listen well to what someone had to say.
How to Answer
This is a chance for the interviewer to see that you can acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them. An employer would rather hire candidates who admit and grow from their mistakes than those who think they never make any. It's important to make sure you have an answer prepared before you are interviewed. Make sure to discuss how you addressed the problem and outline the steps you took to rectify it. The interviewer will want to know how you handle complicated situations and take ownership of your mistakes.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"At my previous internship, I underestimated the amount of time I would need to work on a presentation for a team meeting. Other teammates had some experience and saw that I was struggling a bit. I was still getting used to the workflow in this fast-paced office setting, so I didn't realize that I would need an extra few hours to put a deck together, and I didn't ask for help early on. The workload exceeded the time I had to finish, and I finally asked my manager for help to complete it in time. It was a valuable lesson in time management, and I've become better at listening to team members with more experience. I'm also better at prioritizing and mapping out my schedule as a result of that experience."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
10. Describe your editing process
How to Answer
You need to show the interviewer that you're a professional who understands and controls the editing process--lay out your approach or philosophy for editing in a sequential manner. Assure the interviewer that you understand that editing is a process that involves several steps and that the purpose of editing is to ensure that the writer's ideas are presented to the reader as clearly as possible.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Over time, I've developed an efficient editing process that has allowed me to regularly meet the goals of the project. I usually work at the macro-level or 'big picture' edit approach. I look at the overall structure of the written material, the narrative arc, the main idea, the overall message, and the intended audience. Once those higher-level issues are resolved, I move to copyediting (paragraph and sentence level editing) and proofreading (grammar, spelling, and punctuation)."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
11. How would you handle sensitive writers who question every edit you make?
How to Answer
Interviewers want to know that you are a leader and manager of others and must therefore demonstrate diplomacy and how you handle tension and stressful situations. Conflict and disagreements are part of any job. When possible, share examples of times you've encountered stressful situations or dealt with conflict with writers in the past.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I've worked with sensitive writers in the past and would often hold a private meeting to understand how they feel when I edit their work. I typically explain that their work is excellent and well written (when it is) and that the editing role is my job - I'm responsible for taking it to the final stage and bringing it up to style expectations. They don't need to take it personally as it is not a reflection of the quality of their work. It's just my job to do that."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Career Goals
12. Tell us about an editing project that has brought you a lot of satisfaction.
How to Answer
When a hiring manager asks you about your past projects, they are trying to understand the characteristics of your current job. This will inform them of some of your experiences, what you can do, what you enjoy doing, and the skills you may have learned. They are trying to figure out if you are qualified for the position, so if they know what you have done in the past, they will decide if this position is in your future. Make sure to talk about what made the editing project interesting for you - was it the topic, the level of difficulty, the teamwork, or some other factor.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Engaging work with a team of writers is the type of work that satisfies me the most. This type of work draws me in, holds my attention, and gives me a sense of flow - a state of effortlessness where my skills, attention, and focus perfectly match the challenge at hand. One of my favorite projects was when I worked with a team of writers to develop a book series with a common theme. We met at the beginning of the project, and we quickly developed a great deal of trust with each other. The writers gave me the freedom to perform the editing work how I felt best complimented the work of the writers. Clear tasks and goals with defined at the start of the project, and we constantly touched base and provided feedback to each other."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Career Goals
13. In your view, what is the role of an Editor?
How to Answer
Interviewers ask this common interview question to make sure you have a strong view of your role as editor. An editor is a critical reader whose job is to polish and refine a story or an article. Editors are responsible for checking facts, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. They are also responsible for ensuring that an article aligns with in-house style guides and feels polished and refined when completed. Take time before the interview to make a list of the requirements in the job posting; include your thoughts on the role of an editor.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my opinion, an editor needs to be a critical reader, a good listener, and a lover of words; whose job is to polish and refine a story or an article. There are many alterations and decisions that need to be made before a piece of writing is published. An editor needs to balance the voice of the writer with the needs of the audience, taking a dual-sided point of view to keep both parties happy and provide quality work."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Career Goals
14. How would you define success as an Editor?
How to Answer
Hiring managers want to know what you see as a personal, team, and organizational success to evaluate your suitability as a candidate for the company. Your answer could reflect what you think are the most important aspects of the position. If you mention how important it is to complete every task by the set deadline, the hiring manager will see you hold yourself to high expectations regarding timeliness. Prepare for this question ahead of time by making a list of potential answers - this will help you answer more confidently and fluidly in the interview. If you can, research online and try to learn more about how the company defines success.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I think you can only achieve personal success when the entire team achieves success. As an intern for an advertising agency, I was a member of a large writing team, and we had strict deadlines to deliver a monthly newsletter. It was crucial that I communicated regularly with my colleagues and double-checked my work before final edits. I know that this company values work ethic and community spirit, so I think we'll be able to find success together."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Career Goals
15. What made you choose to become an Editor?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see if you understand what an editor position entails and why you chose this profession. You can mention your roles in former workplaces or stick to the company's job description is provided. Whichever way you answer the question, make sure you sell yourself and show enthusiasm for this job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
" I'm a naturally creative and curious person and have always had an interest in writing about a broad range of topics. I also have a passion for detail and accuracy. I was often asked to edit my classmate's papers in college. During college, I explored many different majors, such as advertising and journalism, and decided to accept an internship as a junior editor during my senior year. I worked with some very talented writers and became intrigued by language; I enjoyed finding just the right word to convey a point - making sense of a complicated piece of information and working with text until it flowed smoothly."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Career Goals
16. What are your long-term goals or plans?
How to Answer
When you interview for any job, you can expect the hiring team to ask you to describe your long-term career goals. Thinking about your professional aspirations ahead of time can help you discuss them effectively and position yourself as a strong candidate for the job. Interviewers want to know how ambitious and focused you are, and they also want to assess whether you are goal-oriented. When discussing with an interviewer, you should plan to discuss goals relevant to the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My top priority is to develop my knowledge and expertise and become a managing editor. I also plan to continue to build out my digital and technical capabilities to keep up with the industry standards. As I continue on my career path, I feel it will always be important for me to deliver meaningful content and present it in a way that will gain attention and make an impact."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Commitment
17. What are your career goals?
How to Answer
Your career goals will give the interviewer an idea of what type of employee you will be - long term or short term. Is this position something you will be staying in for a while, or is this a temporary stop until a better opportunity comes along. Your answer to this interview question should be related to the position and company. You can start by talking about short-term goals and then roll into the long-term ones -your answer will sound much more logical and your plans well thought out.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm aiming to discover some new talented authors in the upcoming years. Delivering a bestselling book would help me establish my name as an editor in the publishing industry and help me gradually build a strong clientele of writers."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Common
18. What personal weakness has caused you the greatest difficulty in school or at work?
How to Answer
This is a common interview question for many professionals.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness used to be delegation. To improve my teams' efficiency, I would take it upon myself to do many additional small tasks throughout my shift as the lead editor that others could have done. Once I realized that I was doing more work than most of the junior editors, and they were achieving better results, I reevaluated what I was doing. I quickly realized that if I assigned each person just one small task at the beginning of the shift, clearly stated expectations for the project, and then followed up, everything would get done, and I could accomplish much more."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Common
19. What do you know about our company, and why would you want to work for us?
How to Answer
This question is an invitation to show how much you know about the specific organization. Prepare for this question by reviewing the company website to learn about the history, mission and vision, products or services offered, customers and clients, financial performance, number of employees, and company culture and values. Also, research and read the company blogs, newsletters, reports, social media profiles, news, and press releases, and watch any company videos, if they're available. During the interview, point out specific things that you like most about the company, such as its well-established track record, visionary goals, growth potential, or the fun, employee-friendly work culture.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"From researching your company, I found out that you have a strong regional presence and that you are on the verge of venturing into the international market. I admire the company's mission of providing a casual and collaborative work environment. The writing and editing staff testimonials also portray this as a creative, fun, and energetic environment. I look forward to joining and thriving in this type of work environment and utilizing my skills, educational background, international experience, and editing experience in this position."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Common
20. What do you know about our organization?
How to Answer
Employers want to know that you are genuinely interested in their company and this opportunity. It's always a good idea to look into the company you're interviewing with. Before the interview, review the company's website and social media platforms and any mentions of their products or services in the media. Examine the various aspects of the company's structure and profitability, including how much the company is worth, how many editors and writers they employ, and how many locations there are.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I know and love the fact that your media company was founded in the '90s by a group of young, female writers. I feel a real connection to the mission and values of this company, and I am so impressed by how much it has grown over the last several years. The work that you do and the awards that you win are very impressive. I knew as soon as I saw this opening that I wanted to be a part of this creative team of editors."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Compatibility
21. What books/magazines/newspapers do you enjoy reading?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know if you keep up with the current happenings and recent developments and that you read a variety of different things that may influence your job as an editor. Mention standards like newspapers, blogs, and magazines, but only if you read them- be honest. You can also mention books related to the business you are going to be in, or if you have read it and find it to be inspiring or helpful in any way.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I read the local newspaper online daily since I like to know what is happening in my community. I also read periodicals such as Newsweek, Time, People, US News, and World Report. I scan and review all of the journals relevant to my area of responsibility as an editor and what interests me personally. to further my career. I tend to start a book but then never find the time to finish it. I recently joined with friends to start a book club of up and coming authors, which will be fun and social, but also force me to finish a book and share thoughts with other readers."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Compatibility
22. What would the ideal editing job be for you?
How to Answer
If asked about your ideal editing job, you should respond that you wish to work on assignments that give you the chance to grow professionally and continue doing what you are passionate about. Before the interview, make a list of your skillset, job interests, and goals. Look at your list and compare this to the qualifications, duties, and expectations of the job you are applying for, and see where the two overlap.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I would describe the ideal editing job as one that makes the most of my qualifications and abilities, and gives me a chance to be creative and challenge myself. I enjoy assignments that allow enough space for me to do my job well, with healthy teamwork, good communication, respect, and mutual understanding between the managers, writers, and editors."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Competency
23. We have several candidates with similar qualifications. Tell us some reasons why we should hire you?
How to Answer
The most impressive candidates leave a lasting impression by being specific about their key strengths and qualifications. Provide details about your experience, education, accomplishments, and key qualifications for the role. If appropriate, try to touch on how your background, networking connections, or past professional experiences can bring value and business to the company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I feel that you should hire me given my relevant editing experience, an excellent academic background, along with the skills your company is looking for. I have the work experience and the attitude to excel in this role. If given a chance, I will work towards building my expertise and growing as an editor and leader, which would prove beneficial for me as well as your organization."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Competency
24. Tell us about your ability to multitask in this position.
How to Answer
The hiring manager is asking if you can juggle multiple things at once. It's a fair question, especially with the sheer number of phone calls, emails, and meetings that can come up on any given day. Multitasking effectively means being able to switch focus with efficiency. Make sure that your answer demonstrates that you can complete tasks and achieve goals, not just work on multiple things at once. Prior to the interview, determine whether multitasking is a job requirement. Carefully read the job description, paying close attention to the requirements. It should be evident whether this job requires multitasking or singular focus. Once you've figured out what the interviewer is looking for, match your skills and qualifications to the job, and emphasize those most valuable skills to the employer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I prefer to handle one editing project at a time. It allows me to focus on the task at hand. However, in business, while that would be ideal, the reality is that I need to adjust to outside forces and unexpected requests. When a lot of things come at me at once, I create a checklist, which helps me to focus, prioritize, and guides me to work on the most pressing needs first."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Decision Making
25. How do you make decisions? Give an example.
How to Answer
Employers love asking interview questions about decision-making. They want to make sure you can handle pressure and react well to challenging situations. You need to clearly describe how you make decisions and give examples of past decisions that worked out well for you. Describe a system or a process that you follow. It doesn't have to be an exact science, but you want to sound like you approach decisions in a similar way, rather than doing something completely different each time or trusting your gut.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I like to gather as much information as possible to aid in my decision, but I also consider how much time is available to me. Editors are often under strict deadlines and need to make decisions quickly, even if all the information can't be gathered, so I weigh time versus information. Then I looked at possible outcomes and the likely results of my decisions and made the best choice for my team and organization. At my last job, I led an important writing and editing assignment for a media client, and two team members quit the company midway through the project. This happened just minutes before our scheduled weekly call with the client, so I had to think quickly and use problem-solving skills and communication skills to inform the client what had happened and create a plan to proceed with the project. In the end, the client was okay with the situation and liked my decision and plan to move forward. I think my decision to go into the call with confidence even though I had been caught off-guard by the situation is what helped. Also, my transparency and clear communication with the client maintained their trust and strengthened our relationship."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Development
26. What have you done to further your own professional development in the past 5 years?
How to Answer
This question is about finding out if you are interested in continual learning and self-improvement. Businesses are constantly changing and adapting to stay competitive and profitable. This means that as the company changes, its workforce needs to adapt too. This is also why employers, when making hiring decisions, look for candidates who are proactive in their professional self-development. You should be prepared to answer questions about self-development and how you consider yourself a life-long learner. Start by writing down the top courses or workshops that you have completed in recent years. Include a short paragraph or bullet points on how you benefited from that course. Your goal is to present yourself as someone eager to learn and develop.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"To keep developing myself as a professional, I've asked other experienced editors, who I've known for years through my network, to join me in a mentor group. For the past five years, this mentor/mentee relationship has been beneficial and educated in new developments in my field. I meet with my mentor group for coffee once a month, and we share articles and tips on becoming better professionals and leaders. They also provide me with challenges to stretch myself professionally and personally."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Discovery
27. What makes you passionate about being an Editor?
How to Answer
Employers ask this question to determine if you are passionate about your craft. They want to see that while writing and editing is your job, it is also one of your main interests. Remember always to be honest, and when it's appropriate, clearly communicate how your passion would make you an asset to your potential employer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"It's great when someone whose work I've edited becomes successful. I like to think that my contribution as the editor has helped another writer accomplish their goals and take their writing to the next level. As an editor, I get the chance to take something good and make it even better. Improving a piece of writing gives me a sense of accomplishment."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Discovery
28. What was the last book you read for fun?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to get to know you a little bit and is curious about what kinds of books you read, especially since you are a writer and editor. In this career, being well-read is important to most companies. Choose a book that you feel you could relate to that may have taught you something important and that you enjoyed reading. Choosing a well-written, award-winning book is also a good choice, as well as autobiographies of great writers. Remember that this is a fun question where there is no right or wrong answer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"At the moment I am reading Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth. The book talks about ambition, resiliency, and success. It's a great read for anyone who aspires to develop and progress within their career, and I feel that most professionals should take some time to read it, especially as we are experiencing challenging times following a pandemic."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Discovery
29. What are your interests outside of work?
How to Answer
Along with learning more about your personality, this question helps employers tell if you are a passionate person. This interview question can help you show that you would fit in with the company culture well and are driven enough to engage in activities outside of work. Share a few hobbies or interests you have that might pique your hiring manager's interest. Try to be a memorable candidate, sharing something that shows you are well-rounded and cultured.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I'm not at work, I spend a lot of time in nature with my camera. I have always been interested in photography and enjoy trying out new techniques and processes. Recently, I switched over from digital to film. I find that film has a nice authentic quality, and I love renting out a space in my local college's darkroom to process my film. My favorite places to explore are the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where I grew up. I spend time each year hiking, skiing, and exploring new remote areas. If you're ever interested, I can send you a link to my photography work."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Education
30. How has your education helped you prepare for this position?
How to Answer
When a hiring manager presents you with this question- they are not looking to know about your grades or specific courses you took in college. Instead, they are asking to find out whether or not you have made the connections between your studies and the professional role of being an editor. They want to see if you realize and value the practical connections between things learned in college and how you can utilize them in the workforce. Take this opportunity to talk about any academic activities you have done that you felt prepared you to work and internships that taught you about your field and real-life workplace skills.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"In college, I feel that I was well prepared for real-life situations and jobs. Difficult writing and composition courses taught me exceptional critical-thinking skills, how to have conviction, and how to think for myself. Through various creative writing courses, I have learned to express myself, make quick decisions to meet deadlines; and that high-quality results take hard work. Many of my internships have also allowed me to experience situations first hand and taught me how to work with team members to accomplish goals and meet deadlines."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Leadership
31. How would you describe your leadership style?
How to Answer
When you're interviewing for a position, it's common to be asked about your leadership skills and experience. Everyone in a company, even individual contributors and consultants, is a leader in some area, making leadership skills and qualities important to have no matter what your title. Make sure you take time to describe your definition of leadership. Before your interview, think about what makes a strong leader, who you consider a strong leader, and what sort of leader you are and want to be. There's no one way to be a leader, so as long as you've taken some time to think about what leadership means to you personally, you're not going to give a wrong answer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Leading by example has gotten me the best results with the teams I have worked alongside. Whenever a new project starts, I make sure that I hold a kickoff meeting and organize the team so that everybody is on the same page and that there is open communication amongst team members. This way, everybody understands their responsibilities to contribute to the project equally."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Clear communication is an important component of my leadership style. During projects, I facilitate an open and accessible environment to make sure that there are clear expectations and there is open communication. By demonstrating confidence in the team and their ability to complete the project, I try to get the best out of every member on the team and make them perform to the best of their abilities."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Leadership
32. Describe the ideal supervisor that you want want to work for?
How to Answer
During the interview process, an interviewer might ask you a question related to what kind of employer you prefer. Depending on your answer, interviewers can determine if this job would be a good fit for you. They want to make sure that your preferred management style aligns with their company's culture. Prepare ahead of time and come up with responses that show that you work well under the supervision and can get along with employers. Think about previous employers or managers that you have worked for and choose a handful of positive attributes from your last employer to mention in your answer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My ideal manager is someone who cares about the opinions and ideas of their team members and encourages feedback. I appreciate it when a manager shows that they are open to hearing what their employees say. For example, at my previous job, my manager held monthly brainstorming sessions to ask for input from everyone. It was a safe and open environment, and it was refreshing to have the group hear my ideas. I found that these sessions made me feel more confident, and I learned a lot from my past managers on how to build a positive culture."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Open-ended
33. What is your working style - more independent or collaborative?
How to Answer
This question helps interviewers decide whether you will fit their company culture and work well with others. This question is easier to answer if you research before the job interview and read through the job description to match your qualifications with their requirements. They may be looking for both independent thinkers and team players. Prepare answers that show how your work style makes you the best candidate for the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My working style is more collaborative than independent. In my past role, I have worked independently to edit manuscripts. Also, a lot of the time, I worked as a team player. I believe editors need to know how to work with others to reach a common goal. The best editors have a broad understanding of the media, communications, and publishing industries, and they need to know how to work effectively with writers, publishers, web developers, designers, photographers, project managers, printers, and other editors."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Process
34. Tell us about your training and experience in reading large amounts of information and gleaning the main idea?
How to Answer
Comprehension is a crucial aspect of editing. The interviewer is asking this question to see if you have developed techniques to comprehend large amounts of text reasonably quickly. Understanding what you're reading as you're reading is important and can give you a deeper comprehension of what the author is trying to convey.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have taken recent workshops including tips on reading quickly while taking in large amounts of information. When reading, I pause every few paragraphs and try to decipher what the main idea is. Then, I try to put the main idea in my own words for even further understanding. I also jot down notes as I read, which helps me stay focused on the main idea. I also think it's important to limit distractions. I find that I am at my best first thing in the morning, so I plan my day to do a lot of reading and editing in the early hours of the day."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Situational
35. If you have a 300-page document that's a rush job and you must edit it by the end of the day, how would you approach the task?
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks you to describe how you'd handle a situation where you were required to finish an enormous task by the end of the day, you can safely bet that handling this type of project is going to be part and parcel of your potential new job. The interviewer wants to hear your strategy, your ideas on how to handle accomplishing a large amount of work with the same end-of-day deadline. Demonstrate your strategic thinking abilities when answering this question, and explain your planning and organizing techniques.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Even if the task seems unachievable at first, I would try to figure out the best approach to completing the tasks. I would start by organizing my thoughts and considering the options for completing the assignment. Next, I would try to break the large assignment down into smaller tasks, and then I would begin working on the most important task. If there were any smaller tasks I could delegate to other capable individuals, I would not be afraid to ask for assistance."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Situational
36. How would you handle a freelance writer who handed in subpar work?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to see how you deal with ensuring the quality of work and how you approach working with writers. Companies often turn to freelance writers to provide content when they need to get projects done and don't have internal resources. Editors are ultimately responsible for how good the content is and that deadlines are met, no matter who writes the article or content. The quality of what you get from your freelance writers will be a direct result of how well you approach the relationship - it's a process of collaboration and clear communication between the editor and writer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have encountered this situation in my past role as managing editor more than once. Deciding to keep or send back content is often a judgment call that strikes a balance between not driving up costs with several revisions and making the best use of your own time. Creating an excellent piece of writing takes teamwork, and I find that open communication and respect go a long way. I respectfully provide comments, ask the writer to revisit and make the work right if they fall short of what they should have delivered. Most writers want honest feedback, especially if they're looking to build a lasting relationship."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Situational
37. Tell me an example of a situation where you had difficulties with a team member.
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to learn more about how you deal with conflict and how well you work with others--how well you work on a team. One way to answer this question is to describe an assignment you were on and then talk about a time when you and a colleague, or team member, differed in your approach to the assignment. You should not end your answer with you winning - you want to remember to stress the actions you took to compromise with your coworkers.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Honestly, I haven't had a lot of negative experiences working on a team. In the past, I experienced a new manager or team member who struggled slightly to adjust to our team dynamics and organizational culture. Still, I've found that talking to them privately and taking advantage of informal opportunities to connect them with our different team members has always eased those transitions."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"For example: "At a past company, we had a situation where one of our senior editors was actively criticizing a new hire, publicly pointing out her mistakes and just generally embarrassing her in front of other employees. I spoke to the senior editor and reminded him of how challenging we found our first few months to be. I also took on the role of mentor for the new hire, which helped instill confidence in her work and diffuse any negativity. within our team."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Situational
38. What was your biggest failure?
How to Answer
During a job interview, you may be asked challenging questions about your prior work experiences and how you handled difficult situations. Understanding how to answer this question can impress upon interviewers your resiliency and ability to turn failure into a learning opportunity. Choose a failure that happened in the workplace, if possible. Look for a story where something didn't go as planned. A team failure can also be a great choice to share with your interviewer because you share responsibility with others. It's just important to take responsibility for your role in why it was a failure. Talk about what you believe went wrong and caused the failure, what you would have done differently, and what changes you made moving forward.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Several years ago, the lead editor tasked me with interviewing, hiring, and training an entry-level person to join our team of writers and editors. I chose to hire someone who seemed eager to learn and, based on past work experiences, seemed to have a lot of potentials. I did have a few concerns after checking their social media sites but chose to hire them anyway. I quickly learned it was a mistake and that their social media activity was a strong indication of their behavior at work. They were highly dramatic, had a poor attitude, and impacted the entire team until I fired them. This experience taught me how important every hiring decision is, from senior staff to interns. It takes valuable time to recruit, interview, and hire new staff, and each person impacts company morale and culture. It also taught me not to rush into making any hiring decisions. I've learned to trust my intuition more. However, it's a lesson I'm glad I learned earlier in my career."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Situational
39. Tell me how you handled a difficult situation at your last position?
How to Answer
This question is about your performance and problem-solving abilities. The interviewer wants to understand how you've dealt with challenges and pressure in the workplace and how you handle challenging situations. It's important to pick a real example with a positive outcome. You'll want to share a story that demonstrates your leadership or critical thinking skills. Think of examples that will showcase how you are resourceful and composed when under pressure. Use the STAR technique - talk about the situation, task, actions, and results directly and sensibly.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"At my last company, I was managing the content on a new website that was supposed to launch in two weeks. One of the senior editors found a major problem in the layout and wanted to push back on the deadline, which I knew the company wouldn't appreciate. I understood the editors pushed to move the deadline, but I also knew the company had to have the website up and running on time. I didn't want to push him and the team too hard but instead focused on finding out what they needed to help solve the situation. We created a list of things we could delay and work on after the launch and put effort into fixing the layout to allow the launch - even if not in the most perfect way possible. The team understood the priorities, and we could work together to direct resources where they were needed. In the end, we launched the website on time, increasing company sales by 20% in the first week, and we had to fully functional site up within two weeks of launch."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 11th, 2021