26 Proofreaders and Copy Markers Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Proofreaders and Copy Markers interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. In your own words, summarize the role of a Proofreader.
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the duties involved.
Answer this question by mentioning what the ultimate role of a Proofreader is in your opinion while adding how some of the duties listed on the job posting relate to this profession's purpose. Do not simply read the duties off the job posting, use these to support your opinion and your ability to excel in this role, should you be given the chance.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The role of a Proofreader is to (X ultimate purpose - in your opinion, i.e., how relevant this role is within an organization and how relevant it is for its success, in the grand scheme of things). One can accomplish this goal by (X duties listed on the job posting), which are duties I have performed extensively in my last roles at (X company name) and (X company name)."
Written by Rachelle Enns
2. What are your career aspirations beyond this job?
How to Answer
Everyone has some sort of dream or aspirations on where their career could go. When you think about the future, what comes to mind? Openly share with the interviewer where you'd like to see your career take you. Be sure to include how you feel this particular company would fit in with those particular aspirations.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have some pretty lofty career aspirations and after researching your organization and learning more about this position, I really feel that this role fits with my future aspirations. I would love to see myself promoted based on my hard work and results, eventually managing my own branch, then become a regional director."
Written by Rachelle Enns
3. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
How to Answer
It's impossible to know where you will be in 5 years but do assure the interviewer that, given all possible circumstances, you could see yourself as a long term fit for their position.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Ideally, 5 years from now, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me to see a great long term fit here."
Written by Rachelle Enns
4. Do you feel that the profession Proofreader will always be required? Why or why not?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer the reasons why you believe this profession is important and will always be required by looking at the big picture and the impact of the work involved, e.g., at all levels within an organization. Do not hesitate to demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for this profession.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"This profession is extremely important and will always be required because we are working with important documents needed by clients worldwide and (X reasons why such work will always matter). Without us, (X consequences for X individuals/corporations as a result of the disappearance of this profession)"
Written by Rachelle Enns
5. Tell me the programs and software that you are best versed in. What is your level of proficiency in each?
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job description before the interview to familiarize yourself with the programs and software required for this role.
Should none be listed on the job posting, answer this question by mentioning the most relevant programs and software you are proficient in - as per the type of position you applied for (and that you may have to use on the job), on a scale of 1 to 10.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I would rate myself 9/10 in (X program) and 9 1/2/10 in (X software)."
Written by Rachelle Enns
6. Being a Proofreader requires great attention to detail and focus. Tell me how you stay focused even when working long hours.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your organizational and time management skills.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I use a calendar to be reminded of upcoming meetings and deadlines, as well as daily/weekly to-do lists, by prioritizing the most important duties which I will do my best to complete in the morning, to ensure I am on top of things. I review and amend my lists every morning, throughout the day, and in the afternoon before leaving for the day."
Written by Rachelle Enns
7. Are you hoping to obtain a bachelor's degree to further your education and career? [Should the candidate mention not having a bachelor's degree and should this be a requirement as per the job posting]
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job posting several times before an interview to familiarize yourself with the qualifications required for a role.
Should advanced degrees be required, the interviewer will assume you are aware of these requirements and that you will be willing to pursue advanced degrees, if required (should there be no master's degrees already listed on your resume). This applies even in the event that, for instance, you only have a bachelor's degree and the position requires a master's degree, yet you were nevertheless granted an interview.
Answer this question by pointing out you are serious about the position you applied for and as such, should you pursue a degree as per the position requirements, your education will not interfere with your new position. Employers are looking for seriousness and commitment.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Effective (X start date), I will be enrolled in a degree program in X at (X university), however on a part-time basis in the evenings. I am serious about this position at your company and you can rest assured my education will not interfere with my work."
Written by Rachelle Enns
8. What are your short term career goals?
How to Answer
Answer by telling the interviewer about your short-term goals, however by ensuring your goals are related to the position and company you applied for.
Should your short-term goals significantly differ from the position or company, the interviewer may assume you will leave eventually the position if hired, for a better opportunity at another company, should one presents itself. As a result, you may be instantly disqualified.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"In 2 to 3 years from now, I would like to have grown within the company and having established myself as an expert. I hope to eventually move up the ladder and become a Manager or Team Lead within the department. I wish to commit to my employer and contribute to the company's success."
Written by Rachelle Enns
9. Tell me about your ideal editing jobs.
How to Answer
Review the job posting and company website/social media pages before the interview to familiarize yourself with the editing jobs you will be working on, or editing jobs the company has worked on or will soon be working on.
Ensure to answer by providing examples included on the posting or company website/social media pages, including your own experience in similar roles, if you have any. Also add the reasons why these were favorite editing jobs of yours - alternatively why some of the editing jobs listed on the job posting or company website/social media pages are editing jobs you look forward to the most.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My favorite editing jobs are (X projects listed on the job posting) because I have extensive experience completing such jobs. For instance, in my last position as (X position title) for (X company), I worked on similar jobs (... detailed information regarding these jobs). I thoroughly enjoyed working on such jobs because (X reasons why these were your favorite jobs, such as enjoying being the lead, managing a team, and so on)."
Written by Rachelle Enns
10. Tell me about your most successful proofreading and/or editing project. What made it so successful?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your most successful proofreading and/or editing project, preferably in a professional capacity and related to the position/industry you are applying for.
Alternatively, provide any successful proofreading and/or editing project in another professional capacity, in a volunteer capacity, or in a university setting.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My most successful project is one where I had to proofread and edit a very large number of documents on a very tight deadline (... detailed information pertaining to this accomplishment, such as the company name, and so on). I successfully met the requirements and my superior was highly satisfied. My strong time management skills contributed to my success and will undoubtedly enable me to thrive in this role at your company."
Written by Rachelle Enns
11. What are your long term career goals?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your career goals in ~7 to 10 years from now. Ensure to link your career goals to the company you are applying for to show the interviewer you can be a long-term asset for the company and that you are looking for stability.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"In 7 to 10 years from now, I would like to have grown within the same company I started off with, having acquired skills enabling me to establish myself as an expert. I would love to be responsible for more managerial duties and ultimately lead a team of professionals."
Written by Rachelle Enns
12. When you read our job posting, what was the most exciting aspect for you?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your passion for this career and what you look the most forward to in this position. Review the job posting before your interview to familiarize yourself with the duties involved, and mention one or many duties that you look the most forward to, and why.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"What excites me the most about this position is the opportunity to work with clients internationally. My past experience was extremely exciting, however my clients were all local. I am extremely passionate about this career and look forward to acquiring further skills with clients within different cultures."
Written by Rachelle Enns
13. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your knowledge of the company you applied for. It is imperative to always conduct your due diligence before an interview by reviewing the job description, company website and social media pages to familiarize yourself with the company and work involved. It is also important to show the interviewer you did not apply to the advertised position simply because you are looking for just any job, but that you wish to work for this company specifically.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I reviewed the job description and website before this interview and know you are a company specializing in (X services you noticed on the company website). I am particularly excited about (X programs/initiatives) that I saw on your (website/social media pages) as I (X reasons you are excited about these programs/initiatives, such as passion or similar initiatives undertaken in school or volunteer capacity)."
Written by Rachelle Enns
14. What are your favorite type of books to proofread and edit?
How to Answer
Review the job posting and company website/social media pages before the interview to familiarize yourself with the types of books you will be working on, or types of books the company has worked on or will soon be working on.
Ensure to answer by providing examples included on the job posting or company website/social media pages, including your own experience in similar roles, if you have any. Also add the reasons why these were favorite types of books of yours - or alternatively why some of the types of books listed on the job posting or company website/social media pages are types of books you look forward to working on the most.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My favorite types of books are (X types of books preferably related to those listed on the job posting) because I have extensive experience working on such types. For instance, in my last position as (X position title) for (X company), I worked on (... detailed information regarding these projects). I thoroughly enjoyed working on such types of books because (X reasons why these were your favorite projects, such as having the opportunity to work with renowned writers)."
Written by Rachelle Enns
15. How would you define success as a Proofreader?
How to Answer
Answer this question by mentioning what constitutes success for you, such as meeting all deadlines, being recognized as a team player by your employer, and so on.
Do not mention monetary incentives. The objective is to show the interviewer you wish to grow as a professional, not simply be rewarded monetarily.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Success is meeting my daily, weekly, monthly and annual goals and being recognized as a hardworking professional by my employer. The company's success is my success. I also value becoming the best in my field."
Written by Rachelle Enns
16. Do you prefer to work independently, or in a team environment?
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the work involved. At the time of the interview, you should know whether this position entails independent or team work. As such, should the position entails independent work, you should answer this question by saying you prefer independent work. Should the position entails team work, you should answer this question by saying you prefer team work.
Should you not answer adequately as per the duties involved, you may be automatically disqualified - for instance, if you answer you prefer team work and dislike independent work when applying for a position that mostly entails independent duties. Not only will this show you are unsuitable for this position as you did not do your due diligence beforehand (as you did not read the job posting before applying for the position (nor before the interview)), but the interviewer may also believe you are simply looking for any job without being serious about working for this company particularly.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I prefer team work and I pride myself on my team playing skills. I sincerely enjoy working with others and sharing ideas so as to come up with creative solutions and work toward a common goal."
Written by Rachelle Enns
17. Give an example of a time when you have encountered and overcome a professional obstacle.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about the biggest obstacle/challenge you have had to overcome in your career, in any position.
Should no professional obstacle/challenge come to mind, tell the interviewer why you believe you never encountered any in your professional life.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Truthfully, no professional obstacles or major challenges come to mind. I believe my high degree of meticulousness, as well as my other skills and educational/professional qualifications ensured negative or significantly challenging situations would rarely occur."
Written by Rachelle Enns
18. Give an example of an occasion when you have gone beyond the call of duty.
How to Answer
Provide an example of a situation in a professional capacity, preferably related to proofreading/copy marking.
Alternatively, provide an example in any other professional or volunteer capacity, or in a university setting. Add that you are positive your skills will be transferable in this role.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am particularly proud of the time I (X project you are the most proud of). I went above and beyond because the client's satisfaction mattered to me and my employer, and (X other reasons why you went above and beyond). The client was so satisfied by the high level of commitment and quality of my work that he hired our company for all of his upcoming projects."
Written by Rachelle Enns
19. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer what your greatest weakness is, however by ensuring that this weakness can be a strength in this position.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am a very hard-worker and find hard to stop working at the end of the day, resulting in numerous long days at the office. To improve in that area, I did my best to do lists every morning by prioritizing the work that needs to be done by the end of the day, and the following tasks that are not as urgent. Doing this significantly improved my time management skills and made me more productive at work."
Written by Rachelle Enns
20. What is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
Answer by telling the interviewer what your greatest strength is, related to the position you applied for. Ensure to mention how this strength will contribute to your success in this role.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is that I am extremely meticulous. I also always review my work at least twice before submission to superiors or colleagues to ensure that my work is accurate."
Written by Rachelle Enns
21. Why should we choose you as our Proofreader?
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job description before the interview to familiarize yourself with the personality traits or profile required for this role. Answer this question by outlining a few of the listed qualifications that you also possess, making you the best candidate for this role.
Alternatively, mention your top qualifications and qualities which will ensure your success in this role.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"As you can see on my resume, I have the required educational qualifications, holding a bachelor's and master's degree in X, as well as years of relevant experience. I furthermore am a hard worker, a team player and work tirelessly."
Written by Rachelle Enns
22. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Proofreader and Copy Marker?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer what motivated you to apply for this position.
Answer this question by mentioning, e.g., how passionate you are about this field and why.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I wish to work as a Proofreader and Copy Marker because (X reasons). Furthermore, as I am highly meticulous and detail-oriented, I know I am in the right field."
Written by Rachelle Enns
23. In your opinion, what are the 3 primary characteristics a good Proofreader and Copy Marker should have?
How to Answer
Always review the job description before the interview to familiarize yourself with the personality traits required from the successful incumbent.
Answer this question by mentioning 3 characteristics from the job posting, if provided, and provide an example of these characteristics in yourself used in a professional capacity.
Alternatively, provide your top 3 characteristics that you have, which you believe will highly benefit you in this role, and provide an example of these characteristics in a professional or volunteer setting.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The top 3 characteristics a good Proofreader and Copy Marker should possess are time management skills, meticulousness and hardworking capabilities, which I possess. These characteristics served me well in my last position at (X company name) where I was employed as a/an (X position title). In this role, I (X confirmation re: how/why your characteristics benefitted you in this role)."
Written by Rachelle Enns
24. Tell me about your proofreading method.
How to Answer
Review the job posting and company website/social media pages before the interview to familiarize yourself with the methods required in this role, or current/future methods the company requires or will soon be requiring.
Ensure to answer by providing examples included on the posting or company website/social media pages, including your own experience in similar roles, if you have any. Also add which method you consider your strongest, if applicable.
Alternatively mention why some of the methods listed on the job posting or company website/social media pages are methods you look forward to the most.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My favorite method and the one I consider my strongest is (X method listed on the job posting or company website) because I have extensive experience with this method. For instance, in my last position as (X position title) for (X company), I (... detailed information of projects using such method and why you were successful)."
Written by Rachelle Enns
25. What type of documents have you proofread in the past?
How to Answer
Review the job posting and company website/social media pages before the interview to familiarize yourself with the documents you will be working on, or documents the company has worked on or will soon be working on.
Ensure to answer by providing examples included on the posting or company website/social media pages, including your own experience in similar roles, if you have any. Also add the reasons why these were documents you enjoyed working on the most - or alternatively why some of the documents listed on the job posting or company website/social media pages are documents you look forward to working on the most.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have worked on (X type of documents listed on the job posting or company website) and (X type of documents listed on the job posting or company website). These are actually my favorite documents to work on and I have extensive experience working on such documents. For instance, in my last position as (X position title) for (X company), I completed similar projects (... detailed information regarding these projects). I thoroughly enjoyed working on such documents because (X reasons why these were your favorite documents, such as the opportunity to work as part of a team on a daily basis)."
Written by Rachelle Enns
26. Tell me about your post-secondary education and how it prepared you for this position.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your post-secondary education by mentioning knowledge and/or experience acquired throughout your studies, such as courses taken, group projects, and so on.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"As you can see on my resume, I graduated from the (X university) with a bachelor's degree in X. Throughout my studies, I acquired advanced proofreading/copy marking skills, such as (X courses). I furthermore gained some hands-on experience while working on projects such as (X projects that helped you develop proofreading/copy marking skills)."
Written by Rachelle Enns