30 SEO Specialist Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our SEO Specialist interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 10 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. Tell me about a mistake you made because of a breakdown in communication between you and one of your team members.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know that you can acknowledge your mistakes and understand why they happened. They do not want to hire someone who insists they've never made a mistake.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Talk to the interviewer about a time you made a mistake due to miscommunication. Provide enough detail so they can understand the nature of the mistake and focus on how you resolved the situation.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I once asked my manager to confirm the deadline for an upcoming project. He responded, "I think the bosses needed that, like, yesterday." I assumed he meant the project needed to be completed "asap," just like several other projects on my plate. When I sat down at my desk the next morning, he walked over and asked if I'd stayed up all night getting the project done. Of course, I hadn't. I told him it wasn't done, but it was the next thing on my to-do list. He was upset and explained that the project was now three days late instead of two. We both realized that we'd miscommunicated. I never imagined he was being literal in his response, but he thought what he said communicated the project was already a day late. We both agreed to use concrete dates going forward to ensure it didn't happen again."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Behavioral
2. Can you tell me about your work ethic?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This common interview question gives the interviewer insight into your work habits and how seriously you will take your role in the company. The interviewer hopes to hear you are reliable and that you tend to take ownership of your responsibilities.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
In your answer, demonstrate your dependability and commitment to your job. Focus on using keywords like "reliable," "dependable," "committed," "thorough," "above and beyond," "dedicated," "engaged," "ownership," and "follow-through." Share an example or two of previous experiences that demonstrate a strong work ethic. Review the job ad for characteristics related to work ethic before the interview so you can convey a message that aligns with what the company is looking for.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've always had a strong work ethic, and past supervisors have complimented my reliability and consistency. I have never left a project unfinished, and I take a lot of pride in my work, so I don't believe in taking shortcuts."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Behavioral
3. We have a high-energy, collaborative culture here at Company ABC. Do you think you'd fit in?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Being a good candidate for the job depends on more than just your skillset; fitting into the company's culture is important too. The interviewer asks this question to learn about your work pace and style. They want to know if you'll work well with other staff and be open to team projects.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
What to Avoid
When answering this question, avoid saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear just to make a good impression. Be honest. If you aren't, you might end up in a job that's not a good fit. For example, if you prefer working independently and have an introverted, reserved personality, it's unlikely you'll be happy in a high-energy, collaborative environment. Being honest gives the interviewer a chance to assess how well you may or may not fit into the company culture.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I can see that you have great energy here, and I've enjoyed that during this interview process! I tend to work at a fast pace and like being surrounded by people with the same approach. I'm also always up for teamwork. I think the best ideas come from working together."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I admire people who can work in a fast-paced and team-based environment. It takes a lot of energy and resilience. My style is fairly laid-back and calm. I always meet deadlines and achieve my goals, but I like to approach my work at an even pace. I'm open to collaborating, but I prefer most of my workload to be independent."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Behavioral
4. We have an in-house editor with a background in SEO who reviews most of our web content and offers feedback. How do you respond to constructive criticism of your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As an SEO Specialist, you may be asked to create or edit SEO-optimized content, so the interviewer wants to know how you handle constructive criticism. Some people have a hard time receiving critiques of their work, while others welcome it. If you struggle to receive and incorporate feedback into your work, you'll want to work on developing that skill before the interview.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Assure the interviewer that you welcome feedback on your work and strive to learn from it and incorporate it. Your answer should show the interviewer that you are flexible and adaptable.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm open to feedback on my work. I know that SEO and content writing is dynamic and feel just about everything benefits from an extra set of eyes. I expect my work to be reviewed and critiqued. I view this as an opportunity to grow."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Discovery
5. Why did you choose a career in SEO marketing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know what initially drove you to pursue a career in SEO marketing. Perhaps you have a significant interest in consumer behavior, or maybe you have a strong penchant for marketing research. As an SEO specialist, you might enjoy challenges, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. Tell the interviewer where your strengths lie and how they will make you an asset to the company. Give an honest answer that showcases your passions. Avoid cliche responses like, "I have wanted to work in marketing since I was a small child."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
This should be one of the easiest questions in your interview. Just be honest! Discuss what led you to your field, who or what influenced you, and how your career lines up with your attributes and professional strengths. If your path to SEO marketing was indirect or non-traditional, that's okay!
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I initially chose a career path in sales and landed in marketing after completing a business development contract for a client who was heavily involved in the influencer marketing sector. I loved the idea of helping a business put together a branding and development strategy. From there, I started taking an interest in brand visibility, which led me to do some research about SEO. I enrolled in a few online classes and excelled in that area, so it's what I've continued to pursue."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Discovery
6. Why do you want to work for us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. After selecting candidates to interview, they discern who is truly interested in the position by asking interviewees this question. Those who have taken the time to research the company, understand its products and services, and familiarize themselves with its mission statement will likely rank high on the list of candidates. Essentially, the interviewer wants to know if you view the position as "just another job" or if you care about the company's goals.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
It's best to be well prepared to answer this question, so research the company. Start by doing a web search and reviewing the company website and any recent news articles published about the company. You can also explore the company's social media accounts and ask friends and family what they know or have heard about the company. Good answers to this question begin with phrases like, "I am impressed by...," "I like how you approach...," "I saw that the company recently..., and "I'm interested in learning more about that."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"Besides my interest in the position, I like that Company ABC is a sponsor of Earthworks. I remember seeing a blog post one of your writers contributed to their site several months ago, and I'd love to be involved with a company that shares my values about sustainability."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Discovery
7. What are your career goals for the next five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to find out if you are the type of person who sets goals. They also want to know if you plan to stay and grow within the company or if this job is a stepping stone on your way to a different company or career.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Give a brief outline of your five-year plan. Start by saying, "In five years, I see myself..." and then describe the steps you plan to take to reach that goal. If your five-year plan doesn't include SEO or working for the company you're interviewing with, it's best not to point that out.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"Five years from now, I hope I'm excelling in my SEO Specialist role and have some leadership responsibilities as well. I already have a few years of experience in different industries, and I feel confident I'll continue growing professionally as an SEO Specialist with Company ABC."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Discovery
8. What questions do you have for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers typically ask this question near the end of the interview to find out if you need clarification on any aspect of the position or the company. It is also a way to gauge your interest in the job.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
What to Avoid
Do not ask questions just for the sake of asking questions. While it is always best to prepare a few good questions ahead of time, if the interviewer answered them during the interview, it's okay to say, "I was wondering when you hope to fill the position and what the typical schedule is like, but you've already answered those questions." Don't ask mundane questions about the company, and avoid asking about salary and vacation time during the first interview. While it is best practice for the company to be upfront about those topics, if they haven't been forthcoming, now is not the time to ask.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
Aim to have 2-3 questions prepared. Below are several examples:
- How do you predict SEO practices will change in the next 6-12 months?
- Do you have an SEO team, or would I be handling all the SEO responsibilities?
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- Is this a new role, or are you filling a vacant position?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Discovery
9. Do you like to follow a regular routine for your workday, or do you prefer mixing up your routine?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you prefer a steady, structured environment or one that is prone to change. The interviewer asks this question to ascertain what type of environment you thrive in. The interviewer may make a note about which manager or team you would fit best with based on your answer. This question might also be asked if the company tends to prefer staff who thrive in one environment or the other because one is more common in their company culture.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
What to Avoid
When answering this question, avoid saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear just to make a good impression. Be honest. If you aren't, you might find yourself in a job that's not a good fit. For example, if you prefer a steady workload and want advanced notice about any changes, it's unlikely you'll be happy if you are regularly asked to adapt to new requests. On the other hand, if you crave variation and like new challenges, you could be bored in a steady environment. Being honest gives the interviewer a chance to assess how well you may or may not fit into the company culture.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I prefer working in a more predictable environment with a routine because it helps me stay organized and on task. With that said, I can certainly work in an unpredictable environment from time to time."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I love it when no two workdays are the same. This keeps me on my toes and keeps my problem-solving and creative thinking skills sharp. Even when my workload is steady, I'll tackle things with a different approach on Friday than I did on Monday just to have some variation."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Discovery
10. Would you be available to work overtime during our busy season?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you're open to working overtime when needed. Most companies have a busy season (or several busy seasons) and rely on staff to meet tight deadlines during those times.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Be honest with the interviewer. Maybe you have few personal obligations and welcome overtime. On the other hand, perhaps you have children or a second job. If the latter is true, let the interviewer know that, while you have some obligations outside of work, you can work extra hours, as long as you have advance notice. If that's not the case, and you absolutely cannot work any hours outside of your regular schedule, say so. If you don't, and you refuse to work overtime a few months after being hired, it's likely to create an issue.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I prefer sticking with my regular schedule, but I understand there are times when everyone needs to pitch in to meet a deadline. As long as I have a few days' notice, I can work extra hours during the busy season."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I'm happy to work as many hours as needed! At the moment, I don't have many obligations outside of work, so it's not a problem."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
3rd Answer Example
"I have several family obligations and a second job, so it would be difficult to work outside of my regular schedule. If asked, I would try to accommodate the request, but it may not always be possible to do so."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
11. What immediate changes would you suggest making to our main website?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see if you've taken the time to review the company's website and thought about it from an SEO specialist's perspective. While you are not required to do this before an interview, doing so is sure to impress the interviewer and convey the message that you're serious about the job opportunity (plus, it will likely be embarrassing to answer this question by saying, "I haven't looked at the company's website thoroughly enough to answer this question.").
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Let the interviewer know you spent time reviewing their website. Focus on one or two positive things you noticed and then give examples of one or two changes you'd suggest.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"After looking at your website over the last few days, I've been impressed by the presentation of the content. It's relevant to your target audience, unbiased, and content-rich. I noticed that several of the pages had slow loading times, and there aren't many calls-to-action or links, so I think those are the areas I would focus on improving first."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
12. As we all know, SEO is constantly changing. How do you keep current?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know you will be invested in your role and keep up with the latest SEO trends. This is a crucial aspect of an SEO Specialist's position because it ensures the company's website and online presence are visible. The interviewer wants to feel confident that you'll be aware of new trends and prepared to adapt your approach.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Tell the interviewer about the ways you stay on top of new SEO trends. For example, you might belong to a relevant Facebook group, subscribe to email newsletters, or read certain blogs. You can also start a great conversation by asking the interviewer how they prefer to stay up to date (after providing your answer, of course!).
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"Best SEO practices are dynamic, so it's really important to stay "in the know." I'm always on the lookout for new SEO trends, so I subscribe to several SEO-focused forums and stay on top of new blogs on The Moz Blog. Do you have any specific recommendations for staying on top of SEO trends?"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
13. What CMS are you familiar with?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Not all companies use a CMS (content management system) to manage their sites, but many do. If the interviewer asks this question, they either want to know if you have experience using the CMS used by the company or if you'll be able to spearhead a CMS implementation based on your experience. If you don't have experience using a CMS, you should spend time learning about them before the interview so you can discuss their benefits and the tools they offer. Don't forget to review the job ad to see if the company mentions a specific CMS.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If the job ad doesn't mention a specific CMS, focus on discussing any CMS you've used or are familiar with. If the job ad mentions a specific CMS you are familiar with, explain how you utilize its tools, giving a couple of examples. If you have used a CMS, but not the one mentioned in the ad, research it before the interview. Tell the interviewer that while you haven't used that particular CMS, you have used others. Explain your understanding of CMS tools, highlighting that you took the time to read about the CMS listed in the job ad and feel confident you could master it.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I am most familiar with WordPress CMS but also have some experience with HubSpot. I like WordPress because it has a lot of helpful plugins, and I use it to set custom URLs for pages and posts. It's also quite rare that I have to do any backend coding or write separate HTML tags with WordPress. On the other hand, HubSpot generates very detailed analytics, which is useful in improving my SEO strategy."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I saw that your company uses XYZ CMS, which is great because I've used that in the past and found it helpful. One of its best features is [specific feature] which I've used to..."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
3rd Answer Example
"I saw that your company uses XYZ CMS. While I haven't used that before, I read some reviews on their website. It seems like a great tool! I have used WordPress CMS, which offers similar tools, so I feel confident in my ability to quickly learn XYZ CMS. Both systems allow for customizable URLs and have effective keyword tools."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
14. Tell me about your background in SEO.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer has already seen your resume. Now they want to hear about your professional background in more detail. They ask this question to get a feel for how knowledgeable you are and to determine if you'll need any additional training.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on making connections between your background and the skills listed in the job description. It's not necessary to go through your resume step by step. Instead, choose three or four different aspects of your background and elaborate on each with two to three sentences. It usually makes the most sense to approach this question from a chronological or reverse chronological perspective (don't jump all over the place).
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"My first position in SEO marketing taught me the most. I was mentored by the senior marketing manager, who taught me a lot of the fundamentals of SEO and how to apply them. I also realized how closely SEO Specialists work with other people on the marketing team. After that, I worked for a smaller company where I was the only person responsible for SEO. To be honest, I was a bit underprepared for that role, but I learned so much out of necessity, including doing my own SEO audits and even writing a few blog articles to boost keyword optimization. The company I work for now has given me a lot of opportunities to learn, and I've become strong in my analytical skills and ability to identify potential issues before they become a problem."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
15. How do you approach keyword research?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know about your strategy for keyword research. This is an important aspect of an SEO Specialist's job, so they want to hear a detailed answer that demonstrates that you are confident in your skills in this area.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Your answer should focus on your specific strategy for keyword research. It's not enough to list off programs or tools that you like to use or give a vague answer. Walk them through your process.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"Keyword research is one of my favorite aspects of being an SEO Specialist. I love brainstorming. I use a visual approach, sometimes drawing on a whiteboard. My first step is breaking down everything I know about the company and its services and projects into chunks and topics. Then, I break those topics down even further until I have an extremely detailed and well-fleshed-out picture. Next, I make a list of keywords for each topic, no matter how small. I do two rounds of this, one "in the moment" round and another "thinking like the audience" round. The first time around, I depend on my knowledge of the company, and the second time, I approach it with my "consumer hat" on. This helps me develop a broad spectrum of potential keywords, which I then use to find related keywords I might have missed. After that, I select the top keywords that have emerged in terms of relevance to the company's current goals and user intent, and I check their monthly search volume and see how competitors are ranking for those keywords."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
16. Have you ever been responsible for a site getting penalized by Google? What did you learn from that?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if your SEO practices have ever led to a site getting penalized by Google. Many of the reasons Google penalizes sites are related to black hat practices, but it can also happen because of broken external links, error codes, and slow site loading. If this has happened to you for a reason other than black hat practices, the interviewer likely won't see it as a problem. They simply want to hear about what happened, why it happened, and what you learned from the experience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you have not been responsible for a site getting penalized by Google, tell the interviewer and then explain the reasons this can happen. If you have been responsible for a site getting penalized by Google, explain what happened and what you learned from the experience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my second SEO job, I was the only person responsible for the website's SEO for the small company. I knew a lot about SEO at that time, but I was still learning too. The website was penalized by Google for poor mobile site optimization. I realized I hadn't prioritized the mobile site highly enough. After that happened, I devoted time to it every day until it was in great shape. Of course, that was years ago, and now mobile sites are key, so I always prioritize them."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
17. How have you utilized structured data?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you have experience using structured data to boost your SEO. They ask this question to determine your experience level and if you'll need training in this area if hired.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you don't have experience using structured data, tell the interviewer but confirm you're willing to learn. You should be familiar with what structured data is before going into the interview, even if you haven't used it. If you have experience using structured data, explain how you've used it in the past.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I do have experience using structured data to improve SEO results. I've used Google's Structured Data Markup Helper for product and FAQ markup and seen good results."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
18. What is your experience with programming languages?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As an SEO Specialist, you aren't required to have any experience with programming languages, but the interviewer will consider it a bonus if you do. They ask this question to confirm what they've seen on your resume. If you have experience with programming languages, expect follow-up questions from the interviewer, as they'll want to gauge your level of experience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you don't have any experience with programming languages, be honest but express your willingness to learn. If you have experience with programming languages, discuss the languages and your level of experience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have experience with Python and Javascript. I'd say my experience level is a little beyond beginner-level in both languages, and I'm working on earning my PCAP now."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
19. Are you familiar with vertical SEO?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Vertical SEO focuses on developing high-ranking positions on websites like Indeed, Yelp, and Youtube (i.e. specific industries like hiring, reviews, and videos). Not all companies utilize vertical SEO, but if you're asked this question, it's likely the company you're interviewing with does or wants to. The interviewer wants to determine if you'll need any training in this area.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you're familiar with or have used vertical SEO, share that with the interviewer, focusing on your experience and knowledge. If you're not familiar with vertical SEO, read about it before the interview so you can discuss it with confidence.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am familiar with vertical SEO, though I haven't worked for a company that used it. Since your company's products are highly visual and you already have a strong YouTube channel, I imagine that ranking well on that platform is important to you. I know that optimizing for vertical search engines like YouTube and Amazon differs from website SEO optimization, and I'd love to learn more about that so I can implement it if hired."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
20. What aspects of SEO do you believe you can improve on or learn more about?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Everyone has room to grow--even experts in their fields. The interviewer wants to know you recognize this and have goals for expanding your skillset.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Before the interview, think of at least two aspects of SEO you'd like to improve on or learn more about. Focus on why you think learning more about these aspects of SEO will make you better at your job and a bigger asset to the company.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd love to learn Python. Knowing the language would make me more versatile and let me scrape search results on my own. I'd also like to become an expert in SEO for mobile sites since Google has shifted to getting ranking signals from mobile sites. I'm already well-versed in this area, but I know there's more to learn."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
21. What are backlinks, and why are they important?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Backlinks are one of the most important off-site ranking factors. The interviewer wants to confirm that you are knowledgeable about backlinks and have strategies to earn them.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on specific examples of methods you can use/have used to earn backlinks. If you have limited experience earning backlinks, you should spend time reading about the topic before the interview so you can answer the question with confidence.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"Backlinks are created when another website includes a link to your website on their page(s). Essentially, this tells Google that other sources find your content helpful and reliable, which means your site will rank higher. There are a few different factors that determine the quality of backlinks, including the anchor text used, link location, and the authority of the linking domain."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
22. Besides focusing on keyword optimization, what other methods do you use to create organic traffic?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear your ideas for creating organic traffic beyond keyword optimization. While keywords are certainly a crucial aspect of SEO, there's far more to it. A convincing answer shows your level of expertise and overall experience with SEO.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on specific examples of methods you can use/have used to create organic traffic beyond keyword optimization. If you have limited experience beyond keyword optimization, you should spend time reading about the topic before the interview so you can answer the question with confidence.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are a few great ways to create organic traffic beyond keywords. For example, influencer marketing can be really helpful in certain industries, so having a handful of relevant brand ambassadors is a great idea. It's also important to find and remove non-performing content. SEO audits usually point toward the content that should be looked at more closely. Lastly, making sure HTML tags and images are optimized is just as important as keyword optimization, so that is a consistent part of my approach to SEO."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
23. What is your understanding of content marketing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
SEO and content marketing should complement each other, and the interviewer wants to know you understand this. As an SEO Specialist, you should understand enough about content marketing to ensure the integrity of website content when making or suggesting SEO improvements.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on demonstrating your understanding of content marketing. You don't have to be a content writer or "idea person" to understand the principles of content marketing, so make sure you research the topic if you don't already feel comfortable discussing it.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"Content marketing is a targeted marketing approach that focuses on delivering highly relevant and helpful content to consumers to build brand loyalty and trust. It avoids making sales pitches and includes subtle calls to action. As an SEO Specialist, I understand that the quality of the content on a webpage is a priority, so I'm careful to make adjustments and suggestions with that in mind. In the past, I've suggested making adjustments to content like breaking it down into smaller, more focused sections, which keeps the integrity of the content intact while helping search engines index the site correctly."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
24. What are some black hat SEO practices to avoid?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to confirm that you're familiar enough with black hat SEO practices to avoid them. Giving a detailed, confident answer demonstrates your SEO experience and expertise.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on two or three black hat SEO practices that you avoid. Explain why the practices you discuss should be avoided.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel that keyword stuffing, especially using hidden text, is one of the most important black hat practices to avoid. The goal of SEO is to generate organic traffic legitimately, not by tricking the system. Link schemes are another practice I avoid. While it can be challenging and time-consuming, links should be earned, not paid or automated."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
25. Why are you the best SEO Specialist for our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to see what attributes you will choose to focus on. They hope you'll go beyond repeating the skills listed on your resume and give examples. They also expect you to include some soft skills like work ethic, communication style, and leadership abilities.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on your skills and attributes that are most relevant to the job ad. Review the job ad before the interview so you're well-prepared to convince the interviewer you're the right person for the job.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm the best SEO specialist for your company because I have the skills you're looking for. I'm knowledgeable about programming, so I'll be able to communicate with your developers clearly about making adjustments to the website. I'm also Google Analytics certified, so I can obtain and review my own data. Lastly, I'm driven to continue expanding my professional skillset and am open to learning new skills so I can be even more valuable to the company."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Qualifications
26. What is an SEO audit, and how often do you prefer to implement them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to gauge your familiarity with SEO audits. They want to know you understand how to comprehensively measure your work's effectiveness and how important it is to do so consistently.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on the core components of an SEO audit and what it measures. If you have done SEO audits in the past, share an example of some issues the audit revealed and how you addressed them. If you haven't done (or been part of) an SEO audit, assure the interviewer that you're familiar with them and willing to learn more.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"An SEO audit is an important tool for identifying problems or errors that prevent websites from ranking well, or at all, on search engines. A good, comprehensive SEO audit includes many steps and checkpoints, but the core of the audit is making sure the site is being correctly crawled, indexed, and rendered. It's best to complete an SEO audit quarterly, but every six months can be sufficient too. At my current company, our most recent SEO audit reported several missing tags and images that weren't optimized. These were easy issues to address, but we never would have known about them if we didn't consistently do audits."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Scope Of Knowledge
27. Can you explain the EAT concept?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to ensure you are familiar with the EAT concept, which is a foundational component of SEO. EAT stands for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. While not part of any ranking algorithm, it is essentially a model of best practices for SEO.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you are not familiar with the EAT concept, research it before the interview. Focus on giving a brief explanation of the concept to demonstrate your understanding of it.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"The EAT concept stands for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This concept refers to the fact that Google aims to provide accurate, truthful, and relevant information to people using their search tool, and they evaluate content and the creators of content on those three aspects."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Scope Of Knowledge
28. Have you ever used cloaking as an SEO strategy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to determine if you know that cloaking is considered a black hat method. They hope to hear that you are aware of this and have not used cloaking in your work in the past.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Reassure the interviewer that you know what cloaking is and confirm that you've never used it and don't intend to. If you have used cloaking as a strategy, it's best not to elaborate on that.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"Cloaking is a black hat strategy that tries to show search engines different content than end-users would see. I've never done this and wouldn't use it in the future."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Scope Of Knowledge
29. What is the character limit for a title tag and a Meta Description tag?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to quickly assess your knowledge of SEO practices. You should be able to answer quickly and correctly. If you cannot, the interviewer may determine you are not experienced enough for the position.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on answering the question accurately and quickly. There's no need to go beyond providing a direct answer here.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"The character limit for a title tag is 70 characters, and the limit is 222 characters for a Meta Description tag."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Scope Of Work
30. Are you interested in helping brainstorm new marketing campaign ideas, or would you like to stick with specific SEO-related tasks?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know the scope of your interest in the company and the marketing department. It's common for marketing departments to have a team that comes up with ideas that are then conveyed (with guidelines) to SEO Specialists, writers, graphic designers, and other members of the department. If they ask this question, they likely hope to hear that you're enthusiastic about contributing to the team in meaningful ways and have a diverse skill set to bring to the table, but if you prefer to focus on the position you're interviewing for, it's okay to let them know that.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
When answering this question, be honest about the scope of work you want to perform. They are hiring an SEO Specialist, which means they have an active need for someone who can focus on optimizing the company's website. That said, the interviewer will consider it a bonus if you are interested in growing within the department and contributing to higher-level projects.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I'd love to contribute to the team and be part of any brainstorming meetings. Sometimes fresh eyes can bring new perspectives to light, and I'd be excited to have that opportunity."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"At the moment, I'm focused on polishing and expanding my SEO skills. I would like to focus on improving the company's ranking results for the moment, but I might be interested in helping develop new marketing campaign ideas down the road."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 6th, 2022