30 Writer Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

What will you accomplish in the first 90 days of working here?

It's a good idea to have a 30, 60, and 90-day plan set out when you go into an interview. This approach is especially important when you are applying to a project based position where immediate action and results are expected. You can jot down a few ideas or create a slide presentation - whatever makes you most comfortable! You can discuss numbers, training achievements, pain points the interviewer has mentioned in the past, or how you plan to fit in with your new team.

Christina's Answer

"I would like to accomplish a few things in my first 90 days. After giving it some thought, I believe the best action I can take is to get to know each member of the marketing team whom I will be supporting. Some people like communication via phone, some in person, and others prefer a quick email. I plan to learn how everyone prefers to communicate. Next, you mentioned that there is a severe backlog on article topics. I would like to fix that for you, first thing."

Rachelle's Answer

"My first 90 days will be spent focused on organizing your blog post needs and then digging in. I understand that you have 500 different blog posts that need crafting, and I plan to contribute by knocking at least 100 of those out in the first 90 days. That would be a great accomplishment for me."

2.

Have you won any writers awards?

As a writer, there are numerous awards, contests, and competitions to which you can enter your work. Maybe you have been recognized for your work within your own organization, rather than being externally praised for your work. Think of any times that you have earned recognition for exceptional writing. It may feel strange, but it's okay to brag about yourself just a little bit here!

Christina's Answer

"I recently submitted a short story to the Imaginary Fiction Writers' Association and earned second place out of over 2,000 submissions. The story I submitted addressed essential issues related to gentrification but offered a comedic twist. I am very proud of this story and included it in my application to your agency."

Rachelle's Answer

"I was giving a significant bonus from my largest client after they stated that I was the most productive freelance writer they had on their team in the past five years. Although it was not an official award per se, it felt great to receive recognition for my hard work and talent."

3.

What are the most important things to know about a project before you start writing?

The way you respond to this question is what will determine for the interviewer if you are a fit for their organizational structure. If the company is very organized and rigid in project management, and you reply that you jump in without a plan, you will likely not be the best fit for them. A good writer knows that research and asking the right questions is always the best way to begin. Show the interviewer that you have the organizational skills required to do a fantastic job.

Christina's Answer

"Before I begin writing, I need to know to whom I am writing. When I have an idea who the target audience is, it helps me tremendously. I also like to know the publishing platforms. An article created for LinkedIn will not be the same tone as something I would publish on Medium so, for that reason, it's vital that I know where the words are going."

Rachelle's Answer

"At the start of each project, I ask who is the reader, where the work will be read, and what the goals are of the client. I will write differently if the goal is to close a sale versus to gain a click or a subscriber. I have a questionnaire that I begin with, before starting with each client, and this helps me a great deal."

4.

Which content management systems are you most familiar with?

If you are aware of the content management system used by the interviewing company, be sure to research the CMS before your interview. Chances are, if you are already familiar with one or two systems, you will quite quickly pick up the one used by them. Briefly discuss which systems you are familiar with, rating your knowledge from beginner to intermediate, advanced, or expert. If you are not sure which CMS they use in this new role, you can ask! This question will show the interviewer that you have the initiative to learn.

Christina's Answer

"For the past five years I have worked exclusively with Bynder. This system is a cloud-based digital asset management software that allows me and my team to search files quickly. The system also allows for real-time edits and approvals which is a game changer. I am tech savvy and an advanced user in many systems, making me confident in my ability to quickly learn the systems here. Could you share with me which CMS you lean on? I would love to get a head start by watching online tutorials."

Rachelle's Answer

"I see in your job posting that you use Wrike for managing content and workflow. This was exciting to see since I am already an expert user in this system. My previous two employers used the upgraded version of Wrike, so I am familiar with the basic and premium features. I appreciate that it allows for live editing as well as shared tasks and real-time updates. Are there any other systems or software that I could familiarize myself with in the meantime?"

5.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

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Writer Interview Questions

What will you accomplish in the first 90 days of working here?

Writer Interview Questions

What will you accomplish in the first 90 days of working here?

Have you won any writers awards?

What are the most important things to know about a project before you start writing?

Which content management systems are you most familiar with?

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

What excites you the most about a being a professional writer?

How would you alter your writing style to suit our different reader demographics?

In a landscape where most content is ignored, how do you ensure your content gets well-deserved attention?

What is your proofreading strategy?

Are you familiar with sales copy and writing pitches? If so, what are the most important factors in writing an effective pitch?

Can you give me an example of a time you disagreed with a boss or a client about a writing assignment and how you handled the situation?

The cost of conversions continues to rise for companies, no matter the industry. How does your work improve conversions and ROI for each client?

What is your framework for delivering work that doesn't feel forced, and speaks effortlessly to your target audience?

How will you get to know our market, ensuring your copy targets the right audience with the greatest impact?

In your opinion, what is the top cardinal sin in content marketing?

When do you find it most appropriate to use each of the two main style guides?

When have you failed to properly proofread a document that resulted in a loss or embarrassment with your company? What have you learned since making that mistake?

Which writer has had the greatest influence on you, and why?

Why do you want a career as a writer?

Which style guides are you most familiar with?

What do you do when your schedule or project plan is upset by unforeseen circumstances?

How do you decipher a credible source from a non-credible source?

What makes great content, and how do you know if it is performing well?

Are you willing work holidays and weekends, to meet important publication deadlines?

What do you know about our organization?

What has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer?

Describe a difficult project and how you overcame it.

How do you handle the stress and pressure of tight deadlines?

As a writer, what is your greatest weakness?

As a writer, what is your greatest strength?