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 #1

"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 #2

"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 #1

"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 #2

"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 #1

"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 #2

"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 #1

"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 #2

"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?

The interviewer would like to know more about your personality and, considering you are a writer, you should have some unique yet memorable words in mind, for your response. Think about some of the best qualities you possess when it comes to your character, personality and work ethic, ensuring your examples make you a good fit for the job. The qualities you mention should reveal something more profound about you than what may be evident from the interview, or on paper.

Christina's Answer #1

"I would describe myself as adaptable, contagious, and determined. I am adaptable in my writing and all other aspects of my life, taking on new challenges and topics even if I am not fully versed in them. I am a contagious personality, making friends and connections easily. I thrive on networking. Also, I am determined to succeed in all that I do and take that determination to boost my team."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"Ambitious, exuberant, and intuitive would be the words I would use to describe myself. I have a powerful desire to achieve my goals and be a success overall. I do not restrain myself when it comes to showing appreciation for my co-workers or a job at hand, which is why I have been called exuberant by previous employers. Lastly, I am talented when it comes to following leads and my gut, making me a highly intuitive individual."

6.

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

The interviewer is interested in knowing what drives you to be a writer. A career as a writer can seem glamorous, but the truth is, there are long hours chained to your computer, studying topics that may be of zero interest to you, or mastering topics so complicated that they make your eyes cross. Being a writer can be a highly secluded and independent career, depending on the setting in which you work. Show the interviewer you are aware of the ups and downs associated with a job in writing but also explain what genuinely drives you, even on the more challenging days.

Christina's Answer #1

"What I enjoy most about writing is that my fuel is creativity, reading, and research. How many people get to learn while earning a living? In return, as a writer, I get to educate others. It truly is an honor."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"The greatest thing about being a writer is the fact that I can work wherever I wish. I have created incredible sales campaigns from my living room, best-selling e-books from my local coffee shop, and compelling articles and blogs poolside, on vacation. There are very few careers that offer this type of flexibility and fulfillment, all at the same time."

7.

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

There are many ways that you can alter your writing style, but it's only a useful approach if you first understand the demographic to whom you are writing. Before your interview, you should have an excellent understanding of who will be reading the work that you deliver in this role. Perhaps one day you will be writing on finance and bitcoin and then the next, a piece on fashion or dating. This variety is a regular occurrence for most writers, and the interviewer wants to see that you can adapt. Share an example of a time when you successfully changed your writing style for a particular audience or specifically discuss how you plan to ensure your writing style is a match for this role.

Christina's Answer #1

"My personal writing style is educational, and based on research versus opinion. With that said, I like to add some lightheartedness into my writing on a regular basis. I have researched your demographics and understand that the bulk of your audience is male professionals, between the ages of 45-55, seeking sound financial and investments advice. I will ensure that my writing style is a fit by referring to experts in the industry, keeping sentences crisp and to-the-point, while also offering information from highly credible sources."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I first came across your publication while doing some reading on my own time. The style of your blog is informative yet entertaining which genuinely spoke to me since this is how I write, also. After conducting some research, I found that you have two primary demographics. One, the stay-at-home-mommy blogger and two, the solo entrepreneur who is seeking more information on how to run a successful business from a home office. I can adapt my writing style between the two demographics by bringing in relatable examples and referencing influencers from each particular space. I look forward to showing you what I can do!"

8.

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

Our world is incredibly content rich these days, and so, the struggle is to ensure that your content is seen and heard in this noisy landscape. As a writer, you know that it's essential to release exciting and well-researched work, but the interviewer wants to see that you also understand how critical it is to deliver pieces that are share-worthy, with the potential of going viral. Discuss how you ensure that your content gets the attention it deserves.

Christina's Answer #1

"I recently completed training with Billy Gene Marketing, who taught me to ask three questions when putting out a piece of content. Is it entertaining? Does it educate? Does it ask the audience to take a specific action? When it comes to entertaining, I ensure that my content stops people in their tracks. Second, they will always come back for more if they learned something from your content. They will also be more likely to share it and tell their friends about it. Lastly, when you ask your audience to act, which can be a simple call to action, you are gaining a small commitment from them. These three rules of content marketing have never steered me wrong."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"To ensure my content gains attention, I first make sure that I have a full understanding of the audience, and what their biggest problem may be. I write a headline that creates curiosity surrounding that problem. Then, I let the reader know that a solution is available...if they keep reading. I have training in writing pitches and sales copy, so there is a multitude of other writing techniques that I incorporate to ensure my content is impossible to ignore."

9.

What is your proofreading strategy?

The interviewer would like to know that you have methods in place, ensuring that the work you submit is your best work, right out of the gate. There are many tools you can use for proofing including an independent editor, or a proofing program such as Grammarly or Hemingway. It would be a significant red flag to the hiring authority if you relied solely on your spelling and grammatical knowledge.

Christina's Answer #1

"Everything that I submit to my boss and clients first runs through the Grammarly application. I appreciate its use for more than spelling and grammar as well. It picks up any context issues and also checks for potential plagiarism concerns. I don't know what I would do without it!"

Rachelle's Answer #2

"In my current role, I have a full-time editor who works on my submissions, making them just a bit better every time! Sometimes he catches a spelling error, a missing comma, or thinks of a way to make it more concise. Coming out with perfect copy takes a team, in my opinion."

10.

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

A great copywriter will understand the basics of a pitch, and how to incorporate pitch writing effectively in every piece of copy. If you have taken any coursework on writing pitches, or pitch decking, talk to the interviewer about this education. Perhaps you have self-taught, or watched a ton of IGTV videos on the topic, from Neil Patel, Gary Vee, or Oren Klaff. Discuss what you know, assuring the interviewer that you can write compelling sales copy.

Christina's Answer #1

"Just last year I paid for the Oren Klaff pitch mastery program called Pitch Anything. The program was worth every penny because what I learned dramatically increased my ability to write compelling sales copy and pitches. The basics of that course taught me how to set the frame, tell the story, reveal the intrigue, offer the prize, nail the hook point, and get the deal."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I have created some Facebook copy, retargeting ads, and a variety of segmented email campaigns, all with excellent sales copy. The bulk of my training is from personal research and independent learning. I am great with writing compelling call to actions as well as headlines that drive conversions. Although my education is not formal, my work has seen open rates as high as 36% and record-breaking click-through rates for my current employer. I feel my method is effective because I know how to search for the pain point, reveal just part of the solution, and ask for the sale."

11.

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?

Be prepared to discuss a time when you did not agree with your manager because you did not like what they were asking you to write. This situation is not uncommon as a writer, when you are not in control of your topics or when you may have a different writing style than your boss, or client. Discuss how you addressed your point of view and how you came to an agreement without leaving any tension.

Christina's Answer #1

"There have been times where my client had a certain bias they wanted me to include in my writing. However, part of me always wants to keep a story fair and balanced. At one point, I went into their office and discussed how we could move forward without including a bias. My client agreed we should present information fairly to the public, and we resolved the potential conflict."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"It is often tricky dealing with a manager who constantly disagrees with the way one works or gets the job done. However, a good writer can communicate well with their boss to figure out a way to compromise. In the recent past, my supervisor disagreed on the direction I should take the narrative, but I sat down with him and showed him my ultimate plan. We compromised on a few things, and in the end, we were both happy."

12.

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

The interviewer would like to see that you have a full understanding of conversions and what it means to keep your employers return on investment in mind when creating content. Primarily, this question will apply to content published online since there are straightforward ways to measure conversions and audience engagement. Share how your work engages an audience, prompting them to act.

Christina's Answer #1

"I recently read that the average company spends $200-$350 per day on social media advertising. That is a budget that adds up quickly, especially if there is little to no return. I make sure that my work generates conversions by first getting ideas from the audience or my employers' customers. When I know for a fact that I am writing about a topic that is interesting to them, I know it will convert. Second, I make sure to educate the reader. When your audience learns something from you, they are much more likely to subscribe, return to your site, or share your content."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I keep conversions top of mind in each piece of content that I create. To convert these days, and to see an ROI on big advertising dollars, one must put out well-researched content that entertains and educates at the same time. Also, allowing for a two-way conversation is very important. This idea means opening up the comments section and avoiding the 'post and ghost' where you post an article or piece of content and are not around to address questions or comments. Reader engagement is critical in our digital age where new material is released every second."

13.

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

The interviewer would like to know your process when it comes to starting and working through a project. As a writer, it's crucial that you have a structured framework, or an underlying system, to ensure that your work always flows naturally. Discuss how you approach a project, step by step.

Christina's Answer #1

"It is important to me that I begin each project by following a structure that I created for myself a few years ago. First, I begin with fleshing out to whom I am writing. Then, I write a partial conclusion, deciding what pain point or problem it is for the reader. Next, I create bullet points that I will return to and build up later. The introduction is the last thing that I write. Once I have the skeleton of the written piece, I can wordsmith the article, ensuring it speaks in the correct tone and flows appropriately."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"My system for approaching a piece of writing will depend on how much I know on the topic, how long the piece is, and where it will be published. For an e-book for instance, where it's easy to get off the rails and remain focused, I will first gather all of my research and then decide on an angle. Working backward, I think about the end. What do the readers want to get out of this book? Once that question is answered, I create a full outline using a mindmap. Then, I flesh out the chapters."

14.

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

One of the most critical factors of content success is ensuring you create it for the correct audience. The interviewer would like to know that you have a keen interest in getting to know their target audience, and their industry, ensuring that your copy makes a significant impact on their sales, conversions, and other important KPIs. Some steps you could take include getting to know their marketing list, their biggest customers, how they segment their email marketing, and whom exactly makes up the bulk of their followers on social media.

Christina's Answer #1

"I have been following your company on all social media platforms, analyzing from my end whom your primary audience is, who currently engages with your content on a consistent basis, and what their lifestyles appear to be. If I am the successful candidate, I will dig into your analytics right away to find the patterns that I need to lock down a writing style, and voice, that will best resonate."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"One of my strengths as a writer is my understanding of Google analytics as well as data that comes from a CRM and other sources. I plan to comb through everything that I can, to gain a solid understanding of the customer persona I am writing to, and trying to attract. My previous employer saw a 12% increase in conversions in my first 90 days of employment after I deployed that strategy."

15.

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

These days, a great writer will also be well versed in content marketing. The two topics often go hand-in-hand, and the interviewer wants to see that you are capable of creating content around modern marketing strategies. Discuss the biggest mistakes that you see in content marketing today, and then express how, as a writer, you avoid those pitfalls.

Christina's Answer #1

"Content marketing is a robust topic and one that, as a writer, I need to remain knowledgeable in at all times. Right now, at a time when content needs to be pushed out on a near-hourly basis, I see the biggest mistake is when companies publish content just for the sake of publishing. This strategy does more harm than good because it dilutes your content and frustrates your audience. It's much more valuable to have 50 engaged readers, who will click your call to action, than 1500 readers who swipe away or unsubscribe, the moment your content reaches them."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"Putting out amazing content without having an 'ask' or a call to action, is one of the most significant mistakes that I see writers and marketers make today. When you do not ask the reader to do something, such as buy your e-book, share the article, or subscribe to your content, you are missing out on profitable opportunities."

16.