Tell me about a time when you demonstrated too much initiative?
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"There have been times that I wanted to prove to my bosses that I could take on lots of work at a time, but overloaded myself in the end and it affected my ability to do good work. Over time I have learned to be patient and not overload myself."
The candidate should discuss a time where their ability to hold back or refrain from overstepping their boundaries in the job was tested. They should discuss why this happened and how they remedied the situation. This demonstrates that the candidate knows their limits on the job, and despite wanting to strive on a job, holding back when knowing that they are pushing too much.
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?
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"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 can move forward without including a bias. He agreed we should present information fairly to the public, and the conflict was resolved."
The candidate should discuss a time they did not agree with their manager or candidate, or did not like what they were asking them to do in their writing. This occurs frequently in writing as people often view writing styles differently. The candidate should discuss how they bring up their point of view and how they come to an agreement without leaving any tension.
"I want to be a writer because I have been a creative person my entire life. Writing makes me happy, no matter what I am writing about, and I will bring this energy to my work each day."
The candidate should discuss what skills they have that make them a good writer in a professional setting. Whether they are writing for a company, an individual, or are freelancing, they should talk about why they are so passionate about this career field and why they are a good fit for the job based on their passions.
What excites you the most about a career as a Writer?
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"I am most excited about all the new styles of writing I will learn in this job. While I consider myself a very experienced professional writer, I still have much to learn about writing for various styles and I hope to increase the types of works I can do through this job."
The candidate should discuss what they like most about the job and what they hope to gain from doing it. The candidate should talk about what makes them excited to take the job and what they hope to fulfill by doing this job.
Writers have many career choices. The majority of active writers are self employed. Aside from freelancing, a writer can work for a media outlet, newspaper or magazine publisher, website, blog, and more. The possibilities are many. Writers may create articles on current events, entertainment pieces, gossip blogs, television scripts, equipment manuals (technical writing), novels, copy-writing, advertorials, and more.
As a writer, one should have a creative and persuasive mind. Writers must be convincing communicators as their work will often be for the purpose of teaching the reader about a particular subject or swaying the reader to view a topic in a new way.
A writer must be able to meet important deadlines. Staying focused and on task is very important. As most writers are self-employed, they can set their own schedule. This can make it difficult to stay on task so a writer must exercise self-discipline.
A writer should have some form of post-secondary education although that is not always a requirement. Most writers will have a Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, or Journalism.