Writer Interview
Questions

6. 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. Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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."7. 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. Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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."8. 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. Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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."9. 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. Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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!"10. 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. Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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."11. When do you find it most appropriate to use each of the two main style guides? As you are aware, the two main style guides in US writing include AP Style (The Associated Press Stylebook) and The Chicago Manual of Style, more simply referred to as Chicago style. The interviewer is looking for in-depth knowledge of each method and when it is more appropriate to use one over the other. Discuss when you would use each, and give an example of a project you have completed, using each style guide. If you have completed knowledge testing on either of these style guides, you can mention your results. Here is an answer example: "I find that AP Style is my go-to style for more casual or general writing such as online articles. The rules are more basic and less formal. I will incorporate the New Your Style Manual for legal documents, as I do have some clients who require legal editing. When it comes to academic papers, such as my thesis, I utilize Chicago Style. I recently took testing on all three style guides, and AP Style was my strongest with Chicago Style coming in a close second place." Here is an answer example: "Being formally trained in academic and technical writing, Chicago Style is the guide that I primarily follow, and the one in which I mainly write. I have many projects in progress, within the academic field, and Chicago Style is the one I use. When it comes to less formal writing, or journalistic style pieces, I will move to AP style."12. 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? The way you handle mistakes, loss, and embarrassment says a lot about your character. For that reason, the interviewer would like to know about a time when you failed to proofread or edit properly. Discuss what the mistake was, what the repercussions were, how you fixed the situation, and what you learned from it. Here is an answer example: "A few months ago I accidentally sent an unedited first draft to my client, rather than the completed and edited first draft. It was a new client for our agency, so the first impression was not ideal. The client called my boss to complain that my work was not what they expected. Upon further investigation, it came to light that the work I sent was, indeed, not the version intended for the client. What I learned from this error is to name and save my files more clearly." Here is an answer example: "This year I gained my first UK based client. I did not thoroughly research British versus US English and sent them an e-book filled with spelling errors, according to their preferred English. I was very embarrassed that I did not have the foresight to think beyond my bubble, being sensitive to their language preferences. I ended up hiring a professional editor from the UK, out of pocket, so that I could be sure the second version my new client received was accurate. Now, when I intake new clients, I ask them which English version they prefer."13. 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. Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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."14. Which writer has had the greatest influence on you, and why? This question is meant to reveal who your greatest influences are, as a professional writer. Be prepared to discuss who you look up to as an inspiration in your writing and why this person has been so inspirational to your work. If you would like the interview to follow a more conversational tone, you can also ask the interviewer which writers are their favorite. You never know what you will learn by asking a question in return! Here is an answer example: "Robert Frost is my biggest influence on the writing circuit because he can fill such a variety of deep meaning into just a few short lines. Then, the reader will interpret those words in their own special way. This method is one that takes years to master; however, I am a dedicated and determined writer." Here is an answer example: "I am deeply inspired by a variety of poets and also copywriters. My range is vast! For poets, I would say that Maya Angelou's work has the most influence on me with the insight applied to every modern concept we broach. For copywriters, I greatly appreciate the work of Arman Assadi. I recently took his copywriting workshop, and it was incredible. I learned so much that I look forward to applying to this role with your company."15. 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. Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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."16. Why do you want a career as a writer? A writer is someone who writes articles, books, stories, and other relevant content for a living. The interviewer would like to know why you want to be a professional writer. Whether you are writing for a regular employer or you are freelancing, you should be ready to discuss why you are passionate about this career field and why your passions make you the best fit for this role. Here is an answer example: "I have made a living through writing for some time now. I am creative, thoughtful, and expressive, making me very good when it comes to storytelling and communication. Writing makes me happy. I love the variety and the fact that it allows me to research interesting topics." Here is an answer example: "From a very young age, I expressed an interest in creative writing. Earning a living as a writer has been a life-long goal. Writing allows me to be creative, meet incredible new people, learn interesting topics, all while getting paid to do what I love!"17. Which style guides are you most familiar with? When it comes to professional writing, there are two primary style guides: - AP Stylebook, based on standard English grammar, is followed and created by American journalists working for or connected to the Associated Press. - Chicago Manual of Style is widely used as well and offers opinions on comma use, different rules when it comes to italics, apostrophes, and much more. These style guides cover hundreds of points and often comes down to writer preference. Discuss with the interviewer which of these guides you are most familiar. Typically, AP style seems to win over Chicago style. Some argue that AP style has fewer rules than the Chicago stylebook. If you are not sure which method is preferred by the interviewing company, you can certainly ask. Here is an answer example: "I tend to write more often in AP style; however, I am familiar with Chicago style as well. If you have a preference, I can easily adapt. I find that my choice depends on the client, the audience I am writing to, and the type of publication at hand." Here is an answer example: "I have received training in the Chicago stylebook but fully understand how AP differs. Do you have a preference between these two popular stylebooks? I can move between the two, depending on the topic and goals of the project."18. What do you do when your schedule or project plan is upset by unforeseen circumstances? The interviewer would like to know that you respond professionally and proactively when faced with a change of plans. Your best response will include a time when your schedule changed, yet you continued to work toward your goal to make the deadline. Discuss how you communicated the circumstances with your team or client. Your ability to fix situations like this, professionally, is what should shine. Here is an answer example: "I have experienced stressful times associated with technology crashes, such as computers shutting down and deleting my work. When this has happened, I take a deep breath, contact my IT support, and see what they can do. It's important that rather than having a mind-melt, I troubleshoot and assess. If an unforeseen issue pops up that will affect a client deadline, I will be sure to communicate this with my manager or the client directly, and create a plan to make up for lost time." Here is an answer example: "I can think quickly on the job, and I do respond well to sudden change. That's part of being a creative person, in my opinion. Last week I was asked to tweak a client's presentation with just 30 minutes notice. The changes were significant, but luckily I work well under pressure. The presentation went well, and my clients were delighted."19. How do you decipher a credible source from a non-credible source? Sources are an essential topic in writing, and the interviewer wants to see that you have the ability to judge a reputable source from a random one. The way that you respond will determine how good your judgment is, as well as give the hiring authority an idea of the quality of content you put out. Discuss the crucial resources to which you regularly refer. You can also ask the interviewer where they turn for credible sources. Here is an answer example: "When I need to decipher a credible source from a non-credible one, I will look at the type of publication first. If the source is a personal blog, I will take the time to dig deeper and find something from The New York Times or Business Insider, for instance. I am always open to finding new sources so, if there are any that you prefer to lean on, I would love to hear more." Here is an answer example: "Using an uncredible source can have a very negative impact on one's article, publication, or blog post. It's important to take sources that are well known such as national media outlets, popular business websites, or industry influencers."20. 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. Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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."21. What makes great content, and how do you know if it is performing well? The interviewer wants to see that you understand what makes content great. Anyone can put words on a page, or publish an article online, but that does not make you a writer. It takes a real writer to make the content compelling and share-worthy. Discuss with the interviewer what you think makes your writing stand out from the rest. Here is an answer example: "In a world where content is king, all written words should be keyword optimized, and written to drive clicks, boost page views, and to increase unique visitors. As a writer, I focus on putting out pieces of work that are engaging and fun to read." Here is an answer example: "Great content will not only draw in the reader, but it will also engage them heavily while informing them. I know that I have read a good piece of content when I can easily repeat what I read, in my own words, to someone else. These factors are what make content share-worthy, and what can drive visitors to your blog, website, or store."22. Are you willing work holidays and weekends, to meet important publication deadlines? Writers are often subject to working a variety of hours and days based on the job at hand. Be prepared to discuss your availability to work late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays. While not all writing jobs require this kind of flexibility, be prepared with a well-crafted response. The interviewer wants to see that you are passionate about doing the job, regardless of the hours! Here is an answer example: "I can work any hours required to get the job done. Writing is my biggest passion, and I am a dedicated employee, so if it requires working weekends or evenings to meet a deadline, I am willing to do it." Here is an answer example: "Working holidays, weekends, evenings, or off-hours is something I can certainly accommodate from time to time. I do appreciate a healthy work-life balance so that I can keep my creativity at its peak; however, I know that there are often important deadlines and I would never quit for the day knowing my team still needs me."23. 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! Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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."24. What do you know about our organization? Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, make some effort to research the opportunity. You don't need to be an expert, but you do need to be knowledgeable about the company before your interview. Remember: as a writer you are also an efficient researcher! Start by searching the company website and take particular note of any recent news articles, events or contributions they have made to the community. Identify their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss what you know about the organization and why you believe your skills, passions, and interests are a match. Here is an answer example: "I came across your website when I was seeking out resources for email campaigns and marketing ideas. I found the information incredibly helpful and high quality, which is why I initially contacted you regarding writing opportunities. The clients that I take on are ones who offer high-quality content, and your company is no exception. I know that you focus on quality information, helpful advice, and shareable content." Here is an answer example: "Your agency is one of the most established in the area, quickly adapting to the changes that occur in the online marketing and content writing space. I love that you have reinvented your organization a couple of times and, seamlessly at that. I look forward to joining your team of creatives, and learning from your existing team."25. 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. Here is an answer example: "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." Here is an answer example: "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."26. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer? The interviewer would like to know which writing accomplishment you value the most. Talking about your most significant achievement will give the interviewer a definite idea of where you place your values. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future. It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments! Here is an answer example: "My greatest accomplishment to date was writing a series of textbooks with a team. I am so proud of it because it took years to complete and we spent much time researching and making it the best we could. I learned a lot from working within a multi-disciplinary team of creatives as well." Here is an answer example: "I have many accomplishments of which I am proud. Overall, I would say that my greatest work accomplishment is the positive reputation that I have in the writing industry. Writing is a difficult industry, with many professionals fighting to find their voice through a sea of unseasoned writers. I'm so proud to have carved a distinct career path for myself, despite those challenges."27. Describe a difficult project and how you overcame it. The interviewer would like for you to talk about a time when you had a particularly challenging job to complete. Perhaps it was a difficult topic that required a lot of research and understanding. Maybe the challenge was that the deadline was unusually tight. Or, it could be that the client was a problematic person with which to communicate. Discuss the situation and what you did to overcome the obstacles, delivering a stellar project. The goal with your response is to show the interviewer that you have the grit required to get through challenging projects. Here is an answer example: "My most challenging project to date was writing a biography for a famous politician. It was hard to overcome bias and prior knowledge the public had about this person. However, I found that the more time I spent with the person, the more I was able to write in the way that he deserved to be portrayed. I took a creative approach and removed a lot of the political jargon, replacing it with stories and angles that the everyday person could appreciate." Here is an answer example: "The most challenging project, hands down, was a 12,000-word e-book that needed completion in just three days. This deadline was very tight and included editing time as well. I wanted to take on the challenge to show myself that I have what it takes to work under pressure. I started by creating a schedule, committing to 6,000 words each day for two days, and then giving myself a full day for edits."28. How do you handle the stress and pressure of tight deadlines? Writers are often subject to immense pressure being required to write under a tight deadline or working under strict rules that are tough to follow. Discuss how you work under pressure, ensuring that you meet your client's needs at all times. Some ways to cope could be using a convenient project management system, slotting your writing hours, creating a solid outline before beginning, or having outside resources such as a researcher or editor at your disposal. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of managing the stress that comes with being an in-demand writer. Here is an answer example: "I feel I do some of my best work under pressure; however, it is never ideal to be under the thumb of a tight deadline. To minimize potential stress, I will sub-contract an editor or use a researcher for articles or e-books that require a great amount of research. Leaning on the skills of others is something that writers find hard to do, but it is a life-saver when the pressure is on." Here is an answer example: "Deadlines are par for the course when working as a writer. I am sure to use a few project management applications such as Trello and Wrike, to ensure that my work is always well organized. Half the stress of a job comes from feeling unprepared so, when I can nip those feelings in the bud, everything else seems to fall into place."29. As a writer, what is your greatest weakness? Pick weaknesses that are not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness. Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar from a well-known writer. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours! Here is an answer example: "My biggest weakness as a writer is that it takes me longer to get a project started than some would like. As a freelance writer, I won't take on rush jobs because I need to think about what I am going to write and create my plan of action, before beginning. For some clients, they do not mind this approach at all; however, I will recommend another writer in my network should my process not be a fit for a particular client." Here is an answer example: "As a very busy writer, I believe my reluctance to edit long after my initial submission, would be my greatest weakness. As a creative, it is challenging to revisit a project long after it has gone to my client. With that said, I am a strong editor - it just isn't my favorite task."30. As a writer, what is your greatest strength? The interviewer would like to know which personal strengths make you an excellent writer. You should be ready to mention skills or qualities that make you stand out from the rest. In a work context, your strengths will help you to reach deadlines, understand the project scope, and help you to apply your research into compelling words. Talk to the interviewer about a couple of your strengths and why those will help you to be successful in this writing role. Some strengths you can mention include: - Interest in reading and learning - Robust vocabulary - Dedication to quality research - Fast recognition of reputable vs. unreputable resources - Innate curiosity on a wide variety of topics - Showing objectivity, honesty, and accuracy in your statements - Ability to see similarities, draw analogies, and have fresh thoughts - Solid memory and recall Here is an answer example: "One strength that makes me a sought-after writer is my ability to take a complicated topic and make it easy for anyone to understand. I do this by drawing analogies and similarities to which the reader can quickly relate. When it comes to compelling content, the ability for the reader to easily relate to the topic is most important." Here is an answer example: "My greatest strength as a writer is my ability to quickly decipher if a resource is reputable, honest, and accurate. It is essential to me that I write honest pieces that are helpful and provide correct information. In a world of 'fake news,' this couldn't be more important."