Interview questions for Writers and editors

An Overview

If you’re a writer or editor looking for work, you already know you can write well, but you may be feeling nervous about an in-person interview. But, you can ace your interview by prepping with some common job interview questions for writers and editors. To better understand you and your relationship to the written word, your interviewer will likely ask you about your personal interests and preferences. For example, what books, magazines, or newspapers do you enjoy reading? You’ll need to do more than just rattle off a list of reading material. Be prepared to state why as well. In the 21st century, working as a writer or editor isn’t just about putting words on a piece of paper. Employers want to know your experience with computer software programs and content management systems as well.

Editors lead content strategy and manage content teams (writers, designers, developers, photographers, etc) in order to create exceptional, engaging content. Suitable candidates will have excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills. Be wary of candidates who lack formal training and experience.

Sample Interview Questions

  • What are your weaknesses?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • Why do you want to work here?
  • What are your goals?
  • Everyone needs a break. What do you read on your own time?
  • What was your greatest accomplishment as an Editor?
  • Tell me how you supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors. What works?
  • How has your work experience prepared you for this position?
  • How do you sustain interest in even the most mundane aspects of editing – proofreading, fact-checking, source-checking, etc?
  • Share an experience you had in dealing with a difficult person and how you handled the situation.
  • What social media platforms work well for increasing the reach of your content?
  • How much do you know about SEO?
  • Describe the ideal supervisor that you want want to work for?
  • Why would you be successful in legal writing?
  • Describe the ideal supervisor that you want want to work for?
  • Share an effective approach to working with a large amount of information/data. How has your approach affected your company?
  • Provide an example of a time when you were able to demonstrate excellent listening skills. What was the situation and outcome?
  • How do you plan and prioritize your work?
  • How do the duties for the position that you’re interviewing for differ from the duties of your current position?
  • How would you deal with a large volume of writing each month, at least five stories?
  • Tell us about your training and experience in reading large amounts of information and gleaning the main idea?
  • How do you determine if a piece of writing is good? …
  • How would you suggest content improvements to senior managers or well-known authors?
  • There are two projects with the same deadline. One client is easygoing while the other constantly calls to ask when we will be done. Which project do you make your top priority?

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