100 Common Content Writer Interview Questions and Answers
Q:
1. What skills, education, and experience qualify you for a job as a content writer?
A:
Content writers are used by a lot of companies to help spread their marketing campaigns. The experienced author stands out from their less experienced competitors because they know how to write for both search engines and customers. In this field, skills and experience will probably be more important than formal education, but you will still need to know how to use correct grammar and write well. Applicants should know that fresh, organic SEO-rich content and conversion go hand in hand.
What to look for in an answer:
- Experience applicant has in writing for the web
- SEO skills, which are integral for content writing
- English language education, including grammar
Example:
"I've been writing web content for more than ten years. Many of my clients have told me that their sales went up after hiring me.
Q:
2. Which methods do you use to determine who your target audience is?
A:
While some content writers are expected to research their target audience on their own, many receive information about it. One method for determining which market to target is to examine customer demographics. Analyzing the goods or services is an additional strategy. For instance, you won't typically advertise adult diapers to people in their 20s. The applicant must be eager to go above and beyond to comprehend the target market.
What to look for in an answer: of why targeting an audience is crucial to content
- knowledge of determining target markets
- Analytical skills when given raw data
Example:
"Frequently, the product itself will indicate to me which audience to write content for. In the event that doesn't work, I look at prior sales.
Q:
3. How do you begin your research, and how do you decide which sources are credible?
A:
Accurate research is crucial for producing content that engages readers and sells, informs, or in some other way sells. A thorough content writer must also know when to put down the book and start writing. Google is a good place to start, but any content writer should prioritize finding trustworthy sources. Ask the applicant if they are aware of how to use Google to specify the categories of websites to search.
What to look for in an answer:
- Applicant’s judgment regarding credible sources
- Candidate’s willingness to thoroughly research a topic
- Individual level of research as far as time and resources
Example:
“I often use Google to begin my search, but I try to specify which types of sites I am looking for such as .gov.”
Q:
4. What are your skills and experience with search engine optimization, or SEO?
A:
Search engine optimization is an important part of bringing your targeted audience to you, but organic search is the level to strive for. While organic search engine results do not contain sponsored results, it means that the algorithms Google has put into action find your site in sync naturally with the keywords the searcher has entered. Find your website naturally in line with the searcher's keyphrases.
What to look for in an answer:
- Applicant’s level of understanding regarding SEO
- Listen for the word “organic” when discussing search engine optimization
- The role keywords play in SEO
Example:
"I understand how to add organic SEO to any website. Despite dealing with difficult keywords, I was still able to logically incorporate them into the copy.
Q:
5. What is the most important part of content writing for you?
A:
Content writing is an essential part of persuasion, whether the objective is readership or sales. Writing content you don't enjoy can be difficult and ineffective. Look for applicants who enjoy a challenge. Flexibility is also required when writing content. Despite the fact that some people loathe research, it is a necessary part of the job. Look for the applicant who desires to uncover the answer.
What to look for in an answer:
- The importance of SEO to content
- Whether the applicant strives to engage or persuade the reader
- Factual information versus keyword stuffing
Example:
"Even though it isn't always possible to learn the results of my content writing, I look forward to seeing the difference I can make regarding a website's sales or readership.
Q:
What is an Oxford comma and when might you use it?
A:
Grammar and literary conventions should be a strong point of expertise for content writers. It's crucial to check that prospective content writers are familiar with fundamental grammar rules during interviews. The ability to perform their jobs successfully can be determined by asking a candidate a question about a grammar rule, such as the Oxford comma.
Look for an answer that includes:
- The definition of an Oxford comma
- When to use an Oxford comma
- Why it's an important writing tool
- A strong answer might resemble this example:
Example:
"In a list of three or more examples, an Oxford comma, also known as a serial comma, is placed in between the final two items. Given that they are not mandatory punctuation marks, commas are intriguing punctuation marks. While some people favor using them, others don't. It's critical for content writers to understand this grammar feature and whether or not clients prefer the Oxford comma in written work.