Learn How To Get The Gig With 17 Common Copywriter Interview Questions + Answers
When applying for your next copywriting role, it’s important to be well prepared and equipped with the best answers to the copywriter interview questions that generally come up.
The best way to prepare is to research these key questions and think about what your answers are, based on your experience and personality.
Luckily for you, I have done the research for you, so all you need to do is simply read through these interview questions and answers to step into that copywriter interview with confidence!
17 Copywriter Interview Questions + Answers
1. Why do you want to work for us?
The interviewer will most likely ask why you are interested in working for that specific company and within that industry.
Tips for answering this question:
- Do your research before the interview so that you know some facts about the company.
- If you’ve worked in similar positions, then share some facts about the industry and why you enjoy it.
- You can also research copywriting work that company has done and speak about what you liked about the campaign.
2. What is your copywriting process?
Interviews look for writers that have consistent and defined writing processes, as it ensures deadlines are met, and workflow is efficient and consistent.
Example Answer:
- In the case of an article that requires research, I start by researching the keywords and looking to the top page on google as to what articles are currently highly ranked.
I take in the content length, format, keywords used, and main points, and endeavor to create something that is of higher value in terms of the ideas expressed, with a higher word count than what I found.
- I seek out sources for the information and compile key sources together to extract upon as I am writing. I start with the body of the article and complete the introduction and conclusion at the end, referencing all sources in the employer’s preferred mode of reference.
3. What content management systems have you used?
Some employers might require copywriters to upload and post content directly to the site, which means that knowledge of CMS (WordPress or Wix, for example) would be desirable.
Example Answer:
- I’ve used the backend of WordPress, with formatting and publishing blogs, as well as Wix and Squarespace.
- I feel confident to publish content on these CRMs, as well as learn about others, as I am a fast learner when it comes to IT.
4. What do you feel are the most important elements that makeup good copywriting?
This gives the interviewer insight into what you value as a writer, and therefore, the type of work they will expect to see if you were hired.
Tips for answering this question:
- High-level researching and gathering data from reputable sources.
- Formatted to read easily – short paragraphs and imagery used to break up space.
- Being able to establish a voice of authority, as well as relatability to the specific audience.
- Actionable, practical content for the reader to feel the value of reading all the way through.
5. How do you handle stressful situations and tight deadlines?
This is one of the most common interview questions asked in any job within any industry.
Example Answers:
- Thankfully, stress is not something I experience, as I have a stable practice of time-management and prioritization. I don’t take things personally, so if it is coming from another person, it doesn’t usually affect me.
- Years of meditation and learning how to be calm in most situations has helped me develop this capacity.
6. How would you capture our company’s voice?
Being able to tailor the writing to suit the brand is paramount, so the hiring manager may ask this question to see how well you understand their company, and be able to craft content in that voice.
Example Answers:
- I would refer to any brand guidelines the company may have, or if It is an existing company without brand guidelines, I would reference the website, social, and other materials to get a sense of the company’s personality.
- If it were a new business, I would speak to the founder/CEO to be sure that we can define the brand voice together.
7. How do you handle and incorporate feedback into your writing?
Employers are looking for copywriters that can handle feedback and constructive criticism easily and with enthusiasm to incorporate this into their work.
Example Answers:
- I value feedback highly, as it has been the main thing to help me grow as a writer, learning more, and becoming better each time.
- Since I don’t take it personally and recognize that it is about the content and not ‘me’, I can stay level-headed and take on the feedback that is rational and that ultimately makes the content better/more in line with the brief. I stay strong in my judgment to offer my opinion on why certain decisions have been/should be made.
8. What are some of your strengths?
This is a moment in the interview for you to express your talents, so don’t be shy.
Example Answer:
I actually thrive on multitasking and working on many pieces of content at once. It keeps my mind fresh with each piece of content, as well as enhances the consistency of tone and messaging.
9. What are some weaknesses?
This shows that you are humble, yet also working towards your growth.
Example Answers:
- I am currently working on my perfectionism and my overworking. I have strong attention to detail, and sometimes I feel that a piece of writing can be improved upon. I’m learning to trust that what has been created in the deadline is definitely sufficient in quality and that I don’t need to continue to over-edit it.
- I know that having a work-life balance is the most sustainable, so I am learning to take more time away from work in my free time to come back fully recharged to put in the effort and energy that I love to put into my work.
10. Do you understand lead generation and sales funnels?
Content writing is becoming more technical and refined as so much copy is needed to craft strategic sales funnels. Some employers will ask this question with the hopes that you have this experience.
Example Answer:
Yes, as I have produced content in the past, such as email sequences, which align with the buyer’s journey and the company’s strategies for growth.
11. What has been the most enjoyable project that you’ve worked on?
Employers also like to see the type of work that inspired you, because if it aligns with the work they have available, it would be a good sign that you would be a good worker, really enjoying that form of work.
Example Answers:
- When I began writing in this industry of health and wellness, I found all of my new projects very enjoyable and fulfilling to research and write, as it is my personal interest also.
- Writing about vegan nutrition was especially great since it is my personal lifestyle as well, so there was a lot of passion coming through that article.
12. How do you tailor your content to suit different audiences?
As a content writer, this one is key to be able to adapt your tone, format, and messaging to suit the desired audience.
Example Answer:
I like to get a clear sense of the audience by asking myself questions before I write, such as ‘what language do they speak’ (such as conversational, professional, etc), ‘what are their pain points’ and ‘what are the audiences culture, interests, and worldview?’
This allows me to feel as if I am speaking to a real personality, which allows the content to be crafted to suit them.
13. How do you approach content creation with on-page SEO?
There are many ways to answer this question. You would ideally have experience with on-page SEO, and if you don’t, then we suggest starting to learn asap.
Tips for answering this question:
- Speak about keyword research and implementing search terms.
- Show your understanding of keyword placement in the title, header tags, and meta description,
- Speak about how image formatting, structure, and compression enhances user experience.
- Search engine URL optimization is another key SEO skill to share.
14. What is the biggest challenge working as a copywriter?
This gives the interviewer insight into your experiences and your understanding of the complexity of this role.
Example Answers:
- I find that when crafting material for promotions and sales funnels, there is a delicate balance of being both persuading to make the sale, while also not coming across as desperate and too much into overt selling.
- It has been my biggest learning to really assess the right way to sell, whilst also connecting to the audience and offering real value in the content.
15. What is your availability?
This is a practical question that could come up towards the end of the interview.
Tips for answering this question:
- It’s in the employer’s interest that you have flexible availability, and if you’re serious about this job, it’s in your interest also to be able to be flexible.
- If there are times that you cannot work, due to personal/family responsibilities, tell the interviewer these times and the reason why you can’t work.
16. What is your ideal work schedule?
Although not all employers will account for your preferences, some may like to simply know what your ideal schedule would be.
Tips for answering this question:
- The ideal scenario would be that you don’t have any preferences and can work whenever needed.
- If expressing some set preferences, it’s advantageous to share in a way where you are letting them know that you aren’t attached to having these met, and ultimately care about consistent work.
17. Do you have any questions for me?
You may get the chance to ask questions at the end of your interview, which is a great opportunity to learn more about the role and the company.
Example Answers:
- What defines a successful content writer, in your eyes?
- What does a typical day of work look like?
- How would you describe the company culture?
For further upskill, you can also see my posts on online copywriting courses and online writing courses.