10 real-life content specialist interview questions
Content Specialists are at the heart of every successful marketing campaign. They craft compelling narratives, engage audiences, and drive brand visibility. Their expertise in creating and curating content sets the tone for how a brand communicates with its audience.
These content specialist interview questions are directly sourced from real hiring managers and they are ready to use.
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10 good content specialist interview questions
- What’s the difference between an article and a blog?
- What do you think are the necessary components of good content?
- What are the ways you decide on a content’s tone?
- What is your review process like?
- How do you source new content stories?
- How do you work with internal and external stakeholders to finalize campaign content?
- How do you determine what medium should be used for the campaign content?
- How do you handle criticism of your content and how do you resolve the conflict?
- What experience do you have managing freelancers?
- What do you believe the distinction is between a marketing content creator and a copywriter?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
1. What’s the difference between an article and a blog?
Understanding content types is fundamental.
Sample answer:
“An article is typically a more formal piece, often found in publications or on news websites, and is grounded in research and expert insights. A blog, on the other hand, is more casual and conversational, often reflecting personal opinions or experiences and is usually published on a company or individual’s website.”
2. What do you think are the necessary components of good content?
Content quality determines its impact.
Sample answer:
“Good content should be relevant to the target audience, well-researched, and engaging. It should have a clear objective, be free of errors, and be presented in a format that’s accessible and easy to digest. Visual elements and a compelling call-to-action can also enhance its effectiveness.”
3. What are the ways you decide on a content’s tone?
Tone resonates with the audience.
Sample answer:
“The tone is determined by the target audience, the platform where the content will be published, and the brand’s voice. For instance, B2B content might have a more professional tone, while B2C content might be more casual. It’s essential to ensure the tone aligns with the brand’s identity and the content’s purpose.”
4. What is your review process like?
Quality assurance is key.
Sample answer:
“After drafting content, I take a break before revisiting it for editing. I use tools like Grammarly for grammar checks and ensure the content aligns with the brief. I also seek feedback from peers or stakeholders to get diverse perspectives and make necessary revisions.”
5. How do you source new content stories?
Innovation drives engagement.
Sample answer:
“I stay updated with industry news, attend webinars, and engage in forums. I also conduct regular audience surveys and feedback sessions to understand their interests. Collaborating with other departments and leveraging analytics to see what’s resonating with our audience also provides valuable insights.”
6. How do you work with internal and external stakeholders to finalize campaign content?
Collaboration ensures alignment.
Sample answer:
“I initiate kickoff meetings to understand the campaign’s objectives and gather inputs. Regular check-ins, sharing drafts for feedback, and being open to suggestions ensure that the content aligns with the stakeholders’ vision and objectives.”
7. How do you determine what medium should be used for the campaign content?
The medium amplifies the message.
Sample answer:
“It depends on the campaign’s goals and target audience. For instance, if we’re targeting millennials, a video on social media might be effective. For a B2B audience, a detailed whitepaper or webinar might be more appropriate. Analytics and audience insights guide the decision.”
8. How do you handle criticism of your content and how do you resolve the conflict?
Feedback is a growth opportunity.
Sample answer:
“I appreciate constructive feedback as it helps improve the content. I listen actively, ask for specific examples, and discuss alternative approaches. It’s essential to keep the content’s objective in mind and collaborate to achieve the best outcome.”
9. What experience do you have managing freelancers?
Managing external resources requires skill.
Sample answer:
“I’ve managed a team of freelance writers and designers. I ensure clear communication, set expectations upfront, provide detailed briefs, and maintain regular check-ins. Using collaboration tools and setting milestones helps in efficient project management.”
10. What do you believe the distinction is between a marketing content creator and a copywriter?
Understanding roles ensures effective collaboration.
Sample answer:
“A marketing content creator focuses on creating content that educates, informs, or entertains the audience, like blogs, videos, or infographics. A copywriter, on the other hand, crafts persuasive content to drive specific actions, like ads, product descriptions, or landing pages.”
What does a good Content Specialist candidate look like?
An ideal Content Specialist is not only proficient in writing but also understands the brand’s voice, audience preferences, and the latest content trends. They should be adaptable, open to feedback, and have a keen eye for detail.
Red flags
Beware of candidates who don’t emphasize the importance of understanding the target audience or those who lack a structured approach to content creation and review. An inability to handle feedback or a lack of curiosity about industry trends can also be concerning.