Copywriter interview questions and answers
These sample Copywriter interview questions will help you evaluate candidates’ skills before choosing the best hire for your open role. Feel free to modify these questions to meet your specific job requirements.
10 good copywriter interview questions
- If you were asked to create 50 pieces of content per week, what would you say?
- What new content would you recommend for our website? Why?
- How would you manage frequent changes in a product that require you to constantly update relevant content?
- You’ve put a lot of effort into a piece of content but end up receiving negative feedback from your manager. How would you respond?
- What would you change in the language/tone you use to attract a younger audience?
- How do you think people discover our content?
- What techniques do you use to improve SEO?
- How much time do you spend on both researching and writing?
- What tools do you use or practices do you follow to check your grammar and spelling?
- Do you have (or did you ever have) a personal blog? If so, what is it (or was it) about?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
1. If you were asked to create 50 pieces of content per week, what would you say?
This question gauges the candidate’s capacity to handle volume and their understanding of quality versus quantity.
Sample answer:
“While I prioritize quality over quantity, I’d assess the content’s nature and length. If they’re shorter pieces, I’d strategize to meet the target while maintaining quality.”
2. What new content would you recommend for our website? Why?
This question tests the candidate’s research skills and their ability to identify content gaps.
Sample answer:
“Considering the industry trends, I’d recommend more video content and infographics. They’re engaging and can convey complex information succinctly.”
3. How would you manage frequent changes in a product that require you to constantly update relevant content?
This question assesses adaptability and how they handle evolving information.
Sample answer:
“I’d maintain a flexible content calendar and use a version control system. Regular communication with the product team would also be crucial.”
4. You’ve put a lot of effort into a piece of content but end up receiving negative feedback from your manager. How would you respond?
This question evaluates the candidate’s receptiveness to feedback and professionalism.
Sample answer:
“I appreciate constructive feedback. I’d seek clarity on the specific issues and work on refining the content accordingly.”
5. What would you change in the language/tone you use to attract a younger audience?
Understanding audience dynamics is crucial. This question tests their ability to tailor content for specific demographics.
Sample answer:
“I’d use a more casual and relatable tone, incorporate current slang or phrases, and reference pop culture relevant to that age group.”
6. How do you think people discover our content?
This question gauges the candidate’s understanding of content distribution and SEO.
Sample answer:
“Mostly through search engines, social media shares, and possibly email newsletters. SEO optimization is crucial for discoverability.”
7. What techniques do you use to improve SEO?
SEO knowledge is vital for a copywriter. This question tests their expertise in this area.
Sample answer:
“I focus on keyword research, meta descriptions, quality backlinks, and ensuring mobile-friendliness. Regularly updating content also boosts SEO.”
8. How much time do you spend on both researching and writing?
This question provides insight into their work process and time management skills.
Sample answer:
“I typically spend 40% of my time on research to ensure accuracy and 60% on writing and refining the content.”
9. What tools do you use or practices do you follow to check your grammar and spelling?
Accuracy is crucial in copywriting. This question assesses their attention to detail.
Sample answer:
“I use tools like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor. I also proofread my work multiple times and occasionally have a colleague review it.”
10. Do you have (or did you ever have) a personal blog? If so, what is it (or was it) about?
A personal blog can provide insights into their writing style and passions.
Sample answer:
“Yes, I have a blog where I write about sustainable living practices. It’s a subject I’m passionate about.”
What does a good copywriter candidate look like?
An ideal copywriter candidate possesses a blend of creativity, technical prowess in SEO, and an innate understanding of the target audience. They should be adaptable, receptive to feedback, and have a keen eye for detail.
Red flags
Be cautious of candidates who are resistant to feedback, lack understanding of SEO, or have limited samples in their portfolio. Inconsistencies in their writing or a lack of adaptability can also be concerning.
Copywriter Interview Questions
Copywriters are responsible for marketing a company and its products through compelling copy for websites, blogs and ads. Their role is both to inform and engage the company’s target audience through clear writing.
Your ideal candidates should have experience creating online content for various channels. They should also be familiar with Content Management Systems and Search Engine Optimization (SEO.) During your hiring process, look for candidates who understand end-to-end marketing campaigns and can proactively identify promotional opportunities for your company/products. Also, candidates with backgrounds in Journalism are more likely to use their research and critical-thinking skills on the job.
Combine your interviews with a portfolio and/or assignment assessment. A written piece will help you understand how candidates express an idea through writing. You’ll also have the chance to evaluate skills, like proofreading and attention to detail, in a real sample of work.
Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.
Operational and Situational questions
- If you were asked to create 50 pieces of content per week, what would you say?
- What new content would you recommend for our website? Why?
- We are launching a product at the end of this month and we need you to create new copy for our clients. We also need you to update all relevant pages on our website. How would you prioritize your work to make sure everything is ready before the launch?
- How would you manage frequent changes in a product that require you to constantly update relevant content?
- You’ve put a lot of effort into a piece of content but end up receiving negative feedback from your manager. How would you respond?
- What would you change in the language/tone you use to attract a younger audience?
Role-specific questions
- How do you think people discover our content?
- What techniques do you use to improve SEO?
- How do you measure success for blog posts?
- What publishing platforms have you used?
- What’s your familiarity with design software?
- How much time do you spend on both researching and writing?
- What tools do you use or practices do you follow to check your grammar and spelling?
- What are the main guidelines you give to the design team on content?
Behavioral questions
- Do you have (or did you ever have) a personal blog? If so, what is it (or was it) about?
- What blogs/websites do you follow? Why?
- What’s your least favorite type of content? Why?
- How do you stay motivated during repetitive work?
- Do you prefer to follow specific instructions when writing? Why?
- Describe a team project you worked on recently. Who did you work with, what was your specific role and what did you succeed in?
- What’s your favorite piece of writing from your portfolio? Why?
- Describe a time when your attention to detail saved you from making a mistake.