Top 20 Content Writer Interview Questions and Answers

Basic Content Writer Interview Questions

1. What do you think are the integral components of good content?

Usually, there exist a plethora of aspects to make a content piece outstanding. However, like other content writer interview questions and answers, the interviewer is expecting you to discuss the key elements that are an integral part of any write-ups. 

• Engagement: Your write-up should be engaging to the audience. Elements such as proper headlines, images, and structure contribute towards an engaging read. 
• Utility: You should create content by keeping in mind the needs of the readers. This has a great impact on audience engagement and also affects the rankings of the blogs and the articles. 
• Credibility: While writing any content, your foremost duty is to make it credible. The information included in an article or blog should be from a credible source. 
• No Plagiarism: In the realm of content writing, plagiarism is a serious crime. It can harm the reputation of your company and can also influence the performance of the write-up negatively on a search engine.

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2. What are the ways to decide the tone of a particular content?

Like other technical content writing interview questions, you should be confident while answering this one. If you can answer this question perfectly, you are one step closer to impressing the interviewer. 

While providing an answer to this question, including the points mentioned below:

• The personality of the brand: It is worthwhile here to note that the content plan is based on the features of the brand you are writing for. Thus, the tone of the content should reflect the core ideologies of the brand. 
• Audience: You can choose the approach and nature of writing by knowing your readers and target audience. You have to know the brand’s audience to write content that can impress them. 
• Medium: Content writing requires you to draft write-ups for various mediums. For instance, social media posts differ by a great margin from SEO blogs. Hence, it is important to keep in mind the medium for which you are writing. 

3. How can you make your information credible?

Through this question, the interviewer wants to know whether or not you do your research carefully. Including credible information in your blog is quite crucial to make them acceptable amongst the readers. In other words, the information which you would quote in your articles or blogs should be from a credible source. 

4. Illustrate the basic difference between an article and blog

This is one of the most asked content writing interview questions through which the interviewer wants to analyze the basic skills you have in content writing. To be precise, articles are written by following a more formal format. They are usually informative and give insights to the readers about a particular subject. In articles, you are free to use various types of facts and can even make your analysis, present research work and draw insights from there for your readers. A blog differs from an article in terms of tonality. The blogs are usually drafted informally. Note that in the case of blogs, you can be casual and talk one on one with your readers.   

5. Content writing at times can be downright monotonous. What are the ways through which you can dispel boredom while writing content?

This content writer interview question from the interviewer’s end is usually asked to analyze your passion and seriousness about the job position. When pursued as a passion, content writing would never be monotonous. Instead, content writing is one of the very few fields which give you the unique opportunity to learn and grow. 

It is also one of the most asked content writer interview questions which you should answer with care. Well, you may communicate to the interviewer that sometimes you feel annoyed while writing on the same topic or niche. But quickly state that you also have your own ways of overcoming this state. 

For instance, you can tell the interviewer that while writing for the same niche, you like to experiment with different tones and styles. Your ability to experiment with various writing styles and tones also highlights the important skills you have in your arsenal to curate various types of articles and blogs. While providing an answer to this question, always be specific about your creative skills in writing. A tactical answer, like the one as mentioned above, would also cast a good impression on the interviewer. 

6. What are the things you enjoy most about content writing?

The main motive behind asking this question is to assess your seriousness about the job role you have been offered. It is worthwhile here to note here that the answer to this question would differ as per your experience level. If you are a fresher, you should concentrate on bringing forth the inner abilities that inspire you to be a content writer. On the other hand, if you have the experience, you can portray how content writing has shaped your career in a purposeful manner. Through both these perspectives, you should always depict content writing as your most preferred field. 

For Freshers

Focus on your key talents and connect them with the craft of content writing. For instance, if you have a penchant towards creative writing, tell the interviewer how you want to transform this skill to earn. On the other hand, if your favourite hobby is playing the guitar, tell the interviewer that online articles on guitars inspire you to write easy-to-understand content for your fellow musicians. 

For Experienced Professionals

Ensure to emphasize on the various skills you have learnt in your previous workplace. You can also communicate to the interviewer that you have developed a large number of skills which have made you better. You can also state that with years of experience, you have now started taking various writing assignments as a challenge. Also tell that you love to experiment and innovate with various writing styles, tones and formats.     

Related Interview Questions and Answers

7. Do you possess a good work ethic?

With this content writer interview question, the primary aim of the interviewer is to assess your discipline towards your profession. Always exercise caution while providing an answer to this question as the answer can either make or break your reputation in front of the interviewer. 

To answer this question, always try to communicate your ability to maintain your work schedule without compromising on the content’s quality. You may start your answer by referring to everyday chores where you like to maintain discipline. 

Subsequently, introduce the importance of planning in your daily work schedule. This would no doubt cast a positive image on the mind of the interviewer. You can also tell the interviewer about the phases of planning you normally execute in writing high-quality content. 

On the other hand, you can also answer this content writer interview question by stating your dedication towards the profession of content writing. For instance, you can state that you have rarely missed a deadline in your previous job. You can also tell the interviewer that you strictly adhere to a writing plan which enables you to not compromise on quality. 

8. What are the various types of content assets, and which amongst them is your forte?

Content assets refer to various types of content that businesses can use to help people understand what they do and build trust with their audience. These content pieces can be easily shared and engaged with by potential customers. Some examples of content assets include articles, videos, infographics, webinars, e-books, and interactive tools.

• Long-form content: Long-form content refers to any type of content that provides in-depth information on a particular topic, usually over 2,000 words in length. This type of content is designed to offer valuable and actionable information to the audience, and it can take many forms, including blog posts, articles, whitepapers, and e-books. It is an effective way to attract traffic, improve user engagement metrics and answer the questions that your target audience is asking.
• Articles: An article is a piece of content written on a particular topic that provides valuable information to the reader. Articles can be published on a website, either as a standalone post or as part of a series. They can vary in length but are generally shorter than long-form content. Articles are often used to attract traffic to a website and can cover a wide range of topics from news to opinion pieces.
• Videos: Videos are a highly effective form of content marketing that can help businesses connect with their target audience. They can be used to educate, inform, and entertain viewers, and can be shared across multiple platforms to increase visibility and engagement. With the growing popularity of video content, it's important for businesses to incorporate videos into their content marketing strategy to stay relevant and competitive in today's digital landscape.
• E-books: E-books are digital books that can be downloaded and read on a variety of devices. They are used to provide in-depth information on a specific topic, or as a way to generate leads by requiring users to provide contact information in order to access the content.
• Infographics: Infographics are a type of visual content that presents complex information and data in an easy-to-understand and engaging way. They use graphics, charts, and other visual elements to help the audience quickly grasp key points and statistics. Infographics are often used to share research data, explain concepts, or showcase information in a visually appealing format.
• Cheat Sheets: A cheat sheet is a concise and handy reference guide that provides important information on a specific topic. It usually comes in the form of a graphic or a document that can be printed out and kept for easy access. Cheat sheets are created to help users quickly understand and remember key information without having to read through long texts or search for information online. They are particularly useful for beginners or those who need a quick reference guide for a specific task or topic.
• Resource Pages: A resource page is a web page on a website that contains a collection of valuable and informative content related to a specific topic or theme. It can include links to articles, ebooks, whitepapers, guides, and other helpful resources. Resource pages are used by businesses to attract visitors to their websites, provide value to their audience, and improve their search engine rankings through link building. They can also be used to generate leads by requiring users to provide contact information to access the content.
• Studies/Surveys: Studies and surveys are a type of content asset that involves conducting research on a particular topic to gain insights into consumer behavior or industry trends. They are a valuable marketing asset that can be used in various forms of content such as blog posts or press releases.
• Webinars: A webinar is an online video presentation or workshop that can be live or pre-recorded, where one or more speakers share information on a specific topic. They are time-based and can be used to generate leads by requiring attendees to provide contact information. Webinars are an effective way to engage with your audience, provide valuable content, and generate leads for your business.
• Interactive Tools: Interactive tools are digital applications that allow users to interact with content in a more engaging and dynamic way. They can be customized to provide personalized recommendations or experiences and can be used to explore complex data sets. Interactive tools are a powerful way to demonstrate the value of a product or service and can be particularly effective in providing a personalized experience to the user.

Intermediate Content Writer Interview Questions

9. What are the types of procedures you emphasize on to get your write-ups finally done?

The interviewer asks this question to assess your written skills on various types of write-ups. It is important to mention here that there exists an array of write-ups and each write-up needs a different kind of approach. For instance, the research you conduct before writing a blog would differ when you write white papers. 

Through this content writing interview question, the interviewer wants to analyze your attitude towards research. The purpose of asking this question is to get an idea from where you usually source your content. The interviewer also wants to know the kind of websites you usually refer to while writing a specific piece of content. To be precise, not all websites are the same. They differ in terms of their overall quality. If you are referring to these sub-par websites, then it is normal that your write-up would be inferior and of low quality. 

Hence, while providing an answer to this question, you should include these points: 

• In-depth research on the topic you are writing
• Emphasize the fact that you use good and relevant external as well as internal links
• Quoting the latest trends to make your write-up more credible
• Implementing necessary content checks to guard against grammatical mistakes and plagiarism

10. What kind of writing style are you most comfortable with? What tones of writing have you come across?

To be precise, every writer has his/her own unique writing style of forging a piece of information. For instance, some explain stuff in detail, some write while referring to a third person and some focus on readability more. Usually, this query is raised by the interviewer to assess your knowledge on the technicalities of writing. 

Your tone of writing along with its structure and syntax can either make or break a piece of content. Through this content writer interview question, the interviewer wants to be sure of your writing skills. While providing an answer to this question, it is crucial on your part to be aware about the various tones of writing. 

Here is the list of some of the writing styles commonly used by modern-day content writers: 

• Argumentative
• Descriptive 
• Narrative 
• Persuasive

It is worth noting here that while providing an answer to this question, you need to have sufficient knowledge about the writing style you are selecting. In all probabilities, the interviewer may ask you in detail about the writing style. You may also be asked to quote various examples in describing the writing style. 

On the other hand, the majority of times, the answer also depends on the voice which the readers want to read. As a proficient professional, it is important that you identify your audience and select a writing style which best caters to their interests. 

11. What is the importance of target personas while writing an article?

Target personas are fictional characters or representations of a business's ideal customer or audience. Marketers create these profiles by collecting specific data about their top consumers, including their pain points, goals, desires, and previous purchases. These profiles are used to create a clear understanding of the target audience, allowing writers to create content that resonates with them and addresses their specific needs. Essentially, target personas are a tool used to identify the characteristics, behaviors, and motivations of the ideal customer or audience, and help businesses to develop effective marketing strategies and create content that drives results.

Target personas are important because they help you to understand your audience better and create content that is relevant and valuable to them. This can increase engagement and make your article more effective and persuasive. By knowing your audience's motivations and concerns, you can create content that builds trust and establishes you as an expert. Target personas can also help you to focus your writing and make it more clear and more concise, which can make it easier for people to read and understand. Overall, creating target personas can help you to write better articles that connect with your audience and achieve your content marketing goals. 

12. How do you proofread a content piece?

Proofreading is an essential part of the writing process that involves checking a content piece for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. The word “proofreading” comes from the traditional publishing industry where a final review of the printed proof was performed by a proofreader who is responsible for catching any grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors or inconsistencies.
Although the text or manuscript might have gone through top editing, line editing, and copy editing, some errors can still get missed in these early review stages. Proofreading, however, is the last opportunity to correct any errors that might have slipped past before it’s published.
Here are some steps you can follow to proofread a content piece effectively:

• Take a break: Take a break before proofreading to get a fresh perspective
• Read aloud: Read your content aloud slowly and carefully to catch mistakes
• Use spell-check: Use a spell-check tool, but be aware it may not catch everything
• Check for grammar and punctuation: Check for grammar, punctuation, verb tense, and subject-verb agreement
• Review for style: Check for consistency in style throughout the piece
• Use a checklist: Create a checklist of common mistakes and review it
• Get a second opinion: Get a second opinion from a colleague or friend

Using these techniques will help you minimize the mistakes on your document before submitting it. By following these steps, you can effectively proofread a content piece and ensure that it is free of errors before publishing or submitting it.

13. Are you adept in planning and scheduling your work?

The main objective of forecasting and developing content is to manage it effectively. In other words, you should be able to meet objectives and deadlines without affecting the quality. Here are few steps which you should narrate in case the interviewer asks these kinds of content writer interview questions: 

• Comprehend the tactics of writing a specific piece of content
• Create a bunch of topics
• Assess the number of times your write-ups have been published
• Emphasize on a proper workflow
• Set targets and deadlines to segregate priorities on the basis of importance 

14. What are the ways through which you integrate SEO into your content?

This is one of those content writer interview questions to assess your knowledge of Google algorithms and on-page SEO tactics. Thus, it is too important knowledge about the intricacies of SEO. 

Here are some on-page SEO strategies that content writers should know:

• Meta Tags - They play a decisive role in illustrating the content of a specific page. But, always note that they are not included in the overall word count. 

• Keyword density - Keywords are the building blocks of your content. You should know how to include keywords naturally in your content to increase its readability score. Also, note that the keyword density should be maintained between two to six per cent. 

• Structure of the URL - This is probably where even the most experienced content writers stumble. URLs in content should always be small and integrated with proper keywords. This enables the search engines to discover them easily. 

• Body Tags - You cannot undermine the significance of headings in a particular content piece. H1, H2 headings segregate the content based on important sections. 

15. Are you a professional content writer? What are the ways through which you manage deadlines?

Note that deadlines and submitting work on time are not only limited to the field of content writing. It is one of those work ethics which is present in every field. Hence, while providing an answer to this content writer interview question, you need to emphasize your dedication levels. Usually, this question is asked to determine how well you cope up with time in pressure situations. Moreover, the interviewer also intends to analyze the extent to which you are serious about completing your work on time. Being a content writer, it is normal that you would be assigned various kinds of assignments. Moreover, the topic of these assignments would also vary as per the requirements. 

Some are based on niches while some are typical and complex in nature. Note that you cannot take the same approach of time planning with different niches. Thus, while providing an answer to this question, lay emphasis on the significance of proper planning as per the importance of the topic. 

In other words, state that the less important topics need less planning when compared to the important topics. Your research levels should be thoroughly based on the topic of the subject. Furthermore, the urgency of the work should also be considered while meeting deadlines efficiently. Being flexible is the best way to handle deadlines in pressure situations.  

16. How would you capture our company’s vision?

As a writer, it is normal for you to possess your style of writing. The interviewer expects you to write compelling content by keeping in mind the objectives and message of his/her organization. This is the reason that you should familiarize yourself with the company’s goals and vision before the interview. This will help you with other content writing interview questions as well. 

17. What are the ways through which you handle feedback?

The main objective behind asking this question is to analyze your attitude towards managing negative criticisms and comments. Always remember that feedback and criticism are an integral part of any profession. Without feedback, you cannot improve your job performance. 

So, there is nothing negative about getting feedback and criticized for your performance. While providing an answer to this question, make sure that you are always convinced about your job role. But at the same time, also state that you aren’t obstinate. In other words, you are always open to accepting criticisms of your work. 

You can also state that you are adept in learning from your mistakes in your workplace. You have to portray to the interviewer that you are always willing to implement changes as asked by the superiors. If you have the experience, you can state some previous incidents in your earlier workplace from where you have bounced back strongly after being criticized. 

It is also important for you to state that you maintain a genial bond with clients and seniors at the same time so that you can fix the serious loopholes without depicting any signs of distress. By answering in this manner, you can cast a good impression on the interviewer. 

18. Are you comfortable working in a team or separately?

Through this content writer interview question, the interviewer wants to assess your adaptive skills as a coworker. Well, it is a tricky question, and answering a straightforward “yes” or “no” can send wrong vibes to the interviewer. Thus, you have to be strategic while providing answers to this question. While providing an answer to this question, sound certain that you are open to collaborate in a team as well as individually. 

In other words, you can state that you are quite adept at managing your workload with negligible support. However, if you are a fresher, you should always emphasize the strength of working in a team. You can state that collaborating in a group would help you to realize the company’s mission and vision. 

Moreover, you would be acquainted with the work culture of the company while working in a team. Don’t forget to state that you are a fast learner and possess the ability to resolve intricate affairs independently. Interestingly, your answer would vary if you have gained experience in content writing before. 

You can state that you are open to working in both situations. Portray your achievements in the previous job where you have achieved success without working in a team. At the same time, don’t forget to underline the importance of teamwork and how you excelled at it to the interviewer.  

19. What are your strengths as a content writer?

Through this content writer interview question, the interviewer wants to determine your level of self-awareness and confidence. For this question, you should identify the areas where your expertise lies. Note that answering only job-centric areas of expertise would not impress the interviewer. You have to emphasize also on your soft skills as well as inner attributes to get past this question. 

For instance, you can state that your strength as a content writer should be on your adaptability. Ensure to clearly state that you are comfortable working with a team as well as individually. You can highlight your ability to adapt to organizational change as your core strength. 

You can also state that your proficiency in using various types of styles and the ability to switch between various formats is your core strength. On the other hand, it would be great if you emphasize your key content writing skills. For instance, tell the interviewer how you conduct research to curate highly credible articles and write-ups which drive engagement from the reader’s end. You can also cite examples of your ability to experiment with varied writing styles.  

20. How do you examine your content's performance?

Examining your content's performance involves tracking and analyzing various metrics to evaluate how well it's resonating with your target audience and meeting your business goals. Here are some steps to help you examine your content's performance:

1. Decide on Your Goals

Before you can evaluate your content's performance, you need to define what success means to you. What are the goals of your content marketing strategy? Do you want to increase website traffic, generate more leads, improve engagement on social media, or something else? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can begin to track the metrics that will help you determine whether or not you are meeting those goals.

2. Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for content marketing, as it allows you to reach a large audience and engage with them directly. To use social media effectively, you need to understand which platforms your target audience is using and how to create content that is optimized for each platform. You also need to be prepared to engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages and participating in conversations.

3. Other Media Sources

In addition to social media and SEO, there are many other media sources that you can use to promote your content and attract more visitors to your brand. This might include email marketing, influencer marketing, and paid advertising. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each of these media sources, you can create a comprehensive content marketing strategy that leverages each channel to its full potential.

4. Use Analytics Tools

To track your metrics, you'll need to use analytics tools such as Google Analytics or social media insights. These tools provide data on audience demographics, traffic sources, engagement rates, and other relevant metrics. It's important to set up tracking correctly and use the right tools to get accurate data.

5. Adjust Your Strategy

Based on your data analysis, adjust your content strategy and optimize your content for better performance. Experiment with different types of content and distribution channels to see what works best for your audience. This step is about continuous improvement, and it's important to stay flexible and willing to adapt your strategy based on your results.

6. Analyze Previous Data and Repeat 

Finally, it's important to regularly analyze your content's performance and adjust your strategy accordingly. By tracking metrics over time and identifying trends and patterns, you can refine your content strategy and improve your results. Don't be afraid to experiment with new types of content or distribution channels to see what works best for your audience.

7. Track Your Content Conversions

Conversions are another important metric for evaluating the performance of your content. A conversion might be a purchase, a sign-up, or any other action that you want your audience to take. By tracking conversions, you can determine which pieces of content are most effective at driving your audience to take action.

Get One Step Closer to Your Dream Job

Let’s hope that the top content writer interview questions, as mentioned above, would help you to pass your test with flying colors. In interviews for creative jobs, you must be aware of your capabilities. Also, keep your past work file handy in case the interviewer wants to see it. Last but not least; ensure that you are at your creative best during the interview. To add to it, you should also explore and enroll in IMT Ghaziabad Digital Marketing Program to prove to your employer that you are a market-ready writer who has a strong understanding of content, SEO, and marketing in general.