10 Content Writer Interview Questions That Trip Up Writers EVERY Time
Prepare for these make-or-break moments with confident, sophisticated answers. Plus, rationale about why they work!
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Learn about how to answer weakness interview questions, salary and pay interview questions and more.
How you answer these 10 tough interview questions is often the key determinant of whether you get the job (or not).
Learn more about our interview and pitching support in our free training video!
Preparing for an upcoming interview for a content writing job? Or, hoping to start landing work soon? You’ve come to the right place (the Ambitious Writer Society, that is)!
In this article, we dive way deeper than just your typical interview questions. Here, we breakdown some of the most heart-stopping, nerve-wracking writer interview questions that you’ll come across in your career.
You’ll also learn why they’re being asked (from the interviewer’s perspective), what to say in your answer and why that answer is ideal for landing the job.
And here’s the honest truth: These specific questions are often the “make-or-break” moments during the interview, so it’s imperative that you are completely prepared for them.
Key Things to Understand About Content Writer Interview Questions
One of the unique things about content writer interview questions is that content writing jobs themselves are usually very individualized. There are so many types of content writing projects, so the interviewer is constantly trying to find the one candidate with the best skills match.
The questions they may ask in your interview can vary greatly depending on the company and the job itself.
For example: One company may be interested in your SEO content writing skills while another is more interested in how well you can write technical specs for their product brochures.
You also may apply for a writing job where you work alongside a full content team, or, a small company that will want you to be doing the content writing, editing and publishing of the piece.
In such cases, the content writer interview questions each company may ask you will differ, especially in regards to your non-writing skills (e.g. Wordpress, SEO keyword research, editing process).
Now, let’s dive into a list of heart-stopping content writer interview questions that you need to prepare for. These interview questions may also pop up during freelance client discovery calls, but they’re very common during interviews for a content writing job.
Read this! How to Nail Your Discovery Calls
10 of the Trickiest Content Writer Interview Questions (with Answers)
Have no fear, let’s walk through some of the most intense interview questions – the ones that will really determine whether or not you get the job.
For each, we’ll explore why these questions are being asked, what you should say and why these types of answers are the best approach.
Question 1: “Tell me about your weaknesses as a writer.”
Ahhh… the age-old “weaknesses” interview question. While this question comes up in nearly any job interview, let’s look at how to answer it when interviewing for a writing job.
It’s (generally) common knowledge that the answer to this interview question needs to make you seem honest, self-aware but also pretty perfect. Super tough!
Instead of having a canned “strengths and weaknesses” response for every job interview, I suggest tailoring them – especially your weaknesses – to the job you’re interviewing for.
Every team you work with will have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s your job to show how you fit into the puzzle; how your strengths will amplify their team and how your weaknesses will fit well with their strengths.
Click the plus (+) icon to reveal the answer and rationale!
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"I sometimes get caught up in the details during the first draft, which can cause me to spend more time on an individual section than initially anticipated. To ensure I can still meet my deadlines, I’ve implemented a timed writing approach.
For example: I’ll set a timer for a specific amount of time – say, 15 minutes – to focus solely on the introduction. Then once the timer goes off, I move on to the next section, repeating the process until my second draft.
This timed writing approach has been extremely effective for me. It not only helps me meet deadlines, but it encourages me to prioritize the most important information and write more concisely.”
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Yes, you want to frame weaknesses as areas for growth – focusing on specific skills you're actively developing. However, if you can give them a concrete plan about how you’re actively strengthening that weakness, it shows you’ve already addressed this issue (and perhaps you’ve already made progress).
With this interview answer, the “timed writing approach” is a specific strategy or framework that you are using to minimize the impact of your weakness on a project. And, you’re touting its effectiveness, indicating that this weakness may be almost nearly resolved.
Question 2: "What is your writing process?”
Why is this particular content writer interview question so tricky? Because many writers mistakenly err too far on one side of the spectrum.
On one hand, the interviewer wants to see if you have an established writing process. Experienced writers know exactly how to approach a particular project and should be able to describe that process.
However, on the other hand, the interviewer wants to see if you seem too rigid in your approach. Does a project have to shake out a certain way in order for you to be successful? What if a curveball comes your way? What if you aren’t handed all the necessary information for a project?
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“My writing process is adaptable, but generally, it starts with understanding the project's goals and target audience. I like to clarify the key message and any specific requirements upfront.
Then, I'll typically do some research to gather relevant information and identify any knowledge gaps. From there, I create a basic outline to structure the piece and ensure a logical flow. The actual writing comes next, focusing on clarity and engagement.
I always revise and edit my work for proper grammar, style and tone.
Finally, I'm open to feedback and happy to collaborate with the team to ensure the final product meets everyone's expectations.
That being said, I'm very comfortable working within established workflows and can offer clear communication throughout the process.”
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The key to answering this content writer interview question is to outline a clear, adaptable process, mentioning research, outlining, drafting, editing and revisions.
Emphasize flexibility for different projects, even emphasizing flexibility in regards to how the company already operates.
And as a cherry on top: Mention how the initial projects may require you to adjust your process – but as you continue to work together – things should smooth out.
Question 3: “Do you know how to write for SEO?”
Some content writing jobs will require you to have an SEO background, others may not. If you’ve got an SEO writing interview coming up, we have an entire list of SEO writing interview questions and answers to check out.
For the purposes of this article, here’s what you need to know. Should every content writer know SEO? I absolutely think so. That’s why we’ve developed an entire free SEO writing training about it.
However, the need for SEO skills should be laid out in the initial job description. In fact, SEO has become so prevalent that we’ve seen 9 out of 10 writer job descriptions mention SEO!
But let’s take a look at how to answer this question. On one hand, if you do know how to write for SEO, you’ll need to sound compelling. And if you don’t know how to write for SEO, you’ll need to rationalize why you don’t have this skill.
Want to learn SEO? Sign up for our free SEO writing workshop now! (Watch when you want.)
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If you possess SEO writing skills:
“Yes, I'm familiar with SEO writing best practices, and I consider it a crucial part of content creation. SEO isn't just about stuffing keywords; it's about creating valuable, engaging content that also happens to rank well.
My approach is to first understand the target audience and their search intent. What questions are they asking? What information are they looking for?
Then, I conduct keyword research to identify relevant terms and incorporate them naturally. I also pay attention to on-page optimization elements. However, I always prioritize readability and user experience.
A piece can be perfectly optimized technically, but if it doesn't resonate with the reader, it won't achieve its goals.”
If you do NOT possess SEO writing skills:
“While my primary focus has been on crafting clear, engaging, and audience-focused content, I'm definitely aware of the importance of SEO. Although I haven't directly implemented SEO strategies myself, I'm eager to expand my skillset in this area.
I've already started familiarizing myself with some of the basic principles, and I'm confident I can quickly grasp the more technical aspects. I'm particularly interested in how to write content that both resonates with readers and performs well in search results.
I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team that values SEO and would be thrilled to develop my expertise further in this area.”
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In the first answer, the candidate shows that they clearly understand some of the nuances of SEO. It’s not just about keyword stuffing. Specific tactics, strategies and skills are mentioned in the answer, indicating that this candidate is – at least – well-versed in the topic.
But, a side note: Many writers say they can write for SEO, but their skills are extremely limited to what you can learn in general SEO courses.
In the case of the second answer – a candidate who does NOT know SEO – it still demonstrates your awareness of how SEO impacts content and its importance in online marketing.
The only downside? If you believe SEO is so important, you may be asked why you haven’t already expanded your skills in this area. That’s why we recommend that every writer learns SEO (e.g. content writer, copywriter, ghostwriter).
Read this! 27 Things You Need to Grasp Before You Can Land SEO Writing Jobs
Question 4: “What title would you give to an article about XYZ?”
This one irks me big time. Similar interview questions that they’d ask of a content writer would be something like, “What Google title tag would you give a listicle about 100 adorable puppy names for poodles?” Or, something like, “Give me 3 headline titles that would fit an article about housewives investing in Bitcoin.”
First of all – whenever they ask such a question – I immediately wonder if they do indeed have this article and they are pining for free title ideas. Second of all, they expect a writer to come up with something out of the blue.
As an experienced writer myself, my best ideas come when I can type them out on the computer. If you’re anything like me, my creative strengths don’t lie in auditory brainstorming or verbal brainstorming. So really, the interviewer is drawing you out of your comfort zone.
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“Honestly, coming up with a compelling title often happens during the writing process itself. Once I’ve started brainstorming and writing – and I’ve really gotten a feel for the article’s tone and key takeaways – interesting titles start to emerge.
I find that trying to brainstorm titles in a vacuum, without the context of the actual writing isn’t the best way to approach it.
However, to give you an initial idea or angle, here are a few potential options I’d try to refine and perfect…”
(Then, do your best to come up with a few title options – or at least – angles and title strategies to try.)
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This answer addresses their initial question by giving them 1-3 different titles or angles, but it also illuminates your strategic writing and planning process.
And in many cases, writing the title of an article is best done last, once you’ve hashed out all the important topics and you have a thorough understanding of the target audience and the goal of the piece.
When you approach this content writer interview question in such a way, it actually indicates to the interviewer that you’re not an amateur.
Question 5: “How do you tailor your writing to the target audience?”
Answering this content writer interview question can key the interviewer in about your previous experience with clients. In most cases, your client or team lead will give you information about their target audience, usually in the form of brand guides, previous work and market research.
If you’re applying to work with a very small company or startup, they may not have these documents. However, they really should have an idea about their target audience.
That being said, the interviewer wants to see if you already know that, because if you start your answer with something like, “Whenever I start a new project, I go online and start discovering the target audience,” your interviewer will think you’re pretty clueless and ineffective.
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“Clients or the content team usually provide initial documentation about demographics, interests and pain points – all of which is a great foundation. I then do my own research to broaden my understanding, and I always look at what's worked well for the company in the past: what content resonated, what do the metrics tell us?
Customer interviews or recordings are also invaluable. Hearing directly from the audience helps me understand their needs, their language and their assumptions, so I can craft truly relevant and authentic content.”
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With the answer to this content writer interview question, you’re clearly demonstrating that you know what information most companies already have available, making it seem like you’ve worked with clients before.
However, this answer also shows you’re willing to expand your background knowledge and do your own research. Plus, mentioning something really specific like “customer interviews and recordings” can impress your interviewer. (It’s worked countless times for me!)
Question 6: “What are your salary/rate expectations?”
Rates and salary are highly dependent on the specific content writing job you’re interviewing for. However, the approach to answering this question remains the same.
The trickiest part of this question is not the rate itself, but how squirmy you get when asked.
As we discuss in our SEO writing training, how you perform during an interview is almost more important than your skillset.
So, when you’re asked about rates, the interviewer can learn a LOT about your business acumen, self-worth and personality. Just like many of these content writer interview questions, this one is especially prone to tripping you up!
For example: If you can’t give any sort of reasonable rate or pay range, it shows you haven’t been working in the field that long or you didn’t research competitive pay.
Or, if you completely low-ball yourself, you look desperate or amateurish.
Or, if you priced yourself out of the expected pay range, but you’re extremely willing to drop everything and agree to whatever rates the company chooses, it indicates that you have no real value behind your skills.
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For a salary position:
“That's a great question, and one I've given a lot of thought to.
For a full-time content writer position, my salary expectations are in the $XXX to $XXXX range. However, I'm also very open to discussing this further based on the specifics of the role, the benefits package, and the overall compensation structure.
I'm primarily focused on finding the right fit and a company where I can contribute and grow, but I do have a sense of the market value for someone with my experience and skillset. I'm confident we can have a productive conversation about this once I understand the full scope of the position.”
For a contact or freelance content writing job:
"That's a great question. For contract work, my rates are typically based on the scope of the project, the type of content required, and the turnaround time. So, things like the length of the piece, the research involved, and whether it's a one-off project or part of an ongoing engagement all factor in.
To give you a more accurate idea, it would be helpful to discuss the specifics of the project in more detail. Once I have a better understanding of your needs, I can provide a tailored quote.
I'm also happy to share my rate sheet or examples of similar projects I've worked on so you can get a better sense of my pricing structure.”
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What makes these answers so great? They’re effective because they balance confidence and flexibility.
In the case of the on-staff writing position: Providing a range gives the interviewer a benchmark and shows preparedness.
In the case of the freelancer/contract position: Instead of stating a number upfront, they prioritize understanding the project's specifics to avoid underselling or overpricing, and to demonstrate professionalism. Plus, shifting the focus to the project demonstrates genuine interest and buys time to understand the scope.
These answers highlight your value by focusing on your skills and experience, framing compensation as a mutual benefit.
In both scenarios, openness to discussion and negotiation is also shown, demonstrating collaboration.
Question 7: "Why are you interested in this company/role?"
This question comes up in nearly every interview for any kind of job, and yet, it’s still one we’re vastly underprepared to answer. Let’s change that now!
Two of the trickiest things about this question is that 1) you need to be specific, especially if you’re talking to someone from the company itself, and 2) you need to sound authentic and genuine.
Yes, you may be taking all sorts of interviews. Yes, this may not be your dream job. But you still have to sound like you have genuine interest in working with this company specifically. And that requires an impressive performance on your part – a performance skill that many writers are not prepared for.
At the Ambitious Writer Society (and my 15+ years in professional promotion, performance and marketing), we help our students develop competitive and effective interviewing skills! Get the details in our free training.
So, how do you answer this question in a way that is both reasonable, compelling and genuine?
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"There were a few key things that sparked my interest in this role.
First, I'm really impressed with your company’s [mention something specific – a recent campaign, their approach to content, their company culture, etc.].
For example: I loved the recent [specific content example] – it really impressed me because [explain why]. I think it demonstrated a real understanding of the target audience and a commitment to [mention a value or objective – innovative content, customer engagement, thought leadership].
Second, this content writer role seems like a perfect fit for my skills and interests. I'm particularly drawn to [mention specific aspects of the role that excite you – the variety of content creation, the opportunity to work on different platforms, the focus on a specific type of writing].
I've been looking for a chance to contribute to a team that's doing [mention something specific the company is doing that you admire], and this role seems like the ideal opportunity.
And from my research, it looks like this company fosters a really collaborative and supportive work environment, which is something I highly value. I'm eager to learn from experienced professionals and contribute my own skills.”
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There is a ton to unpack here! What’s the key takeaway to answer this type of content writer interview question?
In essence, you’re really highlighting three things that got you interested in this company and/or writing job.
The amazing things that this company does.
The type of work you’d be doing and the projects you’d be working on.
The positive, exciting exposures and environment you’d be involved in.
Question 8: “If you could describe your professional self in three words, what would they be?”
If you’re unprepared to answer this one, it will be extremely hard to come up with something on the spot.
Luckily you can go all different directions, and there are no “wrong” answers… there are just dull, uninspiring answers…
Let’s explore a few different angles. Your individual personality, skills and the job itself will ultimately determine which words to choose, but here are some general ways to approach answering this tough question.
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Option 1 (Focus on Skills):
"Creative, adaptable and detail-oriented.
Creative because I thrive on finding fresh angles and crafting compelling narratives.
Adaptable because I'm comfortable writing across various styles and platforms, and I'm always willing to learn new things.
And detail-oriented because I believe the best content is not only engaging but also accurate and polished."
Option 2 (Focus on Approach):
"Curious, collaborative and results-driven.
I'm naturally curious and love researching and exploring new topics.
I'm a strong collaborator and enjoy working with teams to achieve a common goal.
And I'm ultimately results-driven, always focused on creating content that meets objectives and makes an impact."
Option 3 (Focus on Passion):
"Passionate, insightful and engaging.
I'm genuinely passionate about the power of words and storytelling.
I strive to write insightful content that provides value to the reader.
And I aim to make that content engaging, so it captures attention and leaves a lasting impression."
Option 4 (Focus on Growth):
"Evolving, resourceful and strategic.
The field of content is constantly evolving, and I’m committed to staying ahead of the curve.
I'm resourceful in finding information and solutions.
And I think strategically about how content can support broader business goals."
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Obviously, stick to three words (no more and no less). And you’ll want to be as genuine and truthful as possible.
Just like many of these tough content writer interview questions, prepare ahead of time with a specific response that is tailored to you and how you’d fit into this particular position.
Question 9: “Tell me about the worst piece of content you’ve written.”
Another tough writer interview question! And one that requires you to be vulnerable and spin it in a positive direction, all without scaring this interviewer away.
There are multiple ways to approach your answer, but let’s highlight the “STAR” method. The STAR method provides a structured way to answer certain interview questions.
It stands for:
Situation: Briefly describe the context or background of the situation.
Task: Explain your specific responsibility or goal in that situation.
Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation or complete the task.
Result: Describe the outcome of your actions and, importantly, what you learned from the experience. (This is where you show growth and can remedy any red flags the interviewer may see in you.)
Let’s look at an example answer that uses the STAR method.
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"Early in my career, I wrote a blog post about a software integration for a client. The deadline was tight, and I rushed my research, relying too much on marketing materials.
The result was a shallow piece that lacked technical depth and didn't accurately reflect the software. The client wasn't happy, and rightfully so.
That experience taught me the critical importance of thorough research, especially with technical topics. Now, I prioritize in-depth research, including expert interviews, and clarify my understanding with the client before writing.
It was a tough lesson, but it made me a much better writer."
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This type of answer works well because it demonstrates self-awareness, a willingness to learn from mistakes and a commitment to improvement – all qualities employers value.
It's honest without being self-deprecating, and it focuses on the positive outcome of a negative experience. It also subtly showcases your research and communication skills.
Question 10: "What's your experience with writing TOFU, MOFU, BOFU content?"
This is a very hefty question. First, the interviewer is testing if you know industry jargon. They are also wanting to see if you understand how these types of content differ. And, they want to see if you can explain or offer up examples.
How you answer this question may be the biggest determinant of whether or not you get the job. And it’s a great way to whittle out the expert writers from the newbies.
Before we move on, here’s a quick vocabulary lesson if you don’t know what these are:
TOFU is the acronym for “top-of-funnel.”
MOFU is the acronym for “middle-of-funnel.”
BOFU is the acronym for “bottom-of-funnel.”
Historically (we’re talking about the 2000s, 2010s and even into the early 2020s), content writing and blog writing was very educational focused. For example: Articles like “How to Lose Weight with Diabetes” or “Top Places to Travel in Europe” filled the online realm.
These educational, non-brand specific topics are TOFU topics. And while there is still a place for them today, the emergence of AI has caused these TOFU topics to be outshined by Google’s AI Overview and tools like it.
AI has gotten really good at concisely addressing keyword searches that have been previously answered by TOFU topics.
So now, brands are desperate to create more MOFU and BOFU content, all of which has a little more brand and product emphasis.
MOFU and BOFU topics are designed to help people clearly compare their options and convert with these brands. Since AI tools are not brand-oriented, they can’t typically or adequately address more conversion-based search intents.
And as of now, even if AI points out the top email marketing software, you still will have to eventually click into an email company’s website to purchase it. From a content writing perspective, MOFU and BOFU content can be perfected to get conversions and beat out competitors.
Differentiating between TOFU, MOFU and BOFU content is a very complex skill – and even more difficult to write!
We discuss these critical nuances within our SEO writing program, so sign up for our free training to learn more.
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If you have experience with TOFU, MOFU, BOFU:
"I'm very familiar with the TOFU, MOFU, BOFU framework and have used it extensively to develop content strategies that drive results throughout the sales funnel.
I understand the nuances of each stage and how to tailor content to resonate with the target audience. For TOFU, I focus on creating educational and engaging content like blog posts, infographics and social media updates that build brand awareness and attract potential leads.
For MOFU, I shift to more lead-nurturing content, such as eBooks, whitepapers, case studies and webinars, that address specific pain points and position the company as a solution.
And for BOFU, I concentrate on conversion-focused content like product demos, comparison charts and customer testimonials that help prospects make informed purchasing decisions.
I've even A/B tested different content formats and messaging at each stage to optimize conversion rates. I'm confident I can leverage my experience to create a highly effective content strategy that aligns with your specific business goals and target audience."
If you do NOT have experience with TOFU, MOFU, BOFU:
"While I haven't specifically been tasked to differentiate content based on TOFU, MOFU, BOFU strategies in my previous roles, I'm familiar with the underlying concepts of creating content for different stages of the buyer's journey.
I understand the importance of tailoring content to the audience's awareness level and intent, whether it's attracting new leads, nurturing existing ones or driving conversions.
In my previous work, I focused on creating content that addressed specific customer needs and pain points, which aligns perfectly with the TOFU, MOFU, BOFU approach.
I'm a quick learner and eager to dive into your specific strategies and learn how you apply this framework."
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For an experienced writer, this answer works because it immediately establishes expertise with the TOFU, MOFU, BOFU framework, going beyond just knowing the acronyms. It demonstrates understanding of each stage's purpose and provides specific content examples.
Plus, mentioning A/B testing and conversion optimization shows a results-oriented approach.
For the inexperienced writer, this answer is effective because it's honest about lacking direct experience yet highlights transferable skills: understanding the buyer journey, tailoring content.
It emphasizes a willingness to learn the company's specific strategies and apply the framework, showcasing adaptability and a growth mindset.
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