Interviewing writers is a key step in hiring, ensuring candidates have the skills needed and fit well with your team. Reviewing writing samples gives you an idea of their abilities, but interviews let you explore their experience, reliability, and cultural fit in more depth.
Why Interviewing Writers Is Important
- Look Beyond the Samples: Writing samples show skills but don’t reveal how well candidates handle deadlines, work under pressure, or adapt to feedback. Interviews give you a complete picture.
- Assess Soft Skills: Interviews help you evaluate communication skills, professionalism, and ability to collaborate.
- Determine Cultural Fit: Understanding if a candidate aligns with your company’s values and work culture can significantly impact team dynamics and productivity.
When to Conduct Interviews
Conduct interviews after evaluating resumes and writing samples. This ensures you interview only those who’ve shown they can write well.
- Evaluate Resumes: Shortlist candidates based on their qualifications and experience.
- Review Writing Samples: Further narrow down candidates by evaluating their work quality.
- Conduct Interviews: Use interviews to explore the candidate’s background, work habits, and suitability for your needs.
By following this approach, you can hire writers who excel in their craft and contribute positively to your team’s dynamic and goals.
Interview Checklist
Pre-Interview Preparation Steps:
- Review Resumes and Writing Samples: Thoroughly reread the candidate’s resume and writing samples to understand their background and skills.
- Prepare Questions: Create a list of questions tailored to the candidate’s experience and the specific writing role they’re applying for. We have sample questions you can use in this guide.
- Set Up Interview Logistics: Confirm the interview time, date, and location (or virtual meeting link). Ensure all necessary technology is working properly.
- Brief Team Members: If multiple interviewers are involved, ensure everyone is briefed on their roles and the candidate’s background.
Interview Steps:
- Introduction: Greet the candidate warmly, introduce yourself and other interviewers, and provide a brief overview of the interview process.
- Ice-Breaker Questions: Start with light, conversational questions to help the candidate feel at ease.
- Core Questioning: Ask the prepared questions, covering topics such as reliability, experience, writing process, industry knowledge, and cultural fit.
- Be Honest About the Role: Lay out the expectations — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
- Candidate Questions: Allow time for the candidate to ask questions about the role, team, and company.
- Closing: Summarize the next steps in the hiring process and thank the candidate for their time.
Post-Interview Steps:
- Complete Evaluation Forms: Immediately after the interview, fill out the evaluation form with ratings and comments on the candidate’s performance.
- Debrief With Hiring Team: Discuss the candidate’s interview with other team members to gather different perspectives.
- Decide on Next Steps: Determine whether the candidate should move forward in the hiring process or not. Communicate this decision to all relevant parties.
Interview Evaluation Form
The Interview Evaluation Form Template provides a structured and consistent approach to assessing writer candidates during the interview process. This template helps interviewers capture detailed feedback on key evaluation criteria, such as reliability, experience, writing process, and cultural fit.
The link above leads to a view-only version of the template. Simply open the link, click File, and select Make a Copy to create your own editable version.
Instructions for Using the Template
- Rating Scale: Use a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is poor and 5 is excellent.
- Comments Section: Provide specific examples or observations to support the rating given.
- Overall Evaluation: Summarize the candidate’s strengths and areas for improvement.
- Recommendation: Indicate whether the candidate should proceed to the next round of interviews and provide an overall rating.
Red Flags When Reviewing a Writing Sample
When assessing a writing sample, it’s essential to watch for specific red flags that can highlight underlying issues in content production and its potential effectiveness. Key concerns include consistency in quality and voice, the depth of audience engagement, and strict adherence to set guidelines, all of which significantly influence the content’s impact and reliability.
| Red Flag | Description |
| Inconsistent Writing Quality | If the quality varies significantly across different samples, it could indicate difficulty in maintaining standards. |
| Overuse of Jargon Without Clarity | Using complex terms without clear explanations may show a lack of understanding of the audience. |
| Lack of Originality | Writing that seems derivative or lacks a unique voice may struggle to engage readers. |
| Poor Understanding of SEO | Incorrect or unnatural keyword usage and lack of basic SEO principles can be problematic for SEO-focused content. |
| Failure to Follow Briefs | If the sample doesn’t align with provided guidelines or briefs, it suggests issues with attention to detail. |
| Weak Structure and Flow | Disorganized content with poor transitions can indicate a lack of planning and coherence. |
| Grammar and Punctuation Errors | Frequent mistakes suggest a lack of proofreading and attention to detail. |
| Superficial Research | Inadequate or incorrect information reveals poor research skills. |
| Misalignment With Brand Voice | Difficulty in adapting to different brand voices can mean they may struggle to meet your specific needs. |
| Inconsistent Tone and Voice | Variations in tone and voice across samples may suggest a lack of versatility. |
| Minimal Engagement With Subject Matter | Writing that lacks depth and insight indicates a lack of expertise or interest in the topic. |
| Lack of Audience Awareness | If the content doesn’t seem tailored to the intended audience, it suggests a disconnect with the readers’ needs and preferences. |
| Overly Generic Content | Writing that reads like filler and lacks specific details can indicate a lack of subject matter expertise. |
Red Flags During the Interview
When evaluating potential writers or editors, look for red flags that may signal issues with collaboration, skills, or fit. The table below highlights key indicators to help identify these concerns early in the hiring process.
| Red Flag | Description |
| Negative Attitude Toward Past Clients/Editors | Consistently speaking poorly of previous collaborators can indicate potential conflict in team dynamics. |
| Avoidance of Constructive Feedback | Defensive reactions to feedback questions or a lack of examples of implemented feedback suggests difficulty accepting critiques. |
| Inability to Provide Specific Examples | Vague or generic responses about past work and achievements can suggest embellishment or a lack of real experience. |
| Failure to Explain Their Writing Process | Struggling to articulate their approach to writing may suggest a lack of a structured or reliable process. |
| Minimal Engagement With Industry Trends | A lack of awareness or interest in current industry trends and developments can indicate they’re not committed to staying relevant and informed. |
| Unfamiliarity With Content Management Systems | Limited experience with common CMS platforms such as WordPress can hinder their ability to work efficiently in your existing workflows. |
| Difficulty Adapting to Brand Voice | Inability to describe how they adapt their writing to fit different brand voices suggests they may struggle to meet specific stylistic needs. |
| Lack of Research Skills | Inability to explain their research process or provide examples of well-researched content may indicate superficial knowledge. |
| Failure to Meet Deadlines | If they have a history of missing deadlines or can’t articulate how they manage their time, it could lead to reliability issues. |
| Overemphasis on Style Over Substance | Focusing more on writing style than delivering valuable, accurate information can be problematic, especially for technical or educational content. |
| Lack of Audience Awareness | Inability to describe how they tailor content to different audiences suggests they might not be effective in engaging your target demographic. |
| General Communication Skills | Poor articulation of thoughts and ideas during the interview can reflect overall communication abilities. |
Sample Interview Questions
When interviewing writers, ask questions that explore their reliability, skills, and cultural fit. This section offers sample questions to assess a candidate’s abilities, including their technical proficiency, creativity, adaptability, and alignment with your company’s values. Use these questions to find a writer who meets your needs and fits seamlessly into your team.
Table of Contents
- Reliability and Work Ethic
- Experience and Skills
- Writing Process and Style
- Handling Feedback and Revisions
- Cultural Fit and Team Collaboration
- SEO Knowledge
- Creativity and Originality
- Industry Knowledge
Reliability and Work Ethic
💡 Tip: Assessing a candidate’s ability to handle deadlines and maintain productivity over long-term projects can reveal their work ethic and reliability.
Can you describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline? How did you manage it?
Assesses the candidate’s ability to work under pressure and manage their time effectively.
How do you prioritize multiple writing assignments with competing deadlines?
Evaluates their organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
What is your typical writing schedule, and how do you ensure you stay on track?
Helps understand their work habits and discipline.
Have you ever missed a deadline? How did you handle the situation?
Explores their accountability and how they deal with setbacks.
How do you stay motivated and productive when working on long-term projects?
Assesses their ability to maintain focus and motivation over extended periods.
Experience and Skills
🎯 Focus: Look for experience that aligns closely with your industry needs as well as the candidate’s ability to adapt to new topics.
What types of content have you written the most, and which do you prefer?
Helps identify their primary areas of expertise and preferences.
Can you share examples of your work that align with our industry?
Evaluates their experience in relevant fields.
How do you approach writing about topics that are new or unfamiliar to you?
Assesses their research skills and adaptability.
What tools and software do you use to support your writing process?
Provides insight into their technical proficiency and familiarity with writing tools.
How do you ensure your content is accurate and well-researched?
Explores their commitment to producing high-quality, reliable content.
Writing Process and Style
✍️ Note: Understanding a candidate’s writing process can give insight into how they approach tasks and maintain consistency.
Can you walk me through your process for creating a piece of content, from initial idea to final draft?
Provides a comprehensive look at their writing process.
How do you adapt your writing style to different audiences and purposes?
Assesses their versatility and ability to tailor content.
What steps do you take to ensure your writing is clear and engaging?
Explores their strategies for maintaining readability and engagement.
How do you handle writer’s block or creative slumps?
Provides insight into their problem-solving skills and persistence.
Can you give an example of how you’ve incorporated feedback into your writing to improve it?
Evaluates their openness to feedback and willingness to improve.
Handling Feedback and Revisions
🔄 Insight: Effective handling of feedback shows a candidate’s willingness to grow and adapt, key traits in collaborative environments.
How do you handle constructive criticism of your work?
Assesses their attitude towards feedback and ability to grow.
Can you describe a time when you had to revise a significant portion of your work based on feedback? How did you approach it?
Explores their flexibility and problem-solving skills.
What is your process for incorporating feedback while maintaining your voice and style?
Assesses their ability to balance feedback with personal style.
How do you prioritize feedback when you receive conflicting suggestions from multiple stakeholders?
Evaluates their decision-making skills and ability to navigate complex feedback.
Can you provide an example of feedback that significantly improved your writing?
Shows their openness to learning and improving.
Cultural Fit and Team Collaboration
🤝 Reminder: Cultural fit is crucial for long-term team harmony, so look for candidates whose values align with your company’s.
How do you handle working in a team with other writers, editors, and marketers?
Assesses their teamwork and collaboration skills.
What do you value most in a work environment?
Helps determine if their values align with your company culture.
Can you describe a time when you had to collaborate on a project? How did you ensure smooth communication and coordination?
Evaluates their ability to work effectively with others.
How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with colleagues or clients?
Explores their conflict resolution skills and professionalism.
What motivates you to do your best work?
Helps understand what drives them and how they fit into your team’s dynamics.
SEO Knowledge
🔍 SEO Tip: A writer’s ability to balance SEO with readability is vital for creating content that ranks well and engages readers.
How do you incorporate SEO guidelines into your writing process?
Assesses their ability to follow SEO instructions provided by an SEO specialist.
Can you explain your understanding of search intent and how it influences your writing?
Evaluates their knowledge of aligning content with what users are searching for.
What are some common SEO best practices you follow when writing content?
Explores their familiarity with fundamental SEO principles like keyword usage, meta descriptions, and headers.
How do you naturally integrate keywords into your content without compromising readability?
Assesses their skill in balancing SEO requirements with quality writing.
Can you describe a time when you received SEO-related feedback on your writing? How did you handle it?
Evaluates their ability to adapt their writing based on SEO feedback.
Creativity and Originality
🎨 Creative Insight: Creativity isn’t just about fresh ideas; it’s also about applying them effectively within constraints.
How do you come up with fresh ideas for your writing projects?
Assesses their creativity and idea generation process.
Can you describe a time when you took a unique approach to a writing assignment?
Explores their ability to innovate and think outside the box.
What inspires your creativity, and how do you incorporate that into your work?
Helps understand their creative process and sources of inspiration.
How do you balance creativity with adhering to client guidelines and objectives?
Evaluates their ability to maintain creativity within constraints.
Can you provide an example of a particularly creative piece you’ve written and explain what made it unique?
Showcases their creative achievements.
Industry Knowledge
📈 Industry Focus: A deep understanding of industry trends can distinguish a good writer from a great one.
How do you stay updated with trends and developments in our industry?
Assesses their commitment to continuous learning.
Can you discuss a recent trend in our industry and how you’d incorporate it into your writing?
Evaluates their industry knowledge and adaptability.
What are the biggest challenges facing our industry today, and how can quality content address them?
Explores their understanding of industry issues and strategic thinking.
How do you tailor your writing to meet the specific needs and interests of our industry audience?
Assesses their ability to connect with your target audience.
Can you provide an example of content you’ve created that had a significant impact on an industry audience?
Showcases their practical experience and success in the industry.
Sample Interview Questions by Writer Type
When interviewing writers, it’s essential to ask targeted questions that uncover their skills, experience, and writing approach. This section offers a curated list of questions tailored to assess candidates across various content specialties, helping you find the right fit for your needs. Each question includes its purpose, ensuring you know what to look for in their responses.
Table of Contents
- Technical Writers
- Marketing Copywriters
- SEO Content Writers
- Blog Writers
- Thought Leadership Ghostwriters
- Social Media Writers
- Product Description Writers
- Email Marketing Writers
- White Paper and Case Study Writers
- E-Book Writers
- Press Release Writers
- Technology Writers
- Scriptwriters
- Localization Specialists
- Editors
Technical Writers
Key Questions:
- How do you ensure technical accuracy and clarity in your writing?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to write precise and accurate technical content while making it understandable. - What methods do you use to gather and verify technical information?
Purpose: Explores their research skills and ability to validate complex information. - Can you describe a project where you had to document a complex system or process? How did you approach it?
Purpose: Evaluates their experience with detailed technical documentation and their approach to organizing complex information. - How do you collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure your writing is accurate and comprehensive?
Purpose: Assesses their communication and collaboration skills with technical experts. - What tools and software do you use for technical writing, and how do they enhance your work?
Purpose: Explores their technical proficiency and familiarity with industry-standard tools and software.
Marketing Copywriters
Key Questions:
- How do you approach writing copy that needs to persuade or convert readers?
Purpose: Assesses their persuasive writing skills. - Can you give an example of a marketing campaign you worked on and the role your copy played in its success?
Purpose: Evaluates their experience with marketing campaigns. - What techniques do you use to make your copy stand out in a crowded market?
Purpose: Explores their creativity and originality. - How do you balance creativity with adherence to brand guidelines?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to maintain brand consistency. - Can you describe a time when your marketing copy had to be revised significantly? What was the outcome?
Purpose: Evaluates their adaptability and response to feedback.
SEO Content Writers
Key Questions:
- How do you prioritize keywords when writing content?
Purpose: Assesses their understanding of keyword importance and usage. - What strategies do you use to write engaging meta descriptions and title tags?
Purpose: Explores their knowledge of SEO components beyond the main content. - How do you incorporate internal and external links into your writing?
Purpose: Evaluates their ability to use linking strategies effectively. - Can you explain how you balance SEO and E-E-A-T principles?
Purpose: Assesses their understanding of balancing SEO with user experience. - Describe a time when you improved a piece of content’s SEO performance. What changes did you make?
Purpose: Evaluates their practical experience and results in SEO writing.
Blog Writers
Key Questions:
- What resources do you find most important when creating content (e.g., content brief, brand voice guide, style guide)?
Purpose: Assesses their reliance on and appreciation for structured guidance and resources. - Can you share your process for researching and writing a typical blog post?
Purpose: Explores their workflow and research skills. - How do you balance writing for SEO with creating content readers will enjoy?
Purpose: Evaluates their ability to integrate SEO and engaging content. - What strategies do you use to keep your writing fresh and interesting over time?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to maintain creativity and interest. - Can you provide an example of a blog post that received significant engagement? What made it successful?
Purpose: Showcases their ability to create high-impact blog content.
Thought Leadership Ghostwriters
Key Questions:
- How do you capture and convey the voice and tone of the person you’re ghostwriting for?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to match another person’s voice. - What strategies do you use to develop thought leadership content that stands out?
Purpose: Explores their approach to creating influential and original content. - Can you describe a time when you had to write about a subject you were initially unfamiliar with? How did you handle it?
Purpose: Evaluates their research skills and adaptability. - How do you ensure the authenticity and credibility of the thought leadership pieces you write?
Purpose: Assesses their commitment to accuracy and credibility. - What role do you believe thought leadership content plays in building a brand’s reputation?
Purpose: Explores their understanding of the impact of thought leadership.
Social Media Writers
Key Questions:
- How do you create content that captures attention on social media?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to engage audiences in a social media context. - Can you give an example of a social media campaign you worked on and its outcome?
Purpose: Evaluates their experience with social media campaigns. - What techniques do you use to write concise and impactful messages for different social media platforms?
Purpose: Explores their ability to tailor content to different platforms. - How do you measure the success of your social media content?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to track and analyze social media performance. - Can you describe a time when you had to manage a social media crisis? What did you do?
Purpose: Evaluates their crisis management skills and professionalism.
Product Description Writers
Key Questions:
- How do you approach writing product descriptions that sell?
Purpose: Assesses their persuasive writing skills. - What strategies do you use to highlight key features and benefits of a product?
Purpose: Explores their ability to effectively communicate product value. - How do you ensure consistency and accuracy when writing a large volume of product descriptions?
Purpose: Evaluates their ability to maintain high standards across multiple pieces of content. - Can you explain the difference between feature/benefit style and aspirational style product descriptions, and when you might use each?
Purpose: Assesses their understanding of different styles and their appropriate applications. - What do you consider the most important elements of a compelling product description?
Purpose: Assesses their understanding of key components of effective product descriptions.
Email Marketing Writers
Key Questions:
- How do you craft email subject lines that increase open rates?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to create attention-grabbing subject lines. - What techniques do you use to write persuasive email copy?
Purpose: Explores their persuasive writing skills. - Can you give an example of an email campaign you worked on and its results?
Purpose: Evaluates their experience with email marketing. - How do you segment email lists and tailor messages to different audience segments?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to personalize email content. - What metrics do you use to measure the success of an email campaign?
Purpose: Explores their understanding of email marketing performance metrics.
White Paper and Case Study Writers
Key Questions:
- How do you ensure your white papers are well-researched and credible?
Purpose: Assesses their research skills and commitment to quality. - Can you describe your process for writing a compelling case study?
Purpose: Explores their approach to creating detailed and engaging case studies. - What strategies do you use to present complex information clearly in white papers?
Purpose: Evaluates their ability to simplify and clarify complex information. - Can you provide an example of a white paper or case study that had a significant impact?
Purpose: Showcases their success in creating impactful documents. - How do you balance the need for thoroughness with the need to keep readers engaged?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to maintain reader interest in long-form content.
E-Book Writers
Key Questions:
- How do you plan and outline an e-book before you start writing?
Purpose: Assesses their organizational and planning skills. - What techniques do you use to keep readers engaged throughout an e-book?
Purpose: Explores their ability to maintain reader interest in long-form content. - Can you provide an example of an e-book you wrote that was well-received? What made it successful?
Purpose: Showcases their success in writing e-books. - How do you balance detailed content with readability in an e-book?
Purpose: Evaluates their ability to create in-depth yet engaging content. - What tools and resources do you use to write and format e-books?
Purpose: Explores their technical proficiency and familiarity with e-book creation tools.
Press Release Writers
Key Questions:
- How do you craft press releases that capture attention?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to write compelling press releases. - Can you describe a successful press release you wrote and its impact?
Purpose: Evaluates their experience and success in writing press releases. - What strategies do you use to ensure your press releases are newsworthy?
Purpose: Explores their understanding of what makes content newsworthy. - How do you handle revisions and feedback from clients or editors on press releases?
Purpose: Assesses their adaptability and professionalism. - What elements do you consider essential in a high-quality press release?
Purpose: Evaluates their understanding of key components of effective press releases.
Technology Writers
Key Questions:
- How do you stay updated on the latest technology trends and developments?
Purpose: Assesses their commitment to staying current in the technology field. - Can you explain a complex technology concept you’ve written about in simple terms?
Purpose: Evaluates their ability to simplify complex information. - What sources do you rely on for accurate and up-to-date technology information?
Purpose: Explores their research skills and ability to find reliable information. - How do you balance technical detail with readability in your writing?
Purpose: Assesses their ability to maintain clarity and engagement. - Can you provide an example of a technology article or document you wrote that was well-received?
Purpose: Showcases their success in writing about technology.
Scriptwriters
Key Questions:
- How do you develop engaging scripts for different formats, such as video or podcasts?
Purpose: Assesses their versatility and creativity in scriptwriting. - Can you provide an example of a script you wrote that received positive feedback?
Purpose: Evaluates their success in scriptwriting. - What techniques do you use to ensure your scripts are both informative and entertaining?
Purpose: Explores their ability to balance content and engagement. - How do you handle feedback and revisions on your scripts?
Purpose: Assesses their adaptability and professionalism. - What elements do you consider essential for a high-quality script?
Purpose: Evaluates their understanding of key components of effective scripts.
Localization Specialists
Key Questions:
- How do you approach translating content to ensure cultural relevance and accuracy?
Purpose: Assesses their localization skills and cultural sensitivity. - Can you provide an example of a localization project you worked on and its outcome?
Purpose: Evaluates their experience and success in localization. - What challenges have you faced in localization projects, and how did you overcome them?
Purpose: Explores their problem-solving skills and adaptability. - How do you ensure consistency and quality across localized content?
Purpose: Assesses their attention to detail and commitment to quality. - What tools and resources do you use for localization projects?
Purpose: Explores their technical proficiency and familiarity with localization tools.
Editors
Key Questions:
- How do you approach editing to maintain the writer’s voice while improving clarity and correctness?
Purpose: Assesses their editing skills and sensitivity to the writer’s style. - Can you describe a particularly challenging editing project you worked on and how you handled it?
Purpose: Evaluates their problem-solving skills and adaptability. - What strategies do you use to ensure consistency and quality in the content you edit?
Purpose: Explores their attention to detail and commitment to quality. - How do you provide constructive feedback to writers?
Purpose: Assesses their communication skills and professionalism. - What tools and resources do you use to support your editing process?
Purpose: Evaluates their technical proficiency and familiarity with editing tools.
Need quality content but unsure whether to hire in-house or outsource? Stellar has you covered either way.
If you prefer the flexibility of outsourcing, our team of professional writers is ready to deliver content that meets your specifications. However, if hiring in-house is your preference, we can guide you with expert advice on selecting the best candidates. Whatever your choice, reach out to sales@stellarcontent.com and let us help you achieve your content goals with ease and confidence.
