Content Writer interview questions
A content writer interview should test research skills, clarity, adaptability of voice, and how they take feedback, using their portfolio as evidence. A short, paid or time-boxed editing exercise often reveals more than any question.
What to assess
Behavioral questions
Walk me through one portfolio piece from assignment to publication.
What it reveals: Shows their real process.
A strong answer: Describes research, outlining, drafting, revisions, and how they measured success.
Tell me about a time an editor heavily revised your work. How did you respond?
What it reveals: Tests coachability and ego management.
A strong answer: Accepted feedback, asked questions to understand it, and applied lessons to later work.
Describe a time you had to write about a topic you knew nothing about.
What it reveals: Reveals research skills.
A strong answer: Names credible sources, subject-matter expert interviews, and fact-checking steps.
Tell me about a time you missed or nearly missed a deadline.
What it reveals: Shows honesty and time management.
A strong answer: Communicated early, proposed options, and changed their process afterward.
Give an example of content you wrote that drove a measurable result.
What it reveals: Tests business awareness.
A strong answer: Connects a piece to traffic, sign-ups, rankings, or sales with numbers.
Role-specific questions
How do you approach writing a blog post that needs to rank for a specific keyword?
What it reveals: Tests SEO writing knowledge.
A strong answer: Studies search intent and top results, structures with clear headings, and writes for readers first.
How would you change your writing for a landing page versus a long-form guide?
What it reveals: Tests range across formats.
A strong answer: Landing pages are scannable and action-focused; guides are thorough, structured, and educational.
How do you fact-check your work and handle statistics?
What it reveals: Tests accuracy standards.
A strong answer: Uses primary sources, checks dates, links to original data, and avoids unsourced claims.
Edit this paragraph to be clearer and half as long. Talk me through your choices.
What it reveals: Shows live editing skill.
A strong answer: Cuts filler, uses active voice, keeps the key point, and explains why.
How do you interview a subject-matter expert to get material for a piece?
What it reveals: Tests ability to extract expertise.
A strong answer: Prepares questions, asks for examples and stories, and confirms technical accuracy afterward.
Situational questions
You receive conflicting feedback from two stakeholders on the same draft. What do you do?
What it reveals: Tests stakeholder management.
A strong answer: Identifies the conflict, brings both to agreement or escalates to the owner, rather than guessing.
You are asked to write a claim about the product that you cannot verify. What do you do?
What it reveals: Tests integrity.
A strong answer: Asks for supporting data or softens the claim, and flags concerns to the editor.
You have three pieces due this week and a new urgent request arrives. How do you handle it?
What it reveals: Shows prioritization.
A strong answer: Clarifies priority with the manager and renegotiates deadlines openly.
Motivation and fit
What kinds of topics or formats do you most enjoy writing?
What it reveals: Checks fit with the actual work.
A strong answer: Honest answer that overlaps with the role's needs.
How do you use AI writing tools, if at all, in your work?
What it reveals: Reveals process transparency and quality standards.
A strong answer: Explains thoughtful, transparent use with human research, editing, and fact-checking.
Red flags
- Portfolio pieces are generic with no clear audience or purpose
- Defensive about edits or feedback
- No fact-checking process
- Cannot explain their contribution to collaborative or ghostwritten pieces
Questions not to ask
- Is English your native language? — national origin discrimination risk; evaluate writing samples instead
- Do you have kids at home while you work remotely? — family status discrimination risk
- What religion are you? We write about some sensitive topics. — religious discrimination risk
- Do you have a condition like dyslexia? — disability-related question prohibited before an offer under the ADA
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Frequently asked questions
Should I give content writer candidates a writing test?
A short, focused test, such as editing a paragraph or outlining an article, is fair and useful. Keep it brief, give the same test to all finalists, and consider paying for anything longer.
Can I require a native English speaker for a content writer job?
Avoid that phrase, since it can be seen as national origin discrimination. Ask for excellent written English and evaluate it through samples.
What should a content writer portfolio show?
Look for clear structure, accurate research, a defined audience, and range across formats. Ask candidates to explain their role in each piece, especially if it was edited or ghostwritten.