If you are preparing for an interview for a copywriter position, knowing what questions to expect can give you an edge over other candidates. This guide lists the top 10 questions usually asked during a copywriter interview, offering you insight into what potential employers might be looking for.
| Job Description | A Copywriter is responsible for producing engaging, clear text for different advertising channels such as websites, ads, and social media. They work closely with members of the creative team to brainstorm ideas, create concepts, and develop messaging. Their duties also include conducting research to understand the product/service, target audience, and competitor activities in the market. |
| Skills | Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, Creative thinking, Ability to work in a team, Strong research skills, Understanding of SEO, Time management skills, Communication skills, Attention to detail |
| Industry | Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Media |
| Experience Level | Entry to Mid Level |
| Education Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, or related field |
| Work Environment | Copywriters usually work in an office environment. They typically work in advertising agencies, marketing departments, or public relations firms. Some copywriters may choose to work freelance and have the flexibility to work from home. |
| Salary Range | $45,000 – $70,000 per year |
| Career Path | Copywriters can move into roles such as Senior Copywriter, Copy Chief, Creative Director, and eventually into executive roles like VP of Creative. Some copywriters may choose to specialize in a certain industry or type of writing, while others may become freelance writers. |
| Popular Companies | Ogilvy, Wieden+Kennedy, BBDO, McCann, DDB Worldwide |
Copywriter Interview Questions
Can you describe a time when you had to write copy for a project that didn’t align with your personal beliefs or values?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, the interviewer is trying to discern your professionalism, flexibility, and ability to empathize with different target audiences. It’s important to demonstrate that you can set aside personal biases and write compelling copy that aligns with the client’s needs and target audience. Describe the situation, the challenge it presented, how you navigated it, and the result.
Example:
I once had to write copy for a tobacco company’s campaign, which was a challenge since I personally don’t endorse smoking. However, I understood that my role was to represent the client and their target audience, not my personal beliefs. I focused on the company’s commitment to quality and tradition, and the campaign was well-received. I believe this experience demonstrated my ability to write persuasive copy even when the subject matter doesn’t align with my personal values.
Can you describe a time when you had to write copy under a tight deadline? How did you manage the pressure and ensure quality?
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to understand your ability to handle pressure and tight deadlines without compromising the quality of your work. In your response, mention the strategies you adopted such as time management, prioritization, and any other relevant software tools you used. Also, highlight how you maintained focus on quality while working fast.
Example:
In my previous role, I was given an assignment to write ad copy for a new product launch that was moved up unexpectedly. I was given just one day to complete the task. I started by prioritizing the task and setting a realistic timeline for each step, including research, writing, revising, and proofreading. I divided the work into manageable chunks and took short breaks to maintain my focus. I also used tools like Grammarly to ensure there were no grammatical errors. Despite the tight deadline, I was able to deliver the copy on time, and it performed very well in the campaign, resulting in a significant increase in product sales.
Can you describe an instance where you had to adjust your writing style to cater to a specific audience? How did you go about it?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, the interviewer wants to understand your adaptability and your ability to understand various audience types. Start by describing the situation and the audience you were writing for. Explain the adjustments you had to make in your writing style to cater to this audience and how you ensured the writing was effective.
Example:
In my previous role at XYZ Company, I was tasked with writing copy for a new product targeting senior citizens. My usual writing style is quite casual and modern, but I realised that wouldn’t resonate well with the older audience. I adjusted my tone to be more formal and straightforward. I also conducted some research to understand their needs and concerns, which I incorporated into my writing. I also ensured that the language was simple and jargon-free. The feedback was great, and the copy helped increase the product’s sales in that demographic by 25%.
Can you describe a situation where you had to persuade a team or a client to adopt your ideas for a copy?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, the interviewer wants to understand your persuasive and negotiation skills. You should describe a situation where you used data, research, and strong communication to sell your ideas. Be sure to highlight your thought process, how you presented your ideas, and the outcome. If possible, quantify the results.
Example:
In my previous role at XYZ Agency, I was tasked with creating a new copy for a client’s product launch. The client initially wanted a traditional, factual approach, but I believed a more emotive and story-driven copy would resonate better with the target audience. I presented my ideas to the client, backed with market research and examples of successful campaigns with a similar approach. I also created a mock-up to show how my idea would look in practice. The client was convinced, and we went ahead with my concept. The campaign resulted in a 20% increase in product sales compared to previous launches, which proved that my approach was effective.
Can you describe a time when you had to use creativity to solve a problem while writing a copy?
How to Answer:
The interviewer is looking for evidence of your problem-solving skills and creativity. Start by describing the problem you faced, then explain the creative solution you came up with and how you implemented it. Finally, share the outcome or results, and what you learned from the experience.
Example:
While working on a campaign for a new product, I was struggling to make the copy stand out. The product had similar features to many others on the market, so it was hard to find a unique angle. I decided to focus on the story behind the product, its origins and the people who created it. This approach allowed us to present the product in a new light and connect with the audience on a more emotional level. The campaign was a success and we saw an increase in engagement and sales.
Can you describe a time when you had to write copy for a product or service that was completely new to you? How did you approach learning about it?
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to see your ability to learn quickly and effectively about a new product or service. Show how you approach researching and understanding a new topic. Talk about any strategies or methods you use to familiarize yourself with new subjects, as well as how you make sure your copy is accurate and compelling.
Example:
When I was tasked with writing copy for a new software product in a previous role, I didn’t have any prior knowledge about it. However, I started by conducting thorough research. I met with the product managers and developers to understand its features, benefits, and target audience. I also looked at similar products in the market to understand how they were being marketed. Once I had a good grasp of the product, I was able to write persuasive copy that effectively communicated its benefits to our target audience.
Can you describe a time when you had to handle criticism or feedback on your copywriting? How did you react and what changes did you make?
How to Answer:
In answering this question, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to take constructive criticism and use it to improve your work. Show that you’re not just open to feedback, but that you actively seek it out to make your copy as strong as possible. Discuss a specific instance where you received feedback, how you responded to it, and the steps you took to implement the changes. Remember, this question is not just about demonstrating your writing skills, but also your interpersonal skills and your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Example:
While working on a marketing campaign for a new product launch, I received feedback from my team leader that my copy was too technical and might not resonate with our target audience. Instead of taking this criticism personally, I saw it as an opportunity to improve my copy. I asked my team leader for more specific suggestions and discussed with him the type of language our target audience would relate to. I then revised my copy, simplifying the language and making it more reader-friendly. The revised copy was well-received by the team and the client, and I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of tailoring copy to the audience.
Can you describe a time when you had to incorporate SEO keywords into your copy without compromising its quality and readability?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, the interviewer wants to know how you balance SEO demands with creating engaging content. You should describe a situation where you successfully integrated keywords into your copy in a natural and seamless way. Explain how you researched and chose the keywords, how you placed them in the copy, and how you ensured that the text remained engaging and readable. It’s also important to talk about the results – did the page rank higher in search results? Did it lead to more conversions?
Example:
In my previous role at XYZ Company, I was tasked with writing product descriptions for a new line of eco-friendly products. The SEO team provided a list of keywords that needed to be included. Initially, I found it challenging as the keywords were quite technical and specific. However, I conducted a thorough research to understand the product and the context of the keywords. I then drafted the copy, ensuring that the keywords flowed naturally within the text. I also focused on making the descriptions engaging and compelling for the readers. Post-launch, the product pages ranked on the first page of Google for most of the targeted keywords and we saw a significant increase in organic traffic and conversions.
Can you describe a situation where you had to write a copy without sufficient information about the product or service? How did you handle it?
How to Answer:
In your answer, focus on your problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. Discuss how you proactively sought out the necessary information, whether that was by conducting independent research, reaching out to subject matter experts, or asking the client for more details. Show how you managed to produce a quality copy despite the lack of initial information.
Example:
There was a time when I was given a project to write a copy for a software product, and the client provided very little information. To fill the gaps in my knowledge, I conducted my own research about similar software products in the market. I also reached out to the client to ask for additional details and even requested a demo of the product. This helped me to understand the product better and come up with a compelling copy that accurately represented it.
Can you describe a time when you had to revise your copy based on the analytics results?
How to Answer:
In your answer, highlight your data-driven approach and understanding of how analytics can inform copywriting. Explain a specific instance where you used analytical data to revise your copy. Talk about the specific changes you made and the results you achieved. If possible, quantify the improvement in performance your revisions led to. This will demonstrate your ability to use data to drive decision-making and improve performance.
Example:
In my previous role at XYZ company, we were working on a digital marketing campaign for a new product. After the first round, the analytics showed that the click-through rate was lower than anticipated. I realized that the call-to-action in the copy was not compelling enough. I revised the copy to make the call-to-action more action-oriented and created a sense of urgency. After we updated the copy, the click-through rate increased by 25%. This experience taught me the importance of continually evaluating and adjusting copy based on analytical data.