You’ve most likely applied for copywriting jobs, and are awaiting feedback. Presumably, you’ve submitted the best portfolio and feel you’ve nailed it.
You might be right. Congratulations.
A few clients might consider your application and hire you immediately. Other clients will take you through a copywriter interview test before absorbing you.
You must be wondering, “Why subject me to an interview when I’ve proven my competency by submitting a quality portfolio?”
We’ll explain.
Regardless of your experience, clients will require you to interview for various reasons.
Some of these include:
- Assessing your ability to deliver content that is in line with their requirements
- Checking your ability to communicate with clients and colleagues
- Gauging your creativity level to sell an idea
Thus, it would help to be equipped with convincing answers to show your competence.
We have sampled and analyzed 5 sneaky copywriting questions essential for copywriters.
Need to win the trust of your employer and land that lucrative job? You are about to find out how.
5 Sneaky Copywriting Job Interview Questions and Answers
Here are the 5 copywriting interview questions that we will tackle:
- What technique do you use before you start writing?
- How do you handle challenges as a copywriter?
- Suppose you miss a deadline, what could be the main reason?
- What projects have you done that are relevant to this job?
- What is the best project you’ve ever done? Why is it the best?
Let’s dive in.
Q1. What Technique Do You Use Before You Start Writing?
Here, the client wants to know how you approach work, and the guidelines you follow before you start writing.
Be crafty when responding to this question.
Key points you should know before drafting an answer to this question are:
- Be specific when responding — don’t beat around the bush, and give a straightforward guideline.
- Be creative; ensure your guideline is mouthwatering. Make it appealing to the eyes.
- A proper guideline should always have an outline. Do not forget this point. If you don’t know how to construct an outline, this course is a lifesaver.
Your response should be something like this:
“Before I start working on any project, I first gather various sources for research.
I take an hour to go through my sources and note down relevant points for the outline. The points must always conform to the needs of the project.
I prepare the outline and send it to my client for approval. If the client finds the outline suitable, I proceed in writing the article.”
Q2. How Do You Handle Challenges as a Copywriter?
What’s the catch in this question?
The client is testing your ability to handle challenges in copywriting jobs, and this is your opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills.
Tell your client the secret you use to overcome challenges. Since the topic of challenges is diverse, explain a general solution.
Tell your client something like this:
“Challenges are inevitable in any job, and copywriting jobs are no exception.
I have equipped myself with adequate skills to manage and avoid challenges. Some of these skills include:
- Working ahead of schedule to overcome emergencies.
- Taking a nature walk to revitalize my mind whenever I lack ideas.
- Skills to manage extra work.
Depending on the type of the challenge, I’ll analyze the problem then find a suitable solution.”
Three points a client should note from this answer:
- You are aware copywriting jobs have challenges.
- You have equipped yourself with skills suitable to manage challenges.
- You’re prepared to face and overcome challenges.
Go ahead and describe the most challenging project you’ve done. Explain how you took control of the situation, and show them you don’t fear obstacles.
Q3. Suppose You Miss a Deadline, What Could Be the Main Reason?
This is the most interesting copywriting job interview question. Pay attention, as this is where copywriters can run into trouble.
The interviewer is testing your ability to meet deadlines.
Listen — no employer entertains lateness. Especially if it turns out that you violate this vice more often.
Do not disappoint yourself when responding. Demonstrate that the business of your employer matters and you must meet deadlines. Show that you understand the importance of doing so, and that you will do everything to avoid delays.
Here’s how you can respond to this copywriting interview question:
“I understand the importance of deadlines to me and your business. I will work ahead of schedules to ensure that your business keeps deadlines. This way, I will save both of us time and make our work flexible.”
This answer demonstrates understanding that deadlines are crucial both for you and the business. It shows that you have a good deadline relationship.
Q4. What Projects Have You Done That Are Relevant to This Job?
This question aims to check if you have experience working on similar projects.
Copywriting jobs are like any other business out there — no client will take a risk investing in shoddy jobs. For this reason, clients will only consider hiring the best copywriters.
Before applying to copywriting positions, ensure you read all requirements in the post. Most copywriting jobs will specify a past type of job experience in the field.
If you have anything relevant to the position, keep them close. Those are the samples you will need to submit when asked this question.
Q5. What Is the Best Project You Have Ever Done? Why Is It the Best?
Here, the client wants to know about your achievements. This is the time for you to shine.
Before responding to this question, understand the meaning of “the best project.”
The best project is not the one that impressed you, nor is it the one that impressed a previous client.
The best project is one that:
- Improves the Google search rankings and appears on the front page of Google.
- Increase sales and subscriptions.
- Receives positive reviews and is engaging (Likes, Comments, and Shares).
Ideally, the best project should be the one that received more positivity — the project you need to pull from your portfolio and showcase.
When asked why the project you selected is your favorite, tell them:
“This is my favorite project because:
- It increased sales and subscriptions
- It’s ranking on the front page of Google
- It received positive reviews and is engaging.”
Where possible, show them a project that relates to the job you are applying for — it’s a plus in your application.
What Next?
Whether you’re an experienced or aspiring copywriter, the above points are critical.
Do you want to win copywriting job interviews and the trust of your clients? You only have one step to take — enrolling in excellent copywriting courses.
So, what are you waiting for? Enrol now.
