15 Content Writer Interview Questions You Need to Ask

The Internet runs on content. One of the best investments a business can make is hiring an in-house writer tasked with being the voice of the brand online. Content is critical to successful digital marketing, and with algorithm updates like Panda and Hummingbird, it’s clear Google agrees. That’s why many brands and businesses hire full-time, in-house content writers. There’s no denying a qualified content writer can take your digital marketing to the next level. As a testament, Bruce Clay, Inc. has four full-time writers on staff.

“Think of everything that could be made better with refinement by a professional writer. There’s the website and blog, email marketing, everything social media from posts and profiles to customer service and reputation management, marketing collateral including white papers, downloads, press releases, and the kinds of creative content marketing pieces that are the currency of social media today,” said Virginia Nussey, the content and media manager here at Bruce Clay, Inc.

“The reason you want this person on your own payroll and in your office with the rest of the team is because your in-house writer must be empowered to speak on behalf of your business — at least publicly after some behind-the-scenes research and interviews with customer service and technical staff,” Virginia explains. “He or she will master your business, your brand voice, your products, your expertise, your customers, and your customers’ pain points. Maybe you never considered what a writer could do for your business. Certainly, extension of voice and overall polish can be hard to quantify, but in the online content economy, I recommend that businesses of all sizes add a dedicated content professional to their team.”

Not just anyone can type out the next Great American Blog Post. Finding the right content writer is a challenge. Make sure they’re educated (we’ve found a degree in English, communications or journalism prepares someone for this kind of work) and experienced (ask for their three best writing samples). The following questions pulled directly from Bruce Clay, Inc. interviews are great questions to ask during your content writer interview. Questions like these give you a full picture of your prospective writer’s skills.

15 Content Writer Interview Questions

1. What are your current writing projects?
2. How do you manage deadlines and priorities?
3. How much do you write about our industry?
4. How do you handle writing about “boring” topics?
5. How do you capture a brand’s voice?
6. What is your experience with community management and social media?
7. What are some of your favorite social media tools?
8. What is your experience with analytics, metrics and tracking content success?
9. How do you make content SEO-friendly?
10. What is your approach to keyword research?
11. What is your experience in technical writing?
12. How do you research a target audience?
13. What is your experience with non-text content (images, infographics, etc.)?
14. Are you familiar with the Penguin and Hummingbird algorithm updates? How did they affect your content strategy?
15. What do you know about our company?

For other potential interview questions, check out our 30 SEO Interview Questions You Must Ask a Prospective SEO Analyst post!

Have you considered the advantages of bringing a content writer to the team? Is anything stopping you? Share your thoughts and questions on in-house content writers in the comments.

Kristi Kellogg is a journalist, news hound, professional copywriter, and social (media) butterfly. Currently, she is a senior SEO content writer for Conde Nast. Her articles appear in newspapers, magazines, across the Internet and in books such as "Content Marketing Strategies for Professionals" and "The Media Relations Guidebook." Formerly, she was the social media editor at Bruce Clay Inc.

See Kristi's author page for links to connect on social media.