- What books/publications/content inspires you?
- How has your work experience prepared you for this role?
- How do you stay motivated with repetitive tasks like proofreading, fact-checking or source-checking?
- What are the top social media platforms for increasing content reach?
Technical Editor Interview Questions
Questions about experience and background
Hiring managers want to know that you have the skills and expertise to succeed in an editing role. Because of this, they often ask questions about your industry experience and educational background. When they ask these questions, consider which of your previous experiences best demonstrate your ability to do the job. Here are some questions an employer may ask about your experience and background as an editor:
In-depth interview questions
Hiring managers often ask role-specific and situational questions to determine whether youre the right candidate for the job. The situational questions they ask, in particular, help them determine how you might react during different scenarios. Here are some in-depth interview questions a hiring manager may ask for an editor role:
General editor interview questions
Hiring managers use the beginning of an interview to understand who you are. Once they get to know you, they can determine whether your personality fits with their companys culture. A strong company culture can help employees work together toward a common goal. Here are some basic questions you can expect at the start of your editor interview:
How would you suggest content improvements to senior managers or well-known authors?
Tests the candidates communication skills.
How do you determine if a piece of writing is good?
Reveals more about the candidates knowledge and standards.
Content Editor Interview Questions
Demonstrates if the candidate is organized and will be able to meet deadlines.
What topics would you want to cover in the next three months and why?
Tests the candidate’s ability to generate engaging ideas.
What does SEO mean?
Reveals the candidate’s knowledge of SEO and online practices.
How would you give constructive feedback to a writer?
Highlights the candidate’s communication and interpersonal skills.
Why are You Interested in This Position?
Why do you want this job, or why did you choose to work as an editor? Whichever way you answer the question, make sure you sell yourself and show enthusiasm for this job. You can give a personal experience to show just how passionate you are at editing.
Sample Answer
I have always been passionate about writing and proofreading from a tender age. I would go through my fellow student’s compositions and essay writing and try to identify mistakes that the teachers may have missed. Therefore, I chose this line of work because it makes me happy and allows me to pursue my interests. I would therefore love to portray this passion and use all the experiences and expertise that I have gathered over time in your publishing company as an editor. I also read most of your works, and therefore, a chance here would be an honor.
What are The Roles of an Editor?
Do you know your job description? What were you doing in your former workplace? The interviewer wants to see if you understand what being an editor is all about. You can mention your roles in the former workplace or stick to the company’s job description if provided.
Sample Answer
Editors plan, coordinate and revise materials meant for publication. These can either be books, newspapers, websites, or periodicals. They also review different story ideas, decide what pleases the reader, and give comments to improve the product. If needed, the interviewer will suggest titles for the publication. ( You are allowed to mention as many roles as you want. However, we advise that you keep it short by mentioning only the integral roles.)
Tell us something about your editor’s experience
You should have samples of your work with you. Copies of the awards and accolades you received (on any level, even regional, or awards you won at school), books where they can see your name on the second page, next to the word Editor.
Without having any previous experience, you have very little chances to succeed in this interview. On the other hand, each experience counts. Do you have a profile on freelancer.com website? Have you done some excellent work for your clients? Got five star reviews? Print these things or bring your laptop with you and login to your profile to show them how great you are!
In an ideal case, you should have some experience with the type of publication they specialize in. Talk about it in your interview.
FAQ
What questions can be asked to a writer?
- Tell me a little bit about yourself.
- How would your previous employer describe you in three words?
- Why are you interested in a writing position?
- Who is your favorite writer?
- What book are you currently reading?
- What are your favorite publications?
- What do you know about our company?
What are good questions to ask a technical writer?
- What interests you about being a technical writer for our industry?
- What do you know about our target audience?
- What measures do you take to stay updated on industry news?
- What software tools do you use on a daily basis?
- How quickly can you learn to use a new tool?
What questions do editors ask?
- Why asking questions is crucial.
- What’s the elevator pitch for the story?
- What’s your writing process?
- Who is your ideal reader?
- Why did you write this book?
- What journey do you want your readers to go on throughout the book?
Why you want to work as an editor?
Most people become professional editors because they’re intrigued by language. They enjoy finding just the right word to convey a point, making sense of a complicated piece of information and working with text until it flows smoothly. They have a passion for detail and accuracy.
