This question is broad, but the answer can help you understand what you can expect out of the candidate. You are looking to determine where and how the applicant gets their inspiration for copy. If they say, “I just sit down and start writing whatever comes to my head,” then they may not be a good fit for your company. A good copywriter will make research a priority. What to look for in an answer:

• A well-thought-out approach to copywriting
• An inclination to understand the voice of the company
• A readiness to research and know the audience

There are many factors that go into a successful copywriting campaign. Some of these factors are outside the control of the copywriter. However, it is not the best products and services that get the best results; it is good copy. The purpose of this question is to see how much knowledge the candidate has on the subject. You want a someone who understands the importance of the written word. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of the factors of a successful campaign
• A recognition that not every campaign is perfect
• Ability to take responsibility

This question is a test. Your business has deadlines it must keep, and you don’t want to hire a copywriter who does not take that seriously. You want a copywriter committed to keeping deadlines. If your applicant is a procrastinator or turns in work late on a regular basis, they may open up to you with this question. The right candidate will express that they are proactive in meeting deadlines. What to look for in an answer:

• An understanding of the importance of deadlines
• A proactive approach to meeting deadlines
• A demonstration that your business matters

Emergency situations occur in all businesses. These unexpected events will affect your copywriters as well. You need to know that your candidate can handle pressure situations with grace and punctuality. In some ways, this is a follow up question from above. If your copywriter is barely making deadlines, an emergency project will be difficult to manage. However, a copywriter who is ahead of schedule should be equipped to handle extra. What to look for in an answer:

• Flexibility with changes in workflow
• Willingness to take on the unexpected
• Ability to maintain deadlines under pressure

Confidence is an important element in a good copywriter. If the candidate is shy about promoting themselves, how will they be able to perform at promoting your company’s products or ideas. The applicant’s answer will also give you insights into the strength of their copywriting ability. As a company, you need to know what skills are the most important to you as well, and look for those skills. What to look for in an answer:

• An understanding of their unique skills as a copywriter
• Honesty about abilities
• An indication that they can deliver what you need

Most of the material copywriters produce is published online, so you should look for someone who knows a variety of tools and methods to utilize in order to produce good copy for the best results. The candidate should understand the power of carefully crafted work and the practices needed to create strong content. A candidate's response should focus on some of the following:

• Knowledge of the characteristics of successful copy
• Use of meta descriptions, attention-grabbing headlines and keyword optimization
• Familiarity with SEO tools