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What to Ask in a Copywriting Interview

You’ve been dreaming of this day for as long as you can remember​. The day you’ll sit down with a trusted copywriter to show her your idea and see it come to life on paper.

It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Perhaps you’ve even taken a few bites out of the copywriter’s job application guide and are preparing to tackle your first assignment. Or, you’ve been doing some job hunting and are just about to sit down for a face-to-face with a potential employer. Either way, the day of your copywriting interview is approaching – and it’s time to get ready.

What should you ask the copywriter who will be helping you bring your vision to life? Let’s take a look. Here are some essential questions to ask a copywriter before you begin your collaboration:

What is your background in marketing and copywriting?

This is more of a general question to find out what the copywriter’s strengths and weaknesses are. You’ll want to ensure you work with someone who has the credentials and experience necessary to tackle your project. As a general rule of thumb, you should look for an experienced copywriter who has at least five years of relevant work experience. Experience is key, as you’ll have to trust this person to help you navigate the sometimes tricky world of marketing and advertising. You must also feel comfortable that this person can deliver on time and within your budget.

What are your writing strengths and weaknesses?

This is a bit more specific question that digs into the copywriter’s skill set. You’ll want to know everything from grammar to formatting to word choice. To start, you should look for a copywriter who is self-aware of her strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has writing “holes” – it’s part of being human. By knowing where you’re lacking, you can be sure that you’ll be able to offer valuable feedback as the copywriter puts your campaign together. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for this, ask for a sample of their work. You’ll be able to get an idea of their writing style and how they intend to approach your project.

What is your approach to marketing and advertising?

Your copywriter will have to walk you through your entire marketing and advertising plan. Start by asking them to explain their approach to marketing and advertising. Does the copywriter see it as a numbers game, or do they intend to engage with potential customers on a one-to-one basis? Your ad copy will need to match your website copy and sales letters. The goal is to have seamless continuity between your digital and physical marketing. The copywriter’s input will be invaluable in crafting the final message.

How did you become interested in marketing and advertising?

This question digs into the copywriter’s personal motivation for getting into the field. The ideal copywriter should be deeply rooted in brand marketing and have a genuine love for helping businesses achieve success. If they don’t enjoy what they do, it will be difficult for them to produce top-notch work that you can trust.

What are the most common mistakes people make in marketing and advertising?

As an advertiser, it’s important to note that you’re not the person who will be doing the marketing. You’re a guest on the internet, and the person who will be interacting with your customers is going to be your copywriter. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information from your copywriter, it’s time to move into the creation of the perfect marketing plan – and this is where you should put in the work. Your job is to lay the groundwork for a successful campaign – you can let the copywriter get all the glory once the campaign launches.

How much time do you need to give to my project?

This question is important for two reasons. The first is to make sure that you’re not wasting your time. Every business is different, and you don’t want to commit to working on a project if it doesn’t require the necessary amount of time. It’s difficult enough to find a talented, experienced copywriter who fits into your budget without rushing into a commitment. You’ll also want to be sure you’re not overpaying – ask for a price break if your company’s budget allows. It’s also important to note that you’re not on the hook for the entire project. Once the copywriter has delivered the final product, it’s a matter of paying her for her work. If you want to take on a big project, get in touch with the copywriter’s manager to see if they have any cost-saving deals or financing options available. Your business is important to them too, so they may be able to help out.

How do I find products or services to promote?

This question is similar to the previous one, but it dives into the nuts and bolts of actually finding the products to promote. Every business is different, and you don’t want to waste your time with products that aren’t going to work for your audience. It’s not practical – nor is it ethically sound – to promote products that you aren’t going to use yourself. As with any other aspect of your project, it’s important to research before you jump into action. Once you’ve found the solution, it’s time to move into the implementation phase – and this is where you should put in the work. The easier you make the implementation process, the more enjoyable your life as a marketer will be. For more information, read How to Select the Right Products to Promote.

How do I measure the success of my campaign?

If you’ve launched a marketing campaign and are looking to see how it’s going, this is something you should have asked the copywriter from the very beginning. The ideal marketing campaign should include benchmarks to track its success. The copywriter should be able to provide these for you. If not, it’s a sign that you’re working with the wrong person. The more you can do to measure the success of your campaign, the more you can refine your approach – and this is a good thing. Be careful though, as you don’t want to lose sight of the big picture. You’re a guest on the internet, and the person who will be interacting with your customers is going to be your copywriter. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information from your copywriter, it’s time to move into the creation of the perfect marketing plan – and this is where you should put in the work. Your job is to lay the groundwork for a successful campaign – you can let the copywriter get all the glory once the campaign launches.

Do you have any other questions?

If you’re still curious about the job, ask for some more information. For instance, did the copywriter mention anything about working conditions? Be sure to question them about their experience and whether or not they’ve had any previous training in your field. The more you know about the copywriter’s background, the easier it will be to trust them and offer valuable feedback. You should consider this person to be an integral part of your team – even if it’s the first time they’ve collaborated on a project, it won’t be the last. Every business is different, and it’s important to find someone who fits your needs and can help you achieve your goals.

At the end of the day, it’s almost certainly going to be the most successful person who enjoys what they do. If you don’t feel like you can relate to this person, then it’s time to seek out someone who can help you bring your vision to life.