How to Interview for a Copywriting Job

Your resume got you the job (probably because you’re such a phenomenal writer). And while the job you’re seeking is all about your presentation of words on the page, the interview process to get that job is much more complicated. Here’s how to interview for a copywriting job with savvy, strength and success.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Anticipate questions the interviewer will ask you. Refer to the job description for ideas. For instance, if they’re looking for someone to write search engine optimized-web content, one question to expect might be, “How do you analyze the effectiveness of your SEO copy?” Prepare for the obvious questions too – the ones asked in job interviews regardless of industry, such as “What makes you the ideal candidate for the job?” or “Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?” Even if your interviewer doesn’t ask the specific questions you anticipated, preparing will help you better respond to the questions she does ask.
2. Research the company you’re interviewing with and the industry. If no web address for the company is provided in the ad, a simple online search should turn something up. Take notes for reviewing later.
3. Use your research of the company and industry to prepare questions for your interviewer. Even if you ask spontaneous questions during the interview process, most interviewers ask at the end if you have any questions. So have one or two questions prepared as a back-up in case nothing else comes to mind.
4. Organize your portfolio based on the kind of copywriting job you’re interviewing for. If they’re looking for someone to write sales letters, put your sales letter samples up front, then your other categories of work. The only exception would be if you have several types of writing for one campaign – like a sales latter, brochure and web page copy – in which case you may want to group them together.
5. Make copies of your samples to leave with your interviewer, as well as copies of you resume and references (even if you already emailed or faxed them, as they tend to be forgotten or misplaced).
6. Dress in formal business attire when you interview for a copywriting job. It’s better to be overdressed in a nice pant suit than underdressed in culottes with sandals.
7. Take a notepad and a couple of pens into your interview, along with your portfolio and the copies noted in Step Five. Even if you don’t write down a word, at least you look prepared and interested in learning.
8. Be as confident, friendly and relaxed as possible during the interview. Go in with a firm handshake, maintain good eye contact, and smile and laugh when appropriate. It helps to get plenty of sleep the night before and get to the interview early. The more rested and calm you are, the more attentive and pleasant you’ll be.
9. Listen, listen, listen during your interview for a copywriting job. Some interviewers will end up talking more than you do, even though you’re the one answering questions. You may be overwhelmed with details, but keep your mind from wandering. If the conversation shifts to something you don’t understand, take the opportunity to ask a question. They’ll should be impressed with your interest rather than disappointed in your ignorance.
10. Ask for a business card so you can get the email address of your interviewer and follow-up with a thank you letter. (Don’t tell the interviewer that’s why you’re asking, just ask for it – they can deduce why). If your interviewer does not have a card on him, ask the receptionist for his email before you leave. Email your thank you letter the same day or no later than the next day.

Tips & Warnings

• • When showing your portfolio during an interview for a copywriting job, be prepared to answer questions about each client, the purpose of the piece and the outcome. Some writers like to incorporate this information into the portfolio itself – on a separate piece of paper opposite the sample. One simple paragraph should do.
• • If you do not have writing samples reflective of all the responsibilities of the job, consider creating some. For instance, if they’re looking for someone to write copy for sales emails, and all you’ve ever written is copy for direct mail letters, wing it. Find a couple of effective emails out there, study them, and rewrite your direct mail letters into effective email format. When asked about them by the interviewer, simply explain what you did and why. She should be impressed with your initiative.
• • If you don’t get the job, don’t beat yourself up. Copywriting is a highly competitive industry. It could take several interviews before you find the right fit.

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