Why this matters:
While every writer’s style is different, great writing tends to share a few common characteristics. When it comes to producing content for your brand or a client, you want candidates who understand the basics, from grammar to structure. Ideally, the candidate will be able to apply these elements in their own work to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
What to listen for:
- Structural elements of good writing, such as transitions and the rule of threes
- Tips for writing well at the sentence level, like avoiding clichés and using active voice
- Ability to self-edit and exercise a critical eye
Why this matters:
Most brands want a unique identity that speaks to a unique sector of the consumer marketplace. Great candidates can write to a wide variety of audiences, adapt to different brand voices, and understand how seemingly small details like word choice play a role in connecting with consumers.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity with diverse audience expectations
- Ability to connect with audiences through voice and tone
- Willingness to adopt different styles
Why this matters:
While some brands provide briefs to their writers, others expect writers to produce their own ideas. Candidates should be prepared to meet this expectation, keeping their ears to the ground for industry trends, news, and provocative perspectives that can keep a brand fresh and current.
What to listen for:
- Originality and timeliness of ideas
- Attentiveness to brand guidelines and style when pitching ideas
- Engagement with broad cultural trends
Why this matters:
Sometimes stakeholders will ask writers for quick, substantial changes to their drafts. While content writers often work under tight deadlines, strong candidates know how to deliver the best writing possible under these constraints. They also know how to ask for and implement feedback while taking criticism in stride.
What to listen for:
- Methodical process for rewriting content
- Ability to remain calm under time constraints
- Commitment to delivering high-quality content
Why this matters:
Ideas are everything to content writers, but writers need strategies to keep producing content even when they don’t have the perfect idea. Candidates who have experience overcoming writer’s block can put their best foot forward here and demonstrate their reliability as a content writer who will be able to consistently turn in great work.
What to listen for:
- Effective strategies for staying motivated and inspired, like keeping a stable of evergreen topics
- Dedication to producing high-quality content even through challenges
- Reliability and consistency in delivering content
Why this matters:
Sometimes a draft needs a bit more work before it’s ready for publication. That’s where editing and revising play a critical role. Candidates must understand the importance of feedback and how they can use it to improve their writing. They must also be able to show how they’ve incorporated prior feedback into their current and future work.
What to listen for:
- Mature response to constructive criticism
- Prompt corrections and revisions
- Continual improvements to writing based on feedback
Why this matters:
For many content writers, writing is their passion. As a result, they may read and write in their free time, ultimately improving their on-the-job skills. A candidate with passion and a concern for excellence will likely be a reliable source of high-quality content in the role and will prove to be a valuable asset to your team.
What to listen for:
- Personal connection to writing in general or content writing in particular
- Wide variety of written work
- Dedication to producing high-quality writing for brands
Why this matters:
Content writers are storytellers, and weaving big events and gripping fads into a brand narrative is what they do best. Candidates who can do this well help keep a brand on the forefront of trends, and bring customers back to its platforms time and time again to see what’s new, fresh, and exciting.
What to listen for:
- Engagement with new media, including social media
- Clever techniques for tying current events into brand strategy
- Ability to take a unique approach to trends
Why this matters:
Just as they have a passion for writing itself, the best content writers also care deeply about the subject matter they cover. Many candidates will discover their passion for a subject by writing about it, while others are already fans. In either case, the work will benefit from their interest and dedication.
What to listen for:
- Strong desire to learn and explore new topics
- In-depth research abilities and willingness to immerse themselves in the subject matter
- Passion for industry and brand offerings
Contact a sales consultant.