Log InSign Up

14 Freelance Writer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various freelance writer interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Freelance Writer Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Freelance Writer Interview Questions

How did you get into freelance writing?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be interested in how the writer got started in their career, and what led them to freelance writing specifically. This can give the interviewer some insight into the writer's motivations and goals. Additionally, the interviewer may be interested in the writer's process for finding and securing work. This can be helpful for understanding how the writer works and what kind of approach they take to their career. Finally, the interviewer may simply be curious about the writer's story and how they ended up where they are today. Regardless of the reason, this question can give the interviewer some valuable information about the writer and their work.

Example: “I've been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I would always make up stories and share them with my friends. This is what first sparked my interest in writing. From there, I went on to study English and Creative Writing in college. After graduation, I started working as a freelance writer. I've been doing this for several years now and absolutely love it!”

What are your favorite topics to write about?

An interviewer might ask "What are your favorite topics to write about?" to a freelance writer in order to get a sense of what kind of writing the freelancer enjoys and is good at. This can be important because it can help the interviewer determine whether the freelancer is a good fit for a particular writing assignment.

Example: “There are a few topics that I particularly enjoy writing about. These include:

- Technology and its impact on society
- The future of work and how technology is changing the way we live and work
- The sharing economy and how it's changing the way we consume
- Sustainability and environmental issues
- Travel and lifestyle”

What do you think sets your work apart from other freelance writers?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to know what makes the writer think their work is good. Second, they want to know what the writer believes makes their work unique. This question can help the interviewer understand the writer's level of confidence and whether they are truly passionate about their work. It is important for the interviewer to understand what the writer thinks sets their work apart from others because it will help them determine if the writer is a good fit for the position.

Example: “I believe that my work is unique because of my ability to connect with my audience and communicate my message in a way that is relatable and engaging. I also have a strong understanding of SEO best practices, which allows me to produce content that is not only well-written but also optimised for search engines.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a freelance writer?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a freelance writer. Firstly, they may be interested in gauge the writer's self-awareness and ability to reflect on their own skills. Secondly, the answer to this question can reveal what the writer values most in their work, which can be helpful for the interviewer to know. Finally, this question can help the interviewer understand what kind of advice or guidance the writer might need in order to improve their skills.

Example: “There are many important skills for a freelance writer, but one of the most important is the ability to manage your time effectively. As a freelance writer, you will often have to juggle multiple deadlines and projects at once. Being able to manage your time efficiently will help you meet all your deadlines and produce high-quality work.”

What do you think are the benefits of freelance writing?

There are many benefits to freelance writing, including the ability to set your own hours, choose your own projects, and work from anywhere in the world. Freelance writers also have the freedom to choose their own rates and negotiate with clients. Additionally, freelance writing can provide a steadier income than some traditional writing jobs.

Example: “There are many benefits of freelance writing, including the ability to work from home, set your own hours, and choose your own projects. You can also choose to work with clients who you feel are a good fit for your skills and interests. Additionally, freelance writing can provide a steadier income than some other types of work-at-home jobs since you're typically paid per project or article, rather than hourly.”

What do you think are the best methods for marketing your work?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the freelance writer's understanding of the best ways to market their work. This is important because it shows whether the writer is knowledgeable about how to reach their target audience and promote their work effectively. It also allows the interviewer to get a sense of the writer's marketing strategy and whether they are likely to be successful in promoting their work.

Example: “There are a number of methods you can use to market your freelance writing services. Here are some of the most effective:

1. Social media - Use social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to promote your writing services. Make sure you create a strong profile that showcases your writing skills and highlight the type of work you're looking for.

2. Blogging - Start a blog and write articles that showcase your writing skills and highlight the type of work you're looking for. Make sure to promote your blog through social media and other channels.

3. Guest blogging - Write guest blog posts for popular blogs in your niche. This is a great way to get exposure to a wider audience and show off your writing skills.

4. Networking - Attend industry events and meetups, and connect with other professionals in your field. This is a great way to make contacts who may be interested in hiring you as a freelance writer.

5. Cold pitching - Send pitches to businesses and publications that you think would be a good fit for your writing skills. This can be a great way to get started with clients, but make sure you have a strong pitch before reaching out.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when working with clients?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a freelance writer. First, the interviewer wants to know if the writer is aware of the importance of good customer service. Second, the interviewer wants to know if the writer is able to put the needs of the client first. Third, the interviewer wants to know if the writer is able to build strong relationships with clients. Fourth, the interviewer wants to know if the writer is able to communicate effectively with clients. Fifth, the interviewer wants to know if the writer is able to handle difficult situations with clients. All of these things are important because they show that the writer is someone who is professional and who is able to work well with clients.

Example: “There are a few things that are important to remember when working with clients as a freelance writer. First, it is important to be clear about what the client wants and needs from the project. Second, it is important to be responsive to the client's requests and feedback. Third, it is important to deliver quality work that meets the client's expectations.”

What do you think is the best way to stay motivated when working from home?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a freelance writer. First, it is important to know how a freelancer stays motivated when working from home, since there can be many distractions and it can be easy to become unproductive. Second, the interviewer wants to know if the freelancer has any tips or tricks for staying motivated, which could be useful for other employees who work from home. Finally, the interviewer may be interested in the freelancer's opinion on the best way to stay motivated in general, as this can give insight into the freelancer's work ethic and values.

Example: “There is no one answer to this question, as different people have different things that motivate them. However, some tips that may help include setting regular working hours, taking breaks throughout the day, setting goals to work towards, and finding a work/life balance that works for you. Additionally, it can be helpful to create a space in your home that is dedicated to work, so that when you are in that space you are in work mode. Finally, staying connected with other freelancers or writers can help keep you motivated and inspired.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges you face as a freelance writer?

The interviewer is trying to understand what the freelance writer thinks are the biggest challenges they face in their line of work. This is important because it can help the interviewer understand how the freelance writer plans to overcome these challenges, and whether they have the necessary skills and experience to do so. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer gauge the freelance writer's level of commitment to their work, and whether they are likely to stick with it despite difficulties.

Example: “There are a few challenges that freelance writers face. The first is finding enough work to support themselves. This can be difficult, as many companies are not willing to hire freelance writers on a full-time basis. They may only want to hire them for specific projects, or they may not be aware of the benefits of hiring a freelance writer.

Another challenge is dealing with rejection. When you're a freelance writer, you will inevitably face rejection at some point. It's important to learn how to deal with rejection in a constructive way, so that you can continue to pitch your ideas and get your work published.

Finally, freelance writers need to be able to manage their time effectively. This can be difficult, as they often have to juggle multiple deadlines and projects at once. They need to be able to prioritize their work and make sure that they are meeting all of their deadlines.”

What do you think is the best way to get started in freelance writing?

There are a few reasons an interviewer might ask this question to a freelance writer. They could be trying to gauge the writer's level of experience, or they might be interested in the writer's process for finding new clients. This question is important because it can help the interviewer understand the freelance writer's level of expertise and whether or not they are a good fit for the job.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to get started in freelance writing will vary depending on your individual skills and experience. However, some tips on how to get started in freelance writing include:

1. Start by writing for yourself. One of the best ways to get started in freelance writing is to simply start writing for yourself. Whether it’s a blog, a journal, or just some personal thoughts and musings, getting into the habit of regular writing will help you hone your craft and prepare you for working with clients.

2. Reach out to friends and family. Once you’ve got some writing samples under your belt, reach out to your friends and family members who might need help with their own writing projects. Offering your services as a freelance writer can be a great way to get your foot in the door, so to speak.

3. Check out job boards and classifieds. There are many online job boards and classifieds websites that cater specifically to freelance writers. By browsing these sites, you can get an idea of what kind of writing projects are out there and see if any fit your skillset.

4. Join a professional organization. If you”

What do you think are the most important things to consider when setting your rates?

An interviewer would ask this question in order to gauge the Freelance Writer's understanding of the market and what it takes to be successful within it. It is important for the interviewer to know that the Freelance Writer is aware of the competition and what it takes to stand out and get ahead. Additionally, the interviewer wants to know that the Freelance Writer is mindful of how to price their services in order to remain competitive while also making a profit.

Example: “There are a few things to consider when setting your rates as a freelance writer. First, you need to consider the type of writing you will be doing. If you are writing for a niche market, you can charge more per article than if you are writing for a general interest market. Second, you need to consider your experience and expertise. If you have been writing for years and have a lot of experience, you can charge more than someone who is just starting out. Finally, you need to consider the time involved in writing the piece. If it is a longer piece or requires research, you can charge more than if it is a shorter piece or something that you already know about.”

What do you think is the best way to find clients?

There are many ways to find clients as a freelance writer, and the best way depends on the writer's individual goals, skills, and interests. The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the writer's professional network and marketing strategies. It is important to have a clear and concise answer to this question, as it will give the interviewer a good idea of the writer's level of experience and professionalism.

Example: “There are many ways to find clients as a freelance writer. You can search for clients online, in job boards or classifieds, or through social media. You can also attend networking events or conferences related to your industry. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about opportunities. The best way to find clients will vary depending on your industry and niche. However, networking and online search engines are typically the most effective methods for finding new clients.”

What do you think is the best way to keep your clients happy?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a freelance writer. It could be to gauge the writer's understanding of the client-writer relationship, to see if they are aware of the importance of communication and collaboration, or to get a sense of the writer's work ethic.

It is important for a freelance writer to keep their clients happy because the client is the one who is paying for the writer's services. If the client is not happy with the work, they may not want to continue working with the writer or may ask for revisions. Therefore, it is in the writer's best interest to maintain a good relationship with their clients and to produce work that meets or exceeds their expectations.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to keep your clients happy will vary depending on the individual client and the project at hand. However, some tips on how to keep your clients happy may include being responsive to their needs and requests, being proactive in offering solutions and suggestions, and going above and beyond what is expected. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your clients are happy with your work and will continue to use your services in the future.”

What do you think is the best way to manage your time when working from home?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a freelance writer. Firstly, it is important to know how a freelance writer plans and structures their day, as this can impact the quality and quantity of work produced. Secondly, working from home can be a lonely experience, and it is important to know how a freelance writer keeps themselves motivated and focused. Finally, many freelance writers work on a variety of projects at any one time, and it is important to know how they manage their time and priorities their tasks.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to manage your time when working from home will vary depending on your individual circumstances and work style. However, some tips on how to manage your time effectively when working from home include:

-Create a daily or weekly schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting distracted by other tasks or obligations.

-Set aside specific times for work and breaks, and make sure to stick to those times. This will help you stay productive and avoid burnout.

-Make use of tools like time tracking software or a productivity app to help you stay on track and monitor your progress.

-Take advantage of moments of downtime or transition between tasks to do things like take a walk, meditate, or just take a few deep breaths. This can help you refocus and recharge so that you can be more productive when you sit back down to work.”

Related Interview Questions