Columnist Interview Questions
These interview questions help you uncover the experiences and skills that make a good columnist.
Top 10 interview questions forColumnist
1. What has been your most memorable experience writing a column? Why?
My most memorable experience writing a column was when I interviewed the president of my university. I was very nervous but it was a great opportunity to learn more about the school I attend.
2. How do you approach finding new topics for your column?
Finding new topics for my column can be approached in a few different ways. I usually like to find interesting stories or articles to read and then brainstorm ideas off of those. Other times, if I'm feeling stuck, I'll go on social media and look at what people are talking about or look for trending topics. And finally, I'll also take pitches from readers who may have an idea they would like me to write about.
3. Do you have any favorite columns that you’ve written? Why are they your favorites?
There are a few columns that I really enjoyed writing, for various reasons. One column that I enjoyed writing was about how to be a successful freelancer. I liked it because it was very practical and I had a lot of fun sharing my own tips and tricks for how I’ve been successful as a freelancer. Another column that I really enjoyed was about the importance of travel. I like this column because travel is a passion of mine, and I think it’s so important to get out there and explore new places. Plus, it’s always interesting
4. When it comes to op-ed pieces, how do you know when you’ve struck a chord with your audience?
It can be tough to know how well an op-ed piece is resonating with readers, but there are a few key indicators. First, if the op-ed is being widely shared and generating a lot of online conversation, that's usually a good sign. Secondly, look at how it's being covered in the mainstream media. If journalists and pundits are writing about it and debating its merits, that's another good sign. And finally, pay attention to your own gut feeling. If you feel like you've struck a chord with your audience, there's a good chance you're on
5. How do you handle criticism of your work?Constructive or not.
I handle criticism of my work by evaluating it objectively and using it to improve my work. I also try to remember that everyone has different opinions, so not everyone is going to like what I do. Ultimately, I care more about the opinion of those who matter to me and whose opinion I respect.
6. Can you share an instance where you wrote about something controversial and how you dealt with the backlash?
When I was in college, I wrote a column for the school paper about how much I hated Valentine's Day. I complained about how the holiday was forced, commercialized and just generally cheesy. I expected to get some backlash from readers, but I never imagined that the column would spark a campus-wide debate about love and relationships. My inbox was flooded with emails from people who agreed with me and people who thought I was a bitter single girl. I even had people reaching out to me to set me up on dates! It was a really interesting experience to dissect something that's so universal
7. Columnists often have a personal connection to their topics – how do you find that delicate balance between sharing too much and holding back?
I think the key is to find a healthy balance between sharing too much and holding back. I try to find a middle ground where I can share enough information to help my readers understand what I'm talking about, but I also hold back enough so that I'm not divulging too much personal information. At the same time, I try to be aware of how my personal connection to a topic might affect my writing, and I'll often pull back if I feel like I'm getting too emotionally invested in the story. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance that works for you and your readers
8. Are there any subjects that are off limits for you as a columnist? Why or why not?
There are no subjects that are off limits for me as a columnist. I believe that as long as I am respectful and remain within the bounds of good taste, then I can write about any topic that interests me. My hope is that my readers will appreciate this openness and come to trust that I will approach all topics with the same level of fairness, regardless of how controversial they may be. That said, there are certainly some topics that I am less likely to write about, such as personal family matters or news events that are still too raw and emotional for many people. But even then,
9. What do you believe is the most important attribute of a successful columnist?
The most important attribute of a successful columnist is the ability to form an opinion and share it with their readers. It is critical that columnists are able to provide their readers with insights and observations on the topics they write about, and help them understand complex issues in an easy-to-digest way. Additionally, columnists must be able to engage their readers by sparking discussion and provoking thought-provoking responses. Finally, successful columnists must have a strong voice, be unafraid to express their opinions, and be able to hold their own in debates.
10. What advice would you give to aspiring columnists starting out in their career?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the best advice for aspiring columnists will vary depending on the individual and their goals. However, some general advice that may be helpful for aspiring columnists starting out in their career includes: 1. Develop your writing style and hone your craft. As a columnist, you will be expected to write engaging and well-crafted essays on a regular basis. It is important to take the time to develop your writing style and practice your craft so that you can produce high-quality content on a consistent basis. 2. Find your
What does a Columnist do?
Columnists are writers who share their opinion on current events, pop culture, and other topics of interest. They write regular columns for newspapers, magazines, or websites.
What to look for in a Columnist?
When hiring a columnist, look for someone with strong writing skills who can produce engaging and thoughtful content on a regular basis. You should also consider whether the columnist has a following or an audience that they can tap into. Finally, make sure that the columnist is interested in and knowledgeable about your industry or niche.
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