Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Feature Writer Roles – 2025

Are you applying for a feature writer position? Here are 20 up-to-date interview questions and simple yet detailed answers to help you showcase your writing skills, creativity, and industry knowledge.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a feature writer and why you are interested in this role.
  As a feature writer, I have been honing my writing skills for the past 5 years, working in various publications and covering a range of topics. I have always been drawn to feature writing as it allows me to delve deeper into a story and present it in a more engaging and creative manner. I am excited about this role as I believe it will allow me to utilize my skills and be a part of producing high-quality, impactful content.
• 2. How do you keep up with the latest industry trends and developments?
  As a writer, it is important to constantly be aware of the latest trends and changes in the industry. I make it a priority to attend conferences, workshops, and online courses related to journalism and feature writing. Additionally, I also regularly read industry publications and engage with fellow writers to stay updated and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the media industry.
• 3. How do you approach researching for a new feature story?
  Before starting on a new feature story, I first determine the purpose of the article and the target audience. Then, I gather information from a variety of sources, such as interviews, books, articles, and online databases. I make sure to verify the credibility of my sources and fact-check all information. I also conduct extensive research on the topic to ensure that my article is well-informed and accurate.
• 4. How do you deal with tight deadlines?
  As a writer, I understand the importance of meeting deadlines and I have developed a system to manage my time effectively. I prioritize tasks and break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. I also communicate with my team and clients to set realistic deadlines. In case of any unexpected delays, I remain flexible and am always prepared to put in extra effort to meet the deadline.
• 5. Can you give an example of a challenging feature story you've written and how you tackled it?
  I once had to write a feature story on a controversial topic with limited time and access to sources. I decided to approach it from a neutral perspective and first gathered information from both sides of the debate. I then conducted in-depth interviews with individuals who were directly involved in the issue. Ultimately, I was able to present a well-balanced and comprehensive article that was well-received by readers.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult interview subject?
  I once had to interview a celebrity who was known for being difficult and uncooperative with the media. I remained calm and professional throughout the process, allowing them to feel comfortable and open up to me. I showed genuine interest in their work and tried to establish a rapport with them. In the end, the interview turned out to be a success and the celebrity even praised my professionalism.
• 7. How do you handle receiving constructive criticism on your writing?
  As a writer, I understand the importance of receiving feedback and view it as an opportunity to improve and grow. I take constructive criticism positively and carefully consider the suggestions or changes offered. I also value the opinions of others, whether it is my editor or a colleague, and am always open to learning and adapting my writing style.
• 8. Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team to complete a project.
  I worked on a project where I was responsible for the written content, while my colleague designed the layout. We had to work closely together to ensure the text and design complemented each other. We maintained constant communication to discuss our progress and make necessary revisions. In the end, we were able to produce a high-quality feature story that met the client's expectations.
• 9. Can you share a time when you had to meet a tight deadline and how you managed it?
  I had to write an article for a publication with a strict deadline that was just a few hours away. I organized my time effectively and set a schedule for each section of the article. I worked efficiently and focused on one task at a time. I also had a backup plan in case of any unexpected delays. With determination and effective time management, I was able to submit the article before the deadline.
• 10. How have you handled a difficult feedback from a client or editor in the past?
  I once received feedback from a client that the tone of my article was not aligned with their brand's voice. I took the feedback positively and immediately worked on making the necessary changes. I also communicated with the client to understand their specific expectations and delivered a revised version that met their requirements. Ultimately, the client was satisfied with the final product.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a source you interviewed refuses to have their name mentioned in the article?
  I would first try to understand the reason behind their decision and assure them that their privacy and confidentiality will be respected. If they still do not want their name mentioned, I would consider using anonymous quotes or replace their name with a pseudonym. However, I would still ensure that the information provided by the source is accurate and reliable.
• 12. If you were assigned a feature story on a topic that you were not familiar with, how would you handle it?
  I would start by conducting thorough research and seeking guidance from experts in the field. I would also speak to individuals with experience or knowledge about the topic to gain a better understanding. Additionally, I would read past articles on similar topics to get an idea of the writing style and approach. With proper research and guidance, I am confident in my ability to produce a well-informed and engaging article.
• 13. How do you handle incorporating feedback and suggestions from multiple sources for the same article?
  I believe in taking a collaborative approach when it comes to incorporating feedback from different sources. I first analyze the feedback and identify common points and areas that need improvement. I then discuss with my team or editor to prioritize and decide which suggestions to implement. In the end, I make sure that the final article is a collective effort that meets everyone's expectations.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where you had to work on multiple feature stories with overlapping deadlines?
  In such a situation, I would first communicate with my team and prioritize tasks. I would then create a schedule to ensure that I have enough time to work on each story without compromising on quality. I would also seek help from my team members to divide the workload. With proper time management and collaboration, I am confident in my ability to meet all deadlines and produce high-quality articles.
• 15. If you encountered a conflict of interest between the information gathered and the angle of the story, how would you resolve it?
  As a journalist, my priority is always to present the truth and facts accurately. If I encounter a conflict of interest between the information gathered and the angle of the story, I would first re-evaluate my sources and facts to ensure their credibility. If the information is confirmed, I would discuss with my editor or team to find a solution, whether it is changing the angle of the story or finding a new source to validate the information.

Technical Questions

• 16. What is your experience with different style guides, such as AP and Chicago Manual of Style?
  I have experience working with various style guides, including AP and Chicago Manual of Style. I understand the importance of adhering to a particular style guide for consistency and accuracy in writing. I am flexible and can quickly adapt to a new style guide if required.
• 17. How do you conduct keyword research and optimize web content for SEO?
  I first conduct keyword research using a variety of tools, such as Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush. I analyze the search volume and competition to select relevant keywords for the targeted audience. I then incorporate these keywords naturally throughout the content and make sure to follow proper on-page SEO techniques, such as using H1 tags, subheadings, and meta descriptions.
• 18. How do you incorporate multimedia elements, such as images and videos, into your articles?
  I believe in using multimedia elements to enhance the overall quality and engagement of my articles. I make sure to use high-quality images, videos, and infographics that are relevant to the story and complement the text. I also follow proper copyright laws and always attribute the source of the multimedia elements used.
• 19. Are you familiar with using content management systems (CMS)?
  Yes, I have experience working with various CMS platforms, such as WordPress, Drupal, and Squarespace. I am familiar with basic CMS functions, such as creating and editing articles, scheduling posts, and using plug-ins and widgets.
• 20. How do you handle fact-checking and ensuring accuracy in your articles?
  Accuracy is crucial in journalism, and I have developed a meticulous process to fact-check my articles. Before submitting the final draft, I go through it multiple times, fact-checking each statement and verifying the sources used. I also make sure to provide links or references for any statistics or information mentioned in the article. Additionally, I am always open to feedback and willing to make necessary corrections to ensure the accuracy of my work.