Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Features Editor Roles – 2025

Are you considering a career as a features editor? To help you prepare for your job interview, here is a list of 20 up-to-date questions and answers that cover a variety of areas such as experience, decision-making, technical skills, and cultural fit. Use these as a guide to showcase your skills, passion for writing, and ability to curate engaging and relevant content for readers.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your experience as a features editor?
  Answer: In the past five years, I have worked as a features editor for two different publications, focusing on a wide range of topics from lifestyle to travel. I have honed my skills in planning and executing editorial calendars, managing a team of writers, and ensuring timely delivery of content.
• 2. What inspired you to become a features editor?
  Answer: I have always been passionate about writing and storytelling. As an editor, I have the opportunity to not only craft my own stories but also collaborate with other writers and help bring their ideas to life.
• 3. How do you stay updated and relevant in the constantly evolving media landscape?
  Answer: I regularly read industry news and attend workshops and conferences to learn about new trends and tools. I also follow and engage with influential figures and publications on social media to stay in the loop and gain new insights.
• 4. Can you give an example of how you have adapted your content for a specific audience?
  Answer: In one of my previous roles, I was tasked with creating articles for a travel magazine targeting millennial readers. To appeal to this audience, I focused on crafting a relatable and visually appealing tone, including high-quality images and videos, and incorporating elements of social media.
• 5. How do you handle feedback, whether positive or negative, from readers or colleagues?
  Answer: I believe in taking constructive criticism with an open mind and using it to improve my work. I actively seek feedback from my team and readers and make changes based on their thoughts and opinions.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. How do you approach curating original and engaging story ideas?
  Answer: I believe in staying curious and exploring various sources such as social media, news articles, and personal experiences to get inspiration for innovative story ideas. I also make a note of any trends or topics that are gaining traction and think of unique angles to cover them.
• 7. Can you walk us through your experience with SEO and optimizing content for online platforms?
  Answer: I have extensive experience in SEO and have worked closely with digital teams to ensure that our content is optimized for search engines and meets industry standards. I have an understanding of relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and title tags, and I use tools such as Google Analytics to track the performance of our content.
• 8. How would you handle competing deadlines and prioritize tasks?
  Answer: I am well-versed in managing multiple projects and deadlines. I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance and communicate effectively with my team to ensure that all tasks are completed on time. I also make sure to allocate enough time for each task, so the quality and accuracy of our content are not compromised.
• 9. Have you had experience managing and editing a team?
  Answer: Yes, I have managed a team of writers for the past three years and have developed effective communication and delegation skills. I also organize regular check-ins and brainstorming sessions to ensure that everyone on the team is on the same page and has a chance to contribute ideas.
• 10. How do you ensure that the tone and voice of the publication are maintained in all articles under your supervision?
  Answer: I work closely with my team to establish and maintain a consistent tone and voice for the publication. I provide clear guidelines for writers and offer feedback to ensure that all content aligns with our brand's tone and style guide.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a writer who consistently misses deadlines?
  Answer: I would first have a one-on-one conversation with the writer to understand the reasons behind the missed deadlines. I would then work with them to create a more realistic schedule, provide them with additional resources or support, and regularly check-in to ensure that they are staying on track.
• 12. Can you give an example of a time when you had to make a difficult editorial decision?
  Answer: In one instance, we received a controversial story that could have sparked a lot of backlash. After discussing it with my team and considering the potential consequences, we decided not to publish it. Instead, we worked with the writer to come up with a new angle that would be more appropriate and well-received by our readers.
• 13. How do you handle a writer who has a different writing style from the publication's standard?
  Answer: I would first have a conversation with the writer and explain the importance of maintaining a consistent tone and style for the publication. I would then provide them with the necessary resources and offer guidance and feedback as they work to adapt their style.
• 14. Can you tell us about a time when you had to navigate a difficult situation with a team member?
  Answer: In one of my past roles, a team member had a conflict with another member that was affecting their work dynamic. I addressed the issue by having separate discussions with each individual, listening to their concerns, and facilitating a productive conversation between them. We were able to resolve the issue and improve their working relationship.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where a writer plagiarized content?
  Answer: I would address the issue immediately and have a conversation with the writer to understand why it happened. I would then work with them to rectify the situation, such as removing the plagiarized content and issuing an apology. I would also take necessary disciplinary actions depending on the severity of the plagiarism.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. How do you stay organized and motivated in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment?
  Answer: I enjoy challenges and thrive in a fast-paced environment. To stay organized and motivated, I prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and keep an open line of communication with my team. I also make sure to stay updated on industry trends and continuously seek new ways to improve my skills and work.
• 17. Can you tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with other departments or teams to achieve a common goal?
  Answer: In my previous role, I worked with the digital marketing team to promote a new series of articles we were launching. We collaborated on social media posts, influencer partnerships, and targeted emails to increase engagement and drive traffic to our website.
• 18. How do you handle receiving and giving feedback?
  Answer: I believe that feedback is crucial for personal and professional growth. I am open to receiving and giving feedback, and I actively seek it out from my team and colleagues. I make sure to provide feedback in a constructive and respectful manner and use it to continuously improve my work and approach.
• 19. How do you stay updated on the latest industry trends?
  Answer: I regularly read publications and follow industry leaders on social media to stay updated on the latest trends and developments. I also attend conferences and workshops and participate in online discussions and forums.
• 20. Why do you think you would be a good fit for our publication?
  Answer: I have a passion for writing and curating engaging and relevant content for readers. I also have experience working in a variety of topics and platforms, making me adaptable and versatile. Additionally, I believe in the values and mission of your publication, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to its growth and success.