Interview Guide
Structured Interview Guide — Copy Editor
Eight structured questions with rubric, probing follow-ups, and scoring anchors. Designed to be administered the same way by every interviewer.
Structured Interview Guide — Copy Editor
Ask every candidate the same eight questions in the same order. Record answers verbatim where possible. Rate each answer 1–5 using the rubric below.
1. Walk me through your editing process on a 2,000-word feature.
Look for: distinct passes (structural, line, copy, proof), not a single muddled read-through; use of checklist or style sheet; awareness of time budgets.
2. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a writer about a change.
Look for: concrete example, not platitudes; a specific resolution path; evidence of listening AND holding a line.
3. You find a factual error in a piece two hours before publication. What do you do?
Look for: immediately flag up; don't silently fix; who they'd loop in; decision tree for "publish late vs. publish with gap."
4. Talk me through a recent edit you're proud of.
Look for: change that went beyond mechanics — a structural move or a cut that improved the piece.
5. How do you stay current on style changes?
Look for: specific sources (AP Stylebook Online, CMOS Q&A, Copyediting-L, etc.), not "I read a lot."
6. Describe how you handle a writer who repeatedly submits drafts with the same issues.
Look for: patient feedback loop; structured documentation rather than frustration; willingness to escalate if it doesn't improve.
7. What's the worst edit you've received from a colleague?
Look for: self-awareness that they receive edits too; ability to accept critique; evidence they grew from it.
8. Anything else you want us to know?
Look for: openness, curiosity about the role, thoughtful final framing.