How to Hire a Copywriter: Skills to Look For and a Step-by-Step Guide

As a recruiter or hiring manager, you often face the challenge of finding a copywriter who can seamlessly blend creativity with strategy to effectively communicate your brand's message. Many organizations struggle with sourcing candidates who not only possess excellent writing skills but also understand the broader marketing context. It's important to ensure that the copywriters you hire can adapt to diverse industry needs, work collaboratively with marketing teams, and deliver on business objectives.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide on hiring a copywriter, covering everything from the hiring process and skill sets to look for, to structuring interviews and assessing candidates. Whether you're looking for expert job description templates or considering platforms for finding the right talent, this guide is aimed at making your hiring process more effective. For further insights, check out our interview questions for copywriters.

Table of contents

What Does a Copywriter Do?

A copywriter creates persuasive written content for marketing and advertising purposes. They craft compelling messages that engage audiences and drive action, whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a service, or changing behavior.

The day-to-day tasks of a copywriter include:

• Researching products, services, and target audiences
• Writing catchy headlines, slogans, and taglines
• Developing content for various platforms (websites, social media, emails)
• Collaborating with designers and marketing teams
• Editing and proofreading content
• Adapting writing style for different brand voices
• Staying updated on industry trends and best practices

Copywriter Hiring Process

The copywriter hiring process typically takes around 4-6 weeks. Here's a brief overview:

• Craft a clear job description and post it on popular job boards and your company's career site.

• Review resumes and cover letters as they come in, shortlisting the most promising candidates within the first 1-2 weeks.

• Conduct initial screening interviews (phone or video) to assess communication skills and cultural fit.

• Administer copywriting skill tests to evaluate writing abilities, creativity, and attention to detail.

• Invite top candidates for final in-person interviews, which may include a writing exercise or case study.

• Extend an offer to the chosen candidate, allowing time for negotiations and background checks.

With a structured and efficient process, you can typically hire a talented copywriter within 4-6 weeks. Let's explore each step in more detail.

Skills and Qualifications to Look for in a Copywriter

Before beginning the search for a copywriter, it's important to outline the skills and qualifications that align with your company's needs. It's easy to mistake universal skills as must-haves for your specific role. Clarifying what's required versus what's a nice-to-have can streamline the hiring process.

A well-rounded copywriter typically holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, English, Journalism, or a related field. Proven experience in a similar role, along with excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, are essential. Strong research skills and a portfolio of previous writing projects can further bolster a candidate's profile.

In addition to these fundamental skills, certain qualities can make a candidate stand out. Experience with SEO and content marketing can be beneficial. Familiarity with digital publishing platforms and the ability to work with design and marketing teams are valued skills. Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities are also preferred.

Collaboration is key in most copywriting roles. The ability to effectively work within a team involves clear communication and project management skills. Additionally, having an understanding of target audience and industry trends can enhance a copywriter's impact.

How to Write an Effective Copywriter Job Description

Once you've defined the ideal candidate profile for your copywriter role, the next step is crafting a compelling job description to attract top talent. Here are some key tips to make your copywriter job description stand out:

• Highlight key responsibilities and impact: Clearly outline the types of content the copywriter will create, such as ad copy, product descriptions, or social media posts. Emphasize how their work will contribute to brand awareness and marketing goals.

• Balance technical skills with creativity: While mentioning required writing skills and tools, don't forget to emphasize the importance of creativity, adaptability, and understanding of consumer psychology. A great copywriter blends technical proficiency with innovative thinking.

• Showcase your company culture: Highlight what makes your company unique, whether it's a collaborative team environment, opportunities for professional growth, or exciting client projects. This helps attract candidates who align with your company values.

• Be specific about qualifications: Clearly state required experience levels, relevant degrees, and any industry-specific knowledge. This helps filter candidates and ensures you receive applications from those who closely match your needs.

10 Platforms to Hire Copywriters

Now that you have crafted a clear job description, it's time to list the position on various job platforms to attract skilled copywriters. Whether you're looking for freelancers for short-term projects or full-time professionals for permanent roles, these platforms can help you connect with the right talent.

Upwork

Ideal for hiring freelance copywriters for short-term or project-based work. Offers a wide range of professionals with varying levels of experience and expertise.

Freelancer

A platform to find freelancers for temporary and freelance copywriting projects. Suitable for recruiters looking for flexible hiring options.

LinkedIn

Great for recruiting full-time copywriters and leveraging professional networks. Ideal for positions requiring specific industry experience.

The remaining platforms offer diverse opportunities to hire the perfect copywriter tailored to your needs. FlexJobs and We Work Remotely are perfect for remote positions, while AngelList is a great choice for startups. Contently caters to content marketing projects, and Glassdoor provides insights into industry standards and candidate expectations. For a comprehensive hiring process, consider supplementing these platforms with skill-specific assessment tests to ensure you're selecting the right candidate.

Keywords to Look for in a Copywriter's Resume

Resume screening is a crucial step in hiring copywriters. It helps you quickly identify candidates with the right skills and experience before moving to interviews.

When manually screening resumes, focus on key terms related to writing, editing, and marketing. Look for specific skills like SEO copywriting, content strategy, and proofreading. Also, check for experience with different content types and industries.

To streamline the process, consider using AI-powered tools or language models. These can help you analyze resumes more quickly and consistently, flagging candidates who match your criteria based on the keywords and qualifications you specify.

Here's a sample prompt for AI-assisted resume screening:

TASK: Screen resumes for copywriter position

INPUT: Resumes

OUTPUT:
- Candidate name
- Matching keywords
- Score (out of 10)
- Recommendation
- Shortlist (Yes/No/Maybe)

KEYWORDS:
- Writing (SEO, content marketing, technical writing)
- Editing (proofreading, grammar, style)
- Marketing (brand voice, audience targeting)
- Tools (CMS, analytics, design software)
- Industry experience (relevant sectors)

Recommended Skills Tests to Screen Copywriters

To ensure you're hiring the best copywriting talent, skills tests are a recommended part of the recruitment process. They help identify candidates' strengths and areas of expertise, making it easier to choose the right fit. Here are some skills tests from our Adaface library that are particularly valuable for assessing copywriters.

Copywriting Test: This test is designed to evaluate candidates' abilities in crafting compelling and persuasive text. It helps identify those who possess strong writing skills and a keen sense for language, which are critical for effective copywriting. Copywriting Test

Content Strategy Test: Use this test to assess candidates' understanding of content planning and creation strategies. It ensures they can develop content that aligns with marketing objectives and audience needs. Content Strategy Test

SEO Assessment Test: Evaluate your candidates' knowledge of search engine optimization with this test. It's important for copywriters to understand SEO principles to enhance content visibility and drive traffic. SEO Assessment Test

Communication Test: This test is important for verifying that candidates have strong communication skills, both written and verbal. These skills are necessary for effectively conveying messages and collaborating with teams. Communication Test

English Comprehension Test: Assess how well candidates understand and interpret English text with this test. Strong comprehension skills are a must for creating clear and cohesive content. English Comprehension Test

Case Study Assignments to Evaluate Copywriter Candidates

Case study assignments can be valuable tools for assessing copywriter skills, but they come with drawbacks. They're often time-consuming, which can lead to lower completion rates and potentially losing good candidates. Despite these challenges, well-designed case studies can provide insights into a copywriter's abilities. Let's explore some effective assignments.

Product Description Makeover: Ask candidates to rewrite a bland product description for a specific target audience. This task tests their ability to craft compelling copy that speaks to customer needs and highlights product benefits. It also showcases their skills in SEO copywriting, as they'll need to incorporate relevant keywords naturally.

Email Campaign Creation: Present a scenario where candidates must create a series of three email subject lines and opening paragraphs for a marketing campaign. This assignment evaluates their understanding of email marketing principles, ability to write attention-grabbing headlines, and skill in crafting engaging introductions that encourage further reading.

Brand Voice Adaptation: Provide candidates with a brief on a company's brand and target audience. Then, ask them to write social media posts for two different platforms, adapting the tone and style to fit each platform while maintaining brand consistency. This tests their versatility and ability to tailor content for different channels and audiences.

How to Structure the Interview Stage for Hiring Copywriters

After candidates successfully pass the initial skills tests, it's time to move them to the interview stage where their hard skills are thoroughly examined. Skills tests are vital for eliminating unfit candidates, but they fall short in identifying the best talent suited for the role. During interviews, you can assess candidates' capabilities in real-world scenarios and get a sense of their creative and strategic thinking.

Here are some sample interview questions to consider: 'Can you describe a past copywriting project you're proud of?' This question assesses their experience and creativity. 'How do you approach keyword integration in copy?' is important for understanding their SEO knowledge. 'What process do you follow for editing and proofreading?' reveals their attention to detail. 'How do you handle feedback on your work?' helps gauge adaptability and openness. 'Can you provide examples of how you have driven results with your copy?' This highlights their skills required for SEO copywriter expertise. These questions will help you understand if they possess the necessary skills and outlook for the role.

How much does it cost to hire a Copywriter?

Hiring a copywriter involves considering several factors that influence salary, such as location and experience. In the United States, the average salary is around $69,666, with a range from $40,936 to $103,895. In Australia, it's approximately AUD 79,859, typically ranging between AUD 54,920 to AUD 108,260. Meanwhile, in Canada, salaries span from CAD 44,297 to CAD 75,365, with a median at CAD 57,780. These figures can help guide your budgeting and salary offers.

Copywriter Salary in the United States

The average salary for a copywriter in the United States is approximately $69,666. Salaries can range from $40,936 on the lower end to around $103,895 for more experienced professionals.

In major cities like San Francisco and New York, copywriters can earn significantly more, with median salaries often exceeding $78,000. Understanding these figures can help you set competitive compensation packages when hiring.

Copywriter Salary United Kingdom

The average salary for a copywriter in the United Kingdom is approximately £30,000 to £40,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start around £25,000, while experienced copywriters can earn upwards of £50,000 or more, especially in London. Freelance copywriters may see varied income depending on their client base and project scope.

Copywriter Salary Australia

In Australia, copywriter salaries can vary significantly based on location and experience. On average, a copywriter earns around AUD 79,859 annually. Salaries typically range from a minimum of AUD 54,920 to a maximum of AUD 108,260. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer competitive salaries, with Sydney's median at AUD 81,884 and Melbourne's median slightly lower at AUD 73,603.

Copywriter Salary in Canada

In Canada, copywriter salaries vary across major cities. Based on recent data, the average annual salary for copywriters in Canada ranges from CAD 44,297 to CAD 75,365, with a median of CAD 57,780.

Ottawa offers the highest median salary at CAD 66,721, while Calgary has the lowest at CAD 49,926. Other cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal fall in between, with median salaries ranging from CAD 57,588 to CAD 65,944.

What's the difference between a Copywriter and a Content Writer?

Many people confuse copywriters and content writers, thinking they're interchangeable roles. While both create written content, their purposes, styles, and outputs differ significantly.

Copywriters focus on persuasive, sales-oriented writing. They craft ads, slogans, taglines, and sales emails designed to grab attention and drive conversions. Their writing style is concise and punchy, aimed at potential customers and leads.

Content writers, on the other hand, produce informative and educational pieces. They create blog posts, articles, and ebooks that provide value to readers and information seekers. Their style is more detailed and explanatory, often incorporating SEO techniques for better visibility.

The key skills and performance metrics also differ. Copywriters excel in persuasion and brevity, measured by conversion and click-through rates. Content writers focus on research and long-form writing, evaluated by page views, time on page, and social shares.

Understanding these differences is crucial when hiring for your marketing team. Consider the specific needs of your projects to determine whether you need a copywriter's sales-driven approach or a content writer's informative style.

What are the ranks of Copywriters?

The world of copywriting can often be confusing, especially for those not familiar with the various ranks and roles within this field. Copywriters may share overlapping skills, but their focus and responsibilities can differ significantly depending on their level of experience and specialization.

1. Junior Copywriter: A junior copywriter is typically an entry-level position. They work under the guidance of more experienced writers and are responsible for creating simple content, such as social media posts or basic website text.

2. Copywriter: A standard copywriter has gained some experience and can handle a wider range of projects. They develop more complex content, such as blog posts, advertisements, and marketing materials that effectively engage the target audience.

3. Senior Copywriter: Senior copywriters often lead projects and mentor junior staff. They take on higher-stakes assignments and are expected to produce innovative and compelling content that aligns with the company's strategic objectives.

4. Copy Chief: A copy chief supervises the copywriting team, ensuring the quality and consistency of all written content. They are responsible for guiding the overall voice and messaging of the brand while collaborating with other departments.

5. Creative Director: This position often oversees the entire creative process, including copywriting. A creative director ensures that the copy aligns with the brand's vision and works closely with designers and other creatives to maintain a cohesive message across all platforms.

For more insights on crafting effective job descriptions for these roles, you can refer to the copywriter job description linked here.

Hire the Perfect Copywriters for Your Team

Throughout this guide, we have explored the key aspects of hiring a copywriter, from understanding their role to evaluating their skills through precise job descriptions and tests. A structured process ensures you identify candidates who not only meet but exceed your requirements.

If there's one takeaway from this, it's the importance of using well-crafted job descriptions and targeted skills tests to find the right fit for your team. Implementing targeted assessments, such as a copywriting test or a content strategy test, can significantly enhance your hiring accuracy.

FAQs