13. Have you ever collaborated with writers and editors to resolve discrepancies? Can you provide an example?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I have collaborated with writers and editors in the past to resolve discrepancies. One example of this is when I was working as a proofreader for a publishing company. I noticed that there were inconsistencies in the formatting and style of the articles that were submitted by the writers. I reached out to the writers and editors to discuss the issues and proposed a consistent style guide that could be followed by everyone. We had several meetings to go over the changes and address any concerns or questions. By working together, we were able to resolve the discrepancies and ensure that all of the articles followed the same formatting and style guidelines.

A more solid answer

Yes, I have extensive experience collaborating with writers and editors to resolve discrepancies. For instance, in my previous role as a proofreader at XYZ Company, I encountered a situation where one of the articles submitted by a writer contained conflicting information. Instead of making assumptions, I proactively reached out to both the writer and the editor assigned to the project. Through open and transparent communication, we identified the discrepancies and worked together to find a resolution. I suggested conducting thorough research to verify the accuracy of the conflicting information and proposed alternative sources. By collaborating closely with the writers and editors, we were able to resolve the discrepancies and ensure that the article provided accurate and reliable information to the readers.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This is a solid answer because it provides a specific example of collaborating with writers and editors to resolve discrepancies. It demonstrates the candidate's problem-solving skills and attention to detail by proactively identifying and addressing the issue. However, it could be improved by providing more details about the outcome of the collaboration and the impact it had on the final article.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely! Collaboration with writers and editors to resolve discrepancies is an essential part of my role as a proofreader. Let me share an example that highlights my experience in this area. In my previous position at ABC Publishing, I was responsible for reviewing an extensive research report that involved contributions from multiple authors. During the review process, I detected several inconsistencies and conflicting data points across different sections of the report. To ensure a cohesive and accurate final product, I initiated a series of collaborative meetings with the authors and the editor overseeing the project. We created a shared document where everyone could input their findings and suggestions for resolving the discrepancies. Additionally, I proposed a system for tracking the edits and revisions to ensure accountability and maintain clarity throughout the process. By leveraging effective communication and actively involving all stakeholders, we successfully addressed the discrepancies, resulting in a polished and well-aligned research report that met the highest standards of accuracy and consistency.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This is an exceptional answer because it provides a detailed and impactful example of collaborating with writers and editors to resolve discrepancies. The candidate showcases their strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with multiple stakeholders. The example also emphasizes the candidate's ability to implement a systematic approach to ensure accountability and maintain clarity throughout the collaboration process.

How to prepare for this question

1. Familiarize yourself with different style guides commonly used in the publishing industry, such as AP, Chicago, and MLA. Understand the key principles and guidelines outlined in each style guide.
2. Reflect on your past experiences where you collaborated with writers and editors to resolve discrepancies. Think about the specific challenges you encountered and the strategies you employed to address them.
3. Practice giving concise and clear explanations of how you approached resolving discrepancies. Focus on showcasing your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others.
4. Be prepared to provide concrete examples that highlight your ability to handle conflicting information, propose solutions, and work towards consensus with others.
5. Brush up on your knowledge of proofreading marks and notation, as you may be asked to demonstrate your understanding during the interview.

What interviewers are evaluating

Collaboration
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail