Tell us about a time when you had to write copy for a sensitive topic. How did you ensure your copy was appropriate and respectful?

I once had to write copy for a sensitive topic when I worked as a copywriter for a healthcare organization. The topic was about a new treatment for a serious illness, and it involved discussing personal stories of patients who had undergone the treatment. To ensure my copy was appropriate and respectful, I took several steps. First, I conducted extensive research on the illness and the treatment to fully understand the context and potential sensitivities. Next, I interviewed patients and listened to their experiences, ensuring their privacy and consent. I then crafted the copy in a compassionate and empathetic tone, focusing on the positive outcomes and benefits of the treatment. Finally, I collaborated with the creative team and sought feedback from senior staff to ensure the copy was sensitive and respectful. The final result was a compelling and informative piece that effectively conveyed the message while respecting the privacy and dignity of the patients.

I had the opportunity to work as a copywriter for a mental health advocacy organization, where I was tasked with writing copy for a campaign addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness. This topic required extreme sensitivity and careful consideration of the language used. To ensure my copy was appropriate and respectful, I followed a structured process. First, I conducted extensive research on the topic, including reviewing scientific studies and consulting with mental health professionals. This allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nuances and challenges associated with mental illness. Next, I collaborated closely with the creative team to brainstorm ideas and develop a strategy that would effectively address the stigma while maintaining the organization's brand voice. I also sought feedback from individuals with lived experience of mental illness to ensure the copy was respectful and accurate. Throughout the writing process, I paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every word conveyed empathy and understanding. Additionally, I met tight deadlines by creating a timeline and setting daily targets for completing different sections of the copy. The final copy was well-received, and the campaign successfully contributed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.

During my time working as a copywriter for a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, I was assigned the task of writing copy for a sensitive campaign addressing the issue of intimate partner violence. This was an extremely delicate topic that required the utmost care and tact to ensure the copy was appropriate and respectful to survivors. To ensure the highest level of sensitivity, I took several steps. Firstly, I conducted in-depth research and consulted with experts in the field to fully understand the experiences and challenges faced by survivors. This research allowed me to approach the topic with the empathy and knowledge necessary to create impactful copy. Secondly, I interviewed survivors, ensuring their privacy and consent, and listened to their personal stories to gain insight into their experiences. This not only informed my writing but also provided an opportunity for survivors' voices to be represented authentically in the copy. Additionally, I collaborated closely with the creative team, leveraging their expertise to develop a campaign that was both compelling and respectful. I also sought feedback from survivors and experts and made necessary revisions to address any concerns or potential triggers. Throughout the process, I paid meticulous attention to detail, carefully choosing my words to strike the right balance of empathy, strength, and hope. The final copy was not only appropriate and respectful but also had a profound impact, leading to increased awareness, support, and engagement in the cause.