Have you ever encountered resistance from a writer when suggesting editorial changes? How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I have encountered resistance from a writer when suggesting editorial changes. It was during my internship at a local newspaper. The writer had put in a lot of effort into the article and was initially resistant to any changes. To handle the situation, I first made sure to listen to the writer's concerns and understand their perspective. I then explained my reasoning behind the suggested changes, emphasizing how it would improve the clarity and impact of the article. I also offered to work collaboratively with the writer, suggesting that we could go through the changes together and make any necessary adjustments. Eventually, the writer became more open to the changes and we were able to find a middle ground that satisfied both parties.

A more solid answer

Yes, I have encountered resistance from a writer when suggesting editorial changes. It was during my internship at a local newspaper. The writer had worked extensively on the article and was initially hesitant to accept any changes. To address this, I approached the situation with empathy and understanding. I took the time to actively listen to their concerns and tried to see the article from their perspective. Once I had a clear understanding, I explained the reasons behind the suggested changes and how they would strengthen the article's impact and readability. I emphasized that the goal was to enhance the overall quality of the piece. Additionally, I suggested collaborating with the writer to review the changes together, ensuring their voice was not lost in the process. By involving them in the decision-making, we were able to find a compromise that both respected their work and improved the article's effectiveness.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer includes specific details about approaching the situation with empathy and understanding. It also highlights the importance of active listening and involving the writer in the decision-making process. However, it could further showcase adaptability by discussing other strategies used to address resistance and how they were successful.

An exceptional answer

Yes, I have encountered resistance from a writer when suggesting editorial changes. During my internship at a local newspaper, one particular article had undergone significant revisions by the writer, who was deeply invested in their original version. Understanding the writer's attachment to their work, I approached the situation with utmost empathy and respect. I initiated a one-on-one meeting, listening attentively to their concerns and acknowledging their efforts. By acknowledging their hard work, I established a sense of trust and appreciation. Additionally, I shared personal experiences where I had faced similar challenges, empathizing with their emotional investment in the article. To address the resistance, I proposed a collaborative approach, suggesting we review the changes together and make adjustments that would preserve the writer's voice while aligning the article with the overall editorial goals. By actively involving the writer in the process, we fostered a sense of ownership and mutual understanding. As a result, the writer became more open to incorporating the suggested changes and even contributed additional ideas to enhance the article further.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing specific examples of how empathy, respect, and personal experiences were used to address resistance. It also showcases the candidate's ability to foster a sense of ownership and mutual understanding. However, to further improve, the candidate could discuss any challenges faced during the collaboration process and how they were overcome.

How to prepare for this question

1. Familiarize yourself with different editing techniques and their benefits, such as improving clarity and readability.
2. Practice active listening and empathy to better understand the writer's perspective and concerns.
3. Develop strategies for effectively communicating the rationale behind suggested editorial changes.
4. Learn how to collaborate and involve the writer in the decision-making process to find a mutually satisfactory solution.
5. Reflect on past experiences where you successfully handled resistance and identify key learnings to apply in future situations.

What interviewers are evaluating

Strong communication skills
Adaptability
Teamwork