Writer job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Writer?
The definition of a Writer can go in many different directions since versatility is what makes this position so unique.
Generally, any individual who writes content for promotional, commercial, creative, or any other purpose can be considered a Writer.
Therefore, there are many different types of Writers known today.
Writers’ responsibilities can slightly vary depending on the industry they work in and the type of content they write.
Ordinarily, Writers research relevant topics to gain better insight into their assignments and understand audience interests.
They check factual information from their research, proofread and edit their work, collaborate with other writers and publishers, and submit assignments within the assigned deadlines.
The top Writer skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are seeking a Writer for our company who will contribute to our creative engagement with the audience. In this position, you will get familiar with the company’s writing requirements and readers’ interests, research relevant topics, and write content for various formats, such as articles, blogs, and stories. You will proofread and edit your work to ensure it is accurate and ready for publishing and adhere to editorial guidelines and policies.
Additionally, you will pitch innovative ideas to engage readers, collaborate with other writers, editors, and publishers, and contribute to the company’s publicity by liaising with readers and attending promotional events. In the end, you will ensure your work is submitted within assigned deadlines and keep records of your assignments.
As a Writer, you must have extraordinary writing, communication, and research skills, along with a creative mindset and attention to detail.
Duties and responsibilities
- Research relevant topics according to the company’s requirements
- Check factual data collected from the research process
- Brainstorm and write content for articles, blogs, stories, websites, press releases, and other formats
- Suggest and pitch innovative ideas and topics for upcoming projects and content
- Proofread and edit content to make sure it is accurate and ready for publishing
- Network and collaborate with other writers, publishers, and editors
- Write engaging content that aligns with audience interests
- Collaborate with other employees to develop and implement ideas that would promote internal and external user engagement
- Contribute to the company’s publicity by announcing book launches, engaging with readers through social media, and attending promotional events
- Adhere to editorial guidelines, policies, and standards
- Submit assignments in the appropriate document format and within the assigned deadlines
- Keep accurate records of assignments and corresponding documentation
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in English language, communications, journalism, media studies, creative writing, or a related field
- Previous working experience in writing and research
- Portfolio of previously published work
- Proficiency with MS Office and Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Exceptional communication skills
- Strong research and attention to detail
- Ability to effectively and accurately proofread written content
- Creative and innovative mindset
- Excellent organization
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
What education this role needs.
Generally, there are no strict rules or educational requirements for becoming a Writer.
Prospective individuals should rely on their talent, skill, and experience. However, some educational paths would provide a solid foundation for this position.
A Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, creative writing, communications, or media studies is a qualification that many employers consider beneficial.
Additionally, there are some professional writing or technical writing certificate programs that offer training in specific areas of writing, such as business writing, technical writing, or copywriting.
Through these courses, individuals can acquire practical skills and industry-specific knowledge.
Sample interview questions for a Writer.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- When did you start developing your love for writing?
- Can you tell us about the last book your read?
- If you had the chance to write a book, what it would be about?
- Could you tell us about your most recent job as a Writer?
- Why are you interested in becoming a Writer for this company in particular?
- Are there any qualifications that make you more suitable for this job than other candidates?
- What is your process of conducting research for a topic you know nothing about?
- How do you handle negative feedback and revisions from superiors or clients?
- Can you tell us about the most challenging writing project you successfully managed?
- What writing style is the hardest one for you to manage?
- How do you approach explaining complex technical terms in a simple way?
- What methods do you use to ensure consistency and accuracy of your work?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $6 at the 10th percentile to $44 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Copywriter
A Copywriter is a professional writer who creates persuasive, engaging, and brand-aligned text, or "copy," for marketing and advertising purposes.
$76,412 medianFrequently asked questions.
What do Writers do?
Writers are creative professionals who brainstorm and write content for various formats, such as articles, blogs, novels, stories, press releases, etc.
They research relevant topics, proofread and edit their work, collaborate with other writers, editors, and publishers, and contribute to the overall publicity by liaising with readers and attending promotional events.
Where do Writers work?
Writers can work in a variety of industries and settings, such as book publishers, media companies, magazines, newspapers, online publishers, movie industry, etc.
What are some of the different types of Writers?
Based on the specific industry and interests, Writers can be:
- Fiction Writers
- Non-fiction writers
- Copywriters
- Content Writers
- Technical Writers
- Freelance Writers
- Academic Writers, etc
Who do Writers report to?
Writers can report to different superiors, depending on the organizational structure. Usually, they report directly to the Editor or Content Manager.
Other job description templates.
Same format, same free, same median pay data. Browse the full library if the role you are hiring for is not here.
Copywriter
A Copywriter is a professional writer who creates persuasive, engaging, and brand-aligned text, or "copy," for marketing and advertising purposes.
$76,412 medianJunior Copywriter
A Junior Copywriter is an entry-level professional who works in advertising, marketing, or other content-driven fields to create written content.
$44,876 medianCreative Writer
Creative Writers bring their imagination and creativity to their writing.
$54,875 median