FAQs

Let’s get the cliché interview stuff out of the way, shall we?

Q: What can you tell us about yourself?

A: I grew up in Savannah, Ga. I have two degrees; a BA in French/Spanish and a Masters in Technology. My first professional marketing job was at the Savannah College of Art and Design. After that, I started selling electronic filing services on the East coast for a software company located in California.

As I became responsible for press releases, newsletters, banner ads, and mass email campaigns, I started working heavily with graphics. This prompted an interest in web design. While I was going back to school to get my Masters degree, I freelanced as a web designer and really got my feet wet with web development and writing web copy. I’ve lived in the Atlanta area with my husband since 2006.

Q: What kind of work do you do?

A: I’m a corporate blogger, writer, and marketing coordinator. I focus on internet marketing including social networking and search engine optimization.

Q: How is writing for the web different from writing for print?

A: People read differently on the web. The challenge for the web writer is to overcome readers’ impatience by providing material that is brief, conversational, engaging, and even interactive. Unlike print, Web writers must also consider the architecture of their sites and think about navigation and design. While I love producing written content, I also enjoy the artistic and aesthetic aspects of online media.

Q: What relevant experience do you have as an online content developer?

A: Creatively inclined, I consider myself first and foremost a writer. I’ve written content for websites, designed e-marketing collateral such as newsletters, press releases, articles, bios, and blogs for over eight years. Most recently I’ve completed a non-fiction book.

My interest in online communications began when I worked for E-filing.com as Marketing Manager for the Southeast. There, I was responsible for writing copy and graphic-intensive e-mail campaigns. Since then, I have designed full web sites using design software such as Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Flash. I have used Photoshop regularly since 2001. I am also familiar with HTML, CSS, and PHP. In the past year, I have been working with open source content management tools such as Wordpress, Joomla and Drupal.

I am a writer and web designer. Not only can I create an engaging online newsletter or article, I can also arrange graphics and easily adapt to any CMS platform.

Q: If your previous co-workers were here, what would they say about you?

A: They’d probably say that I’m self-directed, communicative, and that I like to go out for lunch. (Actually, you can read what some co-workers say about me on my LinkedIn profile.)

Q: Have you done anything to further your experience?

A: A lot of my education pertaining to web development (SEO and CMS) is done online. I join forums and groups for things I want to learn about. When I have an interest in something, I am very motivated to learn. I usually buy a book and teach myself. As for writing, I am always striving to enhance my skills. Most recently, I’ve completed and published a non-fiction book.

Q: How do you perform when you’re working under pressure?

A: I’m accustomed to working with a variety of professionals in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are a priority and handling multiple jobs simultaneously is a requirement. A certain amount of stress is a part of doing business. I expect to deal with pressure in any type of job.

Q: What motivates you to do a good job?

A: I like to learn from my job and become better at what I do. In addition to enjoying my profession, I like knowing that my work helps others -whether it’s my co-workers, supervisors, or the customer. I’m especially motivated when my work is recognized and valued.

Q: What’s your greatest strength?

A: One of my greatest strengths is organization. I like to be as proficient as possible and have the tools I need for my job at my fingertips. As a result, I tend to be very resourceful.

Q: What’s your biggest weakness?

A: Chocolate. That, and going out to lunch.

Q: Are you good at working in a team?

A: Yes. While I’m an independent worker who takes ownership of my projects, I enjoy collaborating with others as well. I think it’s important to inspire colleagues and give people an equal chance to exchange ideas.

Q: What is a suggestion you have made that was implemented?

A: When I was the director of the enrichment program for Holiday Retirement, Corp., most of my ideas were implemented. For the property in Lawrenceville, the newsletter format, the online calendar of events, and photo blog which I originally created is still being used today.

Q: Has anything ever irritated you about people you’ve worked with?

A: No. I’ve always gotten along just fine with my co-workers.

Q: Is there anyone you just could not work with?

A: Unless you are talking about serial killers, kidnappers, or any other life-threatening characters, I can work with pretty much anyone.

Q: Tell me about any issues you’ve had with a previous boss.

A: I’ve never had any issues with bosses. I feel completely comfortable using all of them as a reference.

Q: Would you rather work for money or job satisfaction?

A: Well, unfortunately income is a necessary part of life. But being satisfied in my job is very important to me. I believe in a work/life balance.

Q: Would you rather be liked or feared?

A: Neither. In my job I’d rather be respected.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: I don’t know, but in about five minutes I’ll be ready for lunch. Seriously, if you’ve read this far, it may be time for a real interview. I am not a fortune teller, but I’d be happy to discuss how I can help with your company’s short-term and long-term goals.