17 Food Writer Interview Questions and Answers

Food writers are responsible for developing, writing, and editing recipes for both online and print publications. They may also be responsible for testing kitchen equipment and interviewing chefs. Food writers must have an excellent sense of taste, as well as knowledge of different types of cuisine.

If you’re looking to become a food writer, you’ll need to be prepared to answer questions about your cooking experience, writing experience, and knowledge of food. In this guide, you’ll find food writer interview questions and answers that will help you prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the food writing industry?

Employers ask this question to see if you have experience in the food writing industry. They want to know that you understand what is expected of you as a food writer and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, read through some of the publications or websites they write for. If you are familiar with them, share your thoughts on why you like these publications.

Example: “I am very familiar with the food writing industry because I’ve been reading food blogs since high school. My favorite blog was written by a woman who traveled all over the world to try different foods. She would take pictures of her meals and describe each dish in great detail. It inspired me to pursue a career in food writing.”

What are some of your favorite food and beverage topics to write about?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your interests and passions. It also helps them understand what you might be able to contribute to their publication or website. When answering this question, try to highlight topics that are relevant to the job description.

Example: “I love writing about seasonal produce because it’s always changing and I’m always learning something new. I also enjoy writing about food trends because they’re so interesting. For example, I recently wrote an article on how restaurants are incorporating more plant-based dishes into their menus.”

How do you conduct research for your articles?

Food writers need to be well-versed in the culinary world. Employers ask this question to see if you have a process for conducting research and gathering information about food trends, recipes or restaurants. Show them that you are organized and can manage your time by explaining how you plan out your research before writing an article.

Example: “I usually start my research by reading other articles on similar topics. I also like to read cookbooks and recipe books to get ideas for new dishes I want to try. When I find a dish I’m interested in, I’ll look up the ingredients online to see where I can buy them locally. If I’m looking into a restaurant, I’ll check out their menu online and call to make reservations. This helps me determine what dishes I should order when I go.”

What is your writing process like?

Food writers often have to write quickly and accurately. Employers ask this question to make sure you can meet their expectations for speed and quality. In your answer, explain how you plan out your articles and what tools you use to do so.

Example: “I usually start my writing process by researching the topic I’m assigned. I find that doing a lot of research helps me come up with ideas for my article. Then, I outline my piece using a word processing program. After that, I begin writing my first draft. I try to write as much as I can in one sitting because it helps me stay focused on the task at hand. Once I’ve finished my first draft, I go back through it and edit any mistakes or typos.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to meet a tight deadline for a food writing project.

Food writers often have to meet tight deadlines, so employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pressure of a deadline. Use your answer to show that you are organized and able to manage your time effectively.

Example: “I once had to write an article about a new restaurant opening in town for my local newspaper. I was given only two days’ notice before it opened, which meant I had to work quickly to get all of my research done. I spent one day researching the restaurant and interviewing the chef. The next day, I wrote the article and submitted it to my editor.”

If you had the opportunity to travel to any country in the world to research food and drink, where would you go and why?

This question is a great way to show your passion for food and drink. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to travel for work, which can be an important quality in this position. When answering this question, try to choose a country that has unique or interesting food and drinks.

Example: “I would love to visit Japan because I have always been fascinated by their cuisine. The sushi there is so fresh and delicious, and I think it would be amazing to learn more about how they make it. I would also like to go to Italy because of all the wonderful pasta dishes they have. I’ve heard that the Italians know how to make some of the best pasta in the world.”

What would you do if you were assigned to write about a topic you knew very little about?

As a food writer, you may be asked to write about topics that are outside of your comfort zone. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to do research and learn new things quickly. In your answer, show them that you can take on challenging assignments. Explain that you would use your time efficiently to find the information you need. Show them that you value accuracy in your work by researching thoroughly.

Example: “If I was assigned to write about a topic I knew nothing about, I would start my research as soon as possible. I would try to get all of my questions answered before starting my writing process. This way, I could ensure that everything I wrote was accurate. If I still had questions after doing my research, I would reach out to the person who gave me the assignment. I want to make sure that I am providing quality content for their publication.”

How well do you know the proper usage of food and beverage terminology?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the food and beverage industry. Employers ask this question to see if you have an extensive vocabulary when it comes to describing food and beverages. Use this opportunity to show how knowledgeable you are about the industry by using several terms correctly in your answer.

Example: “I know that there are many different types of wine, including red, white, rosé and sparkling. I also understand that each type has its own characteristics and flavors. For example, red wines usually have more tannins than other wines, while sparkling wines are made from grapes that are grown in cooler climates. I also know that beer can be categorized into ales and lagers.”

Do you have any experience working with food stylists or photographers on food writing projects?

Food stylists and photographers are two other professionals who work with food writers on a regular basis. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with these types of people in the past. In your answer, explain that you’ve worked with both food stylists and photographers before. Explain what your role was in each situation and how it helped you develop your skills as a writer.

Example: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with both food stylists and photographers while writing for my current publication. I find that having an understanding of their roles is helpful when collaborating on projects. For example, I know that if I need a specific type of dish or ingredient styled a certain way, I can communicate that to the stylist so they can prepare accordingly. Likewise, I understand that photographers often want to shoot dishes at different angles and lighting conditions. So, I try to write recipes that allow them to capture high-quality images.”

When writing about restaurants, do you prefer to visit the establishment anonymously or as a regular customer?

This question can help interviewers understand your process for gathering information and conducting interviews. Your answer should show that you are aware of the ethical considerations involved in this type of journalism, such as maintaining confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Example: “I prefer to visit restaurants anonymously because it allows me to focus on my experience without worrying about being recognized or having any preconceived notions about the food based on who is serving it. I also find that visiting a restaurant anonymously helps me avoid any conflict of interest issues when writing reviews. For example, if I were to write a positive review of a restaurant after dining there regularly, readers might assume that I was biased toward the establishment. However, by visiting anonymously, I can ensure that my opinions are unbiased.”

We want to increase our social media presence. How would you use social media to promote our food and beverage offerings?

Social media is an important tool for food writers to promote their work and the restaurants they write about. Employers want to know that you understand how to use social media to your advantage, so be sure to highlight your experience with using these platforms.

Example: “I have a large following on my Instagram account where I post pictures of delicious meals and drinks from various restaurants. When writing reviews, I always include hashtags related to the restaurant’s name or location. This helps increase the visibility of my articles and allows me to connect with other users who are looking for new places to eat.”

Describe your writing style and how it differs from other food writers you admire.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your writing style and how you would fit into their company. They want writers who can create content that appeals to their audience, so they may look for candidates with similar writing styles to those of their current food writers. When answering this question, try to describe your own writing style in detail and explain why it’s effective. You can also mention a few other food writers you admire and what you like about their work.

Example: “My writing style is very descriptive and detailed. I enjoy researching new ingredients and techniques to incorporate them into my recipes. My favorite food writer is Julia Child because she has such an engaging voice. She makes her recipes sound fun and easy to recreate at home.”

What makes you the best candidate for this food writer position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that relate to food writing. Think about what makes you unique as a writer and highlight these qualities in your answer.

Example: “I am passionate about food and love learning new recipes. I also enjoy taking photos of my meals and sharing them with others on social media. These are two important aspects of being a food writer, so I feel like I would be an excellent fit for this position. In addition, I have experience working as a freelance writer, which has given me valuable insight into the publishing process.”

Which food writers do you admire most and why?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a food writer and how your skills compare to other writers in the industry. You should answer honestly, but also try to highlight some of your unique qualities that make you stand out from others.

Example: “I admire Ruth Reichl because she was one of the first food writers I ever read. Her writing style is so descriptive and beautiful, and her stories are always interesting. She’s definitely inspired me to write more creatively and with more passion than I used to.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of food writing?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the food writing industry. It also allows you to demonstrate how important this role is in the culinary world. When answering, consider what skills and qualities are most important for a successful food writer.

Example: “I think that the most important aspect of food writing is being able to tell a story through the food. Food is so much more than just sustenance; it’s a way to connect with others and learn about different cultures. I love finding new recipes and sharing them with my readers. I find that when I can make someone else’s life easier by providing a great recipe, it makes me feel good.”

How often do you eat out?

Food writers often visit restaurants to write reviews and sample new dishes. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience eating out in a variety of settings. In your answer, share how many times you eat out each month. Explain that you enjoy trying new foods and beverages. Share one or two experiences where you enjoyed the food so much that you wrote about it online.

Example: “I try to eat out at least once a week. I love trying new places and sampling different cuisines. Last month, my friend and I went to a restaurant downtown for dinner. We both ordered the same thing because we loved it so much. The next day, I posted a picture on Instagram with a caption about our meal. It got over 100 likes.”

There is a new food trend every week. How would you decide which ones to write about?

Food writers need to be aware of the latest food trends and know how to choose which ones are worth writing about. This question helps employers understand your decision-making process when it comes to choosing topics for articles. Use examples from your experience to explain what you look for in a new trend.

Example: “I would first consider whether or not this is something that my readers would find interesting. I also like to write about things that are unique, so if there’s an ingredient or dish that isn’t common but still delicious, I’ll definitely write about it. Finally, I always make sure to do some research on the restaurant or chef before I write about them. If they have a history of making good food, then I’m more likely to write about their newest creation.”