Job Description Templates
Copywriter Job Description Template & Complete Hiring Guide
What You'll Get From This Guide
- Copy-ready job description templates for all contexts
- Real examples from top agencies and brands
- Salary benchmarks by location and experience
- 10+ Interview questions with writing tests
- Portfolio evaluation criteria
- Industry-specific requirements
Copywriter Role Overview
In 30 Seconds
- What they do: Create persuasive written content that drives action and builds brands
- Who they report to: Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or Content Lead
- Key impact: Direct influence on conversions, brand voice, and customer engagement
- Work style: Solo creation with collaborative ideation
Why Copywriters Matter in 2025
In an era of content saturation and AI-generated text, skilled human copywriters are more valuable than ever. They bring the nuance, creativity, and emotional intelligence that connects brands with humans. Today's copywriter isn't just a wordsmith—they're a strategist who understands SEO, conversion psychology, and multi-channel storytelling.
Modern copywriters navigate between long-form content and micro-copy, brand manifestos and social media posts, emotional storytelling and data-driven optimization. They're the voice of the brand and often the difference between scroll-past and stop-and-engage.
Complete Job Description Templates
🏢 Choose Your Context
For In-House / Brand Positions
Copywriter - [Company Name]
About the Role
We're looking for a talented Copywriter to be the voice of our brand across all touchpoints. You'll craft compelling copy that captures our brand essence while driving measurable results. From website copy to email campaigns, you'll own our written communications.
Key Responsibilities
- Write clear, compelling copy for various mediums (web, email, social, print)
- Develop and maintain consistent brand voice and tone
- Create conversion-focused copy for landing pages and campaigns
- Write engaging email sequences and newsletters
- Craft social media content that sparks engagement
- Collaborate with design and marketing teams on integrated campaigns
- Edit and proofread all marketing materials
- Conduct A/B tests on copy to optimize performance
- Research industry trends and competitor messaging
- Support product launches with compelling narratives
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
- 3-5 years of professional copywriting experience
- Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Portfolio demonstrating versatility across formats
- Understanding of SEO and digital marketing principles
- Ability to adapt tone for different audiences
- Strong research and interviewing skills
- Experience with content management systems
- Deadline-driven with excellent time management
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in [specific industry]
- Knowledge of conversion rate optimization
- Familiarity with email marketing platforms
- Basic understanding of HTML/CSS
- Experience with brand development
For Advertising Agencies
Copywriter - Agency
About the Role
Join our creative team as a Copywriter where big ideas meet beautiful words. You'll work across multiple brands, crafting everything from Super Bowl scripts to social media campaigns. If you live for the perfect headline and dream in taglines, we want you.
Key Responsibilities
- Conceptualize big ideas with art director partners
- Write compelling copy for integrated campaigns
- Present creative concepts to clients with confidence
- Develop campaign taglines and brand manifestos
- Create scripts for TV, radio, and digital video
- Write social media campaigns that go viral
- Craft long-form content and thought leadership pieces
- Participate in brainstorms and contribute ideas freely
- Manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
- Stay current with cultural trends and conversations
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- 2-4 years of agency copywriting experience
- Award-winning portfolio showcasing campaign thinking
- Ability to write in multiple brand voices
- Strong conceptual thinking skills
- Excellent presentation abilities
- Collaborative spirit with art directors
- Thick skin for feedback and revisions
- Pop culture awareness and social media fluency
Preferred Qualifications
- Creative awards or recognition
- Experience with 360 campaigns
- Broadcast production experience
- Bilingual capabilities
- Comedy or improv background
For Content Marketing / Digital
Digital Copywriter / Content Writer
About the Role
We need a digital-native Copywriter who understands that great content drives business results. You'll create content that ranks, converts, and builds our brand authority. SEO knowledge meets storytelling skills in this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Write SEO-optimized blog posts and articles (1,500-3,000 words)
- Create compelling website copy that converts
- Develop content calendars and editorial strategies
- Write engaging social media content across platforms
- Craft email marketing campaigns and drip sequences
- Create lead magnets (ebooks, guides, whitepapers)
- Write product descriptions and category pages
- Conduct keyword research and competitor analysis
- Monitor content performance and iterate
- Collaborate with subject matter experts
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- 2-3 years of digital content writing experience
- Strong SEO knowledge and tools experience
- Portfolio showing long-form content success
- Understanding of content marketing funnels
- Experience with WordPress or similar CMS
- Google Analytics knowledge
- Excellent research abilities
- Self-directed and organized
Preferred Qualifications
- HubSpot or similar certifications
- Experience with marketing automation
- Basic graphic design skills
- Video script writing experience
- Technical writing abilities
Industry-Specific Variations
B2B Technology
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to translate technical concepts into clear copy
- Experience writing for developer or IT audiences
- Understanding of SaaS business models
- White paper and case study experience
E-commerce / Retail
Additional Requirements:
- Product description expertise
- Understanding of consumer psychology
- Experience with promotional copy
- Seasonal campaign experience
Healthcare / Pharma
Additional Requirements:
- Medical writing experience
- Understanding of regulatory requirements
- Ability to write for both HCP and patient audiences
- HIPAA compliance knowledge
Copywriter Salary Data (Updated: July 2025)
Salary Data by Country
United States
Based on our analysis of multiple sources, the average Copywriter salary in the United States:
US National Average: $60,000 - $75,000
By Data Source (Last Updated):
- Glassdoor US (July 2025): $85,894 based on 11,718 salaries
- Indeed US (July 2025): $69,230 from 704 postings
- PayScale US (June 2025): $60,769 from 1,978 profiles
- Talent.com US (2025): $74,003
- Salary.com US (May 2025): $59,784 (Copywriter I)
- ZipRecruiter US (July 2025): $76,412 annually ($36.74/hour)
Salary by Experience Level (US Data)
Experience | Entry Level | Mid-Level | Senior Level | Creative Director |
---|---|---|---|---|
Years | 0-1 | 2-4 | 5-8 | 8+ |
Salary Range (USD) | $40k-$55k | $55k-$75k | $75k-$100k | $90k-$130k+ |
Average (USD) | $48,612 | $57,762 | $88,400 | $110,000+ |
Geographic Salary Variations
United States Cities
City | Average Salary (USD) | vs US National Average |
---|---|---|
San Francisco, CA | $74,664 | +24% |
New York, NY | $69,284 | +15% |
Los Angeles, CA | $82,609 | +37% |
Seattle, WA | $65,000 | +8% |
US National Average | $60,769 | Baseline |
Industry-Specific Salaries (US Market)
Top paying industries for Copywriters in the US:
- Personal Consumer Services: $93,760
- Transportation & Logistics: $88,629
- Financial Services: $87,734
- Insurance: $82,829
- Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology: $78,095
Total Compensation Breakdown (US Market)
Beyond base salary, typical US compensation includes:
- Base Salary: $50,000-$85,000 (85-90% of total comp)
- Annual Bonus: $495-$7,000
- Profit Sharing: $687-$12,000
- Freelance/Side Income: Common in this field
- Benefits Value: ~$10,000-15,000
- Total Package: $60,000-$110,000
Interview Questions
Writing Skills Assessment
Portfolio Review Questions
Question: "Walk me through your favorite piece in your portfolio. What was the brief, and how did you solve it?"
What to Look For: Strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, results awareness
Red Flags: Can't explain strategy, no mention of resultsQuestion: "Show me something you've written that didn't work. What would you do differently?"
What to Look For: Self-awareness, learning mindset, analytical thinking
Follow-up: "How do you typically measure if copy 'works'?"Question: "How do you adapt your writing style for different brands?"
What to Look For: Versatility, process for understanding voice, examples
Red Flags: One-style-fits-all approach
Process & Approach Questions
Question: "Walk me through your creative process from brief to final copy."
What to Look For: Structured approach, research mention, revision process
Red Flags: No clear process, skips research, doesn't mention editsQuestion: "How do you handle writer's block?"
What to Look For: Multiple strategies, proactive approach, realistic solutions
Follow-up: "What's your typical turnaround time for different project types?"
Writing Tests (On-Site Exercises)
Exercise 1: Quick Headlines (15 minutes)
Brief: Write 10 headlines for a new meditation app targeting stressed professionals
Evaluate: Variety, cleverness, benefit focus, target audience understanding
Exercise 2: Email Subject Lines (10 minutes)
Brief: Write 5 email subject lines for a Black Friday sale (50% off everything)
Evaluate: Urgency creation, clarity, originality, avoiding spam triggers
Exercise 3: Social Media (20 minutes)
Brief: Create Instagram post copy (3 versions) for a sustainable fashion brand launching recycled denim
Evaluate: Voice consistency, hashtag use, call-to-action, platform understanding
Exercise 4: Long-Form Sample (Take-Home)
Brief: Write a 500-word blog post about [relevant topic]
Timeline: 48 hours
Evaluate: Structure, SEO understanding, engaging intro, clear value
Behavioral Questions
Question: "Tell me about a time you received harsh feedback on your writing. How did you handle it?"
What to Look For: Professionalism, growth mindset, specific improvements madeQuestion: "Describe a time when you had to write about something you knew nothing about."
What to Look For: Research skills, adaptability, learning approachQuestion: "How do you manage multiple projects with competing deadlines?"
What to Look For: Organization systems, prioritization, communication
Culture Fit Questions
Question: "Do you prefer working solo or collaborating with a team?"
What to Look For: Balance, specific examples, flexibilityQuestion: "How do you stay inspired and avoid burning out?"
What to Look For: Sustainable practices, creative outlets, self-awareness
Legal Interview Guidelines
Focus on job-related qualifications: ✅ Ask about: Writing skills, portfolio examples, creative process, relevant experience ❌ Avoid: Personal writing interests unrelated to work, protected class information
Portfolio review best practices:
- Respect NDAs and confidentiality
- Focus on demonstrable skills, not client names
- Ask about process and results, not proprietary details
Where to Find Copywriter Candidates
Job Boards Performance Analysis
Platform | Best For | Response Rate | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
All levels | 20% | $$$ | |
Indeed | Volume hiring | 25% | $$ |
Mediabistro | Media/Agency | 30% | $$$ |
Contently | Freelance/Contract | 25% | $$ |
AngelList | Startup culture | 20% | Free-$ |
Creative Communities
Professional Organizations
- American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI)
- Copywriter Club
- Content Marketing Institute
Online Communities
- Reddit: r/copywriting, r/advertising
- Facebook: Copywriter Collective
- LinkedIn: Copywriting Groups
Portfolio Sites
- Behance (Adobe)
- Dribbble
- Contently portfolios
- Personal websites
Real Company Examples
See how leading companies describe this role:
Agency Examples
- Ogilvy Copywriter - Emphasis on big ideas
- Wieden+Kennedy - Cultural relevance focus
- 72andSunny - Optimistic storytelling
Brand Examples
- Nike Copywriter - Sport and culture intersection
- Apple Copywriter - Simplicity and impact
- Airbnb Copywriter - Human connection focus
Portfolio Evaluation Guide
What to Look For
Essential Elements
✅ Variety of Formats
- Long-form (articles, blogs)
- Short-form (headlines, taglines)
- Digital (web, email, social)
- Traditional (print, OOH)
✅ Clear Problem/Solution
- Brief explanation
- Strategic approach
- Results (if available)
✅ Brand Voice Range
- B2B and B2C examples
- Different tones (serious, playful, inspirational)
- Various industries
Red Flags
❌ Only one type of writing ❌ No strategic thinking shown ❌ Grammar/spelling errors ❌ Outdated work only (>3 years) ❌ No digital examples
Portfolio Presentation Formats
- PDF Portfolio - Classic, easy to share
- Personal Website - Shows digital skills
- Behance/Online - Easy updates
- Case Study Deck - Deep strategic thinking
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
For Candidates
- The Copywriter's Handbook by Bob Bly - Essential foundation for copywriting fundamentals
- Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz - Timeless principles of persuasion and marketing psychology
- The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert - Direct response copywriting wisdom
- Everybody Writes by Ann Handley - Modern content creation guide
- The Ultimate Guide to Digital Copywriting 2025 - Career launch roadmap
- Copyhackers - Conversion copywriting resources and courses
- The Copywriter Club - Community and resources for copywriters
Salary Data Sources
All salary information compiled from public sources and updated regularly:
United States Sources:
- Glassdoor.com (US) - Last accessed: July 31, 2025
- Indeed.com (US) - Last accessed: July 31, 2025
- PayScale.com (US) - Last accessed: June 27, 2025
- Salary.com - Last accessed: May 1, 2025
- ZipRecruiter.com - Last accessed: July 22, 2025
- Talent.com - Last accessed: 2025
Note: Salary ranges can vary significantly based on location, experience, company size, and industry. Copywriters often supplement income with freelance work.
Last Updated: July 31, 2025

Tara Minh
Operation Enthusiast
On this page
- Copywriter Role Overview
- In 30 Seconds
- Why Copywriters Matter in 2025
- Complete Job Description Templates
- 🏢 Choose Your Context
- Industry-Specific Variations
- Copywriter Salary Data (Updated: July 2025)
- Salary Data by Country
- Salary by Experience Level (US Data)
- Geographic Salary Variations
- Industry-Specific Salaries (US Market)
- Total Compensation Breakdown (US Market)
- Interview Questions
- Writing Skills Assessment
- Writing Tests (On-Site Exercises)
- Behavioral Questions
- Culture Fit Questions
- Legal Interview Guidelines
- Where to Find Copywriter Candidates
- Job Boards Performance Analysis
- Creative Communities
- Real Company Examples
- Portfolio Evaluation Guide
- What to Look For
- Portfolio Presentation Formats
- FAQ Section
- Related Resources
- For Candidates
- Salary Data Sources