10 Advanced SEO Interview Questions Employers Should Ask

Since businesses are growing their customer/audience reach through internet marketing, SEO is constantly a trend for digital promotions. Because of the high reliance on search engines, search engine optimization (SEO) is an important aspect of any digital marketing plan. If a company wants to be found on the internet, it must engage in SEO. So today we have listed the top 10 advanced SEO interview questions for making easy the process of hiring an SEO expert.

When hiring an SEO expert, it is important to analyse every aspect of their skill set, understanding the meaning of SEO and capabilities. Below are the top 10 Advanced SEO interview questions and answers employers must ask before hiring a candidate.

Top Advanced SEO Interview Questions

  • What makes an ideal SEO candidate?
  • How do you measure SEO success?
  • Where and when do you manage your keyword research?
  • Explain page speed and its importance
  • What gets ranked in Google?
  • Do you know about the latest algorithm changes and how to adapt them?
  • What is on-page SEO vs off-page SEO?
  • Are you familiar with AI technology in SEO?
  • What are your views on Social Media’s Impact on SEO?
  • What is perfectly optimized content according to you?

1) What makes an ideal SEO candidate?

To determine whether someone is a good SEO candidate, you must first determine what skills and characteristics you’re searching for. And that’s not easy because you’re typically searching for a five-legged sheep when it comes to SEO hire.

Are you seeking an SEO who will primarily focus on public relations and outreach, or are you looking for a technical SEO? Is there any aspect of the job that requires you to supervise others? It is rather vital to have a clear idea of what type of individual you’re looking for.

2) How do you measure SEO success?

Because goals may differ depending on the type of organization, you may expect tailored answers to this question. Determine if the candidate knows about the numerous methods for determining key performance indicators (KPIs) and, as a result, success.

There are many possible answers to this SEO question, depending on how advanced the candidate is. An SEO expert needs to track results in order to determine whether or not the methods and approaches need to be tweaked.

3) Where and when do you manage your keyword research?

The importance of SEO keyword research in website ranking cannot be overstated. The usage of precise phrases as a website’s header is critical in determining its fate in SERP results; as a result, it is a critical element for any SEO contender to focus on. A query like this also allows you to learn about the candidate’s preferred search tools and approaches.

4) Explain page Speed and its Importance

Page speed relates to how quickly your website loads for a user, and it’s something Google considers when ranking websites because a faster loading page equates to a better user experience. The employer can inquire about the candidate’s plans to improve page speed.

They can expect an answer that explains how candidates have accomplished this in the past. Look out for instances such as lowering image sizes, allowing compression, lowering redirects, expelling render-blocking JavaScript, utilising browser caching, improving server response time, compressing files using a content distribution system, optimising the code, and so on. A candidate can learn this with advanced SEO training.

5) What gets ranked in Google?

Occasionally, employers can ask a trick question. Most people would say it is websites that are rated. However, it is actually individual web pages that are ranked; nevertheless, the domain as a whole does play a factor in determining which page is ranked.

6) Do you know about the latest algorithm changes and how to adapt them?

This one can be particularly difficult for the candidate because it focuses on the candidate’s field knowledge, what he has learned from previous mistakes, and how he has suggested changes. Employers may continue to inquire about how the applicant intends to adjust to the changes in future campaigns.

7) What is on-page SEO vs off-page SEO?

This is an area where applicants must be meticulous. They must explain that keywords, content, page structure, internal linking, load time, and other elements they may manage are included in on-page SEO. And that Backlinks are an example of an off-page SEO factor that they can’t control.

8) Are you familiar with AI technology in SEO?

It is a technologically advanced age, and SEO, like any other online media, is always evolving. For example, search engines are increasingly using machine learning to provide services and search results. Employers must know if the interviewee is up to date on these technical improvements.

9) What are your views on Social Media’s Impact on SEO?

Everything is now available on social media and it has a big impact on SEO. It serves as a valuable source of information and awareness. Because of this, social media presence has become one of the most important demands (made by clients) in many campaigns.

There are even specific times and days for posting that vary by platform. The candidate’s response to this question will reveal how much control they have over such minor matters.

10) What is perfectly optimized content according to you?

Content is without a doubt the most important ingredient for a website to attract visitors’ attention, yet good quality content does not always relate to the website’s body of knowledge. It also comprises elements such as the website’s URL, title tag, meta description, and headers, among others. An SEO candidate must have a solid comprehension of these variables in order to make them user-friendly.

Closing Thoughts on SEO Interview Questions

SEO necessitates a great deal of in-depth expertise at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Candidates must prepare ahead of time and ensure that their training is complete and up-to-date to demonstrate their knowledge when answering SEO interview questions.

In general, the purpose is to assess the candidate’s cognitive process and critical thinking skills. Employers must know if they would be a suitable fit for the team’s attitude and culture of your SEO agency. Technology is cutting-edge, and it is a requirement for SEO applicants to be aware of current and prospective changes. It is what all employers should look for in interviewees.

The easiest approach to move forward is to prepare properly. One way for candidates to increase their skill set in SEO is by undertaking advanced level courses before attending an interview. Employers will try and complicate the interview questions for candidates, and advanced SEO training will help in answering every question precisely. Check out some of the best-advanced level SEO courses here.

Further Reading

Sahan Muratoglu

Written by: Sahan Muratoglu

19 Aug 2021