Writer, Loans | Bankrate

As a Loans Writer at Bankrate, your primary responsibilities will include writing and refreshing educational content focused on loans, collaborating with the SEO team to optimize articles, and staying current with trends in the loans industry, especially student loans. You'll also conduct SEO research, update existing guides for accuracy, and maintain adherence to AP style and our brand voice. The role requires a blend of creativity, research, and attention to detail.

To qualify for the Loans Writer position at Bankrate, candidates should have at least 4 years of professional writing experience, preferably in loans or personal finance content. A portfolio showcasing your writing samples is essential, alongside a solid understanding of SEO best practices and Google’s evolving search landscape. Additionally, familiarity with AP style and the ability to meet tight deadlines while producing high-quality content independently are crucial.

The Loans Writer at Bankrate collaborates closely with editors, SEO specialists, and project managers to produce engaging content. You'll pitch story ideas, receive constructive feedback, and adapt your writing based on editorial direction. This collaboration ensures that the content not only meets our audience's needs but also aligns with SEO strategies to maximize visibility and impact.

At Bankrate, the expected writing style for a Loans Writer is clear, concise, and informative, adhering to AP style and our established brand voice. You’ll need to ensure that your content is accessible to a wide audience while still maintaining depth and insight, particularly on complex financial topics such as loans. Your writing should empower readers with accurate, trustworthy information that guides their financial decisions.

The compensation for the Loans Writer position at Bankrate ranges from $50,000 to $80,000, varying based on geographic location, qualifications, and experience. For those based in NYC, the range can go from $50,000 to $96,000. Alongside competitive salaries, Red Ventures offers an extensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and generous paid time off.

When discussing your writing process, emphasize your research methods, like analyzing credible sources and conducting SEO research to identify trending topics. Talk about how you draft, revise, and ensure your work meets AP style and brand guidelines. Express how you thrive under deadlines and adapt to feedback while maintaining a high-quality standard in your writing.

To answer this, share any personal experiences or interests that fuel your passion for loans and personal finance. Discuss your understanding of the financial challenges consumers face and how you aim to make a positive impact through your writing by providing clear, helpful content that empowers readers in their financial journeys.

Explain your methods for keeping up with industry news, such as following leading finance publications, attending webinars, or participating in relevant online communities. Highlight the importance of staying informed to produce timely, relevant content and your commitment to continuous learning in the finance sector.

Provide a specific example where SEO strategies significantly improved the performance of your content. Discuss how you researched keywords, implemented them effectively, and measured the success of your articles through analytics. This shows your ability to marry quality writing with SEO principles to maximize audience reach and engagement.

Discuss any challenges such as simplifying technical jargon without losing meaning, meeting tight deadlines, or addressing sensitive topics around loans. Share how you overcame these challenges, possibly through collaborative efforts with subject matter experts or efforts to enhance your own understanding of intricate financial concepts.

Describe your approach to content updates as systematic and research-driven. Explain how you assess the relevance and accuracy of existing articles and highlight your methods for gathering new information, possibly through industry reports or expert consultations, to ensure that the content remains authoritative and current.

Mention specific tools like Google Docs for drafting, Grammarly for grammar checks, and Asana for project management. Articulate how these tools help streamline your workflow, enhance collaboration with team members, and optimize your content for clarity and effectiveness.

Talk about your openness to constructive criticism as a means for growth. Share how you incorporate feedback into your writing process by viewing it positively, ensuring that revisions lead to enhanced content. Emphasize your ability to adapt while retaining your voice and style.

Discuss how you aim to humanize financial topics by incorporating real-life examples and clear narratives. Share your techniques for breaking down complex concepts into understandable parts so readers feel more engaged and empowered, highlighting the importance of accessibility in financial writing.

Share your insights on current trends like the growing focus on student loans due to rising education costs, the impact of economic changes on personal finance, or the increasing importance of transparency and clarity in loan products. This demonstrates your awareness of the evolving landscape and how it shapes content strategy.