Understanding the Question

When an interviewer asks, "How do you ensure content is accessible and inclusive?", they are probing into your understanding and commitment to creating content that can be consumed and appreciated by a wide and diverse audience. This includes individuals with disabilities, people from various cultural backgrounds, and those who may have limited access to technology. The question is crucial for a Content Strategist, as it touches upon the ethical, legal, and practical aspects of content creation in today's global and digitally connected environment.

Interviewer's Goals

The interviewer aims to assess several key areas with this question:

1. Awareness: Do you understand what accessibility and inclusivity mean in the context of digital content?
2. Knowledge: Are you familiar with the standards, guidelines, and best practices for creating accessible and inclusive content?
3. Implementation: Can you demonstrate how you've applied this knowledge in past projects or how you plan to implement it in future strategies?
4. Empathy and Ethics: Do you approach content strategy with empathy for all potential users, prioritizing their needs and experiences?

How to Approach Your Answer

To answer this question effectively, you should structure your response to cover the following points:

1. Definition and Importance: Briefly define what accessible and inclusive content means to you and why it's important.
2. Standards and Guidelines: Mention specific standards or guidelines you adhere to, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or principles of inclusive design.
3. Practical Examples: Describe specific techniques or strategies you use to ensure content is accessible (e.g., alt text for images, readable fonts) and inclusive (e.g., diverse representation, culturally sensitive language).
4. Continuous Learning: Acknowledge the evolving nature of accessibility and inclusivity standards and express your commitment to staying informed and adapting your strategies.

Example Responses Relevant to Content Strategist

Here are example responses that could resonate well in an interview setting:

• "Ensuring content is accessible and inclusive is central to my strategy. I start by adhering to the WCAG guidelines, ensuring all digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. For instance, I always include alt text for images, use clear and simple language, and ensure navigation is intuitive. Additionally, I prioritize inclusive content by representing diverse voices and perspectives in our content, and conducting audience research to understand the varied needs of our users. I also regularly review our content with accessibility tools and seek feedback from diverse user groups to identify and address any gaps."

• "In my previous role, I implemented a checklist for all content creators that covered key accessibility and inclusivity standards. This included technical aspects, like ensuring video content had captions and transcripts, as well as content considerations, such as avoiding jargon and using gender-neutral language. We also introduced regular training sessions on the importance of inclusivity and how to create content that reflects a diverse range of experiences. These efforts not only improved our content's accessibility but also increased engagement across broader audiences."

  Use Our Voice AI to Practice Your Response

Tips for Success

• Be Specific: Provide clear examples and mention specific standards or tools you've used.
• Reflect on Learnings: If you've faced challenges in making content accessible and inclusive, share what you learned from those experiences.
• Show Empathy: Demonstrate understanding of why this work matters by emphasizing its impact on real people.
• Stay Up-to-Date: Mention any recent developments in the field of accessibility and inclusivity that you're excited about or are looking forward to implementing.
• Highlight Collaboration: If applicable, mention how you've worked with other teams or specialists, such as UX designers or accessibility consultants, to improve content.

By articulating a thoughtful and informed response to this question, you'll demonstrate not only your competency as a Content Strategist but also your commitment to creating digital environments that welcome and respect all users.