Lexicographer Interview Questions & Answers


Lexicographers write, compile and edit dictionaries for both print and online publication. Lexicographers edit, proofread and check the accuracy of their own and others’ text, and perform editorial tasks. They reassess existing entries and use evidence and judgement to identify and consider possible new entries.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Lexicographer or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Lexicographer position, these Lexicographer interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Lexicographer Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Lexicographer interview questions.

  1. What motivated you to pursue a career as a lexicographer?
  2. Can you describe your experience in researching, compiling, and editing dictionaries or other lexical resources?
  3. How do you stay updated on current language trends and changes, and how do you incorporate them into your work as a lexicographer?
  4. Have you worked on any specific projects where you had to define or document specialized terminology? If so, can you provide an example?
  5. What is your approach to conducting etymological research and tracing the origins of words?
  6. Can you discuss your process for selecting and defining words for inclusion in a dictionary or other lexical resources?
  7. How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information you provide in your lexical works?
  8. Have you collaborated with other lexicographers or language experts in your previous work? How do you approach collaborative projects?
  9. How do you handle challenges or controversies that may arise when defining or documenting contentious or sensitive terms?
  10. Can you provide an example of a project or initiative where you had to adapt to new technologies or tools in the field of lexicography?
  11. Imagine you come across a word that has multiple interpretations and meanings. How would you approach defining and documenting it to ensure accuracy and clarity for users?
  12. Suppose you are tasked with creating a new specialized dictionary for a specific industry. How would you go about gathering the necessary information and ensuring the dictionary meets the needs of the target audience?
  13. Picture yourself working on a team of lexicographers where there are disagreements about the inclusion or exclusion of certain words or definitions. How would you navigate this situation to reach a consensus?
  14. You receive a request from a user who believes a particular word is missing from the dictionary and requests its inclusion. How would you evaluate the validity and relevance of their suggestion?
  15. Imagine you are working on a project with a tight deadline, but you encounter difficulties in finding reliable sources for certain terms. How would you handle the situation and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the project?

Lexicographer Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Lexicographer interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  2. Tell Me About Yourself
  3. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  4. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
  5. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  6. What is Your Greatest Strength?
  7. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
  8. Why Should We Hire You?
  9. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  10. Why Do You Want This Job?