Kicker
A kicker is a short, attention-grabbing line of text that appears above the main headline in a newspaper or digital article. It helps readers quickly understand what the story is about and why it matters. Think of it as a mini-headline that gives extra context or creates interest. In modern publishing, this skill is valuable because it helps articles stand out both in print and online, where catching readers' attention quickly is crucial. Some similar terms used in the industry include "eyebrow," "deck," or "subhead," though these might have slightly different uses depending on the publication.
Examples in Resumes
Crafted engaging kickers and headlines for front-page stories that increased reader engagement by 25%
Developed style guide for kicker formatting across digital and print platforms
Trained junior editors in effective kicker writing techniques for web content
Typical job title: "Copy Editors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Copy Editors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop guidelines for kicker writing across different platforms?
Expected Answer: A senior editor should discuss creating consistent standards that work for both print and digital formats, considering character limits, SEO requirements, and maintaining the publication's voice while being engaging across all platforms.
Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of kickers?
Expected Answer: Should mention analyzing metrics like click-through rates for digital content, reader engagement statistics, and coordinating with analytics teams to track which styles of kickers perform best.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you adapt kickers for different types of stories?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to adjust tone and style for different content types (breaking news vs. features), while maintaining clarity and engaging readers.
Q: What's your process for writing kickers that work well on social media?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how to make kickers attention-grabbing while remaining accurate, and how to optimize them for different social media platforms.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What makes a good kicker?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding that a good kicker is brief, engaging, and gives context to the main headline without giving everything away.
Q: How do you ensure your kickers are accurate and ethical?
Expected Answer: Should discuss the importance of fact-checking, avoiding clickbait, and maintaining journalistic integrity while still being engaging.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic headline and kicker writing
- Understanding of house style guidelines
- Basic fact-checking
- Proofreading skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- SEO-friendly headline writing
- Social media optimization
- Content management systems
- Editorial judgment
Senior (5+ years)
- Training and mentoring junior editors
- Developing style guidelines
- Analytics and performance tracking
- Editorial strategy development
Red Flags to Watch For
- Poor grammar or spelling in writing samples
- Lack of attention to detail
- No understanding of digital publishing platforms
- Unable to write concisely
- No knowledge of current journalism trends
Related Terms
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