Journalist Interview Questions and Possible Sample Answers

Filed in Job by on January 21, 2022

– Journalist Interview Questions –

Are you aware that the job of a journalist has changed a lot in the last decade? However, while preparing, you need a set of Journalist Interview Questions. Thus, research and retelling have replaced traditional investigation and creative writing.

However, in terms of journalist interview questions, not much has changed in quality journalism. But your portfolio and the references from people from the business play a pivotal role in the hiring process.

Also, journalist interview questions are secondary. But they are still important. Thus, you can definitely jeopardise your application with poor answers.

What is an Interview?

An interview is essentially a structured conversation where one participant asks questions, and the other provides answers.

In common parlance, the word “interview” refers to a one-on-one conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee.

Also, the interviewer asks questions to which the interviewee responds. And this is usually providing information. That information may be used or provided to other audiences immediately or later.

Also, interviews usually take place face-to-face and in person. In some, the parties are separated geographically, connecting by methods such as video conferencing or telephone interviews.

Also, interviews almost always involve spoken conversation between two or more parties.

General questions

The following list contains general questions to expect in a journalism interview:

1. What are the best qualities of your writing style?

2. Why do you want to work for our publication?

3. What topics would you like to cover at our publication?

4. How would you improve our publication?

5. What qualities make talented journalists?

6. Do you see yourself still working with us in five years?

7. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses in using technology for storytelling?

8. How often do you use social media? Do you use it to identify fresh stories?

9. What publications do you read in your personal time?

10. Who do you think our competitors are?

Common Journalist Interview Questions

Below are some of the common journalist interview questions:

1. Why do you want to work on our paper?

2. What topics would you like to cover?

3. If you could improve one thing about our newspaper, what would it be?

4. What software do you use in your work?

Journalist Interview Questions and Sample Answers

Below are some of the top journalist interview questions :

1. Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

Possible Sample Answer:

Exposure to cross-functional teamwork in my current position is widespread. As such, I believe that when expectations are communicated clearly from the beginning, a cross-functional team project can be very successful.

Also, I go into collaborative projects understanding that everyone has their strengths and limitations based on their expertise and job function.

2. Name 3 qualities you include in every story you write

Possible Sample Answer:

I think every story should contain characters that people can relate to, a storyline that is easy to follow and well planned, as well as a clear setting that can be imagined by the reader.

Also, when I write a story or an article, it’s important that the reader can place themselves smack dab into the middle of the story.

3. Would you take on a story that could tarnish the reputation of another?

Interviewers ask this question to gauge your morality in journalism. The answer they’re looking for depends on the company they’re hiring for.

Offer a brief answer with a simple explanation of why you would or would not. Reference a previous experience in which you faced a similar circumstance.

Possible Sample Answer:

In a previous position, I came across a story that painted a local CEO in a poor light. Citizens admired him, and he had done great things for the city.

I decided that his current actions outweighed the good he had done and that citizens deserved to know what he had really done. The article led to further investigation, forcing him to step down as CEO of his company.

4. Would you be hesitant to ask uncomfortable questions?

Gaining the required details for a story often requires you to ask uncomfortable questions. News platforms need reporters willing to ask big questions and write a detailed piece.

Possible Sample Answer:

To get the answers you need, sometimes uncomfortable questions must be asked. I once wrote a story about misconduct in a particular workplace.

For the story to work, I needed explicit details on what avoided assumptions. Also, it was a controversial piece, but it brought the suspect to justice.

5. What skills do you employ when interviewing individuals for stories?

Depending on who you’re interviewing and the context of the story, note. You might need to employ specific skills to get the answers you need.

And explain the relevant skills you use in-depth and reference a previous experience in which you used these skills.

Possible Sample Answer:

Excellent communication skill is key to interviews. However, persuasive skills also play a large role in me. For example, when speaking with an individual in a previous story, I found it difficult to get the answers I needed.

Also, she was hesitant to divulge everything she knew, but I used persuasive tactics to put her at ease and open up more.

We believed you have learned from the above guide. Share this information with friends.

The interview plays a pivotal role in securing a job placement. Thus, do not allow your loved ones to walk ignorantly to the interview room. Do well to share.

CSN Team.  

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