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19 Journalism Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various journalism interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Journalism Interview Questions

How did you get interested in journalism?

There are a few reasons an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your passion for the field, or they might be looking for evidence of your commitment to journalism as a profession. Additionally, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of your journalistic journey and what has led you to this point in your career. Ultimately, it is important for the interviewer to get a sense of your motivations for pursuing journalism as a career. This question can help them to understand why you are the best candidate for the position.

Example: “I've always been interested in writing and communication, and journalism seemed like a natural fit. I love learning new things and telling stories, so I thought it would be a great way to combine those two interests. Plus, I knew that journalism was a field that is constantly changing and evolving, which made it even more appealing to me.”

What are your favorite topics to write about?

Some possible reasons an interviewer might ask a journalism candidate about their favorite topics to write about include:

-To gauge the candidate's interests and areas of expertise. If a candidate is passionate about a particular topic, they are likely to produce better quality work.

-To see if the candidate's interests align with the publication's focus. It would not make sense to hire a candidate who is interested in writing about fashion to work for a nature magazine, for example.

-To get a sense of the candidate's writing style. A candidate who writes about their favorite topics in an engaging and interesting way is likely to be a successful journalist.

Example: “There are a few topics that I really enjoy writing about. One is pop culture and celebrity news. I love following the latest trends in fashion and entertainment, and writing about them is always a lot of fun. Another topic I enjoy writing about is travel. I love learning about new places and sharing my experiences with others. And lastly, I also enjoy writing about personal finance and money management. I think it's important for people to be informed about financial matters, and I enjoy helping others to learn more about this topic.”

What's the best story you've ever written?

An interviewer might ask "What's the best story you've ever written?" to a journalism candidate in order to gauge their writing ability and skills. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to see how the candidate thinks about and structures their writing, and how they communicate their ideas. It also gives the interviewer a sense of the candidate's style and voice.

Example: “The best story I ever wrote was about a woman who overcame incredible odds to become a successful business owner. She started out as a single mother working two jobs to support her family, and through hard work and determination, she eventually built a successful company. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced adversity in their life.”

What's the worst story you've ever written?

The interviewer is looking for a sense of the applicant's writing style and ability to tell a compelling story. The applicant's answer will give the interviewer a window into their ability to communicate effectively and engage an audience.

Example: “The worst story I ever wrote was about a local politician who was caught in a scandal. The story was full of allegations and innuendo, and the politician ended up resigning in disgrace. I felt terrible about it afterwards, because I realized that I had helped destroy someone's career and reputation.”

How do you deal with writers' block?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a Journalism candidate. First, it can give the interviewer some insight into the candidate's creative process and how they deal with obstacles. Second, it can help the interviewer understand how the candidate copes with stress and pressure. Lastly, it can help the interviewer gauge the candidate's level of commitment to their work.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different people deal with writers' block in different ways. However, some tips on how to deal with writers' block include taking a break from writing, brainstorming ideas with someone else, and trying to write in a different location.”

What's your favorite type of story to write?

There are many different types of stories that can be written in journalism, and each has its own unique challenges and rewards. The interviewer is likely interested in understanding what type of story the candidate enjoys writing the most, as this can give insight into their strengths and weaknesses as a journalist. Additionally, the interviewer may be interested in understanding what motivates the candidate when writing stories, as this can provide insight into their journalistic ethos.

Example: “There are many different types of stories that I enjoy writing, but if I had to choose one favorite, it would be profiles. I love getting to know someone's story and then being able to share it with others in a way that is both engaging and informative. I also enjoy the challenge of trying to capture someone's essence in a few thousand words.”

What's the most difficult type of story to write?

There are many types of stories journalists may write, and each type has its own challenges. For example, a breaking news story requires quick thinking and fast writing, while an investigative piece may require months of research. The most difficult type of story to write depends on the journalist's individual skills and experiences. However, all journalists face challenges when writing stories, and it is important to be able to overcome those challenges in order to produce quality work.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the most difficult type of story to write depends on the individual journalist's strengths and weaknesses. However, some common types of stories that can be difficult to write include those that require extensive research, those that are emotionally charged, and those that are time-sensitive.”

How do you go about finding sources for your stories?

It is important for journalists to be able to find sources for their stories because without sources, there would be no stories. The ability to find sources is a skill that journalists need to have in order to be successful in their field.

Example: “There are a few different ways to go about finding sources for stories. One way is to simply reach out to people who may be knowledgeable about the subject matter. This could include contacting experts in the field, conducting interviews, or reaching out to people who have first-hand experience with the topic.

Another way to find sources is to do some research on the subject matter. This could involve reading articles, books, or other materials that provide information about the topic. Additionally, this research could be used to identify potential sources that can be contacted for more information.

Finally, it is also possible to find sources by attending events or conferences related to the subject matter. This can be a great way to meet potential sources and learn more about the topic. Additionally, this can also help build relationships with potential sources that can be used in the future.”

How do you know when you have enough information to write a story?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a journalist how they know when they have enough information to write a story. First, it is important to make sure that all the relevant facts are included in a story in order to provide accurate information to readers. Second, including too much information can make a story confusing and difficult to follow. Third, leaving out key information can make a story seem incomplete.

It is important for journalists to be able to strike a balance between providing enough information to tell a complete story without including so much information that it becomes overwhelming or difficult to follow. This can be a difficult skill to master, but it is important in order to produce well-written, informative stories.

Example: “There is no set answer to this question, as it can vary depending on the type of story you are writing. However, in general, you will want to make sure that you have gathered enough information to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic at hand. This means ensuring that you have interviewed all relevant parties, gathered all pertinent data and facts, and have a good understanding of the story from all sides. Once you feel confident that you have everything you need, you can then begin writing your story.”

How do you deal with deadline pressure?

As a journalist, it is important to be able to deal with deadline pressure in a calm and efficient manner. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the interviewee's ability to handle this type of pressure.

Example: “There are a few ways to deal with deadline pressure. One way is to start working on the project as soon as possible. This will give you more time to complete the project and make any necessary revisions. Another way to deal with deadline pressure is to break the project down into smaller tasks. This will help you focus on one task at a time and not feel overwhelmed by the entire project. Finally, it is important to stay organized and keep track of your progress. This will help you stay on track and meet your deadline.”

How do you handle criticism?

An interviewer might ask a journalist how they handle criticism in order to gauge their ability to maintain objectivity and professionalism in the face of public scrutiny and opposition. It is important for journalists to be able to handle criticism in a constructive way so that they can continue to produce accurate and unbiased reporting.

Example: “There is no one answer to this question as everyone handles criticism differently. However, some tips on how to handle criticism in a constructive way may include:

-Try to see criticism as an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than a personal attack.
-Don’t take it personally – try to separate the criticism from yourself as a person.
-Be open-minded and willing to listen to what the other person has to say.
-Try to understand where the other person is coming from and what their motivations are.
-Ask questions and clarifications if you don’t understand something.
-Avoid getting defensive – it will only make the situation worse.
-Focus on the issue at hand, rather than getting caught up in emotions.
-Take some time to calm down before responding, if necessary.
-Once you’ve had time to process the criticism, decide whether or not there is any merit to it. If so, make changes accordingly. If not, let it go and move on.”

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to see if the journalism is self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Second, they want to see if the journalism is able to critically analyze their own work. Lastly, this question allows the interviewer to get a sense of the journalism's writing style and how they approach writing assignments.

It is important for journalists to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses as writers because it can help them improve their writing skills and better tailor their stories to their audience. Additionally, being able to critically analyze one's own work is a valuable skill for any journalist, as it allows them to identify areas that need improvement and make necessary changes.

Example: “My greatest strength as a writer is my ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. I have a knack for taking complicated subjects and breaking them down into easy-to-understand language. This makes me an excellent communicator and an asset to any team.

My biggest weakness as a writer is that I sometimes have difficulty finding the right words to express my thoughts. This can lead to frustration and can make my writing sound choppy. I am constantly working to improve my vocabulary and find new ways to express myself.”

What are your favorite and least favorite writing assignments?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the type of writing the journalist enjoys and dislikes, as well as what kinds of assignments the journalist is likely to excel at. This information is important because it helps the interviewer determine what type of writing the journalist is best suited for and what kinds of assignments the journalist should be given in the future.

Example: “My favorite writing assignments are those that allow me to be creative and explore new topics. I love doing research and finding new and interesting stories to tell. I also enjoy writing opinion pieces and columns, as it allows me to share my own thoughts and views on various issues.

My least favorite writing assignments are those that are dry or boring, or require a lot of data analysis. I also don't enjoy writing pieces that are too personal, as it can be difficult to open up about certain things.”

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is trying to find new and interesting stories to report on. It is important to find new and interesting stories because if we don't, people will stop reading our newspaper or watching our news station.

Example: “There are many challenging aspects to my job as a journalist. One of the most difficult things is getting people to talk to me. People are often reluctant to speak to the media, and it can be hard to convince them to open up. Another challenge is dealing with deadlines. I often have to work long hours to meet tight deadlines.”

What are the best things about your job?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge your level of satisfaction with your current position. Secondly, they may be trying to get a sense of what you value in a job. Finally, they may be trying to identify any areas where you feel you could improve your current situation.

It is important for the interviewer to know what you like about your job because it will help them understand what motivates you and what makes you happy. Additionally, this information can be used to identify any areas where you may need more support or where your job could be improved.

Example: “There are many things that I love about my job as a journalist. I love the feeling of constantly being on the lookout for a good story, and I love the challenge of trying to get that story in a way that is both accurate and interesting. I also love the people I work with and the sense of camaraderie that comes from being part of a news team. And finally, I love the satisfaction that comes from knowing that I am doing something that is important and that has the potential to make a difference in people's lives.”

If you weren't a journalist, what would you be doing instead?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, it can give them some insight into what motivates the journalist and what they are passionate about. Second, it can help the interviewer understand the journalist's skillset and how it might be transferable to other fields. Finally, it can provide the interviewer with a sense of the journalist's work-life balance and whether they would be willing to make sacrifices in order to pursue their career. Ultimately, this question is important because it can help the interviewer understand the journalist as a person and what drives them to do their job.

Example: “If I weren't a journalist, I would probably be doing something in the communications field. I've always been interested in writing and communicating with others, so working in PR or marketing might be a good fit for me. Alternatively, I might also consider teaching at the college level. I'm passionate about social justice and education, so working as a professor would allow me to combine those two interests.”

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a journalist?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a journalism student or professional. First, it allows the interviewee to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the field of journalism. Second, it gives the interviewee an opportunity to share any advice or tips they may have for someone considering a career in journalism. Finally, it allows the interviewer to gauge the interviewee's passion for journalism and their commitment to helping others succeed in the field.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best advice for someone interested in becoming a journalist will vary depending on the individual's circumstances and goals. However, there are some general pieces of advice that can be useful for anyone considering a career in journalism.

First, it is important to be aware of the different types of journalism and the different skills required for each. For example, print journalists need to be able to write clearly and concisely, while broadcast journalists need to have good public speaking skills. There is no one perfect skill set for all journalists, so it is important to identify the type of journalism that interests you and focus on developing the skills that will be most useful for that particular area.

Second, it is also important to be aware of the changing landscape of journalism and the various ways that journalists can now share their work with the world. With the advent of social media, there are more opportunities than ever before for journalists to reach a wide audience with their work. However, this also means that there is more competition for attention, so it is important to find ways to make your work stand out from the crowd.

Third, it is also worth considering what type of organisation you would”

What are the biggest challenges facing journalism today?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the interviewee's understanding of the journalism industry and the challenges it faces. It is important to be able to identify and articulate the main challenges facing journalism in order to be able to discuss them intelligently. The challenges facing journalism are numerous and varied, but some of the most pressing ones include the decline of traditional news outlets, the rise of fake news, and the spread of misinformation.

Example: “The biggest challenges facing journalism today are the declining revenues and readership, the rise of social media, and the increasing mistrust of the media.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a journalism candidate where they see themselves in the next 5-10 years. One reason is to gauge the candidate's long-term commitment to the field of journalism. If the candidate does not have a clear idea of where they see themselves in the next 5-10 years, it may be an indication that they are not as committed to journalism as a career.

Another reason why an interviewer might ask this question is to get a sense of the candidate's goals and aspirations. By understanding what the candidate hopes to achieve in their career, the interviewer can get a better idea of whether or not they would be a good fit for the organization.

Finally, this question can also help the interviewer understand the candidate's level of ambition. If the candidate has big plans for their career in journalism, it shows that they are driven and motivated to succeed. This can be an important quality for a successful journalist.

Example: “In 5 or 10 years, I see myself continuing to work as a journalist. I hope to be able to continue to work for a variety of publications, both in print and online. I also hope to be able to use my skills to help others, whether it be through teaching or working with non-profit organizations.”