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18 News Reporter 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 news reporter interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common News Reporter Interview Questions

How did you get interested in journalism?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the reporter's level of commitment to journalism and to see if they have a genuine interest in the field. It is important for the interviewer to know this because it will help them determine whether or not the reporter is likely to stay in the field and be successful at it.

Example: “I've always been interested in writing and communicating, and journalism seemed like a perfect way to combine those two interests. I also love learning about new things and meeting new people, and journalism seemed like a great way to do that on a daily basis.”

What kind of news do you find most interesting to report on?

There are many reasons why an interviewer would ask this question. The most important reason is to find out what type of news the reporter is most interested in. This will help the interviewer determine if the reporter is a good fit for the position. Other reasons include finding out what type of news the reporter is most familiar with and what type of news the reporter is most passionate about.

Example: “I find stories that have a strong human element the most interesting to report on. I love telling stories that highlight the resilience of the human spirit, and those that showcase acts of kindness and compassion. I also enjoy reporting on stories that offer hope and inspiration, and that shed light on important social issues.”

What has been your most memorable experience as a journalist?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your level of experience, or they might be looking for a specific example of a time when you went above and beyond in your role as a journalist. Either way, it's important to be prepared to answer this question with a specific and memorable example.

Example: “My most memorable experience as a journalist was when I was able to interview the President of the United States. It was an incredible opportunity to be able to ask the President questions and to get his thoughts on a variety of issues. It was also a great learning experience, as I was able to see how the President interacts with the media and how he handles difficult questions.”

Who are some of your journalistic role models?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a news reporter about their journalistic role models. First, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of the type of journalism the news reporter is interested in and what kinds of stories they are drawn to. Second, the interviewer may be trying to gauge the news reporter's level of experience and knowledge about the field of journalism. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of the news reporter's personal values and beliefs about journalism and its role in society. Ultimately, it is important for a news reporter to have a strong understanding of the field of journalism and to be able to articulate their own personal beliefs about its role in society.

Example: “My journalistic role models are people who have made a significant impact in the field of journalism. People like Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, and Seymour Hersh are some of the most well-known and respected journalists in the world. They have all made a huge impact in their respective fields, and their work has helped to shape the landscape of modern journalism.”

How do you approach writing a news story?

The interviewer is asking how the news reporter would go about writing a news story in order to gauge their understanding of the process and how they would approach it. This is important because it allows the interviewer to see if the news reporter has a good understanding of how to write a news story and if they would be able to do it effectively.

Example: “There are a few different ways to approach writing a news story. The most important thing is to make sure that all of the essential elements are included: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

The first step is to gather all of the necessary information. This can be done through interviews, research, and observation. Once you have all of the facts, you can begin to put together the story.

Next, you need to determine what angle you want to take with the story. This will help you determine what information to include and how to present it. For example, if you're writing a positive story about a new business opening in your community, you'll want to focus on the excitement and potential economic benefits. On the other hand, if you're writing a negative story about crime in your city, you'll want to focus on the impact of crime on residents and businesses.

Once you have your angle, you can start writing the story. Be sure to include all of the essential elements (who, what, when, where, why, and how), and make sure that your story is well-organized and easy to follow.”

What are some of the challenges you face as a reporter?

There can be many challenges that a news reporter may face on a daily basis. Some of these challenges may include:

-Having to work long hours, often overnight or at odd hours

-Dealing with difficult or uncooperative sources

-Working in dangerous or high-pressure situations

-Chasing breaking news stories

It is important for an interviewer to ask about the challenges a news reporter faces because it can give insight into their work ethic, resilience and ability to handle pressure. Additionally, it can help to identify any areas where the reporter may need additional training or support.

Example: “The challenges faced by reporters can vary depending on their beat or area of coverage. For example, a reporter who covers politics may have to deal with difficult or evasive interviewees, while a reporter who covers crime may have to deal with traumatized sources or dangerous situations. In general, some of the challenges reporters face include:

-Getting people to talk to them: This can be a challenge when covering sensitive topics or stories that people don’t want to talk about.

-Sifting through information: With the vast amount of information available online and through social media, it can be a challenge for reporters to find the most relevant and accurate information for their stories.

-Meeting deadlines: The news cycle is 24/7 and reporters often have to work on tight deadlines, which can be challenging.

-Dealing with criticism: Reporters are often criticized for their work, whether it’s from readers, viewers, or sources.”

How do you verify the accuracy of your information?

An interviewer would ask "How do you verify the accuracy of your information?" to a news reporter in order to gauge the reporter's level of professionalism and diligence. It is important for reporters to be able to verify the accuracy of their information because, if they cannot do so, their credibility as reporters is called into question. Inaccurate reporting can lead to false or misleading information being spread, which can have serious consequences.

Example: “There are a few different ways to verify the accuracy of information. The first step is to check the source of the information. If it comes from a reliable source, such as a government website or a credible news organization, it is more likely to be accurate.

Another way to verify accuracy is to cross-check the information with other sources. If multiple sources say the same thing, it is more likely to be true.

Finally, it is important to use common sense when evaluating information. If something seems too good to be true, or if the source of the information seems questionable, it is probably best to double-check before relying on it.”

How do you deal with sources who refuse to go on the record?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the reporter's ability to handle difficult situations. This is important because reporters often have to deal with sources who are reluctant to talk or who want to remain anonymous. The interviewer wants to know how the reporter deals with these situations and whether they are able to get the information they need.

Example: “There are a few ways to deal with sources who refuse to go on the record. The first is to try and persuade them to change their mind by explaining the importance of going on the record and how it can help their story be told. If this doesn't work, you can try offering them anonymity in exchange for their cooperation. This means they can tell you what they know without having their name attached to it. Finally, if all else fails, you can try using indirect quotes or paraphrasing what they've told you. This isn't ideal, but it's better than nothing.”

What are some of the ethical considerations you have to take into account when reporting on a story?

The interviewer is asking about the ethical considerations because they want to know how the reporter will handle the story. It is important to know how the reporter will handle the story because it will determine the accuracy and fairness of the report.

Example: “There are a number of ethical considerations that need to be taken into account when reporting on a story. These include ensuring that the story is accurate and fair, respecting the privacy of those involved, and being sensitive to the potentially sensitive nature of the story.”

How do you balance the need for speed with the need for accuracy when reporting breaking news?

The interviewer is asking how the news reporter balances the need for speed with the need for accuracy because it is important to get the story out quickly while also making sure that the story is accurate. This is important because if a story is inaccurate, it can cause confusion and chaos.

Example: “There is no one answer to this question, as it depends on the specific situation and the news organization's policies. However, in general, it is important to try to get as much information as possible as quickly as possible, while still verifying the accuracy of the information. This can be a challenge, especially when dealing with breaking news that is unfolding rapidly. In these cases, it is often best to err on the side of caution and go with verified information even if it is not as up-to-date as some of the unverified information that is out there.”

How do you find stories that are “newsworthy”?

An interviewer would ask a news reporter how they find stories that are newsworthy in order to gauge how the reporter finds and develops stories. It is important for a news reporter to be able to find stories that are newsworthy because otherwise they would not be able to do their job effectively.

Example: “There is no one answer to this question, as each reporter has their own methods for finding stories that are newsworthy. However, some common methods for finding such stories include speaking with sources, conducting research, and attending events.”

How do you decide which stories to pursue and which to ignore?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the news reporter's news judgement. It is important because news judgement is a critical skill for a news reporter.

Example: “There are a number of factors that go into deciding which stories to pursue and which to ignore. The most important factor is usually the newsworthiness of the story. Other factors can include the timeliness of the story, the potential impact of the story, the resources available to pursue the story, and so on.”

How do you manage your time when working on multiple stories simultaneously?

An interviewer would ask "How do you manage your time when working on multiple stories simultaneously?" to a/an News Reporter because it is important to know how they prioritize their work. This can be a difficult question to answer if the person is not well organized. The interviewer wants to know if the person is able to handle multiple deadlines and if they have a system in place to keep track of their stories.

Example: “There are a few different ways that I manage my time when working on multiple stories simultaneously. One way is to keep a list of all the stories that I need to work on, and then prioritize them according to deadlines and importance. I also try to break each story down into smaller tasks that I can complete one at a time. For example, if I am working on a story about a new product launch, I might break it down into tasks such as researching the product, interviewing the company spokesperson, and writing the article. By breaking each story down into smaller tasks, I can focus on one thing at a time and not get overwhelmed.”

How do you deal with competition from other reporters?

The interviewer is trying to gauge how the news reporter deals with competition and how they handle themselves under pressure. This is important because it helps the interviewer understand how the news reporter works under pressure and if they are able to maintain a professional attitude.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with competition from other reporters will vary depending on the individual reporter's situation and personality. However, some tips on how to deal with competition from other reporters in a professional and constructive manner include:

- Establishing and maintaining good relationships with other reporters. Even though they may be competitors, it is important to remember that they are also colleagues. By establishing and maintaining good relationships with other reporters, you can create a supportive network that can help you both professionally and personally.

- Keeping your focus on your own work. It can be easy to get caught up in what others are doing, but it is important to remember that you cannot control or change what others do. Instead, focus on your own work and doing the best that you can.

- Learning from other reporters. If you find yourself feeling competitive with another reporter, try to use it as an opportunity to learn from them. See what they are doing that you could be doing better, and use it as motivation to improve your own work.”

What are some of the pitfalls of being a reporter?

An interviewer might ask "What are some of the pitfalls of being a reporter?" to a news reporter in order to get a sense of the challenges and difficulties that come with the job. It is important to know the potential pitfalls of a job in order to be prepared for them and to understand what one is getting into.

Example: “There are a few pitfalls that come with being a reporter. One is that you are constantly under deadline pressure to get your story out, which can lead to mistakes. Another is that you are often working in high-pressure situations, which can be stressful and lead to burnout. Additionally, you may have to deal with difficult people or situations, which can be challenging. Finally, you may not always be able to get the story you want, which can be frustrating.”

How do you stay objective when reporting on a controversial story?

An interviewer might ask a news reporter how they stay objective when reporting on a controversial story in order to gauge their ability to report on stories without bias. It is important for news reporters to be objective when reporting on stories in order to maintain the public's trust and to ensure that the news is accurate.

Example: “When reporting on a controversial story, it is important to stay objective in order to maintain credibility with the audience. This can be done by presenting both sides of the issue fairly and without bias. Additionally, it is important to avoid using loaded language that could sway public opinion one way or another.”

What are some of the challenges you face when trying to get an interview with a high-profile individual?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a news reporter. One reason is to gauge the reporter's level of experience and see if they are familiar with the challenges that come with trying to get an interview with a high-profile individual. This is important because it shows whether or not the reporter is prepared to handle this type of situation. Additionally, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of the reporter's tenacity and see if they are willing to go the extra mile to get an interview with a high-profile individual. This is important because it shows whether or not the reporter is dedicated to their job and is willing to put in the extra work to get the story.

Example: “Some of the challenges I face when trying to get an interview with a high-profile individual include:

1. Scheduling conflicts - often times, high-profile individuals have very busy schedules and it can be difficult to coordinate an interview time that works for both parties.

2. Access - another challenge can be simply getting access to the individual in order to conduct the interview. This can be especially difficult if the individual is in a high-security setting or if they are generally elusive.

3. Time constraints - sometimes, even if I am able to coordinate an interview time and gain access to the individual, the interview may be cut short due to time constraints. This can be frustrating if I have prepared questions in advance only to have the interview end abruptly.”

What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in journalism?

There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a news reporter. It could be to gauge the reporter's level of experience and knowledge about the field of journalism, or to get a sense of the reporter's personal views about the profession. Additionally, the interviewer may be considering a career in journalism themselves and be seeking advice from someone who is already working in the field.

Regardless of the reason, it is important for the reporter to be able to answer this question thoughtfully and knowledgeably. The reporter's response can give the interviewer valuable insights into the field of journalism and whether it is the right fit for them.

Example: “There are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering a career in journalism. First, it's important to be aware of the different types of journalism and which one you're interested in pursuing. There are many different types of journalistic writing, from hard news stories to feature articles, and it's important to find the area that best suits your interests and skills. Second, it's essential to be able to write clearly and concisely. Journalism is all about communicating information clearly and effectively, so being a strong writer is a must. Finally, it's important to be aware of the ever-changing landscape of the media industry. With the rise of digital media, journalists need to be adaptable and comfortable with change.”

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