The news story you mention is not really important, the interviewer wants to see how enthusiastic you are and also gauge your understanding of big news stories. So, make sure you talk about one that you know enough about. Tell the interviewer how you would have liked to cover the story and if you thought any angle was missed or unnecessarily highlighted by the media.
2. Explain how you would add to our publication?
I put my energy and knowledge to your esteemed institution.
3. Explain the most interesting current affair in your mind?
Uh, the China- Phil. territorial dispute
4. Tell us which Story Over the Last 12 Months Would You Have Liked to Cover and Why?
Again, wide-ranging knowledge of news are going to be essential here. But you don't need to restrict yourself to current affairs. Having a broad knowledge of science, health, environment, lifestyle, arts and business news will let your potential employer know that you have the ability to cover a wide variety of topics. But don't just grab for the hottest event from the past year. Try to think of something which hasn't been covered as much as you would have liked, which affects the publication's audience at the grassroots level. This will show you're an original thinker. Also, suggest how you would have spun the topic. This will tip off your potential boss that you're ripe and ready to get to work with the confidence to pitch your own ideas.
5. Tell me what was the last book you read?
Room by Emma Donoghue.
6. Explain me would you enjoy writing a story about a successful business in the area?
Yeah. To inspire other people around.
7. Tell me why do you want to become a journalist?
You can talk about your interest in current affairs or your writing skills. If you feel it is your social responsibility to bring to the notice of people any malpractices and corruption, talk about it. Discuss an issue that you strongly feel about, do not give abstract answers such as "I like traveling". Your answer should be relevant and realistic, avoid exaggeration.
8. Tell me why do you want to work in this medium?
If you have decided to work in a particular medium, you obviously have your own reasons and should be in a good position to answer this question. Talk about the advantages of the medium and how you think you can contribute to it. Avoid answers like "I did not get a job elsewhere."
If you have decided to pursue journalism, then I am assuming your answer to this question would be yes. Tell the interviewer you love people and places and are always on the look out for story ideas. If you have any reservations, then be vocal, there is no backing out once you get the job.
10. Suppose if I told you, our writers must write in a blog, would you be okay with that?
Yes, for me being a journalist is being everywhere. As long as there are readers hungry for truth, I will be there- writing. (:
This can verifying your interest in writing.
12. Tell me how Do You Stay Informed on the News and Current Events?
As journalism is particularly concerned with the news, illustrating that you are totally aware of current events, as well as the current cultural zeitgeist, is important. Listing the newspapers, magazines, television shows and websites you use to stay on top of events will help establish you as a candidate. You can also discuss why you use these particular outlets during this part of your Journalist interview questions and answers. Letting your potential employer know what appeals to you about your selected news outlets will help them to ascertain whether you are a good fit for their company.
13. Tell us how could our publication be improved?
If you haven't done your research it will quickly show! Don't attempt to blag it. Come up with some intelligent suggestions that are realistic. For instance, what sections could be more in-depth? What do rival publications do well? And if you're feeling really confident, what about its business model - should it charge for content or extend to new medias? Remember not to come across as too opinionated as chances are they would have thought about most of your ideas before. Your delivery should be open, and suggested ideas factual. For example, if you know of a public opinion on the publication you could suggest ways in which to sway the image it if needed by writing more about a certain subject. Be aware that your interviewer will be responsible for much of the content or direction of the publication so don't be too personal in your criticism.
14. Explain me what experience do you have in journalism?
Carry your portfolio, it should have about 10-15 of your published articles. Carry different types of articles such as features, news reports, human interest stories, etc. If you do not have any professional experience, you can show articles that have been published in school and college newspapers. If you have a blog mention it in your resume.
15. Tell me what is your dream story and how do you intend to cover it?
This question will show the interviewer how serious you are about becoming a journalist. Have a rough draft of a story that you would like to do, do not say something just to sound intelligent. Make sure you have a clear idea of how you will cover it or else the interviewer may feel that you are not realistic and street smart.
16. Tell me what is your favorite place in this city?
The Lincoln Park Zoo.
17. Tell me how well are your listening skills?
I prefer to talk than listening.
18. Explain what Personal Qualities Do You Have That Would Make a Great Journalist?
Journalism requires a delicate balance of personal and technical skills and employers will want to be sure that you have the right stuff. Since it's such a competitive field you must convey your drive, energy and dedication to the job. You'll need it! Journalism is also a deadline-driven business, so highlight your ability to work in pressure-cooker environments, your interest in teamwork and your people skills. A talent for handling difficult situations with diplomacy and sensitivity is like gold to potential employers. Finally, resourcefulness and creativity in problem solving are important for sourcing stories, managing difficult projects, working in teams and meeting deadlines. Show your potential boss you have all of these qualities and more by discussing specific instances where you met challenges and defeated them, either culled from your schooling, another job or an internship.
Give an example. This shows that you can work to deadlines.
20. Explain of the Major News Stories from the Last Year, Which Would You Have Like to Cover? Why?
When answering this question, be honest. Don't try to class up your response by picking something that you think will make you look smart. Honest answers are always good because it illustrates your personality. This part of the Journalist interview questions and answers is designed to showcase what you find interesting in the news and whether that is a fit for the available position. Also, it proves that you know about current events and have formed concrete journalistic opinions on them. Be sure to point out what makes the story interesting to you and why reporting it would have been an interesting experience. Acknowledging why accuracy was vital to the story, as well as why it was an important story to report upon illustrates your journalistic knowledge and passion in a way that few other answers can. You can also discuss why your point of view on the story could have added more insight or an additional angle to the piece. Making your answer personal and individual can help make a lasting impression on you interviewer.
21. Tell me how do you keep yourself updated about the latest happenings?
Here the interviewer wants to know which newspaper you read regularly and which news channels you watch. You must have some information about your favorite media house, such as what is their political affiliation, what is their style of writing, if they give priority to a certain type of news, what is their editorial policy, etc.
22. Top 10 Broadcast Journalist Job Interview Questions:
☛ What do you consider your biggest strength and weakness?
☛ Why did you leave your last job?
☛ What was your previous job profile?
☛ Why should we select you over all the other candidates?
☛ Why do you want to work with this company?
☛ How do you think you can contribute to this publication?
☛ Where do you see yourself 5/10 years down the line?
☛ What is your ideal job?
☛ What are your salary expectations?
☛ What is your favorite place in this city?
23. Role-specific as Broadcast Journalist Job Interview Questions:
☛ What do you like to read on your own time?
☛ Describe a time you found and pitched your own story.
☛ Share some examples of your best work.
☛ What was your role in putting together [this work sample]?
☛ How do you cope with the stress of tight deadlines?
☛ How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
☛ What publishing software have you used before?
☛ How often do you use social media? Which sites do you use the most?
☛ How would you rate your ability to use technology for storytelling? What are your strengths and weaknesses in this area?
☛ Describe a time you worked with a multidisciplinary team to tell a story.
☛ What do you know about our publication? What could we do better?
☛ Who would you consider to be our competitors?
☛ How familiar are you with our staff writers? Whose work do you follow and why?
☛ What current stories that are relevant to our publication?
24. Basic Broadcast Journalist Job Interview Questions:
☛ What is your favorite place in this city?
☛ Define how you would add to our publication?
☛ What was the most-inspiring story you have ever written?
☛ Give me the three best qualities of your writing style?
☛ Tell me about a time when you showed determination to finish a story.
☛ If given an assignment to write about a non-current event, what topic would you choose and why?
☛ If you were to write for our blog, how would you make it better?
☛ Tell me about all the forms of writing you like to engage in?
☛ Being a journalist is a 24/7 job, are you ready for that?
☛ How well are your listening skills?
☛ Our sports team is doing great, have you been watching them?
☛ What do you think about our current Governor?
☛ How would you better the city you wrote for? Give me a few examples of how your writing and reporting would affect the city.
☛ Do you have the ability to work under pressure to beat publication deadlines?
☛ Give me examples of times when you have worked under pressure to beat deadlines and have your story in on time. My next question is were you procastinating?
☛ Give me an example of when you worked irregular hours?
☛ What could you improve upon in your writing style?
☛ On your free time, where do you usually spend your time in this city?
☛ What is your favorite inspirational point, place, to write?
☛ What is your favorite novel?
☛ Which current writer, are you inspired by or appreciate the most?
☛ What are your thoughts on childhood education? Should school be all year long?
☛ What are your thoughts on abortion?
☛ What do you feel about the mortgage crisis?
☛ Are you okay with being blamed for a story that could tarnish the life of another?
☛ Would you be hesitant to ask uncomfortable questions?
☛ Are you afraid to interview citizens?
☛ Would you rather write a story that laid down the facts, or would you add an element that would entertain the audience?
☛ If I told you, our writers must write in a blog, would you be okay with that?
☛ What writing would interest you most in this position?
☛ What was the last book you read?
☛ What is your favorite writing topic?
☛ Would you enjoy reporting about a scandal in the mayors office?
☛ Would you enjoy writing a story about a successful business in the area?
☛ Would you enjoy writing a story about a local child who just overcame a severe illness?
☛ Tell me the most interesting current affair in your mind?
☛ How would you rate your spelling?
☛ How would you rate your grammar?
☛ What is most important to your writing style?
☛ What are the three qualities you look for in every story you write?
☛ What was the worst story you have ever written? Why was it your worst?
☛ Would you roll up stress in a ball and throw it out the window?
☛ How would you handle stress?
☛ Do you blog?
25. Tell me what is your favorite writing topic?
Social Issues.
