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JUNIOR LEVEL

Tell us about a time when you had to work under a tight deadline. How did you handle it?

Sports Reporter Interview Questions
Tell us about a time when you had to work under a tight deadline. How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

One time, I had to work under a tight deadline when I was assigned to cover a major basketball game. The game ended late at night and I had to submit my report the next morning. To handle the tight deadline, I quickly interviewed the players and coaches after the game to gather quotes and insights. Then, I immediately started writing the article, focusing on the most important parts of the game. I stayed up all night, editing and proofreading the article to ensure its accuracy and clarity. I submitted it just in time for the deadline.

A more solid answer

Once, I had a deadline to cover an important basketball game the following day. I prepared in advance by studying the teams, their performance, and any relevant news. During the game, I conducted interviews with the players and coaches, capturing their thoughts and reactions. After the game, I quickly transcribed the interviews and organized my notes. I then crafted a compelling and well-structured article, focusing on the key moments of the game and adding analysis for deeper insights. To meet the deadline, I used my excellent writing and storytelling skills to craft a polished article. I proofread it thoroughly and used digital tools to enhance the readability and engagement of the article. Finally, I shared the article on social media platforms to reach a larger audience and increase readership.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This is a solid answer because it provides more specific details about how the candidate handled the tight deadline. It showcases their ability to prepare in advance, conduct interviews, analyze the game, and use digital tools for reporting and social media promotion. However, it can still be improved by including more examples of their strong interviewing and communication skills.

An exceptional answer

I recall a time when I had to cover a highly anticipated soccer match that took place during a busy weekend. The game ended late at night, and I only had a few hours to submit my report for the next morning's publication. To handle the tight deadline, I employed a strategic approach. First, I conducted pre-game interviews with players and coaches to gather valuable insights and background information. This allowed me to have a head start on crafting the story. During the game, I took meticulous notes, focusing on key moments, player performances, and notable incidents. Immediately after the final whistle, I quickly transcribed and organized my notes, ensuring that I captured every crucial detail. Drawing upon my excellent writing and storytelling skills, I crafted a well-structured and engaging article. I included vivid descriptions, expert analysis, and quotes from interviews to provide readers with a comprehensive account of the match. Additionally, I utilized photo and video editing tools to enhance the visual appeal of the article, making it more captivating for the audience. Despite the tight deadline, I remained calm and composed, staying up all night to edit and proofread the article meticulously. Finally, I submitted the article before the deadline, shared it on social media platforms, and received positive feedback from readers.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This is an exceptional answer because it goes into great detail about the candidate's experience working under a tight deadline. It demonstrates their ability to prepare in advance, conduct pre-game and post-game interviews, capture key moments, and utilize photo and video editing tools. The candidate also showcases their excellent writing and storytelling skills, as well as their ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. The inclusion of positive feedback from readers adds a strong finishing touch to the answer.

How to prepare for this question

  • Prepare specific examples of times when you worked under tight deadlines in your previous roles or projects.
  • Highlight your ability to handle pressure and stay organized when working with tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrate your excellent writing and storytelling skills by mentioning any previous sports articles or content you have created.
  • Discuss your experience with digital and social media tools for reporting and promotion.
  • Mention any experience you have with photo and video editing tools, as it can be an advantage in this role.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Ability to work under tight deadlines
  • Excellent writing and storytelling skills
  • Strong interviewing and communication skills
  • Proficient in using digital and social media for reporting

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