Tell us about a time when you had to cover a sports event that you were not familiar with. How did you prepare for it?

Sample answer to the question

I had to cover a rugby match once, and I had absolutely no idea about the game. It was quite challenging for me initially, but I managed to prepare for it by doing extensive research. I read several articles and watched tutorial videos to familiarize myself with the rules and terminology of the sport. I also reached out to some experienced sports reporters and asked for their insights. Additionally, I attended a practice session of the local rugby team to observe the gameplay and understand the dynamics of the sport. Overall, my preparation helped me gain enough knowledge to cover the event effectively.

A more solid answer

There was a time when I had to cover a rugby match, despite having no prior understanding of the game. Initially, I felt quite overwhelmed, but I tackled this challenge by taking a proactive approach. I started by conducting thorough research and studying online resources that explained the rules, scoring system, and key terminologies of rugby. To enhance my understanding further, I contacted a well-respected sports journalist who had experience covering rugby matches. He provided me with valuable insights and tips on how to effectively report on the sport. Additionally, I attended a practice session of the local rugby team to observe the gameplay, analyze the strategies, and interview some of the players. This firsthand experience helped me grasp the dynamics of the sport and build a solid foundation to report on the match. By preparing in this manner, I was able to cover the rugby event efficiently and provide an accurate and engaging report to our readers.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the candidate's experience of covering a sports event they were not familiar with and how they prepared for it. It addresses all the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, demonstrating their knowledge of sports terminology and rules, ability to work under tight deadlines, and strong interviewing and communication skills. However, it can still be improved by providing examples of how the candidate effectively utilized their research and interactions to create compelling stories and engage with the audience.

An exceptional answer

I vividly remember a time when I had the opportunity to cover a professional squash tournament, despite having limited knowledge about the sport. As soon as I received the assignment, I immediately immersed myself in the world of squash. I dedicated hours to reading books, articles, and official tournament reports to familiarize myself with the sport's history, rules, and renowned players. Moreover, I reached out to a professional squash player and conducted a detailed interview to gain unique insights into the game. Drawing from my background in journalism, I crafted intriguing questions that delved into the tactics, training routines, and mental strategies of the players. This not only helped me gather valuable information but also built a rapport with the athlete, who shared personal stories and exclusive anecdotes. To further enhance my understanding, I attended practice sessions of local squash clubs and observed the players' techniques firsthand. This enabled me to analyze their styles, strengths, and weaknesses, which I later incorporated into my coverage of the tournament. Armed with in-depth knowledge and a profound passion for storytelling, I crafted engaging articles that seamlessly blended the results, statistics, and thrilling moments of the matches with captivating narratives about the players' journeys. The readers were captivated by the immersive experience I created, and my coverage received overwhelmingly positive feedback. This experience taught me the importance of thorough research, effective interviewing, and the ability to present complex sports in a relatable and engaging manner.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a highly detailed account of how the candidate prepared for covering a sports event they were not familiar with. It showcases their exceptional knowledge of sports terminology and rules, ability to work under tight deadlines, and strong interviewing and communication skills. The answer also highlights their creativity in utilizing their journalism background to create captivating stories that resonate with the audience. The candidate's proactive approach, dedication to research, and ability to build relationships with athletes demonstrate their potential to excel as a Sports Reporter. However, the answer could still be improved by mentioning how the candidate utilized social media and digital tools to enhance their coverage and engage with a wider audience.

How to prepare for this question

1. Utilize online resources and tutorials to familiarize yourself with the sport's rules, scoring system, and terminology.
2. Connect with experienced sports journalists or reporters who have covered similar events and seek their insights and advice.
3. Attend practice sessions or training sessions of local teams to gain firsthand experience and observe gameplay.
4. Conduct interviews with athletes or players to gather valuable insights and build rapport.
5. Dive deep into the sport's history, key players, and notable matches to understand the context and narrative surrounding the event.
6. Experiment with different storytelling techniques to create engaging articles or reports that go beyond mere statistics.
7. Leverage digital and social media platforms to share real-time updates, interact with the audience, and build a community around the event.

What interviewers are evaluating

Knowledge of sports terminology and rules
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Strong interviewing and communication skills