Can you provide an example of a time when you had to make decisions about story presentation?
Story Editor Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
Sure, let me give you an example. In my previous role as a Senior Story Editor at a prominent publication, I had to make decisions about story presentation on a regular basis. One particular instance that stands out involves a feature article that was assigned to me. The story had a lot of potential, but the presentation needed some adjustments to make it more engaging for our audience. After reviewing the article, I decided to restructure the flow of the narrative to create a more compelling reading experience. I worked closely with the writer to brainstorm ideas and suggested incorporating more personal anecdotes and captivating descriptions. Additionally, I made decisions about the placement of key information and ensured a smooth transition between sections. The end result was a well-presented story that captivated our readers and received positive feedback. Overall, my experience in making decisions about story presentation has taught me the importance of understanding the audience and finding creative ways to enhance the narrative.
A more solid answer
Absolutely! Let me share an example that showcases my decision-making process and my ability to work collaboratively. In my role as a Senior Story Editor at a leading publication, I was responsible for overseeing the narrative content of a weekly feature series. One week, we had an article that explored the impact of technology on our daily lives, but the initial draft lacked a cohesive structure and engaging presentation. To address this, I gathered the writing team for a collaborative brainstorming session. We discussed the core themes and key points we wanted to highlight in the piece. With a strong understanding of narrative structure, I suggested reorganizing the story into three distinct sections: past, present, and future. This decision allowed us to create a clear timeline and provided a more comprehensive overview for our readers. Additionally, I worked closely with the writer, providing constructive feedback and guiding them in refining their arguments and strengthening the story's flow. By utilizing my leadership and collaboration skills, we were able to transform the article into a captivating piece that resonated with our audience and received positive feedback. This experience not only demonstrated my strong analytical and critical thinking skills but also showcased my ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and my understanding of narrative structure.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing specific examples of leadership and collaboration. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to work as part of a team and showcases their understanding of narrative structure. However, it could further emphasize the candidate's experience working with writers and providing constructive feedback.
An exceptional answer
Certainly! Let me share a detailed example that highlights my exceptional skills in story presentation decisions and showcases my experience working with writers. In my previous position as the Senior Story Editor at a highly regarded publication, I had the opportunity to oversee a major investigative report that required intricate story presentation decisions. The report delved into a complex corporate scandal involving multiple key players and legal nuances. As the lead editor, I not only needed to ensure the accuracy and coherence of the story but also present the information in a compelling and accessible manner. To achieve this, I collaborated with a team of writers and analysts to conduct extensive research and analysis. We organized the information into a chronological timeline to facilitate understanding, while also incorporating personal narratives and interviews with key individuals involved. I then made strategic decisions about the placement of crucial details and developed a narrative structure that maintained the readers' engagement throughout. Additionally, I worked closely with each writer, providing meticulous feedback and guiding them in refining their writing to create a cohesive narrative. The end result was an exceptional investigative report that received industry recognition and sparked meaningful conversations. Through this experience, I further honed my analytical and critical thinking skills, while also demonstrating my ability to lead and inspire a team in navigating complex story presentations.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed example that showcases the candidate's exceptional skills in story presentation and their ability to work with writers. It demonstrates their strong analytical and critical thinking skills and highlights their leadership and team management abilities. The answer also emphasizes their adaptability and ability to handle complex narratives. Overall, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the candidate's capabilities in making decisions about story presentation.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with different narrative structures and storytelling techniques to enhance your ability to make decisions about story presentation.
- Develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills to effectively evaluate and reshape story presentations.
- Practice working collaboratively with writers and providing constructive feedback to improve the overall narrative quality.
- Demonstrate your leadership and team management abilities by sharing examples of successful collaborations and projects you have overseen.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and evolving editorial needs to ensure your decision-making aligns with the publication's goals and style.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Excellent leadership and team management abilities
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Strong understanding of narrative structure and storytelling techniques
- Experience working with writers and providing constructive feedback
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
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