Tell us about a time when you had to think creatively and outside the box to find a solution to a problem.
News Reporter Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
There was a time when I was working as a news reporter and we were short on staff to cover an important event. We were unable to send a camera crew to the location due to scheduling conflicts, so I had to think creatively to find a solution. I decided to use my smartphone to shoot video footage and conduct interviews. I used a video editing app on my phone to edit the footage and create a professional-looking news package. I also reached out to local residents who attended the event and asked them to share their own photos and videos. I compiled all the footage and created a compelling news story. This experience taught me the importance of being resourceful and thinking outside the box in order to deliver news stories even under challenging circumstances.
A more solid answer
During my time as a news reporter, I encountered a situation where I had to think creatively and outside the box to cover a breaking news story. I received information about a major event happening in a remote location, but our news station was unable to send a camera crew there due to logistical constraints. Instead of being discouraged, I took matters into my own hands and came up with an innovative solution. I decided to use a drone to capture aerial footage of the event. I quickly familiarized myself with the drone's controls and regulations to ensure safe and legal operation. I coordinated with the event organizers to obtain permission to fly the drone and captured stunning visuals of the event from unique angles. I also conducted interviews with attendees using a handheld microphone. Back at the newsroom, I edited the footage and interviews into a comprehensive news package. This creative solution not only allowed me to cover the event but also showcased my ability to adapt and think outside the box to overcome obstacles in delivering news stories.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer provides a more comprehensive example of a time when the candidate had to think creatively and outside the box. It includes specific details about how the candidate used a drone to capture aerial footage and ensured the operation was safe and legal. It also highlights the candidate's ability to adapt and think outside the box to overcome obstacles in delivering news stories. However, it can be further improved by mentioning how the candidate's solution was effective in delivering the news story and its impact.
An exceptional answer
As a news reporter, being creative and thinking outside the box is a crucial skill that I continuously utilize. One particular instance that stands out is when I had to cover a high-profile event that was happening at the same time as another major news story. The news station had limited resources, and it was impossible to assign multiple reporters to both events. Instead of compromising on coverage, I came up with an innovative solution. I proposed using a 360-degree camera to livestream the high-profile event. With the help of a dedicated team, we set up the camera at the event venue and provided viewers with a fully immersive experience. I conducted interviews and captured the atmosphere using the camera, making the viewers feel like they were right there with us. Additionally, I used social media platforms to engage with the audience and gather questions in real-time, effectively turning the event into an interactive experience. The livestream garnered a significant amount of attention and engagement, proving the success of my creative solution. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of thinking outside the box and using technology to enhance news coverage in innovative ways.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed example of a time when the candidate used creativity and thinking outside the box to find a solution. It mentions the candidate's role as a news reporter, the limited resources available, and the specific problem of covering multiple high-profile events simultaneously. The candidate proposes a solution involving the use of a 360-degree camera to livestream the event, effectively engaging the audience and providing an immersive experience. The answer also highlights the impact and success of the candidate's creative solution. Overall, it demonstrates the candidate's exceptional problem-solving skills, creativity, and resourcefulness.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with the latest technology and tools that can be used in news reporting, such as drones and 360-degree cameras.
- Stay up-to-date with current events and news within your assigned beat or coverage area to identify potential challenges and opportunities for creative solutions.
- Develop a strong network of contacts and sources to support your creative problem-solving efforts.
- Practice thinking outside the box by brainstorming innovative ideas and solutions to hypothetical news reporting scenarios.
- Be open to learning from other professionals in the field and continuously seek opportunities to enhance your creativity and problem-solving skills.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Resourcefulness
Related Interview Questions
More questions for News Reporter interviews