Can you describe a breaking news story that you covered and the challenges you faced?
News Reporter Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
Yes, I can describe a breaking news story that I covered. A few months ago, there was a major fire outbreak in a local neighborhood. I was the first reporter on the scene and witnessed the chaos unfold. I quickly interviewed eyewitnesses and firefighters to gather information about the cause and extent of the fire. The challenge I faced was the lack of official statements at the time, so I had to rely on multiple sources to piece together an accurate report. I also had to work under tight deadlines to ensure that the story was reported before competing news outlets. Overall, it was a challenging yet rewarding experience.
A more solid answer
Sure, I can describe a breaking news story that I covered. A few months ago, there was a massive chemical spill in a local industrial area. As soon as I received the news, I rushed to the scene and began investigating. I immediately noticed the hazardous conditions and took necessary precautions to ensure my safety. I interviewed the affected workers, emergency responders, and local residents to gather firsthand accounts. The challenge I faced was the complexity of the incident and the conflicting information from various sources. To overcome this, I extensively researched the company responsible for the spill and its safety record. I also consulted industry experts and government officials to verify the facts. After gathering all the information, I compiled a comprehensive report that not only covered the immediate impacts but also provided an analysis of the long-term consequences for the community. This breaking news story required me to work under tight deadlines and maintain accuracy while delivering urgent updates to the public.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer provides specific details about a breaking news story, demonstrating the candidate's experience in investigative journalism, fact-checking, news judgment, working under tight deadlines, and interview skills. It highlights the candidate's ability to handle complex situations and deliver accurate and engaging content. However, it could be further improved by providing additional examples and showcasing the candidate's ability to adapt to changing news.
An exceptional answer
Absolutely! One breaking news story that stands out in my career is the coverage of a major corruption scandal involving high-ranking government officials. The story broke when I received an anonymous tip, which led me to dig deeper into the issue. I spent weeks meticulously fact-checking and gathering evidence from various sources, including confidential informants, leaked documents, and whistleblowers. The challenge was maintaining the confidentiality of my sources while uncovering the truth and exposing the corruption. To ensure accuracy, I consulted legal experts to navigate the sensitive legal landscape surrounding the case. This involved analyzing complex financial records and tracing the flow of illicit funds. I collaborated with a team of investigative journalists to piece together a compelling and comprehensive narrative that not only exposed the corruption but also shed light on its detrimental impact on society. The story required me to work under immense pressure and tight deadlines, as well as collaborate with legal professionals to protect the confidentiality and safety of our sources. This experience solidified my commitment to investigative journalism and the pursuit of truth.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond in describing a breaking news story, showcasing the candidate's expertise in investigative journalism, fact-checking, news judgment, working under tight deadlines, and interview skills. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle high-profile and sensitive cases, navigate legal complexities, and collaborate effectively with a team. The answer also highlights the candidate's commitment to ethical journalism and the pursuit of truth. To further improve, the candidate could provide additional examples or discuss how they anticipated the audience's interest in the story and delivered it through multimedia platforms.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with current events and breaking news stories to stay updated.
- Research the organization's previous coverage of breaking news stories and understand their journalistic standards.
- Practice conducting interviews with a focus on eliciting information effectively.
- Develop your fact-checking skills by analyzing and evaluating different sources of information.
- Create a portfolio showcasing your work on breaking news stories, highlighting your ability to deliver accurate and engaging content under tight deadlines.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Investigative journalism
- Fact-checking
- News judgment
- Working under tight deadlines
- Interview skills
Related Interview Questions
More questions for News Reporter interviews