How do you contribute to coverage planning in editorial meetings?

Sample answer to the question

In editorial meetings, I contribute to coverage planning by sharing my insights and ideas based on my research and understanding of current events. I provide suggestions for news stories and angles that I believe will be of interest to our audience. I also collaborate with editors and producers to develop story ideas and propose the most effective ways to cover them. Additionally, I participate in discussions about potential sources and interviewees for upcoming stories. Overall, my goal is to contribute to a well-rounded and engaging news agenda that meets the needs and interests of our audience.

A more solid answer

In editorial meetings, I contribute to coverage planning by leveraging my exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities. I critically analyze current events and breaking news to identify compelling angles and topics that will resonate with our audience. I collaborate with editors and producers to develop story ideas and propose innovative approaches to enhance engagement. Drawing on my expertise in investigative journalism, I conduct in-depth research, interview key individuals, and strive for factual accuracy in my reporting. Additionally, I actively participate in discussions about potential sources and interviewees to ensure diverse perspectives are represented in our coverage. By bringing together my strong news judgment and keen eye for detail, I contribute to a comprehensive, informative, and audience-centric news agenda.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by highlighting the candidate's specific skills and expertise that directly align with the job requirements. It provides more details about the candidate's approach to coverage planning, emphasizing critical thinking and collaboration. However, it could still be improved by including concrete examples or anecdotes from the candidate's past experience to strengthen the response.

An exceptional answer

In editorial meetings, I play a proactive role in shaping coverage planning by consistently delivering exceptional results. Leveraging my exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities, I meticulously analyze current events and breaking news to identify unique angles and untapped areas of interest. I bring a critical approach to verifying sources, ensuring the highest level of factual accuracy and credibility in our reporting. Drawing on my extensive experience in investigative journalism, I execute thorough research and conduct interviews that delve deep into the heart of the story. By integrating multimedia elements such as photos and videos, I enhance the storytelling experience and captivate our audience. Additionally, I actively contribute to discussions on potential sources and interviewees, bringing a diverse range of perspectives to our coverage. With a solid understanding of our audience's preferences, I anticipate their interests and ensure our news agenda caters to their needs. My unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and dedication to audience engagement make me an invaluable asset in coverage planning.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by showcasing the candidate's extensive experience and unique contributions in coverage planning. It demonstrates a deep understanding of the job requirements, emphasizing the candidate's exceptional abilities in writing, editing, storytelling, investigative journalism, and multimedia journalism. The answer also highlights the candidate's proactive approach, critical thinking, and commitment to audience engagement. Furthermore, it communicates the candidate's dedication to journalistic excellence and their ability to bring diverse perspectives to the table. The answer meets all the evaluation areas and demonstrates a high level of proficiency and expertise.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with current news events and develop a broad understanding of various topics.
Brush up on your critical thinking skills and practice analyzing news stories from different angles.
Research the organization's previous news coverage to gain insights into their style and audience preferences.
Prepare examples of past experiences where you contributed to coverage planning or demonstrated strong news judgment.
Practice presenting and articulating your ideas in a clear and concise manner, as you may be asked to share your thoughts during the interview.
Stay up-to-date with the latest digital reporting tools and platforms, including social media, as they play a significant role in modern journalism.
Be prepared to discuss your approach to conducting research, interviewing key individuals, and maintaining ethical standards in journalism.

What interviewers are evaluating

Critical thinking
Collaboration
News judgment
Audience engagement