Tell us about a time when you uncovered an exclusive news story.
News Reporter Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
A few years ago, I uncovered an exclusive news story while working as a journalist for a local newspaper. I received a tip about a potential government scandal involving misappropriation of funds. Intrigued, I started digging deeper by conducting a series of interviews with anonymous sources and reviewing financial records. Through my investigation, I discovered evidence of embezzlement by high-ranking officials in the government. To ensure the accuracy of the information, I cross-checked the documents with other trusted sources. Once I had gathered enough evidence, I wrote an in-depth article exposing the scandal. The article created a buzz in the community, prompting further investigations and ultimately leading to the resignation of the implicated officials.
A more solid answer
As a senior news reporter with over 5 years of experience, I have had numerous opportunities to uncover exclusive news stories through my expertise in investigative journalism and fact-checking. One notable example was when I received a tip about a potential government scandal involving misappropriation of funds. To ensure the accuracy of the information, I employed a multi-faceted approach. I conducted a series of interviews with anonymous sources who provided crucial insights and evidence. Additionally, I thoroughly reviewed financial records, cross-checked the documents with trusted sources, and collaborated with colleagues to verify the facts. This meticulous fact-checking process helped me uncover solid evidence of embezzlement by high-ranking officials in the government. I then crafted a compelling and detailed article, highlighting the key findings and exposing the scandal to the public. The article created a significant impact, leading to further investigations and ultimately resulting in the resignation of the implicated officials.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer includes specific details about the candidate's expertise in investigative journalism and fact-checking, emphasizing their multi-faceted approach to uncovering the news story. The answer also highlights the candidate's collaboration with colleagues and the impact of the article. However, it can be further improved by mentioning the candidate's critical thinking skills and their ability to anticipate audience interest, as stated in the job description.
An exceptional answer
As a seasoned senior news reporter, I pride myself on my ability to uncover exclusive news stories that captivate audiences. One standout example is when I received a tip about a potential government scandal involving misappropriation of funds. Recognizing the significance of this story, I embarked on a rigorous investigative journey. I started by meticulously fact-checking the initial tip and conducting interviews with anonymous sources who were well-placed within the government. These sources provided invaluable insights and documents that exposed the embezzlement scheme. Additionally, I utilized my critical thinking skills to anticipate audience interest and ensure that the story would resonate with our viewers. Beyond the facts, I crafted a narrative that revealed the human impact of the scandal, highlighting the struggles faced by ordinary citizens affected by the misused funds. I worked closely with the photo and video editing team to create multimedia content that complemented the article and added depth to the reporting. The article was published both online and in print, and its impact was immediate and far-reaching. The public outcry prompted further investigations, resulting in the resignation of the implicated officials and a renewed focus on accountability in government. This experience reinforced my commitment to delivering accurate, compelling, and impactful news stories to our audience.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing additional details about the candidate's critical thinking skills, their ability to anticipate audience interest, and their collaboration with the photo and video editing team. The answer also highlights the candidate's dedication to delivering impactful news stories and the far-reaching impact of the published article. Additionally, the answer includes a human interest angle, emphasizing the candidate's storytelling abilities. However, it can be further enhanced by mentioning the candidate's comfort with live reporting and on-air situations, as stated in the job description.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of investigative journalism, including techniques for uncovering exclusive stories and conducting in-depth research.
- Stay up-to-date with current events and news trends to develop a strong news judgment and anticipate audience interest.
- Practice critical thinking by analyzing news articles and identifying potential biases or gaps in reporting.
- Develop your fact-checking skills by cross-referencing information from multiple sources and verifying the credibility of your sources.
- Enhance your storytelling abilities by experimenting with different narrative techniques and incorporating human interest angles into your stories.
- Gain experience in multimedia journalism by familiarizing yourself with photo and video editing tools and platforms.
- Prepare examples of previous news stories you have covered, highlighting your investigative skills, fact-checking abilities, and impact on the audience.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Investigative Journalism
- Fact-Checking
- Critical Thinking
- News Judgment
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