Can you provide an example of a news story you have researched and written?
Journalist Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
Sure! Once, I researched and wrote a news story about a local business that was struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. I started by conducting in-depth interviews with the business owner, employees, and customers to gather their perspectives. I also reached out to industry experts to provide analysis and context. I conducted extensive research on the impact of the pandemic on the local economy and how it was affecting other similar businesses. After collecting all the information, I crafted a compelling narrative that highlighted the challenges the business was facing and the creative solutions they were implementing to survive. The story was published both online and in print, generating a lot of interest and helping to raise awareness about the struggles faced by local businesses in that difficult time.
A more solid answer
Certainly! Let me tell you about a news story I researched and wrote that made a significant impact. I came across a small town in a rural area that was experiencing an alarming increase in drug addiction among its youth. Recognizing the importance of shedding light on this issue, I began by reaching out to local community leaders and law enforcement agencies to understand the scope of the problem and gather statistical data. I conducted confidential interviews with a few affected families, ensuring their anonymity. Through these interviews, I learned about the devastating toll of drug addiction on individuals, families, and the community at large. To provide a well-rounded perspective, I also spoke with drug addiction experts to gain insights into the underlying causes and potential solutions. With all the information gathered, I crafted a compelling and empathetic narrative that highlighted the impact of the issue on real people's lives. The story was published in both the print and online editions of our newspaper, generating a significant public response. It sparked a community-wide discussion and led to increased awareness, support for affected families, and even initiatives to address the problem. Overall, this experience showcased my strong writing and storytelling abilities, effective communication and interviewing techniques, as well as my critical thinking skills in identifying a newsworthy story.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer provides more specific details about the research process, the impact of the story, and the candidate's critical thinking in identifying the story as newsworthy. However, it could still be further improved by highlighting the candidate's adaptability and collaboration skills in working with the community leaders and law enforcement agencies.
An exceptional answer
Absolutely! I would like to share an exceptional example of a news story I researched and wrote that led to positive change in the community. I discovered a local school that lacked basic resources for students with disabilities, resulting in an exclusionary learning environment. Recognizing the importance of advocating for inclusivity and equal access to education, I decided to investigate further. I conducted extensive research, analyzing government policies, interviewing school staff, parents, and students, and collecting data on the number of students affected. With a deep understanding of the issue, I crafted a powerful story that shed light on the challenges faced by these students and the potential consequences of a segregated education system. I also highlighted success stories from other schools that had implemented inclusive practices. The story was not only published in our newspaper but also gained attention from regional and national media outlets. As a result, community members, including parents and local advocacy groups, rallied together to demand change. The school district was forced to take notice and make improvements, ensuring equal access to education for all students. This experience demonstrated my strong writing and storytelling abilities, effective communication and interviewing techniques, critical thinking skills in identifying a newsworthy story, as well as my ability to drive positive change through impactful reporting.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a specific example of a news story that not only had a significant impact on the community but also led to positive change. It showcases the candidate's strong writing and storytelling abilities, effective communication and interviewing techniques, critical thinking skills in identifying a newsworthy story, as well as their ability to drive positive change through impactful reporting.
How to prepare for this question
- Research news stories that align with the job description and practice writing summaries or pitches for those stories.
- Brush up on interviewing techniques, such as active listening and asking open-ended questions.
- Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing current events and identifying their newsworthiness.
- Familiarize yourself with multimedia production tools and social media platforms to enhance your storytelling abilities.
- Stay updated on journalism ethics and legal guidelines to ensure balanced and responsible reporting.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Strong writing and storytelling abilities
- Effective communication and interviewing techniques
- Critical thinking and ability to identify newsworthy stories
Related Interview Questions
More questions for Journalist interviews