10. Would you accept an assignment for a story that could possibly hurt a person’s reputation?

Here, you should demonstrate your ability to balance hard truths with fair treatment when someone’s reputation is at stake.

Example Answer

“Yes, provided the facts justify public interest. My process includes requesting comment multiple times, corroborating each allegation with documents or independent witnesses, and contextualising the subject’s background so readers see the full picture. I also allow the person to respond in the story, ensuring fairness even if the findings are damaging.”

11. How well do you work under strict deadlines?

Interviewers want to gauge your comfort working under tight timelines without sacrificing accuracy.

Example Answer

“My background includes live blogging election nights where updates were due every five minutes. I rely on a prep checklist that includes verified bio notes, pre-written context paragraphs and a template for rapid fact updates. This structure lets me file clean copy quickly while still leaving room to add verified quotes and context.”

12. Describe your writing style. What makes it unique from others?

Use this question to demonstrate your technical writing skills, including how you adapt print reporting for podcasts, videos and interactive web features.

Example Answer

“I blend narrative storytelling with data clarity, using short scene-setting sentences followed by deeper analysis. When I convert a piece to audio, I write conversational transitions that keep listeners oriented, and for video captions I break complex points into visual beats. Readers tell me they appreciate that they can enjoy the story at a glance and dive deeper when they have time.”

13. How do you approach new research?

When asked this question, explain the steps you take to build trust with sources and gather verifiable information.

Example Answer

“I start with a landscape review of existing literature and public records, then draft hypotheses to guide interviews. I rank potential sources by relevance and independence, conduct pre-interview calls to understand sensitivities, and request supporting documents wherever possible. This systematic approach keeps the reporting focused and evidence-driven.”

14. When interviewing a person, what steps do you take to establish rapport?

This question seeks your understanding of ethical interviewing and how to make sources comfortable enough to speak freely.

Example Answer

“I always begin with thorough homework so my first questions show genuine insight into the source’s world, not generic curiosity. At the start of the interview I explain the ground rules, confirm whether we are on the record, and share how their words will be used so there are no surprises later. I open with softer context questions, mirror body language, and practice active listening by summarising key points back to the speaker. These techniques build trust quickly, which often encourages the source to provide richer detail and grant follow-up access when needed.”

15. How would you handle an uncooperative interview subject?

Hiring managers use this question to confirm that you can keep your cool and still collect usable material.

Example Answer

“When a subject resists, I first check whether the questions are too broad or feel accusatory and adjust to more open or clarifying prompts. If tension persists, I reassure them of their chance to review direct quotes for accuracy because control over wording often lowers defensiveness. Should they still decline, I respectfully close the session, document the refusal in my notes and seek corroborating perspectives from colleagues, public records, or adversarial sources. This ensures the story remains balanced and factual even without the primary subject’s full cooperation.”

16. What was the most difficult story you researched and why?

Here, you should demonstrate a proven system for verifying user-generated content and conducting difficult interviews.

Example Answer

“My toughest assignment was a cross-border corruption investigation that involved leaked financial ledgers in multiple languages and fearful whistleblowers. I created a verification matrix matching every claim to at least two independent documents such as court filings or corporate registries, then enlisted an external forensic accountant to audit the spreadsheets. Interviews were conducted over encrypted channels, and we scheduled off-shore backups of all evidence to guard against legal takedown threats. The resulting series, though exhausting, prompted a parliamentary inquiry and taught me the value of layered verification and digital security.”

17. What kind of stories do you particularly enjoy reporting on?

Interviewers want to gauge your passion and see if it aligns with the outlet’s priorities.

Example Answer

“I thrive on accountability pieces that expose systemic problems yet spotlight practical solutions. Last year I examined how outdated flood maps left entire neighbourhoods uninsurable; the investigation paired aerial lidar data with personal narratives and concluded with policy fixes adopted by two city councils. Readers told us the mix of hard evidence and hopeful outcomes kept them engaged rather than resigned. Your outlet’s own commitment to watchdog journalism with a constructive lens is exactly the environment where I do my best work.”

18. How do you handle disagreements in the editing process?

Use this question to demonstrate how you collaborate smoothly with editors to deliver cohesive work.

Example Answer

“I treat every edit note as a chance to clarify intent, not a personal critique. If I disagree with a proposed cut, I supply alternative wording or additional sourcing that may satisfy the concern while preserving nuance. We often workshop a sentence or chart together in real time through the CMS comments, which turns individual preferences into collaborative problem solving. Over time this openness has built mutual trust, and several pieces shaped through robust back-and-forth have gone on to win regional press awards.”

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19. How do you prioritize stories when multiple deadlines are approaching?

When asked this question, outline the metrics and criteria you use to triage workload effectively.

Example Answer

“I rate each assignment on immediacy, potential public impact, and resource availability, then slot tasks in a shared Kanban board visible to my editors. Time-sensitive briefs take morning blocks while long-form drafts get protected focus hours in the afternoon. If a breaking event erupts, I re-evaluate the board with the news desk lead and either drop lower-impact features or pull in a colleague for co-byline support. This transparent system keeps workload realistic and ensures no deadline surprises.”

20. What is your familiarity with online media in journalism?

This question seeks your understanding of audience diversity and multiplatform storytelling.

Example Answer

“I routinely tailor stories for web, newsletter, audio, and short-form video. For example, my investigation on eviction courts ran online with interactive maps, then was condensed into a five-minute podcast episode featuring plaintiff interviews and ambient courtroom audio. On social platforms I distilled the findings into vertical video explainers with on-screen captions for sound-off viewing, which tripled reach among mobile users aged eighteen to twenty-four. Each variant followed the same sourcing standards yet spoke the language of its platform.”

21. How do you mine public records for investigative leads?

Hiring managers use this question to learn your database administration skills, freedom of information requests, and local filings to uncover stories.

Example Answer

“I maintain a calendar of release dates for datasets like campaign contributions, building permits, and school inspection reports, then feed these into a PostgreSQL database for trend analysis. Every quarter I file at least five targeted FOIA requests based on anomalies detected in that data. One such request for vendor invoices led to a scoop on overpriced software contracts that saved taxpayers three million dollars after city council review. The key is treating records as living data, not static PDFs.”

22. How do you balance multiple story pitches and deadlines without letting quality slip?

Here, you should demonstrate a plan for disciplined scheduling and clear communication with editors.

Example Answer

“I divide tasks into research, writing, and production phases and block each phase on my calendar with buffer time for revisions. All pitches reside in an Airtable tracker that includes estimated effort hours, source status, and potential multimedia needs. Weekly meetings with section editors allow us to shuffle priorities openly, which prevents last-minute panic or resource clashes. As a result, I have delivered every long-form piece in the past two years on schedule without compromising depth.”

23. What safety measures do you follow when reporting from protests or conflict zones?

Interviewers want to gauge your strategy for staying safe and objective in volatile environments.

Example Answer

“I complete hostile-environment training, carry personal protective equipment like goggles and first-aid supplies, and use a radio app for real-time team check-ins. I map exits before arriving, monitor live scanners for escalating risks and maintain neutral body language to avoid becoming a target. Post-assignment I debrief with editors to update our safety protocols, ensuring lessons learned benefit the next field team.”

24. How do you craft headlines and social copy that attract readers yet remain accurate?

Use this question to demonstrate headline discipline and respect for nuance.

Example Answer

“My first pass focuses on the core finding in active voice and under sixty characters. I test synonyms for resonance using a headline analyzer while cross-checking claims against the story body to prevent overstatement. On social platforms I complement the headline with context threads that anticipate common misinterpretations, which reduces correction requests and boosts reader trust. In A/B tests, this method improved click-through rates by seventeen percent without triggering higher bounce rates.”

25. How do you handle embargoed or off-the-record information?

When asked this question, explain your method for tracking agreements and maintaining trust.

Example Answer

“I log every embargo in a secure spreadsheet noting release time, conditions, and contact details, then set automated reminders twenty-four hours in advance. Off-the-record details go into separate encrypted notes until I secure independent confirmation. I have never broken an embargo, which has earned me early access to flagship scientific reports and policy papers, giving our newsroom a competitive edge without compromising relationships.”

26. How do you turn raw numbers into clear and compelling graphics?

This question seeks your understanding of data analytics basics and reader comprehension.

Example Answer

“I start by identifying the single takeaway the reader needs and pick the simplest chart form that conveys it, often a line or bar. I build prototypes in Datawrapper, then layer brief annotations explaining why each trend matters. Before publication I conduct a hallway test with colleagues outside the project to ensure the graphic stands alone without jargon. A recent voter turnout chart using this process gained twice the average engagement time compared to text-only versions.”

27. How do you keep your skills sharp in a fast-evolving media landscape?

Here, you should demonstrate continuous learning habits such as courses, workshops and peer reviews.

Example Answer

“I schedule quarterly goals that rotate among data, multimedia, and narrative craft. Last quarter I completed a Poynter workshop on accountability interviewing, this quarter I am enrolled in a short course on R for data cleaning, and next quarter I plan to shadow our video editors to strengthen visual scripting. I also participate in peer critique circles where we exchange feedback on drafts, ensuring fresh perspectives shape my growth.”

28. How would you handle an unverified viral rumor spreading on social media?

Interviewers use this question to test your ability to verify user-generated content quickly while preventing misinformation.

Example Answer

“I first capture screenshots and archive the posts for transparency, then trace the original uploader through reverse-image searches and metadata tools like InVID. I cross-reference the claim with official statements, trusted databases or eyewitness verification before deciding whether to report. If the rumor proves false yet newsworthy, I publish a debunk piece clearly labeling it as misinformation, and I update social channels with the correction. This approach curbs the rumor’s spread while reinforcing our outlet’s role as a reliable verifier.”