Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Correspondent & Sub Editor Roles – 2026

Are you ready for a career in journalism? Have you been invited for an interview to become a correspondent or sub editor? Here are some top questions and answers to help you showcase your writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and knowledge of today's news landscape. From covering breaking news to in-depth features, these questions cover all key aspects of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience and qualifications in journalism.
  A: I have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and have been working as a correspondent for a local newspaper for the past three years. During this time, I have covered a wide range of topics including politics, education, and community events.
• 2. How do you stay up-to-date with current affairs and news trends?
  A: I regularly read various news sources and follow credible journalists and media outlets on social media. I also attend industry events and participate in workshops to learn about new techniques and best practices in journalism.
• 3. Can you tell us about a major story or project you have worked on in the past?
  A: One of the notable stories I worked on was an investigative piece on the rising number of homeless people in our city. Through interviews and research, I uncovered the root causes and potential solutions for this issue, which received positive feedback from both the community and local government.
• 4. How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple assignments?
  A: Time management is crucial in journalism and I have developed strong organizational skills to keep track of my assignments and prioritize tasks based on their urgency. I also make sure to communicate effectively with my team and editors to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• 5. Can you walk us through your writing process for an article or story?
  A: I start by conducting thorough research and conducting interviews with relevant sources. Then, I outline my main points and structure the article while keeping in mind the target audience. Finally, I write the first draft and revise it multiple times before submitting it for review.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision while working on a news story.
  A: While covering a local protest, I had to decide whether to include a quote from a controversial source. After discussing it with my editor and considering the potential implications, I decided to include the quote for the sake of unbiased reporting. This experience taught me the importance of journalistic integrity and standing by ethical decisions.
• 7. How do you handle conflicting information from multiple sources?
  A: I make sure to verify the credibility of each source and cross-check the information before incorporating it into my story. If there are discrepancies, I reach out to other sources for clarification and weigh the credibility of the information before making a final decision.
• 8. Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new writing style or format?
  A: During my internship, I was assigned to write a news article in a new format that I had never worked with before. I researched and familiarized myself with the format and consulted with my editor for guidance. In the end, I successfully completed the task and received positive feedback for my adaptability.
• 9. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult source or interviewee.
  A: While covering a sensitive story, I encountered an interviewee who was hesitant to share their perspective. I used empathy and reassurance to build a rapport and gain their trust before conducting the interview. This approach helped me get the information I needed while also respecting their boundaries.
• 10. How do you handle constructive criticism?
  A: I appreciate receiving feedback as it helps me improve my skills and grow as a journalist. I always listen to the criticism with an open mind and take note of any areas for improvement. I also use this as an opportunity to ask for specific examples or tips to further develop my craft.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle breaking news coverage during a major event?
  A: I would first gather accurate information from reliable sources and confirm the facts before publishing any updates. I would also prioritize the safety and well-being of both the public and my team while reporting on the event.
• 12. Imagine you have two conflicting stories that both need to be published in the next day's paper. How would you handle this situation?
  A: I would first consult with my editor and discuss the potential impact and importance of each story. Then, I would see if it is possible to combine the two stories or move one to a later edition. If not, I would prioritize the story with the most relevance and urgency.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where a source requests to remain anonymous?
  A: I would speak with my editor and discuss the implications and credibility of the source before making a decision. If we decide to keep the source anonymous, I would make sure to follow ethical guidelines and protect their identity while still providing accurate and relevant information.
• 14. How do you handle criticism or backlash from the public?
  A: I understand that not everyone will agree with my reporting or opinions, and I use this as an opportunity to reflect on my work and consider different perspectives. I also make sure to address any valid concerns or corrections and stand by my reporting as long as it aligns with my ethical standards.
• 15. Can you give an example of how you use social media in your work as a journalist?
  A: I use social media as a tool to both promote my articles and engage with the community. I share my work, interact with readers, and use it as a platform to find potential sources and story ideas. However, I am careful to maintain a professional and unbiased image on social media.

Technical Questions

• 16. What is your experience with using AP Style for writing?
  A: I am proficient in using AP Style and have been using it consistently throughout my education and professional career.
• 17. Can you explain the inverted pyramid style of writing and when it is appropriate to use it?
  A: The inverted pyramid style is a way of writing where the most important information is presented at the beginning, followed by supporting details in descending order of importance. This style is commonly used in news articles to quickly grab readers' attention and provide the key facts upfront.
• 18. How do you fact-check information for your articles?
  A: I use credible sources and reliable fact-checking tools to verify the accuracy of the information. I also make sure to cross-check information from multiple sources to ensure it is consistent and unbiased.
• 19. Do you have experience with using content management systems (CMS)?
  A: Yes, I have used several CMS platforms for publishing and managing content, including WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.
• 20. Can you give an example of a time when you had to write under a strict deadline?
  A: During my internship, I was given a breaking news story to cover and had to write and submit the article within one hour. With the guidance of my editor, I was able to write a concise and accurate piece under pressure while also meeting the deadline.