Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Freelance Journalists – 2025

Applying for a freelance journalist role? Here are 20 top interview questions and answers that will help you showcase your writing skills, industry knowledge, and professional experience. These questions cover a range of topics including writing style, research abilities, and working with various media formats.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a freelance journalist.
  A: I have been working as a freelance journalist for the past five years. During this time, I have written for various publications, both online and print, on a wide range of topics including current events, lifestyle, and business.
• 2. What motivated you to become a freelance journalist?
  A: I have always had a passion for writing and storytelling and becoming a freelance journalist allows me to pursue this passion while also having the flexibility to work on a variety of projects.
• 3. How do you stay updated on current events and trends?
  A: I regularly read news sources from various outlets and also follow relevant social media accounts and industry newsletters. I also make sure to attend conferences and events related to my field.
• 4. How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple projects?
  A: I am highly organized and prioritize my tasks effectively. I also have good time management skills and know how to efficiently research and write articles without compromising on quality.
• 5. Can you tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult source or subject?
  A: As a freelance journalist, I have come across difficult sources and subjects on numerous occasions. I always approach these situations with empathy and professionalism, trying to understand their perspective and find a mutual understanding.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a controversial topic in your writing?
  A: In one of my previous projects, I had to write an article on a controversial topic that received a lot of backlash from readers. I remained professional and fact-checked all information to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of my piece.
• 7. How do you approach interviewing people from diverse backgrounds?
  A: I always do my research beforehand and try to understand their cultural and personal background. I also make sure to ask sensitive questions respectfully and give them space to share their story in their own words.
• 8. Tell us about a time when you had to write a story with little information or sources available.
  A: In a recent project, I had to write about a breaking news story with limited sources and information available. I used my research skills to gather as much information as possible and verified it through multiple sources before writing the article.
• 9. How do you handle criticism or feedback on your writing?
  A: I believe feedback is essential for growth and improvement. I always take constructive criticism positively and use it to enhance my writing skills.
• 10. Can you tell us about a time when you faced a tight deadline and had to make changes to your writing?
  A: In a recent project, there were some last-minute changes requested by the editor. I remained calm under pressure and made the necessary revisions without compromising on the quality of my work.

Situational Questions

• 11. How do you decide which stories to cover and which ones to pass on?
  A: When determining which stories to cover, I consider factors such as relevance, audience interest, and potential impact. I also consult with my editor and follow the publication's guidelines and objectives.
• 12. What steps do you take to ensure accurate and unbiased reporting?
  A: I research the topic thoroughly and gather information from multiple sources. I remain objective and avoid personal biases in my writing. I also fact-check all information before publishing.
• 13. In a situation where a source refuses to provide information, how do you handle it?
  A: I would respect their decision and try to find alternative sources for the information. If the information is crucial for the story, I would consult with my editor and try to find a solution together.
• 14. How do you handle a story that contains confidential or sensitive information?
  A: I take the utmost care when handling confidential or sensitive information and follow protocols set by the publication. I also make sure to respect the privacy of individuals involved and seek necessary approvals before publishing.
• 15. What do you do when faced with writer's block?
  A: When faced with writer's block, I take a break and come back to the piece with a fresh perspective. I also find inspiration through reading or brainstorming with colleagues and peers.

Technical Questions

• 16. Can you tell us about your experience with different writing formats (e.g. news articles, features, interviews)?
  A: I have experience writing in various formats and adjust my writing style based on the publication's guidelines and target audience. I am comfortable writing news articles, feature pieces, and conducting interviews for both print and online publications.
• 17. How do you incorporate SEO strategies into your writing?
  A: I use relevant keywords and phrases throughout my writing to improve the search engine ranking of the piece. I also make sure to write headlines and subheadings that are SEO-friendly.
• 18. Have you worked with multimedia (e.g. video, audio) in your writing? If so, how?
  A: Yes, I have worked with multimedia in my writing, mainly producing video content to accompany articles. I am familiar with video editing software and also have experience incorporating audio elements into my writing.
• 19. How do you handle fact-checking in your writing?
  A: I ensure to fact-check all information before publishing and verify them through reliable sources. I also have a fact-checking process that I follow for every piece, including double-checking details and statistics.
• 20. Can you give an example of a story you wrote that received high engagement or recognition?
  A: I wrote an investigative piece on the effects of climate change on a local community that was widely shared and received recognition from various industry publications. The story resulted in positive changes for the community and had a lasting impact.