Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Journalist Roles – 2025

Are you applying for a journalist role and looking to nail the interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your writing skills, media knowledge, and experiences working in a fast-paced newsroom environment. From traditional print media to digital news outlets, these questions cover all areas of the modern journalist job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a journalist.
  Answer: I have been working as a journalist for the past 5 years, starting off as an intern for a local newspaper and eventually securing a full-time position at a national news organization. I have covered a variety of topics ranging from politics to lifestyle and have experience with both print and digital media.
• 2. How do you stay updated on current events and trends?
  Answer: I make sure to follow reputable news sources and stay active on social media to keep track of breaking stories and popular topics. I also attend relevant events and conferences and network with fellow journalists to stay informed.
• 3. What do you think sets you apart from other journalists?
  Answer: I believe my ability to adapt to different writing styles and formats, as well as my expertise in creating engaging and informative content, makes me stand out. I also have a strong understanding of media ethics and am committed to delivering accurate and unbiased information.
• 4. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?
  Answer: I prioritize tasks and plan my time effectively to ensure I meet all deadlines. I am also comfortable working under pressure and have experience in high-stress situations in the fast-paced news industry.
• 5. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work with a difficult source or subject?
  Answer: In one of my previous roles, I had to interview a controversial public figure who was known for being difficult and confrontational. I approached the situation with professionalism and tried to build rapport with the individual before the interview. Despite some initial resistance, the interview turned out to be successful and I was able to gather valuable information for my story.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What is your experience with fact-checking and verifying sources?
  Answer: As a journalist, it is crucial to ensure the accuracy and validity of information. I have a strict fact-checking process in place and always verify at least two credible sources before publishing a story. I am also familiar with fact-checking software and tools.
• 7. Do you have experience with digital media and social media management for news outlets?
  Answer: Yes, I do. In addition to my writing and reporting experience, I have managed social media accounts for multiple news organizations. I am well-versed in creating engaging and shareable content, analyzing metrics, and staying up-to-date with digital trends.
• 8. Are you familiar with AP and Chicago style guidelines?
  Answer: Yes, I am. I have extensive experience using both AP and Chicago style guidelines in my writing. I also keep myself updated on any changes or updates to these style guides.
• 9. Have you worked with multimedia elements such as videos, podcasts, and infographics in your journalism career?
  Answer: Yes, I have. I understand the importance of incorporating multimedia elements into journalism articles to increase readership and audience engagement. I have produced and edited videos, recorded and edited podcasts, and created infographics to accompany my written pieces.
• 10. Can you walk us through your experience with investigative journalism?
  Answer: Investigative journalism is one of my strengths and I have dedicated a significant portion of my career to it. I have worked on stories that exposed corruption and misconduct in government and private organizations, and my work has resulted in policy changes and legal action.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. How do you handle constructive criticism and feedback on your work?
  Answer: I welcome constructive criticism and see it as an opportunity to improve and grow. I take the feedback seriously and use it to make necessary changes and adjustments to my work.
• 12. Can you give an example of a time when you had to work in a team to complete a project?
  Answer: In one of my previous roles, I collaborated with a team of journalists to produce a multimedia project on mental health. We each had different responsibilities, but we communicated effectively to ensure the project was delivered on time and to a high standard.
• 13. How do you handle conflicting viewpoints or controversial topics?
  Answer: As a journalist, I have learned to approach these situations with objectivity and empathy. I make sure to thoroughly research and consider all perspectives before forming my own opinion or creating a story. I also strive to present all sides of an issue in my reporting.
• 14. How do you prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects?
  Answer: I prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and importance. I also make sure to communicate with my team and stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page and deadlines are met. Additionally, I use project management tools to stay organized and on top of my workload.
• 15. Can you tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult ethical decision?
  Answer: As a journalist, I have encountered numerous ethical dilemmas, but one that stands out is when I had to decide whether to publish a controversial story that could potentially harm a source's reputation. After careful consideration and discussion with my editor and the source, I decided not to publish the story as it did not meet ethical standards.

Situational Questions

• 16. What would you do if you came across conflicting information from sources for a story?
  Answer: I would first reach out to both sources to clarify the discrepancies and gather any additional information. If it cannot be resolved, I would consult with my editor and possibly include both sides of the story in my reporting.
• 17. How would you handle a mistake that was made in a published article?
  Answer: If I notice a mistake in a published article, I would immediately inform my editor and take necessary steps to correct the error, such as issuing a correction or update. I would also reflect on the mistake and take measures to prevent it from happening in the future.
• 18. What would you do if a source asked you to keep information off the record?
  Answer: I would respect the request and keep the information off the record. If possible, I would try to get the information from another source or find a way to still include the information without compromising the source's trust.
• 19. How would you handle a breaking news story on a topic you are not familiar with?
  Answer: I would immediately start researching and gathering information from reliable sources. I would also reach out to experts or colleagues for their insights and verify any information before publishing. I am confident in my ability to quickly adapt and learn about new topics in a fast-paced news environment.
• 20. What would you do if you received a tip on a potential story that could have a major impact but lacked credible evidence?
  Answer: I would conduct my own investigation and research to gather evidence and ensure the information is reliable before considering it for a story. I would also consult with other journalists and my editor to validate the story before publishing.