Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Reporter & Photographer Roles – 2025

Preparing for a job interview as a reporter or photographer? It's important to showcase your writing skills, photography skills, and ability to gather news and report on current events. This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you demonstrate your experience, communication skills, and understanding of the news industry. Whether you're interviewing for a newspaper, magazine, or online news outlet, these questions cover all key areas of journalism.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your background and why you decided to become a reporter/photographer.
  As an interviewer, this question allows you to get to know the candidate and understand their motivations for pursuing a career in journalism. It can also provide insight into their storytelling abilities and passion for the industry.
• 2. What do you think are the key qualities a reporter/photographer should possess?
  This question evaluates the candidate's understanding of the role and the skills necessary to excel in the field. Look for answers that mention curiosity, objectivity, attention to detail, and the ability to work quickly and efficiently.
• 3. How do you stay updated on current events and trends?
  A great reporter/photographer is always informed about what’s happening in the world. This question assesses the candidate's sources for news and their dedication to staying up-to-date.
• 4. How do you handle difficult or confrontational situations during an interview?
  As a reporter/photographer, it's essential to know how to handle challenging situations with grace and professionalism. Look for answers that demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to handle tough situations with sensitivity.

Experience & Skills in Reporting

• 5. Can you tell us about a time when you had to break a difficult or controversial story?
  This behavioral question assesses the candidate's ability to handle sensitive information and deliver it to the public effectively. Look for answers that demonstrate integrity, accuracy, and ethical reporting practices.
• 6. How do you ensure objective and unbiased reporting?
  Reporting with neutrality and objectivity is essential for accurate journalism. This question evaluates the candidate's understanding of the importance of remaining unbiased and their strategies for achieving it.
• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you had to verify information for a story?
  Inaccurate information can damage a reporter's credibility and reputation. This question evaluates the candidate's attention to detail and fact-checking skills.
• 8. What steps do you take to ensure your work is factually accurate and error-free?
  This question evaluates the candidate's attention to detail, research skills, and ability to deliver accurate information in their reporting.

Experience & Skills in Photography

• 9. Can you walk us through your process for taking and selecting photos for a story?
  This question evaluates the candidate's understanding of the storytelling aspect of photography and their ability to choose the right images to complement a news story.
• 10. How do you ensure your photography adheres to the ethical standards of journalism?
  It's essential for photographers to adhere to ethical standards, especially in sensitive situations. This question assesses the candidate's understanding of ethical practices in journalism and their ability to apply them in their work.
• 11. Can you tell us about a time when you had to edit or rework photos for a story?
  This situational question evaluates the candidate's technical skills and ability to deliver high-quality images.
• 12. How do you stay updated on the latest photography trends and techniques?
  As an interviewer, this question allows you to evaluate the candidate's passion for photography and their commitment to staying up-to-date with industry developments.

Situational Questions

• 13. How would you handle reporting on a story that could potentially harm someone's reputation or cause controversy?
  This situational question evaluates the candidate's ability to handle sensitive situations with ethical considerations and professionalism.
• 14. How would you handle a difficult or uncooperative source during an interview?
  As a reporter/photographer, it's essential to know how to handle challenging situations with grace and professionalism. This question assesses the candidate's ability to navigate difficult interviews and maintain control of the conversation.
• 15. Can you give an example of a time when you had to work with a tight deadline?
  This question evaluates the candidate's ability to work under pressure and deliver work with quality and accuracy, even when faced with tight deadlines.
• 16. How do you handle working on multiple projects or stories at once?
  Managing multiple tasks and projects is a crucial part of being a successful reporter/photographer. This question evaluates the candidate's time-management skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 17. How do you handle receiving constructive criticism or feedback on your work?
  This question evaluates the candidate's openness to feedback and their ability to learn from it and improve.
• 18. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work with a diverse team to achieve a common goal?
  As a reporter/photographer, you will often have to work with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This question evaluates the candidate's ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others.
• 19. What do you know about our news organization, and why do you want to work for us?
  This question evaluates the candidate's research skills and their understanding of the company's values and goals.