Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Reporter & Sub Editor Roles – 2025

Preparing for a reporter or sub editor job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your writing skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience in journalism. Whether you’re applying to work for a newspaper, magazine, or online publication, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us a little about your background and experience in journalism?
  A: I have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and have been working as a reporter for the past five years. I have experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, business, and entertainment, and have also worked as a sub editor for one year.
• 2. How do you stay updated on current events and trends in the industry?
  A: I follow various news sources and publications to stay updated on current events and also attend conferences and workshops related to journalism.
• 3. Can you tell us about a time when you had to meet a tight deadline?
  A: During my time as a reporter, I had to cover a breaking news story and submit an article within an hour. I was able to gather all necessary information, write a comprehensive article, and submit it before the deadline.
• 4. How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your writing?
  A: I believe constructive criticism is essential for growth and improvement. I always take feedback positively and use it to improve my writing skills.
• 5. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
  A: I believe in setting priorities based on deadlines and importance. I also use time management techniques such as creating a to-do list and breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle conflicting information from sources?
  A: During an investigation, I received conflicting information from two sources. I carefully cross-checked the information and conducted further research to verify the accuracy of the information before including it in my article.
• 7. How do you ensure accuracy in your reporting and fact-checking?
  A: I make sure to do thorough research and fact-checking before publishing any information. I also verify information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
• 8. Tell us about a story you covered that had a significant impact on your community?
  A: I wrote a feature article on a local small business struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. The article gained a lot of attention and support from the community, which helped the business survive and thrive.
• 9. How have you handled difficult or sensitive topics in your reporting?
  A: I approach difficult and sensitive topics with empathy and respect. I make sure to thoroughly research and verify information before reporting and always consider the impact of my words on those involved.
• 10. Can you give an example of a time when you had to think outside the box to get a story?
  A: I once had to cover a local event that was cancelled last minute due to bad weather. I quickly came up with an idea to do interviews with attendees and vendors to write a feature article about how the event would have been if it hadn't been cancelled.

Situational Questions

• 11. If you were working on a breaking news story that was constantly evolving, what steps would you take to ensure timely and accurate coverage?
  A: Firstly, I would gather as much information as possible from reliable sources to draft a basic article. Then, I would continue to update the article as new details emerged, while also verifying the accuracy of the information.
• 12. How would you handle a situation where a source refused to comment on a story?
  A: I would respect their decision and try to find alternative sources to ensure the story is accurately represented. If the source was a crucial element of the story, I would do more research and try to persuade them to comment.
• 13. What would you do if you discovered a factual error in an article you've already published?
  A: I would immediately issue a correction and apology, both on the publication's website and through a retraction in the following issue. I would also inform the editors and take steps to prevent similar errors in the future.
• 14. How would you manage a sudden influx of work and tight deadlines?
  A: I would prioritize tasks based on deadlines and delegate if necessary. I would also communicate with my editor to see if extensions could be granted or if there is any additional support available.
• 15. If you were assigned a controversial story that you personally disagreed with, how would you handle it?
  A: As a journalist, it is important to remain impartial and objective in reporting. I would make sure to present all sides of the story and allow the readers to form their own opinions.

Technical Questions

• 16. How do you ensure your articles are SEO-friendly and optimized for online reading?
  A: I am familiar with SEO principles and use them to optimize headlines, keywords, and formatting to ensure better visibility for my articles online.
• 17. Can you provide examples of tools or software you have used for fact-checking and editing?
  A: I have used tools like Grammarly, AP Stylebook, and Google Fact Check Explorer for fact-checking and editing.
• 18. Have you had experience working with multimedia in your articles?
  A: Yes, I have experience incorporating photos, videos, and infographics into my articles. I also have basic knowledge of editing tools like Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.
• 19. How do you keep up with changing trends in journalism and storytelling?
  A: I constantly attend workshops and conferences on journalism and digital storytelling, and also follow industry leaders and publications for new trends and techniques.
• 20. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a sensitive source or sensitive information in a story?
  A: During a story involving a potential scandal, I had to keep the identity of a source anonymous. I took all necessary measures to ensure their safety and credibility, while also protecting the integrity of the story.