Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Senior Business Correspondent - 2025

Are you ready for your interview for a senior business correspondent role? Make sure you have all the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this role by preparing with these twenty interview questions and answers. These questions will help you demonstrate your experience as a journalist and your ability to cover current business news and trends.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your past experience as a journalist.

A: I have been a journalist for over 10 years now, covering a wide range of topics including business, economics, and politics. My past experience has allowed me to develop strong research, writing, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of the media industry.

• 2. How do you stay up-to-date with current business news and trends?

A: I have a variety of sources that I rely on for my research, including reputable news outlets, industry publications, and social media platforms. I also make sure to attend conferences and networking events to stay informed and connected with industry professionals.

• 3. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure in your work?

A: As a journalist, I am accustomed to tight deadlines and high-pressure situations. I prioritize my tasks, stay organized, and remain focused to ensure I meet all deadlines and produce quality work.

• 4. In your opinion, what is the most significant business story of the past year?

A: In my opinion, the most significant business story of the past year was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy. It not only affected businesses but also changed consumer behavior and highlighted the resilience of the business world.

• 5. How do you handle controversial or sensitive topics in your reporting?

A: I believe in responsible and ethical journalism, and I always strive to present all sides of a story in an impartial and respectful manner. I carefully fact-check my sources and seek multiple perspectives to ensure accurate and fair reporting.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a challenging situation you faced while reporting a story and how you overcame it.

A: During my time as a journalist, I was covering a story on a controversial political issue. I faced resistance and intimidation from some of the sources I was interviewing, but I remained persistent and calm. I verified my information and presented the story objectively and responsibly.

• 7. Can you tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a common goal?

A: In my previous role, I was part of a team covering a major global summit. We had to work together efficiently and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment to produce multiple articles on a tight deadline. We successfully coordinated our efforts and delivered high-quality content.

• 8. How do you handle feedback or criticism on your work?

A: I welcome feedback and criticism as an opportunity to improve and grow. I make sure to listen attentively, take notes, and address any concerns or suggestions in my future work.

• 9. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult interviewee.

A: While working on a story on a controversial company, I had to interview a CEO who was known for being evasive in his responses. I prepared thoroughly and asked thought-provoking questions to get the information I needed for an accurate story.

• 10. Can you give an example of a time when you used data and statistics to support a story?

A: In a story about the impact of climate change on the dairy industry, I used data from the National Dairy Council to demonstrate a significant decline in milk production due to extreme weather events. This added credibility to the story and helped readers understand the severity of the issue.

Situational Questions

• 11. If a source asked you to reveal information that you had promised to keep confidential, how would you handle it?

A: I would remind the source of our confidentiality agreement and explain the importance of protecting sources' identity and information. If the source insisted on the information being revealed, I would bring the issue to my editor and seek advice on how to proceed.

• 12. How would you approach reporting on a company that is facing legal charges or controversies?

A: I would conduct thorough research and gather information from multiple sources to ensure that my reporting is accurate and balanced. I would also consider getting statements from legal experts or representatives from both sides to provide a comprehensive perspective.

• 13. If you were given an exclusive interview with a prominent business leader, how would you prepare for it?

A: I would research the person's background, recent interviews, and any relevant news to understand their perspective and potential topics of interest. I would also prepare a list of thought-provoking questions and practice active listening to ensure a thorough and engaging interview.

• 14. How do you handle tight deadlines, conflicting priorities, and unexpected changes in your reporting assignments?

A: I am highly organized and prioritize my tasks based on their importance and deadline. I make sure to communicate any unexpected changes or delays to my team and editor promptly. I can also adjust my approach and work efficiently under pressure to meet all deadlines and produce high-quality work.

• 15. If you discovered a factual error in a story that had already been published, how would you handle it?

A: I would immediately inform my editor and take steps to correct the error as soon as possible. This may include issuing a correction statement or updating the online version of the story.

Technical Questions

• 16. What is your experience with financial reporting, including analyzing financial statements and writing about mergers and acquisitions?

A: In my previous role, I covered a range of financial topics, including analyzing quarterly reports, company earnings, and economic indicators. I also have experience in reporting on mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate finance events.

• 17. How do you ensure accuracy when reporting on complex financial data and terms?

A: I make sure to thoroughly research and understand the data and terms before using them in my reporting. I also rely on experts or sources with relevant knowledge to provide accurate information and clarify any doubts.

• 18. Have you covered any business stories pertaining to international markets or companies?

A: I have covered several international stories, including the impact of global trade agreements on local businesses and the emergence of foreign companies in the US market.

• 19. How do you follow ethical practices when accepting gifts or sponsored trips?

A: I adhere to the S Journalism Ethics Code, which outlines guidelines for accepting gifts, sponsored trips, and other ethical considerations. I make sure to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and maintain objectivity in my reporting.

• 20. Can you give an example of a time when you had to explain complex business news to a non-business audience?

A: In my role as a correspondent, I often have to explain complicated business terms and news to a broader audience. For example, I reported on a story about the impact of a merger between two major companies on local consumers, and I made sure to provide explanations and context for the average reader to understand the effects on their daily lives.