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

Preparing for an interview for a senior reporter or sub editor role? This guide offers a comprehensive list of questions and answers that will help demonstrate your experience, writing skills, and knowledge of the media industry. These questions cover different areas of the job, including editorial decision-making, news reporting, and managing a team.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a reporter/sub editor and what drew you to this profession?
  

  As a journalist, I am passionate about storytelling and staying on top of current events. I enjoy the challenge of gathering and conveying information, as well as the impact that my words can have on a larger audience. My background in writing and editing drew me to the role of reporter/sub editor, where I can use my skills to inform and engage readers.

• 2. How do you stay current on news and industry trends?
  

  I make a conscious effort to follow various news sources, both traditional and digital. I also attend conferences and workshops related to journalism and media. Additionally, I engage with my peers and colleagues to share insights and discuss current topics.

• 3. How would you handle a situation where you disagree with the editorial direction of a story?
  

  I believe in open communication and collaboration in the workplace. If I had concerns about the editorial direction of a story, I would discuss them with my colleagues and offer alternatives or solutions that align with the publication's values and objectives.

• 4. Can you tell us about a time when you faced a challenging situation in your reporting/editing role and how you handled it?
  

  In my previous role as a reporter, I was assigned to cover a sensitive topic that required me to conduct interviews with individuals who were not keen on sharing their story. I approached the situation with empathy and persistence, and eventually gained their trust and was able to tell the story accurately and respectfully.

• 5. How do you prioritize and manage your workload as a reporter/sub editor?
  

  I am a naturally organized person and I utilize tools and techniques such as to-do lists and strict deadlines to stay on top of my tasks. I also prioritize based on the urgency and importance of each task, and delegate when necessary to ensure an efficient workflow.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What experience do you have in creating and editing news stories for different types of publications (print, online, etc.)?
  

  I have experience writing and editing articles for both print and online publications. I am familiar with the different writing styles and formats required for each, and I am able to adapt my writing to suit the audience and platform.

• 7. Can you walk us through your process of fact-checking and verifying information?
  

  I understand the importance of accuracy and credibility in news reporting and always fact-check and verify information from multiple sources before publishing. I also consult with experts or individuals involved in the story to ensure the information is correct and presented in context.

• 8. How do you ensure fairness and objectivity in your reporting/editing?
  

  I keep my personal biases in check and strive to present all sides of a story fairly and objectively. I also fact-check and verify information to ensure accuracy and avoid any misrepresentations.

• 9. Have you ever had to deal with a sensitive or controversial story? How did you handle it?
  

  I have covered several sensitive and controversial stories throughout my career. In these situations, I approach the story with empathy, gather information from multiple sources, and present all sides of the story accurately and sensitively. I also ensure that my editors and colleagues are involved in the decision-making process to maintain ethical standards.

• 10. How have you utilized digital media and social media platforms to promote your work and engage with readers?
  

  I understand the importance of utilizing digital and social media in the modern media landscape. I have used these platforms to share my articles, engage with readers, and promote the publication's content. I also stay updated on the latest social media trends and strategies to enhance the reach and impact of our content.

Cultural Fit

• 11. How do you prioritize and uphold ethical standards in your reporting/editing?
  

  I believe in practicing responsible and ethical journalism. I prioritize accuracy, fairness, and objectivity in my reporting and strive to maintain the trust of our audience. I also follow the publication's ethical guidelines and consult with my editors in situations where ethical decisions need to be made.

• 12. Can you tell us about a time when you faced a difficult situation with a colleague or superior and how you resolved it?
  

  In a past position, I had a disagreement with a colleague about the direction of a story. I scheduled a meeting with them to discuss our perspectives and compromise on a solution that satisfied both of us. We were able to work together smoothly after that and deliver quality work.

• 13. How do you handle constructive criticism and feedback?
  

  I welcome feedback as an opportunity to improve and grow. I listen attentively and take constructive criticism positively, and incorporate it into my work where necessary.

• 14. What do you think is the role of the media in society?
  

  The media has a crucial role in informing and engaging society. We have a responsibility to present accurate and relevant information in a fair and objective manner. We also have the power to give a voice to marginalized communities and hold those in power accountable for their actions.

• 15. How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work?
  

  I am passionate about storytelling and the impact that journalism can have on society. I am constantly seeking new and interesting stories and strive to continuously improve my writing and reporting skills.

Leadership & Management

• 16. Can you tell us about a time when you had to manage a team or lead a project?
  

  In my previous role as the editor-in-chief of a publication, I oversaw a team of reporters and managed the editorial process for all articles. I also led a project to revamp our website and implemented a new editorial calendar system to improve efficiency.

• 17. How do you handle conflicts or difficult situations within a team?
  

  I believe in addressing conflicts immediately and communicating openly and respectfully with team members. I also work towards finding a resolution that benefits everyone and maintaining a positive and productive team dynamic.

• 18. How do you continue to develop and improve your skills as an editor/reporter?
  

  I am a lifelong learner and I actively seek out new opportunities to develop my skills. This includes attending workshops and conferences, networking with other professionals, and staying updated on trends and best practices in the media industry.

• 19. Have you ever implemented changes or improvements in a newsroom or publication? How did you approach it?
  

  In my previous role, I implemented changes to the editorial process and introduced new tools and systems to improve efficiency and collaboration within the team. I consulted with team members to understand their needs and concerns and introduced changes gradually with proper training and support.

• 20. How do you handle tight deadlines and manage competing priorities?
  

  I am able to stay calm and focused under pressure and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. I also communicate with my team and delegate when necessary to ensure the timely delivery of quality work.