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

Are you preparing for a job interview as a sub editor or correspondent? Here's a comprehensive list of top 20 interview questions and answers to help you demonstrate your skills and experience in the field. These questions cover a wide range of topics, from writing and editing proficiency to communication skills and cultural fit. Use these answers to showcase your ability to create engaging and accurate content.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your experience in the role of a sub editor or correspondent?
  A: I have been working as a sub editor and correspondent for the past six years. I hold a degree in journalism and have gained extensive experience in writing, editing, and researching for various publications.
• 2. What do you believe are the key responsibilities of a sub editor or correspondent?
  A: In my opinion, the key responsibilities of a sub editor include fact-checking, proofreading, and ensuring that articles are accurate and adhere to the publication's style guidelines. As a correspondent, my responsibilities entail conducting interviews, researching, and writing compelling stories.
• 3. How do you maintain accuracy and fact-checking while working on tight deadlines?
  A: I prioritize fact-checking and ensure that all information is from reliable sources. I also try to allocate sufficient time for fact-checking in my workflow and communicate any updates or changes to the team if necessary.
• 4. What do you consider the most crucial aspect of working as a sub editor and correspondent?
  A: In my experience, communication is vital. As a sub editor and correspondent, I believe it is crucial to clearly communicate with the team and sources to ensure accurate and timely content.
• 5. How do you stay updated and on top of current events and trends in the industry?
  A: I regularly read industry news and follow various sources on social media to stay updated. I also attend conferences and workshops relevant to my field to gain knowledge and insights.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. How do you approach writing and editing for different mediums, such as print and online?
  A: With print, I prioritize brevity and use language that is easy to understand. For online content, I focus on writing in a more conversational tone and using visuals to enhance the piece.
• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult editorial decision?
  A: In one instance, I had to decide whether to include a controversial statement from a source in an article. After consulting with my editor and considering the publication's guidelines, I chose to omit the statement to avoid any potential backlash.
• 8. How familiar are you with AP and Chicago style?
  A: I am well-versed in both AP and Chicago style and always ensure that my writing adheres to the publication's preferred guidelines.
• 9. Have you ever faced a situation where you had to deal with a mistake in published content? How did you handle it?
  A: Yes, I once discovered a factual error in an article after it was published. I immediately notified my editor and the error was corrected in a timely manner.
• 10. How do you approach interviewing and developing sources for a story?
  A: I always conduct thorough research prior to an interview and prepare a list of questions. I also strive to develop a good rapport with sources and follow up with them if necessary to get additional information for my story.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you recall a time when you had to work under tight deadlines? How did you manage your time and prioritize tasks?
  A: While working as a sub editor for a daily newspaper, I had to cover a breaking news story under a tight deadline. I prioritized my tasks, delegated some work to my team, and managed to submit the story before the deadline.
• 12. Share an experience when you had to resolve a conflict with a colleague or source.
  A: At one point, a source I was interviewing became hostile and refused to answer my questions. I calmly addressed their concerns and sought a resolution, eventually succeeding in getting the information I needed for the story.
• 13. How do you handle constructive criticism and feedback on your writing or reporting?
  A: I welcome constructive criticism as it helps me improve my work. I carefully consider the feedback provided and use it as a learning opportunity for future projects.
• 14. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work on a project or story that you were not particularly interested in? How did you handle it?
  A: While working as a correspondent, I had to cover a story in a field I was not familiar with. I researched and consulted with experts in the field to gain a better understanding and ended up producing a well-received article.
• 15. Share an experience where you had to be creative and think outside the box to come up with a new and unique angle for a story.
  A: I once had to cover a popular event for the third year in a row. To keep the story fresh, I decided to focus on a behind-the-scenes perspective and interviewed event staff and volunteers. The resulting piece was well-received by readers.

Situational Questions

• 16. If you were assigned a story on a topic you were not familiar with, how would you go about conducting research and creating a compelling story?
  A: First, I would research the topic and gather as much information as possible. Then, I would seek out expert sources and conduct interviews to gather additional insights. Finally, I would use my writing skills to create a compelling story that engages readers.
• 17. If you were the first person to come across a breaking news story, how would you handle it?
  A: My first instinct would be to verify the information and contact my editor. I would also start conducting interviews and gathering additional information to write a timely and accurate piece.
• 18. You have been assigned to cover an event that is notorious for causing delays and disruptions. How would you ensure that you meet your deadline?
  A: I would plan ahead and communicate with the event organizers to get a better understanding of the schedule. I would also carry out interviews and gather information before the event to minimize delays and ensure I meet my deadline.
• 19. If you are covering an ongoing story and your sources provide contradicting information, how would you handle it?
  A: I would try to verify the information from different sources and consult with my editor if necessary. If the contradiction can't be resolved, I would present all the information in a balanced and unbiased manner.
• 20. As a sub editor, how would you deal with a situation where an article submitted to you has numerous grammatical and spelling errors?
  A: I would carefully proofread the article and communicate with the writer to address the errors. If needed, I would also suggest edits or rewrites to improve the overall quality of the piece.