The New York Times Mock Interview
Practice 30 The New York Times interview questions covering editorial judgment, digital storytelling, and journalistic integrity.
Question 19 of 30
What makes you the right fit for The NY Times?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
Your interviewer isn't asking you why you want to work for them. They are asking you why they want you to work for them. In other words, they are curious how familiar you are with the NY Times, their mission, their values, and their culture, and what positions you as their ideal candidate. How you answer may inform them of how thoroughly you've prepared for the interview by researching them and yourself, and whether you've identified how you fit their mold and are aligned with their target talent.
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
Take note of how they describe their people on their website to get an idea of the teams they've invested time and energy building. This will give you an idea of the type of talent they aim to recruit. "The Times attracts talented and passionate people who produce and support the distribution of the world's best news report, one that is unrivaled in its ambition, breadth and independence. We employ journalists, developers, strategists, videographers, marketers, art directors and many others. All of us at the company, whether we gather news, explain why our journalism is worth paying for, defend our First Amendment rights or participate in the awe-inspiring ballet of printing and delivering the newspaper to a million doorsteps, know that the integrity of our journalism comes first. To produce our signature journalism and dynamic products that stand apart, we need the finest talent in the world. We value employees at all stages of their careers who bring different perspectives and experiences to The Times."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"I would say that I am the right fit for The New York Times simply because I have the right brand of talent and ambition, which I feel is far more valuable than skill alone. I bring a unique perspective informed by a unique set of experiences, with a voice that is on-brand with The New York Times. I am passionate about the Times' mission, and my values are in line with theirs, and above all, I always have, and do all I can to defend our First Amendment rights, just as the NY Times has always done."
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