What is your biggest failure professionally?

"There was a time where I was not a great speaker on television. I stumbled often, and I was disappointed in myself. However, I have grown from that and practiced, and now I barely ever stumble."

The candidate should discuss a time they have struggled in their work and how they worked to fix it. The candidate may use a time that they stumbled on television, or a time they had a communication failure with another worker. However, the candidate should show that they have grown from that experience and know how to not let it happen in the future.

Why is this job right for you at this time?

"I believe this entertainment anchor job is right for me at this time because I have worked hard in the news industry to learn how to write and be on television and now I feel that I am ready to take on my true passion, the entertainment world."

The candidate should discuss the reasons why they are looking to take this job at this time in their life. Perhaps they have a future goal that the job will help with, or perhaps they are excited to take on a new journey. They should talk about why they believe this is a good time for them to take the job and why.

What is your favorite entertainment story you have covered and why?

"My favorite story I have covered in the entertainment industry is the death of Prince. Even though it is a sad story, so many stories of people finding happiness through his music inspired me."

The candidate should discuss their favorite entertainment story and why it was their favorite. Through answering this question, they should show their deep passion for the entertainment field, and show their experience creating a story or anchoring a newscast that people want to listen to.

What stories do you believe are the most important to report?

"I believe the most important stories are the ones that reach the most people possible. If it affects many people, I will want to put it first in a show."

The candidate should discuss different types of stories that entertainment anchors report on, and which ones should receive higher priority in a newscast over others. For instance, breaking news, celebrity deaths, and stories that involve highly popular people are typically prioritized because more people are likely to want to listen. The candidate should make his or herself a knowledgeable source about the industry.

What is your experience writing for television broadcasts?

"I have been writing for television broadcasts in both news and entertainment for many years. I used to be a writer for the news industry as a producer, and that gave me great experience telling stories."

The candidate should talk about their experience writing for television. They may talk about their experience writing for television broadcasts, or their past writing experience on other topics. They should talk about how they plan to write for the entertainment industry to attract viewers.

How do you work under pressure?

"I work very well under pressure! A large part of the job is based on stressful situations and writing quickly and well, and I know I have what it takes to do the job well, even when it is challenging and I am under time constraints."

A good anchor is able to work under tight deadlines to create stories or break news that may pop up a few minutes before or even during a newscast. They must be able to assemble a story that includes facts and sounds cohesive to the viewers. The candidate should discuss their experience working under pressure and how they would work if they experienced stress on the job.

Why is this station a good location for you?

"I believe this location and station are good fits for me because I grew up in this state and know about the stories that mean a lot to the locals."

The hiring manager wants to know why the candidate feels they are a good fit for this location and the news in this area. The candidate should show that they are well suited to cover entertainment news in this area based on their knowledge of the area, or their ability to adapt to new places.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

"In five years from now, I see myself being the lead entertainment anchor at this station. I will be the most trustworthy source in the area that people throughout the country would even come to me for entertainment information."

The candidate should discuss where they hope to be in the near future based on what they will learn in the current job. The candidate should be positive about growing in the job to eventually work their way up through their career.

How do you find unique contacts within the entertainment industry?

"Whenever I meet someone on the job, no matter who they are, I exchange business cards. Just in the event that I may need them in the future or they have a contact for me, it is important to keep contacts. I have so many people in my network and that will benefit the entertainment segment at this station."

A good entertainment anchor as unique and special contacts that help them find the best information possible about the latest and breaking news. The candidate should talk about the ways they find contacts and stay in touch with them so they can make the station have the best sources.

Why did you choose entertainment over other aspects of news?

"I believe I am fit for the entertainment industry because while the news industry has both stories that are positive and negative, the entertainment has many more positive stories, and I love brightening people's day."

The candidate should explain why they believe they are the best candidate for an entertainment job. The hiring manager is looking to find out why the candidate wants to work in entertainment over other fields, and the candidate should discuss why they love working in entertainment so much.

How do you keep up to date with entertainment news?

"Since I have been working in the entertainment industry for years, I know all the best ways of staying up to date with the latest news. I am especially good at using keywords online to keep up to date with the latest news, and get notified when important stories pop up."

Entertainment anchors are expected to be the first to know about any breaking news in the entertainment industry. The candidate should discuss how they keep up to date with the breaking news, including on social media, and having contacts within the industry that keep them updated. They must discuss how their ability to know information first makes them the best candidate.

Why do you think you are a good fit for the job?

"I believe I am the best candidate for the job because of my superior knowledge of local entertainment. I once was a part of an actor's guild in this city and have many connections within the industry."

This is a good time for the candidate to talk about their biggest skills and strengths as it pertains to the job. Perhaps the candidate has a certain skill set for the station that sets them apart from others. The candidate should talk about how their specific skill set, such as their knowledge of the entertainment industry in the area, or their social media presence, will make the station greater.

How does this job fit into your career plans?

"In the future, I hope to work for an entertainment show in California. But until then, I hope this job will give me the necessary experience to be the best entertainment reporter locally that I can be."

A hiring manager is looking for someone who will take the job seriously yet still have a future goal in mind. Candidates who have a goal for the future often do some of the best work. The candidate should discuss how they will make sure they put all their effort into the job and learn as much as they can while they are in it.

What are you most proud of in your career?

"I am most proud of how fast I have progressed through the television industry. For someone of my age, I have accomplished so much, and my youth I believe can add a different perspective to this team."

The candidate should discuss their biggest achievements in their career and what parts of him or herself they are most proud of. This shows the hiring manager their biggest strengths and how they can be a good part of the team.

Why do you want to be in the television industry?

"I want to be in the television industry because I believe I have a personality that will attract many viewers. I am fun and interesting and I can bring entertainment news alive."

The candidate should discuss why they want to be in the television industry based on their passions and skills. The interviewer is looking for someone who does not just want to be on TV, but has the proper experience and devotion to the field of entertainment and news to do the job well. The candidate should describe what skills they possess to make them a perfect fit for the job.

What time of day do you work best in?

"I prefer working late nights so I have time for my children during the day, but I produce my best work 24/7."

People who work in the news industry often work strange and challenging hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. The candidate should discuss which hours they prefer working, but be sure to stay open to any hours, and assure the hiring manager you are capable of working under any circumstance.

How do you find the balance between national and local entertainment stories?

"I feel that it is necessary to include as much local entertainment news in the show as possible because the locals will be interested in what is close by. However, fun entertainment stories from around the country lift people's spirits, and even sad ones are important to hear about."

An entertainment reporter is expected to have a wide variety of stories of popular topics, including a range of local stories and also national ones. The candidate should discuss how they plan to balance these types of stories so locals will enjoy the show and feel invested in it.

What is your experience ad libbing when necessary on television?

"I belive I am such a good fit for this job because I am able to speak cohesively and confidently without a script. In the event that the prompter fails or an anchor tosses to me early, I will be able to speak as if nothing went wrong."

Oftentimes, anchors are required to ad lib when technology fails or another anchor needs help. An entertainment anchor must be able to speak well on television, but also must be able to speak without using a script and still sound cohesive. The candidate should describe their experience ad libbing and how they could fill in during an emergency.

How do you work as a part of a team?

"I have worked with a news team in the past, and I believe I do my job better in a team because we have multiple people helping each other through the show. When one person needs help, it is important to communicate, and i believe I can be an essential part of moving the show forward."

News and entertainment are often intertwined in a television newsroom. A newsroom anchor must be able to coordinate their time with others on television, and must also be able to communicate when it is necessary. The candidate should discuss how they work with a team and how they will be a valuable part of one.

How do you take criticism?

"I believe that criticism has shaped my career and made me a better person over time. I even ask for suggestions on how to improve my work after a while so I know where I can continue to grow."

A hiring manager is looking for someone who is able to take criticism well and able to make changes where it is necessary. The candidate should discuss not only how they work with others helping them or giving them gentle criticism, but also describe how criticism will ultimately make them a better reporter.

What are your benefits expectations?

"At my last station, I received makeup and haircuts free paid for by the station. I would appreciate this same stipend."

Oftentimes, entertainment anchors are given a stipend monthly or yearly based on things they need to do the job, such as clothing and makeup. The candidate should discuss what type of benefits they hope to receive to see if they can come to a negotiation with the hiring manager.

What are your salary expectations?

"I hope to make between $40,000-$43,000 for this job since I have already worked as an entertainment industry and bring you much experience."

Entertainment anchors make a range of salaries, based on prior experience and where they are taking the job. A starting salary for an entertainment anchor is between $30,000-$45,000 depending on the size of the television market. Promotions over the years are possible. The candidate should discuss their preferred range and be open to negotiations.

What is your experience with social media?

"I have been using social media since I was young, and I am fluent at finding followers, staying up to date with stories, and finding out which stories our viewers most want to hear about."

One of the main responsibilities of an entertainment anchor is to push their stories to social media accounts so viewers online will be able to read and watch their stories. Also, entertainment reporters often like to poll viewers on their opinions of stories, and online is a good way to reach many people at once. A good candidate should be able to work well with social media.

What are your favorite types of stories to report?

"I love reporting stories on animals in the news because at the beginning or end of a sad newscast, I bring light and silliness to brighten viewer's days."

The candidate should talk about what types of entertainment stories are their favorites to report. Perhaps they like reporting stories about celebrities, or perhaps they prefer focusing on stories about trending types of restaurants moving into big cities. The candidate should discuss what their favorite stories are and why they prefer reporting these.

What is your experience in front of a camera?

"In college, I interned with a local television station who taught me confidence in front of a camera. Since then, I have significantly improved speaking on camera without stumbling."

The main responsibility of an anchor is to be in front of a camera. The candidate not only has to be able to produce content to report on television, but they must have the ability to talk on live television. The candidate should discuss their experience doing this and why they are a good fit for the station.

Why do you want to be an entertainment anchor?

"I want to be an entertainment anchor because I have been a curious reporter my entire life. I was raised with my mother who was always watching entertainment shows and magazines and I feel I have built up enough knowledge of the field to be able to take this on professionally."

The candidate should discuss what motivates them to come into work each day. They should talk about why they believe they are fit for the job based on their unique abilities and interests in the entertainment industry. The candidate may discuss why they wanted to get into the entertainment field in the first place and why they feel they will be successful moving forward.

What is your experience in the entertainment industry?

"I have been working in the entertainment industry for years. I have ample experience writing and reporting on television about entertainment news and I love it."

The candidate should discuss any and all past experience they have reporting entertainment news. This includes experience writing about entertainment news, blogging online, or conducting research on the latest popular trends, foods, restaurants, celebrities, concerts, and more.

Entertainment Anchor Interview Questions

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1. What is your biggest failure professionally?
2. Why is this job right for you at this time?
3. What is your favorite entertainment story you have covered and why?
4. What stories do you believe are the most important to report?
5. What is your experience writing for television broadcasts?
6. How do you work under pressure?
7. Why is this station a good location for you?
8. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
9. How do you find unique contacts within the entertainment industry?
10. Why did you choose entertainment over other aspects of news?
11. How do you keep up to date with entertainment news?
12. Why do you think you are a good fit for the job?
13. How does this job fit into your career plans?
14. What are you most proud of in your career?
15. Why do you want to be in the television industry?
16. What time of day do you work best in?
17. How do you find the balance between national and local entertainment stories?
18. What is your experience ad libbing when necessary on television?
19. How do you work as a part of a team?
20. How do you take criticism?
21. What are your benefits expectations?
22. What are your salary expectations?
23. What is your experience with social media?
24. What are your favorite types of stories to report?
25. What is your experience in front of a camera?
26. Why do you want to be an entertainment anchor?
27. What is your experience in the entertainment industry?

Entertainment Anchor Interview Questions

1. What is your biggest failure professionally?

2. Why is this job right for you at this time?

3. What is your favorite entertainment story you have covered and why?

4. What stories do you believe are the most important to report?

5. What is your experience writing for television broadcasts?

6. How do you work under pressure?

7. Why is this station a good location for you?

8. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

9. How do you find unique contacts within the entertainment industry?

10. Why did you choose entertainment over other aspects of news?

11. How do you keep up to date with entertainment news?

12. Why do you think you are a good fit for the job?

13. How does this job fit into your career plans?

14. What are you most proud of in your career?

15. Why do you want to be in the television industry?

16. What time of day do you work best in?

17. How do you find the balance between national and local entertainment stories?

18. What is your experience ad libbing when necessary on television?

19. How do you work as a part of a team?

20. How do you take criticism?

21. What are your benefits expectations?

22. What are your salary expectations?

23. What is your experience with social media?

24. What are your favorite types of stories to report?

25. What is your experience in front of a camera?

26. Why do you want to be an entertainment anchor?

27. What is your experience in the entertainment industry?