How to Answer: In what type of situations is it better to stretch the truth to sell a story?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Journalist job interview.
2. In what type of situations is it better to stretch the truth to sell a story?
How to Answer
Journalism, the news, the media - everyone stands accused of sensationalizing details to gain traction on a story. The interviewer would like to know if you would stretch the truth to sell a story or to have it go viral. Of course, you already know that it is not okay to lie in an article or publication. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to sell stories without stretching the truth.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 27th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I feel that if you need to stretch the truth to sell a story, you probably aren't a natural writer or journalist. If you know what you're doing and understand your audience, there should be no need to stretch the truth. Honesty is always the best policy."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 27th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I am not in the habit of stretching the truth. I believe that fact-based journalism is the best route. I would not want to make an important decision with any information loosely based on fact, so I would not do the same to my readership."
Written by Rachelle Enns