24 Meteorologist Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

What are you most nervous of in this job?

The candidate should respond honestly with any concerns, including salary, moving costs, or hours worked. They should mention why they are concerned with this issue and what would make them feel more comfortable about accepting the position.

Christina's Answer

"I am worried about moving to a city I have never lived in before because I do not know anyone here and am unfamiliar with the area. However, I look forward to exploring it and I hope I become friends with other employees here so they can show me around."

2.

Have you progressed in your career as you have expected?

The candidate should speak honestly about what they are glad they have accomplished, and what they wish they have done. However, the candidate should always be positive about accomplishing those things in the future and should be forward-looking to their achievements to come.

Christina's Answer

"While I never thought my career would have brought me to all the cities and states I have lived in, I am glad I had those experiences. However, I look forward to finding one place I am excited to stay in for a long time, and I feel I can continue to pursue my dreams and keep advancing in meteorology at this station."

3.

How do you perform on live television during severe weather events?

A good response to this question is for the candidate to tell the interviewer how their command of the science behind meteorology and their mastery of being on live television makes them feel comfortable in any situation. The candidate should respond by explaining to the interviewer their confidence level in their forecasts, and how that confidence leads them to perform their best on air in any given situation. A candidate also may mention an example from previous work and how they potentially saved lives by giving continuous coverage to a severe weather event without instilling fear into viewers.

Christina's Answer

"I am very calm under pressure during severe weather events. Although there is so much to do during these times, like continuously checking the satellite and radars and making sure I am delivering the most up-to-date and correct information, I am able to do so quickly in between my hits. I enjoy the rush and excitement of severe weather, and do not sound rushed or panicked, even though the public may be scared."

4.

What sources do you use to assemble your forecast?

A meteorologist should respond to this question with their general workflow day-to-day when they come into the office and produce a forecast. They should mention all of the credible sources they use to figure out temperatures, and mention a variety of maps they use to see how the weather will be changing and what that means for the viewing area. They should mention sources from both local radars and national ones, so they show they have an understanding of how weather throughout the country affects the local weather and climate.

Christina's Answer

"When I first get in for my shift, I go to the National Weather Service website to check the forecast discussion to see if there are any severe weather warnings or advisories posted for the area. I next check the NAM, GFS, FUS, MOS and MEX text data for at least three major cities in our viewing area to come up with my temperatures, winds, and conditions for the next seven days. I also check the NCEP models and a frontal map to see where the high and low pressures are surrounding are area and how they will affect us."

5.

What are your benefits expectations?

A candidate should be honest in what they would like, but also be realistic. The candidate could take examples of what previous employers offered them and ask for one or two important benefits they would like for the job and why it is important for them to have it.

Christina's Answer

"I would like a stipend for haircuts because I have found that I keep myself more well-maintained when I am able to get my hair cut on a regular basis without worrying about the financial aspect."

6.

What will you add to the weather department?

A good answer to this question involves the candidate highlighting their best strengths in relation to what the potential new television station does and does not have. A candidate could mention their past experiences and how their successes and failures in the past have lead them to become an expert in their field. The candidate should highlight their strengths in forecasting, communicating with team members, interacting with the public on social media, and bantering on live television with the anchors. The interviewer is also looking for the candidate to bring a unique characteristic to the table that sets them apart from others. A good response would include expressing the candidate's expertise in all fields of meteorology.

Christina's Answer

"Coming from a previous market with many snowstorms and blizzards, my expertise will help the weather departments accurately forecast the timeline of events for an upcoming storm and correctly predict snow totals. I have much experience with snow graphics, so I can help the department create exciting new ones to get viewers interested."

7.

Why did you choose to become a forecaster instead of another type of climatologist?

A good response to this question would be to explain why forecasting is so important to the aspiring meteorologist. A good answer would include aspects of the person's previous experience and how their love for weather sets them apart from other meteorologists the station could hire. It is important for the interviewer to know that the meteorologist is knowledgeable about various aspects of climatology, not just forecasting, but ultimately chose forecasting for a good reason.

Christina's Answer

"Although I am also passionate about environmental science and protecting the environment, I decided forecasting was the career for me because I wanted to be sure I could keep the public safety in the event of severe weather."

8.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

The aspiring meteorologist can respond by discussing where they want to see themselves in the next five years as it relates to meteorology. The candidate should respond positively about the television station and their career path, mentioning how they think they have chosen a career they will stick with for the rest of their life and could not see themselves doing anything different. A good response should convince the interviewer how much the candidate loves weather, and would never have to worry about the candidate being unhappy. Also, a good response will be forward-looking and goal-setting, so the interviewer knows the candidate constantly wants to improve and grow as a meteorologist.

Christina's Answer

"In five years from now, I see myself as a successful meteorologist who has an extremely strong grasp of weather. I see myself being a valuable part of a weather team, and perhaps the chief meteorologist. I see myself being the most respected weather source in the city, no matter where I am living at the time, and I hope to gain this station valuable viewers."

9.

How would you react if you made a mistake on-air?

A good response would show that the candidate is humble and able to take responsibility for mistakes. Meteorology is an imperfect science, and in order to be credible, they must admit mistakes when they happen or afterward. A candidate should respond by discussing their ability to recognize mistakes on the fly, such as incorrect numbers or text on their graphics and explain it to the public so they are not misinformed. They should also respond by mentioning that they would be comfortable addressing the issue later with the public so they will continue to be taken seriously.

Christina's Answer

"If I made a mistake on-air, I would immediately correct myself so the audience knows I was aware of my mistake. If I did not realize my mistake until later, I would post on any of my social media accounts the mistake so everyone would be aware of the correct information. I feel this is the honest thing to do."

10.

What do you know about our local weather?

In this response, the candidate should mention some of the most prominent weather events that typically take place in that location. They should also mention some of the physical features nearby that influence the climate and weather, like mountains and bodies of water. They should tell the interviewer how these features control the weather in their viewing area, and how they will use that information to predict the weather.

Christina's Answer

"I know that surrounding New York, there are many mountain ranges that generate snow in the valleys. Also, the Great Lakes produce lake effect snow, which produces snow only in the higher elevations at times, whereas the valleys see warmer temperatures with more mixing. I would use this knowledge to increase the daily high temperatures in the valleys on snowy days and expect smaller snow totals there."

11.

What are your salary expectations?

The candidate should be honest about what they want to make, as compared to why they want to leave their previous job.

Christina's Answer

"At my previous job, I was making $40,000, but after receiving my American Meteorological Seal of Approval, I am a certified meteorologist and feel my expertise is worth $55,000. This would also help my moving costs."

12.

If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?

A hiring manager will be able to tell a lot about your personality by learning about your other career interests. A candidate could use this question to highlight another one of their strengths.

Christina's Answer

"I certainly do not regret the direction I have taken my career; however, if I had to completely start over in a new direction I would want to become a teacher. I enjoy working with children, and I even think this helps me as a meteorologist to speak to the audience in a way that even a child could understand the forecast."

13.

How do you respond to pressure at work?

A meteorologist can respond by mentioning different pressures they may face in the job, such as technology failures, adverse interactions with co-workers, or added pressure from working extra shifts. The candidate should respond by mentioning these potential stressors, and how they plan on resolving any of them as they happen. They must prove that they will complete their job successfully, and that the viewers will not notice any issues.

Christina's Answer

"No matter what is going on at work or at home in my personal life, viewers would never know, because I keep my personality consistent in front of the screen. If I am having issues with someone or something at work, I address it head on and right away, so it can be resolved, and I can continue my great work."

14.

Have you ever taken a role in a company that hasn't fit into your long-term career plans?

Most people have taken on a position that was not a fit for them in the end. It's best top openly discuss any positions that you have held that were not a fit. This will assist the interviewer in being able to properly place you within their organization. Be sure to end your answer on a positive note, discussing how you bounced back from the misstep. Further, the candidate should talk about how they know their new career path of meteorology is the one for them and how they have learned from their previous mistakes.

Christina's Answer

"I originally went to college for reporting, but after a few years, I realized that there was too much stress involved in the career path. While I do not regret being a reporter for those few years because it taught me how to be in front of a camera and interact with the public, I am glad I have learned from my mistakes and found meteorology along the way."

15.

How would you respond to working extra shifts?

A candidate should be honest with their schedule, but aware that the field of meteorology requires flexibility around the weather. The candidate should express how in the event of severe weather, they will be available to come in at any time to inform the public on what is going on. The candidate should discuss prior commitments they have outside of work, such as children or elderly parents, but discuss how they could find a way to put their career first if need be in certain situations.

Christina's Answer

"If I was asked to work extra shifts, I would have to check with my children's schedule first, but then I would be able to tell you as soon as possible that I would be able to come in."

16.