30 Multimedia Journalist Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Multimedia Journalist interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
The candidate should pose a realistic idea of what they hope to receive for a salary. Typically, multimedia journalists make between $20,000-$40,000 depending on the television market size located within the city at which the job is located. The more viewers the station or website receives, the more the multimedia journalist can expect to be paid. Therefore, the candidate should answer with a range of salaries based on their previous salary and what they expect to make in the new location.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In my previous job, I made $28,000 as a multimedia journalist in Bangor, Maine. Since I am moving a long distance and in a higher quality publication, I would hope you would consider paying me between $30,000-$34,000."
Written by Christina Erne
2. How does this position fit into your career goals?
How to Answer
This is a chance for the candidate to talk about how this job will fit in their dreams, instead of taking any job offer that comes along. The candidate must prove that this job is one that they will treasure, and will prove themselves to be exceptional at. They must demonstrate that they see themselves working as a multimedia journalist or another related job for the foreseeable future, and that this job will help them achieve a life goal.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I have always wanted to be a multimedia journalist, and this job will help develop my skills, so that someday I can work at a national television station. At your station, not only will I produce great stories for you, but I will constantly be improving and fine tuning my skills, so that someday I can make it to national news."
Written by Christina Erne
3. How do you plan to come up with fresh story ideas?
How to Answer
Finding good quality stories daily or weekly is crucial to being a multimedia journalist. The candidate should be able to provide examples of how they uncover stories in the community where the station or company is. Fresh ideas of how to find stories will indicate that the candidate will be constantly providing fresh content for the television station or website.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"One of my favorite ways to come up with story ideas is to sit at a local coffee shop for a few hours. I listen to what the locals are talking about, and I see where they are going throughout the day and what they are doing out the window. By getting a sense of what they read, what they wear, and what they are passionate about, I can find great stories they will care about."
Written by Christina Erne
4. How well do you work with a team?
How to Answer
The candidate should discuss how they work with others, including those who will be editing and critiquing their work, and assigning them daily tasks. The candidate should demonstrate that they are willing to do any job and cover any story they are given, and are willing to help others in the office succeed by doing what they are assigned and finishing on time.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I am a team player, and enjoy bouncing ideas off others within a group so I can produce my best work. I often find that team members help me improve my work, and find errors I have made that I did not see before. Also, I feel that I do a good job editing other's work, so they can also produce clean copy and great video."
Written by Christina Erne
5. What is your least favorite part of being a multimedia journalist?
How to Answer
A good response conveys to the hiring manager that the candidate does not enjoy covering a certain topic, or does not enjoy a particular part of the job, but ultimately can overcome it. The candidate should always be positive about how they hope to improve, or how they could learn to love it if they had to do it. While the response should always end positively, it is a good response to let the hiring manager know what the candidate struggles with most, so they can ultimately decide if this particular job is a good fit for them.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"My least favorite part of being a multimedia journalist is transcribing interviews. I often remember the content of my interviews and it takes very long for me to type out each word of the interview so I can write a story. However, over time, my typing speed has already improved, and my accuracy has gotten much better as well. Luckily, it is just a small part of the job, and I am already seeing improvement in my own transcribing skills."
Written by Christina Erne
6. If you could choose one subject to cover for the rest of your career, what would it be?
How to Answer
A good response to the question is choosing one particular topic the candidate feels very partial towards or feels they are the best at covering, such as politics or sports. They should be prepared to explain why they feel they are so good at it and what special qualities in the subjects they bring to the station that may be unique or advanced.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"If I could cover politics for the rest of my career, I would certainly do so. I love working in the state house, meeting all of the local politicians, and forming relationships with them so they are willing to do stories with me in the future. It is important to inform the public on what is going on in their local legislature, and I feel that I do a superior job conveying complicated topics in a more simple manner."
Written by Christina Erne
7. If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?
How to Answer
A hiring manager will be able to tell a lot about your personality by learning about your other career interests. This will help the interviewer understand other qualities you possess and in what ways you may fit into the company based on your other skills.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"If I could choose a new career path, I would want to become a teacher. I work very well with children and love to slow down my work flow and help others. I also am good at explaining one topic in multiple different ways until someone understands, and this helps me as a multimedia journalist because I have to make sure the way I tell story will be understood by all kinds of people."
Written by Christina Erne
8. Have you ever taken a role in a company that hasn't fit into your long-term career plans?
How to Answer
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. This will also give the interviewer an idea of the other kinds of work you are capable of doing, and certain work you are not as successful at.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"My first job was as a painter. Although it helped me develop my creativity, which helps me become a colorful writer today, it did not allow me to tell other people's stories and travel, which I hope to gain in this job."
Written by Christina Erne
9. What is one ethical question you have run into while reporting a story and how did you resolve it?
How to Answer
The field of journalism often challenges a person's ethical decision-making, especially when investigating controversial stories. It is important for a candidate to show that they will not put the station or company at risk for getting into legal trouble for any of their investigations. The candidate also must show that they use good moral judgment and care about those they interview, and will not wrongfully accuse someone, or write something false about them to harm their future reputation.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In the past, I interviewed the family of a woman who was being investigated for a murder. Even though there was much evidence she was guilty, ethically I had to make sure I protected the family's privacy in my story by not releasing their last names and I had to report on it fairly and evenly on both sides."
Written by Christina Erne
10. What is your experience on live television?
How to Answer
Multimedia journalists are often expected to report live without stumbling, stuttering, or making mistakes. They are also expected to know their story well by the time they are live, so that they will not mess up and are able to best communicate the story to viewers clearly and concisely. Interviewers must make sure the candidate they choose need little training and are not shy in front of an audience. They are also looking for someone who speaks clearly and does not get nervous easily, even under pressure.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"Although I have never been live before, I have been featured in many of my own stories to air on television. I am confident that my practice in doing so will help me succeed and not freeze up on camera when I am live. Over time, I am sure my confidence will grow."
Written by Christina Erne
11. How do you work on tight deadline?
How to Answer
A tight deadline could mean that the story or work is due within a few days, a single day, or even a few hours. The candidate must explain how they work under pressure, and will not be late submitting their work. They must demonstrate their mastery of all aspects of the job and how if necessary they could complete extremely quickly but with the same amount of precision as any other story they have done.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"There have been many times I have only had one single work day to complete a video story for television. Although there are so many aspects of the job to complete, including posting to social media, I consistently produce creative writing and good quality video, and I get better every time."
Written by Christina Erne
12. What part of the job are you most excited about?
How to Answer
The saying goes, if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. Interviewers can tell when a candidate loves what they do, and can expect a high quality of work out of someone who is excited about doing the work.
A good response includes a passionate account of what the candidate hopes to accomplish during this job. The candidate should discuss their favorite aspect of the job, or something they hope to learn. The response should get the interviewer excited about hiring this person.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I am most excited about picking up the camera and starting to shoot video of the downtown area. I cannot wait to meet the locals and start telling their stories. The more I tell their stories accurately and emotionally, the more they will trust me and welcome me into the area."
Written by Christina Erne
13. What is your experience working with technology and social media?
How to Answer
The candidate should talk about their experience working with social media and the most up-to-date and popular social media technologies. This shows that once they create a story, they are able to share it on multiple platforms so the website or television station will gain viewers and followers. Multimedia journalism is a constantly changing field due to the rapid changes in technology, and the candidate must explain how they are with adapting to new technologies and how quickly they can learn.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I am well versed in using Twitter, Facebook, and most recently learned how to go live on Periscope. However, if viewers in this community like getting their information from another social media source, I am a quick learner who can learn how to do use it in no time."
Written by Christina Erne
14. What are your benefits expectations?
How to Answer
Besides basic benefits typically offered in a full time job such as medical and dental care, multimedia media journalists often receive a stipend for clothing, makeup, or other things that are required for them to do their job. Candidates should respond by mentioning what they received in their previous job, or what they expect they will need based on the job description.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"Since I am expected to be live every night on television, I need to wear makeup, which is a cost that adds up. I would like to have the station cover my makeup costs."
Written by Christina Erne
15. Why do you think this particular city/state/television market would benefit from you working here?
How to Answer
The candidate should discuss their best qualities as they relate to multimedia journalism and how their knowledge of the job will benefit the whole community. The candidate can discuss ways that their reporting, writing, and photography could help spread the word on local issues, national concerns, or human interest stories to boost spirits.
A good response should make the candidate seem like they want to be a part of the community and will strive to get to know the location they are in. Oftentimes in the field, a multimedia journalist must move to a new part of the country that they have never lived in before, and they must demonstrate their ability to get to know a new area quickly.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I believe Albany, New York will benefit from me working here because I am already familiar with the northeast. I love the weather here, and know that snow is a big economy drive in the area. My prior knowledge of the northeast will help me gain insight into the topics that people in Albany care about."
Written by Christina Erne
16. Why did you want to become a multimedia journalist?
How to Answer
A good answer should include why the candidate wants to perform the job, and why they feel that they have the skills to do it well. A candidate should explain their experience in writing, reporting, interviewing, and editing video and pictures. The candidate should highlight what has influenced them to become a multimedia journalist.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I want to become a multimedia journalist because I love to tell stories through writing, but also through pictures and video. I feel that I have experience in using multiple types of media to tell a thorough story for our television broadcasts and for our website."
Written by Christina Erne
17. How will your previous experience help you exceed at being a multimedia journalist?
How to Answer
The candidate should mention any previous jobs they have had as a multimedia journalist, or any jobs related to any of the tasks within the job description. They should explain how their prior experience makes them a qualified candidate, and what makes them well equipped to perform the job. If the candidate does not have prior experience in the field, they should mention related jobs or personality traits that will help them do the job well.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In college, I interned for a television station and also I wrote for a semester for a local newspaper. I learned about the job firsthand and know what it takes to complete the job."
Written by Christina Erne
18. When did you realize you wanted to become a multimedia journalist?
How to Answer
The candidate should discuss with the interviewer a particular moment or moments in their life that lead up to them wanting to pursue the career. A good response would include how the candidate decided they wanted to become a multimedia journalist and how they knew the job was a good fit for their type of personality. The answer should also give insight into the person's likes and dislikes of the job and how they will succeed.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I first knew I wanted to become a multimedia journalist when I interned at a radio station. I knew I wanted to be in front of a camera instead of behind a microphone, but I learned how to interview people and understood the types of stories the public enjoyed listening to."
Written by Christina Erne
19. What was the biggest mistake you have ever made while on the job?
How to Answer
Not all mistakes or errors someone makes on the job is a bad one. They often learn from these mistakes and help them become a better worker. The candidate should discuss how they have made a certain error int eh past and what they have learned from it to make them a more knowledgeable and experienced multimedia journalist.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"Once, I published a story on social media that had an incorrect fact. I later found out I had made a mistake, but I immediately edited it and re-published it with the correct information. I also informed my manager, so they knew that I had corrected my mistake, and I learned that I should fact check each article before I upload them."
Written by Christina Erne
20. What are your favorite types of stories to report on?
How to Answer
A good response would highlight the candidate's particular interests and how they can be an asset to the company by excelling with covering certain topics.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"My favorite types of stories to cover are community fundraiser events because I love to meet the community, take pictures of local families, and show how the community is constantly helping each other."
Written by Christina Erne
21. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
How to Answer
The candidate should answer honestly with where they would like to be in their career in the near future, and how this job would help them achieve that. The answer should be a realistic one, and use parts of the current job they are applying for to show what they plan to achieve within that position and how they hope to improve over the next few years in order to reach future goals.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In five years, I see myself working as a reporter with a photographer. While I love shooting video for myself and working on stories alone, I hope to become so advanced in my interviewing and communication skills that I can focus more on forming relationships with the public in that way and let a full-time photographer help me tell my story."
Written by Christina Erne
22. Why is this job a good fit for you?
How to Answer
The candidate should respond by explaining why they are perfect to perform the job and what qualities they bring to the company. They should include ways they bring fresh ideas to the table, certain ways of working that make them special or efficient, and character traits that will help them succeed in the job.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I believe I am perfect for this job because I have always been curious and good at talking to people, and I know I will be able to uncover interesting stories and use visual aspects like video to share it with others."
Written by Christina Erne
23. Who is your biggest role model?
How to Answer
The candidate should provide an example of someone they look up to in the field of multimedia journalism or reporting and explain why this person is inspiring to them. They should highlight aspects of that person's career path and how they became as inspirational as they are today. They should also mention ways they try to learn from that person and why they believe they will be a better multimedia journalist because of it.
Alternatively, the candidate can choose a person outside of the field, and explain why this person has influenced their life. They should explain why this change in them makes them a good candidate for the job.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"My biggest role model is Lester Holt because he started in a very small market and now is the anchor of the nightly news. He worked his way to the top, and put in much time and effort, and I believe I can do the same."
Written by Christina Erne
24. What does the title "multimedia journalist" mean to you?
How to Answer
A good response by the candidate should describe each aspect of the job description. The interviewer asks this question to know if the candidate is aware of all of the responsibilities the job entails, including writing, editing, reporting, posting on social media such as Twitter and Facebook, interviewing subjects, and coming up with fresh story ideas each day. A good answer would include each of these tasks, as well as other intangible ones, such as informing the public and keeping people safe.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"To me, multimedia journalist means someone who uses pictures and video to tell a story, and do not need a photographer to help tell the story. Instead, they are their own photographer, and can take control of an interview or the telling of a story in order to keep the public informed on current events."
Written by Christina Erne
25. What is your favorite part about being a multimedia journalist?
How to Answer
A good response is for the candidate to explain why they want to take this job position and why they are passionate about it. The interviewer wants to know how badly the candidate wants to do the job and why they will continue to work hard at it over time. Interviewers are looking for someone who cares about the job and will give their all day after day, and they want to know what keeps the candidate motivated.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"My favorite part about being a multimedia journalist is that everyday, your job is different. Each day you find a new story to report on, whether it is sad, happy, exciting, or mysterious. It makes coming into work each day fresh and new."
Written by Christina Erne
26. What was the most challenging story you have ever covered?
How to Answer
The candidate should respond by telling the interviewer the most difficult story they have ever covered as a multimedia journalist, especially one that has been emotional. The candidate can respond well by using this example to show that they can still work under pressure, regardless of the topic they are covering. They also should respond by showing that they can learn from covering sometimes difficult events or stories, yet stay calm and unnerved while doing so. A good response would show that the candidate learned something from the challenging experience.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"The hardest story I have ever covered is when a college boy went missing and his body was found in a local river. Although this was a traumatic story to cover and it was difficult to interview his family, I learned how to communicate gently with a mourning family. If I ever covered a sad story like this again, I would know exactly how to tell of the loss without offending family and loved ones."
Written by Christina Erne
27. What is your experience with lighting?
How to Answer
A large responsibility of being a multimedia journalist is being able to produce a good quality video or picture of a subject to show on television or on digital platforms. Using lights to highlight the subject or tell a story is critical to producing a good quality work. The candidate should discuss their previous experience with lighting shots and their knowledge of lighting to show the interviewer that they are capable of producing good work. They also should show flexibility in learning new techniques and improving their work if need be.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I have much experience shooting video late at night or early in the morning, so I am very good at using lighting to expose faces against dark backgrounds. I am also well versed at white balancing my camera when the sun sets or rises, so I always have a shot that is correctly color balanced. However, I am open to other photographers introducing me to new techniques to I can improve."
Written by Christina Erne
28. What is your experience with working cameras?
How to Answer
The candidate should respond by mentioning their previous experience working with cameras, both still and video. They should mention various features of both types of cameras they have worked with before and types of works they have produced with both. They should mention types of cameras they have used in the past and their experience with adapting to new camera technology. The candidate should also mention their familiarity with editing software for both video and still photography, and their experience uploading these to digital platforms and social media.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"My experience with still photography dates back to high school, where I took an interest in taking nature photos with a Nikon. I am also very familiar with all Canon models. I know how to take video with both types of cameras. More recently, I have learned how to use DSLR video cameras, and I use the editing software Avid to edit my videos."
Written by Christina Erne
29. What is your favorite story you have covered?
How to Answer
The candidate should respond by giving a story or anecdote of their favorite story and explain why it is their favorite. The candidate should use an example that highlights all of their skill sets and tells the interviewer a little bit about their personality and stories they like to cover.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In my previous job, I covered a story about local veterans raising a rare breed of pigs at a dairy farm. Not only did the veterans have a farm to take care of, which helped them ease their way back into the work force, but also brought a dying breed back from potential extinction. I loved this story because I got to work with animals, which I love, and I enjoyed seeing how happy the coverage made the veterans and their families."
Written by Christina Erne
30. What skills do you have that set you apart from other potential candidates?
How to Answer
Interviewers often interview dozens of potential multimedia journalists at a time and weigh each of their past experience, references, and skill sets. The candidate should find particular parts of their own previous experience and examples of their skills to set them apart from the many other candidates applying for the same position. A good response includes the candidate's experience doing all responsibilities of being a multimedia journalist, including making deadline, writing, reporting, and using media such as pictures and video to tell a good story. The candidate should find something special from their past experience that sets them apart from the others, such as a particular mastery of social media platforms, or exceptional delivery on live television.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"While other candidates may be good writers, I am able to include exceptional pictures and video along with concise and clear writing and reporting. My work sets me far above the rest because I add many elements to my work to produce a quality story that the community will enjoy."
Written by Christina Erne