What is your experience working with a sales department?
The candidate should discuss any previous experience working with the sales department. Oftentimes, news directors are expected to help the sales department sell parts of the shows to companies who will help sponsor them so the station or publication has revenue. However, the news director must not make any news decisions based on business or financial partnerships they have. The candidate should talk about how they can stay partial to news regardless of other business.
"I realize how important it is to keep sales and news departments separate. While it is critical for us to sell parts of the newscast to sponsors to make some sort of revenue so that we can grow, I will be sure that they will never have a say in what stories we cover. Those decisions will stay within our company only."
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Anonymous Answer
I have extensive experience working with the sales department, and it is a critical relationship that must be open and respectful. As long as there is clarity on what can or cannot be influenced by sales, everyone knows the boundaries that can't be crossed.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's terrific that you bring such extensive experience working with the sales department. To strengthen your response, I recommend adding more accomplishment related details. For instance, have you made an impact on sales numbers in the past? Have you collaborated with the sales department in an exciting/successful initiative? This question is another fantastic opportunity to tell an engaging story of success and teamwork.
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