Weather Producer Interview
Questions

6. How do you decide when to break into programming for severe weather cut-ins? During certain severe weather events, it is necessary to interrupt regularly scheduled programming to inform people of the deadly weather moving in. The weather producer is responsible for notifying the news department of the importance of cutting in, and should discuss with the hiring manager that when they recognize severe weather could be deadly, it is imperative to cut in. Here is an answer example: "Although we try our best to update viewers on social media during breaking weather events, there are times where it is imperative. I know that we have to cut in when the National Weather Service issues watches and warnings for severe weather, or when we see a cell pop up that could be deadly."7. What type of weather are you most experienced in forecasting? The candidate is expected to be well experienced in the types of weather in the area where they are applying. The candidate should describe any past experience they have forecasting weather that occurs in that location and how the weather department will benefit from their knowledge. Here is an answer example: "I have grown up in areas where tornadoes are common, and I am aware how deadly they are. I have studied tornado forecasting for years and believe I can save lives by working in this area and sharing my knowledge."8. If you could start your career over again, what would you do? The candidate should use this time to discuss other strengths and abilities they have that make them good candidates for this job. While the other job or strength may not directly pertain to weather, the candidate should discuss why these strengths make them a good worker in general. Here is an answer example: "If I did not become a weather producer, I would have wanted to become an archaeologist. I have always loved science and discovering things, and the same goes for weather. There is always something new to learn, and my job is behind the scenes to discover these things and relay it to the viewers."9. Where do you see yourself five years from now? The candidate should discuss where they plan to progress in the future, but also remain positive about the strides they will make in the current job. The candidate should discuss the things they hope to learn and grow in the current job so they can achieve more in the future. Although five years in the future is uncertain, the candidate should be positive about remaining at that station and helping them grow and have the best weather center possible. Here is an answer example: "In five years from now, I see myself working as a great weather producer at this station. I know that I want to stay around this area for many years and I hope I can continue to become the most trustworthy forecaster in the region."10. How do you keep up to date with weather news? A good weather producer stays up to date with the latest news in weather when the on-screen meteorologists may not have the time. They are expected to stay up to date with the latest technologies in forecasting through the National Weather Service, NASA, and keep up to date with severe weather throughout the country and the world. Here is an answer example: "I know how important it is to stay up to date with weather, and I hope to know all the latest technologies so our forecasts are as good and accurate as they can be."11. What is your social media experience? A weather producer is expected to update social media accounts for the weather department with pertinent weather information, breaking or severe weather, and forecasts for the day. They are expected to work well with Twitter, Facebook, and know how to post video updates of forecasts and screenshots of graphics for the web. The candidate should discuss their social media experience. Here is an answer example: "I have been working with social media my entire life, and work well with uploading pictures and updates for followers interested in knowing the latest in weather. I know how important it is to post quickly, and I also hope to use more videos to interest viewers."12. Have you progressed in your career as you had hoped? The candidate should discuss their previous experience in the weather career and how they believe their career is moving forward. If their career is not progressing as expected, they should discuss why and how they expect to recover lost time. If they believe they are progressing on time, they should discuss how they have moved forward over time and how they plan to learn from this job to eventually move forward in their career. Here is an answer example: "I believe my career has been moving forward as planned because I always dreamed of working in a weather department, and I have done just that. However, I still have much to learn about forecasting and hope to gain that in this job."13. Why do you want to forecast the weather in this area? The candidate should discuss their connection with the area where they are applying and why they are a good fit for living and forecasting there. Perhaps the candidate has particular experience working with the weather events that occur in that part of the country, or know many people in the area who they hope to give accurate forecasts. They should discuss why they are a good fit and how they can impact the area. Here is an answer example: "I have lived in the northeast my entire life and know much about winter weather around the area. I am the perfect fit for a weather position in the northeast because of my experience and my love of winter weather like blizzards, snow, and blocking lows and highs."14. Why did you decide to become a weather producer? The candidate should discuss why they are interested in being a weather producer. They should use this time to talk about why they are a good fit for the job based on their weather producing past experience, and experience forecasting. Here is an answer example: "I decided to become a weather producer because I have a passion for forecasting the weather, but I believe I can do a better job forecasting behind the scenes rather than working in front of the camera. I can dedicate my days to putting together the best graphics possible."15. What is your favorite part of the job? The interviewer is looking for a candidate who is passionate about the career and can explain why they love the job so much. This response will show why the candidate is so driven to take the job and do their best work for the station. Here is an answer example: "My favorite part of the job is the fact that it is constantly changing. Something interesting is always going on with the environment and the climate, and I want to share that with others."16. What is your protocol for severe weather? The weather producer is expected to be well versed at covering severe weather and should use this time to discuss ways they cover it. Examples of good responses include constantly checking the National Weather Service for updates on hurricanes, blizzards, and other warnings, and contacting local emergency teams to see what precautions they are taking against the events. Here is an answer example: "When severe weather is incoming, I ask all weather producers and on camera meteorologists to be on call in the event that we need multiple minds to survey the damage and stay on top of the coverage."17. How flexible are you with working hours/shifts? Weather comes at often unpredictable and odd times, and a weather producer is expected to be able to come into work based on severe weather when necessary. The candidate should discuss their ability to work at any time of day, and should relay their passion of keeping people informed and safe. Here is an answer example: "Although I consider myself someone who works better in the morning hours, I am able to work at any time of day. Working in weather gives me an adrenaline rush, especially during severe weather outbreaks, and I am able to do my best work during these times."18. What are your career aspirations beyond this point? The hiring manager is wondering if the candidate plans to use this job as a jumping off point for a better career, or hopes to gain as much as they can through this experience. The candidate should discuss how they plan on treating this new role, and what they hope to accomplish down the line from what they learn there. Here is an answer example: "In this job, I hope to gain even more experience working in various weather events. Perhaps in the future, I can use this knowledge to work as a weather producer in a national television market. However, I hope to continue improving my forecasting skills and improve my graphical knowledge so I will be a valuable asset at your station."19. What are your salary expectations? The salary for a weather producer varies depending on the size of the market and their experience. Smaller television markets will hire weather producers for the starting salary of $22,000, whereas middle-sized markets will hire starting at $32,000. This is also dependent on the certification or degree the producer has. The candidate should use this time to discuss a range of salaries they would hope to make on the job. Here is an answer example: "Since I have received a degree in meteorology and am certified through the American Meteorological Society, I believe I am worth $40,000-$42,000 to do this job, with the promise of being more experienced than anyone else in this market."20. How do you work under stress? Working in the news industry often involves a certain level of stress, especially when weather becomes deadly or severe. The candidate should talk about how they are able to keep a level head and still produce their best quality work even under scary circumstances. Here is an answer example: "I understand how important it is to keep the public informed with the best possible information, especially when the weather could be potentially deadly. I do my best work under high stress because I understand the importance of keeping people safe."21. Why is this job a good fit for you? The candidate should discuss why they would be the best person for the job based on their skills and passions for the job. They may talk about their specific interests in weather, their past experience, but mostly their passion for working in the field that makes them the best person who will do their best on the job. Here is an answer example: "This job is perfect for me because I love the clear and warm weather here, but I am also experienced working with forecasting hurricanes. I have experience in this field that others do not, and my love of keeping others safe makes me the best candidate for the job."22. How do you work with a team? While a meteorologist in front of the camera is expected to work well with a weather team and also with an anchor and reporter team, a weather producer is the glue that holds together the weather center alone. The candidate should use this question to discuss their experience working with others and helping a meteorologist to build a forecast. This often involves working together to figure out the most accurate numbers and tracks of a storm, and the candidate should discuss certain qualities of their personality that show they work well compromising with others. Samples: "I have worked with other meteorologists as a part of a weather team in the past and I know how important it is for multiple smart scientists to put a forecast together. Oftentimes, there are tricky weather situations that require multiple heads to come together, and I feel that I am understanding and willing to work with others." Here is an answer example: "I have worked with other meteorologists as a part of a weather team in the past and I know how important it is for multiple smart scientists to put a forecast together. Oftentimes, there are tricky weather situations that require multiple heads to come together, and I feel that I am understanding and willing to work with others."23. How do you build a forecast? A good weather producer is expected to be well versed in forecasting and putting together a very high quality forecast quickly. The candidate should be able to talk about their experience building a forecast, and exactly how they put it together. They may talk about different models they use to forecast, the various satellite imagery they use, and other sources of information that help them find the best information possible. Here is an answer example: "I synthesize various models to come to the best conclusion possible for a forecast. I use the GFS, NAM, and MOS to look at trending temperatures, but I use the BUFKIT exclusively for wind speeds. I have learned over the years that it is most important to use various sources so I can have the most educated forecast possible."24. What is your experience working with weather graphics? Creating and updating weather graphics is one of the main responsibilities of a weather producer. This person must be well experienced in graphic design in specific weather-related products, such as Max, Viper, or WSI On Demand. The candidate must discuss their experience creating new graphics, and how quickly they are able to create new products to appear on the meteorologist's broadcasts. Here is an answer example: "I have worked with many weather graphics programs, and am particularly well versed in Max. I am able to create new graphics quickly, and previously I have experience creating allergy forecast graphics, International Space Station flybys, and cleaner looking 7-day graphics within a week."25. Why do you want to work behind the camera? A weather producer is typically someone who is extremely knowledgeable about forecasting weather, but has decided to stay behind the camera instead of a meteorologist who appears on television. The candidate should talk about why they have chosen this position, and why they are well suited to be behind the scenes. Oftentimes, science and television are not two careers that you imagine meshing well together. For this reason, many meteorologists prefer working on strictly the forecasting side, and leaving the television aspect for someone else. Therefore, the candidate should discuss what other unique qualities they possess that others do not. Here is an answer example: "I have never been a good public speaker, but I am passionate about working in weather and forecasting. I believe I am a great fit for a weather producer career because while I am not great in front of a camera, I have more advanced forecasting skills and knowledge of the environment than most others at my age."26. What is your favorite aspect of weather? The hiring manager is looking for a candidate who is passionate about working in the weather and environmental industry. The candidate should discuss where their love for the field began and why they will be a passionate and devoted weather forecaster. The candidate may mention their favorite reason why they love weather, or their favorite part of weather that makes them love weather as much as they do. Here is an answer example: "My favorite aspect of weather is the way that it is constantly changing. I love working a field where something is changing or different every day. It keeps the job fresh and new, and keeps me always looking to teach the public something new about weather."