26 Weather Producer Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

2.

What is your least favorite part of the job?

The candidate should discuss what their least favorite part of the job is, but ultimately should be positive about working through it. They should discuss something that they struggle with or dislike doing and why, but also talk about how over time they see themselves fixing that dislike.

Christina's Answer

"My least favorite part of the job is sitting in an office for so long while other meteorologists are able to get outside. However, I see myself finding more opportunities in this job to get outside and field produce with the other meteorologists."

3.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

4.

How can this station improve their forecasting procedures?

While the candidate should not criticize the current weather procedures in place, he or she should offer some ways that when they come into the office they would improve its overall functionality. Some suggestions could be from organization to updating graphics.

Christina's Answer

"When I get into the weather department, I hope to create more specialty graphics. While I think the department already does a great job of creating graphics for the summer and wintertime, I look forward to adding ones for specific events to keep the shows fresh."

5.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

6.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

7.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

8.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

9.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

10.

Do you have any experience in front of the camera?

The candidate should discuss any experience they have on camera, if any. Some weather producers hope to be in front of the camera one day, while others specifically choose to stay behind it. The candidate should discuss which one they are and how it will affect the job.

Christina's Answer

"I someday hope to be the meteorologist in front of the camera. However, I wanted to get my start in a weather department and behind the scenes is how I could do that. I hope to gain as much knowledge about weather behind the scenes so someday I can be in front of the camera."

11.

What is your favorite weather event you have covered and how did your forecasting stack up?

The candidate should discuss a weather event they have covered and how the forecasting measured up to the actual event. They should discuss ways that they forecasted the event leading up to it, and how the outcome turned out. This will show the hiring manager their quickness and accuracy of forecasting.

Christina's Answer

"My favorite weather event I covered was Hurricane Irene. We knew it was tracking up the east coast, and I predicted it would hit closer inland than the projections were suggesting. Sure enough, we saved a few businesses who previously wouldn't have boarded up their windows, and today they are still standing."

12.

What type of education did you receive to be qualified for this job?

The candidate should discuss their previous education and how it relates to the job. They may discuss degrees, certifications, and even internships and experience they have had to qualify them to work in the weather industry.

Christina's Answer

"I studied in my undergraduate career to get a degree in broadcast meteorology. However, I decided to forgo being on camera so I can work solely as a producer."

13.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

14.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

15.

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.

Christina's Answer

"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."

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