Weather Producer Interview Questions

Weather Producer Interview Questions & Answers

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1. 1.

   What are your salary expectations?

   How to Answer

   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.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

2. 2.

   Why did you decide to become a weather producer?

   How to Answer

   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.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

3. 3.

   Where do you see yourself five years from now?

   How to Answer

   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.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

4. 4.

   Why do you want to work behind the camera?

   How to Answer

   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.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

5. 5.

   What are your career aspirations beyond this point?

   How to Answer

   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.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

6. 6.

   Why do you want to forecast the weather in this area?

   How to Answer

   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.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

7. 7.

   How flexible are you with working hours/shifts?

   How to Answer

   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.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

8. 8.

   What type of weather are you most experienced in forecasting?

   How to Answer

   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.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

9. 9.

   How can this station improve their forecasting procedures?

   How to Answer

   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.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

10. 10.

    What is your experience working with weather graphics?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

11. 11.

    What is your favorite aspect of weather?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

12. 12.

    How do you build a forecast?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

13. 13.

    How do you work with a team?

    How to Answer

    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."

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

14. 14.

    Why is this job a good fit for you?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

15. 15.

    How do you work under stress?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

16. 16.

    What is your protocol for severe weather?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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. 17.

    What is your favorite part of the job?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

18. 18.

    What is your least favorite part of the job?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

19. 19.

    Have you progressed in your career as you had hoped?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

20. 20.

    What is your social media experience?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

21. 21.

    How do you keep up to date with weather news?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

22. 22.

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

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

23. 23.

    How do you decide when to break into programming for severe weather cut-ins?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

24. 24.

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

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

25. 25.

    Do you have any experience in front of the camera?

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."

26. 26.

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

    How to Answer

    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.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Christina Erne wrote: "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."