Journalist Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Journalist job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Journalist question bank of 25 questions, written for UK employers at mid-level level.

Eight Journalist interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What does a typical day as a journalist involve?

Why they ask: They want to see you understand the pace, variety and routine tasks of a working newsroom.

2. How do you decide what makes a good news story, and how do you write the intro?

Why they ask: This is fundamental to news judgement and writing, and every editor tests it.

3. What can you report from a magistrates' court, and what automatic restrictions do you need to watch for?

Why they ask: Court reporting is a daily task for regional journalists, and mistakes can result in contempt proceedings.

4. How accurate and fast is your shorthand, and why does shorthand still matter?

Why they ask: Accurate note-taking underpins legal protection and trust, and NCTJ standards are a common requirement.

5. What is the position on naming someone who has been arrested but not charged?

Why they ask: This tests knowledge of privacy law developments and ethical judgement in crime reporting.

6. How does the Defamation Act 2013 affect your reporting, and what is the public interest defence?

Why they ask: Libel risk is central to the daily work of any reporter.

7. You are asked to make a death knock on a family whose teenage son has died in a road crash. How do you go about it?

Why they ask: They are testing empathy, professionalism and awareness of the Editors' Code.

8. Tell me about a story you broke or found yourself, from the first tip to publication.

Why they ask: Editors want proof of initiative and the ability to carry a story through properly.

A sample answer to question 1

What does a typical day as a journalist involve?

No two days are the same, but there's a rhythm. I'd start by checking overnight news, emails, press releases, social media and rival outlets, then attend the morning conference to pitch and agree what I'm covering. Then it's making calls, doing interviews, going out to council meetings, courts or incidents, and writing it up, often several pieces by the afternoon. I'd keep checking facts, tidy shorthand notes and get quotes approved by a news editor or sub. Online, I'd be publishing quickly, adding images, video or social posts, and updating stories as they develop. There's also contact-building, such as following up leads, calling regular sources and monitoring court lists. I have to be flexible, because a breaking story can wipe out the plan, but I enjoy that. The core is gathering accurate information quickly and presenting it fairly and clearly.

Common mistake to avoid: Describing only glamorous reporting; ignoring digital updating and routine tasks

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 25 questions are on the Journalist interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.