Doing well in the interview is the first step to getting your dream job as an assignment desk editor. But how do you prepare when there are so many possible questions? Don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of 30 of the most common assignment desk editor interview questions, along with tips from experts and sample answers to help you do great.
1 Would you consider yourself a curious person?
How to Answer
- Highlight your inquisitive nature and passion for uncovering stories.
- Emphasize your ability to ask insightful questions and delve deeper for information.
- Showcase your dedication to staying informed and up-to-date on current events.
Example Answer:
“I’m naturally curious and always eager to learn more. I love digging for stories, asking questions, and uncovering information that others might miss. My insatiable curiosity fuels my passion for finding the news that matters most to our community.”
2. What do you know about this area you want to work in?
How to Answer
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the local community, including its history, culture, and current events.
- Express your understanding of the area’s unique challenges and opportunities.
- Highlight your ability to connect with the local audience and tell stories that resonate with them.
Example Answer
“I’ve lived in this community for X years and have a deep understanding of its people, issues, and culture. I’m passionate about telling stories that reflect the unique character of this area and resonate with our local audience.”
3. Would you trust yourself to decide what to do with stories when other producers and directors can’t be reached?
How to Answer:
- Express your confidence in your judgment and ability to make critical decisions.
- Demonstrate your understanding of newsroom priorities and the importance of timely coverage.
- Highlight your ability to collaborate with colleagues and seek input when needed.
Example Answer:
“I’m confident in my ability to make sound decisions, even in the absence of producers and directors. I understand the importance of staying informed, prioritizing breaking news, and collaborating with colleagues to ensure comprehensive coverage.”
4. What is your experience working in the news industry?
How to Answer:
- Showcase your previous experience in news production, writing, or related fields.
- Highlight your passion for journalism and your understanding of the industry’s demands.
- Emphasize your ability to adapt to fast-paced environments and meet deadlines.
Example Answer:
“I’ve worked as a news writer for X years, gaining valuable experience in researching, writing, and editing news stories. I’m passionate about journalism and understand the importance of accuracy, timeliness, and objectivity.”
5. If you could start your career over, what would you do and why?
How to Answer:
- Choose a career path that aligns with your skills and interests.
- Explain how this alternative career path would complement your current goals as an assignment desk editor.
- Highlight your adaptability and willingness to learn new skills.
Example Answer:
“If I could start my career over, I would have pursued a degree in journalism. However, my previous experience in X has equipped me with valuable skills in research, communication, and problem-solving, which are essential for success as an assignment desk editor.”
6. Are you able to sit for up to 9 hours a day?
How to Answer:
- Express your ability to focus and maintain concentration for extended periods.
- Highlight your strategies for managing fatigue and maintaining productivity throughout the day.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the physical demands of the job.
Example Answer:
“I’m comfortable sitting for extended periods and have developed strategies to maintain focus and productivity. I understand the importance of taking breaks and staying hydrated to ensure optimal performance.”
7. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer:
- Research the average salary range for assignment desk editors in your area.
- Consider your experience, skills, and qualifications when determining your salary expectations.
- Be prepared to negotiate and provide a range rather than a specific number.
Example Answer:
“Based on my research and experience, my salary expectations fall within the range of X to Y. I’m open to discussing compensation further and believe my skills and dedication would be a valuable asset to your team.”
8. Do you consider yourself a proactive person, or someone who is more patient?
How to Answer:
- Highlight your ability to take initiative and anticipate events.
- Demonstrate your patience and ability to wait for the right moment to act.
- Emphasize your adaptability and ability to adjust your approach as needed.
Example Answer:
“I consider myself a proactive individual who is also patient when necessary. I’m comfortable taking initiative but also understand the importance of waiting for the right moment to act. I’m adaptable and can adjust my approach based on the situation.”
9. What is your experience generating contacts?
How to Answer:
- Highlight your ability to build relationships with sources and cultivate a network of contacts.
- Showcase your communication skills and ability to develop trust with others.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of reliable sources in news gathering.
Example Answer:
“I have a strong track record of building relationships with sources and developing a network of contacts. I’m an excellent communicator and have a knack for establishing trust with others. I understand the importance of reliable sources and am committed to maintaining ethical standards.”
10. Are you interested in becoming a journalist one day?
How to Answer:
- Express your career aspirations and whether journalism is part of your long-term goals.
- Highlight the skills and experience you would gain as an assignment desk editor that would benefit your future career as a journalist.
- Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and development.
Example Answer:
“While I’m not currently pursuing a career in journalism, I’m open to exploring opportunities in the future. I believe the skills and experience I would gain as an assignment desk editor would be invaluable in a journalism career, and I’m committed to continuous learning and development.”
11. How are your phone skills?
How to Answer:
- Highlight your ability to communicate effectively over the phone.
- Demonstrate your ability to gather information, ask relevant questions, and convey messages clearly.
- Emphasize your professionalism and courteous demeanor in phone interactions.
Example Answer:
“I have excellent phone skills and am comfortable communicating with people from all walks of life. I’m adept at gathering information, asking insightful questions, and conveying messages clearly and concisely. I maintain a professional and courteous demeanor in all phone interactions.”
12. What is your experience using social media and the Internet?
How to Answer:
- Showcase your proficiency in using social media and the Internet as news-gathering tools.
- Highlight your ability to identify and verify information online.
- Demonstrate your understanding of ethical considerations in using social media for news reporting.
Example Answer:
“I’m proficient in using social media and the Internet to gather news and information. I’m skilled at identifying and verifying information online and understand the ethical considerations involved in using social media for news reporting.”
13. How do you prioritize stories for the newsroom to cover?
How to Answer:
- Highlight your ability to assess the newsworthiness of stories and make editorial decisions.
- Demonstrate your understanding of newsroom priorities and the importance of timeliness.
- Emphasize your ability to consider various factors, such as impact, relevance, and audience interest.
Example Answer:
“I prioritize stories based on their newsworthiness, timeliness, impact, relevance, and audience interest. I understand the importance of considering various factors and making editorial decisions that align with newsroom priorities.”
14. How do you work under stress?
How to Answer:
- Highlight your ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
- Demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Emphasize your resilience and ability to adapt to challenging situations.
Example Answer:
“I thrive under pressure and remain calm and focused in stressful situations. I’m a skilled problem-solver and can manage multiple tasks simultaneously. I’m resilient and adaptable, and I view challenges as opportunities for growth.”
15. What is your experience digging for stories?
How to Answer:
- Highlight your ability to uncover hidden stories and pursue leads.
- Demonstrate your research skills and ability to gather information from various sources.
- Emphasize your persistence and determination in pursuing stories that others might miss.
Example Answer:
“I have a proven track record of digging for stories and uncovering hidden leads. I’m a skilled researcher and can gather information from various sources. I’m persistent and determined, and I won’t rest until I’ve exhausted all avenues to uncover the truth.”
16. Why do you want to become an assignment desk editor?
How to Answer:
- Express your passion for news and your desire to play a vital role in the newsgathering process.
- Highlight your skills and experience that make you well-suited for the role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of the job.
**Example
Soft skills interview questions
- How do you get your team excited about the project and make sure that everyone is invested in its success?
- Please tell me about a tough time you had working with a team member who wasn’t doing their job. How did you handle it?.
- Tell me about a time when you had to give tasks to other people on your team. How did you make sure that everyone got tasks that were right for them?
- How do you balance different priorities and make sure all projects are finished on time, even if problems come up out of the blue?
- Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough choice that had an impact on the project but ultimately turned out well for the team and the company?
- Could you give an example of how you set up and managed a publication’s content management system?
- How can you be sure that all of your content follows brand guidelines and editorial standards, especially when you have more than one author working on it?
- How have you managed a group of writers, editors, and other production staff well in the past?
- Have you ever run a content marketing campaign that worked? If so, could you describe how you did it and what results you got?
- If you could, tell me about a time when you had to make a tough editorial choice and how you handled it.
News Desk Editor interview questions
What questions should you ask an editor?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role. 1. Everyone needs a break. What do you read on your own time? Understanding an editor’s personal reading preferences can offer insights into their broader literary tastes and influences.
How do I prepare for an editor interview?
After you apply for a job as an editor, a hiring manager may contact you to schedule an interview. If they do, research the questions they may ask. Knowing the questions you may hear during an editor interview can help you prepare strategic replies.
What does an assignment editor do?
Assignment editors are the air traffic controllers of a newsroom. They monitor scanners, manage news crews, make beat checks and generate stories. There is no glamour, no face time. But without them, newsrooms would certainly stumble. “Our product is information.
What questions do employers ask about editing experience?
When they ask these questions, consider which of your previous experiences best demonstrate your ability to do the job. Here are some questions an employer may ask about your experience and background as an editor: Explain the role of an editor. Tell me about your editing experience. How has your experience prepared you for this editing role?