Last reviewed: Next review due:
How UK newsroom interviews work
A typical newsroom interview has several stages: an informal chat about your background and why you want the role, a news knowledge section where you are tested on current stories, a written test (press release rewrite, news intro, or spot-the-legal-problem exercise), a discussion of story ideas you have prepared, and a final conversation with the editor or deputy editor. The whole process might last 90 minutes to two and a half hours.
Unlike most professional interviews, journalism interviews test you in real time. You cannot rely on prepared answers to generic questions — you need to know what is in the news today, what the publication you are interviewing with has covered this week, and what stories you would chase if you started tomorrow.
The typical interview structure
1. Informal chat
The editor or news editor gets a feel for who you are, your background, and why you want this specific role. Be honest, be direct, and show you have read the publication carefully.
2. News questions
What is the lead story today? What is happening locally that concerns your publication's readers? Who have you been listening to or reading? This is not a trivia test — it is a test of your news judgment and professional habits.
3. Ideas list discussion
Most editors ask for a list of story ideas pitched specifically to their publication. You will be asked to talk through your ideas, where you got them, who you would call first, and how you would develop them.
4. Written test
Rewrite a press release as a news story, write a news intro from a set of facts, or spot the legal problem in a story. This is timed. Active voice, short sentences, strongest point first.
5. Legal and ethics questions
Know the basic provisions of the Defamation Act 2013, the Contempt of Court Act, the IPSO Editors' Code, and the NUJ Code of Conduct. You will be asked about them.
6. Editor meeting
A final conversation with the senior editor. More about fit and ambition than technical skill. Ask your prepared questions here.
Common questions and what they are really asking
- "What is the lead story today?"What they want to know: Are you actively engaged with the news? Do you have good news judgment?
- "Who do you read, listen to, or watch?"What they want to know: Do you consume journalism professionally, or only when required?
- "What would you pitch us right now?"What they want to know: Can you generate original stories for this specific publication?
- "Why this title specifically?"What they want to know: Have you done the research, or are you applying everywhere?
- "Tell me about a story you are proud of."What they want to know: Can you articulate your own editorial judgment?
- "Tell me about a story you got wrong."What they want to know: Do you have self-awareness and professional accountability?
- "What is your shorthand speed?"What they want to know: Practical qualification question — be honest.
Red flags that damage your chances
- Not knowing the lead story in the publication you are interviewing for.
- An ideas list full of stories the publication has already run in the past month.
- Being unable to name a specific journalist you admire and why you admire their work.
- Writing your press release rewrite in the style of the press release rather than a news story.
- Saying you want to "work your way up to national" in an interview for a local paper — even if true, do not lead with it.
- Not being able to explain what the Defamation Act 2013 does at a basic level.
- Asking about the salary before any substantive conversation has taken place.
Interview preparation checklist
- Read every story published by the outlet in the last 48 hours.
- Know the editor's name and read something they have written or said publicly.
- Prepare 10 original story ideas pitched to the specific publication.
- Practice your press release rewrite — time yourself to 20 minutes.
- Review the Defamation Act 2013 serious harm test, privilege, and public interest defence.
- Know your shorthand speed accurately.
- Prepare three to five questions to ask at the end.
- Know the NUJ minimum rate for the role and your salary expectations before you walk in.
Tools to sharpen your interview preparation
Test your media law knowledge with our NCTJ quiz and use our pitch email generator to practise your story ideas.
Common mistakes in journalism interviews
- Generic ideas list not tailored to the specific publication.
- Overconfidence in the chat and underprepared in the written test — it is usually the opposite of what candidates expect.
- Not asking any questions at the end — signals disengagement.
- Dressing too formally or too casually — newsroom culture varies, research what is appropriate.
- Being unable to name a specific story or source you would pursue if you started on Monday.
- Discussing current employer negatively — it reads as unprofessional regardless of how justified it is.
- Failing to follow up with a brief thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview.
Related guides
Related guides
Primary sources
- NCTJ — Diploma in Journalism qualification overview— NCTJ
- NUJ — freelance fees guide and minimum rates— National Union of Journalists
- BBC Academy — career and skills resources— BBC
- Press Gazette — industry news and jobs board— Press Gazette
- IPSO — Editors' Code of Practice— IPSO
- Reuters Institute — journalism training and research— University of Oxford