Journalist interview — practise with an AI interviewer.

Investigate and report on news stories for print or digital media. Journalists investigate, write, and report news stories for media outlets, informing the public on important issues. You balance tight deadlines with the need for thorough research and accurate reporting.

Interview at this level

Choose your level to enable the interview button below.

Sample feedback

The plan renews automatically until you cancel — got hired? Cancel in one click.

What Alex asks

Journalist interview questions — how the conversation opens.

Alex opens each of the five areas below with a question like the one shown, then builds the follow-ups from what you actually say: what you did, what happened, what you would change. There is no fixed script, so no two Journalist interviews are the same — but these are the themes every one of them covers.

  1. Walk me through how you research and gather information on assigned topics.What Alex listens for: proficient in researching complex topics and verifying facts.
  2. Tell me about a time you had to conduct interviews with sources to gain insights and quotes. What happened?What Alex listens for: strong writing skills with attention to clarity and accuracy.
  3. How do you write clear, engaging articles for print or digital publication — and what usually goes wrong?What Alex listens for: experienced in conducting effective interviews.
  4. Give me a recent example where you had to develop story ideas and pitch them to editors.What Alex listens for: ability to develop compelling story angles.
  5. What would you change about the way you ensure all reporting adheres to ethical journalism standards today?What Alex listens for: commitment to ethical journalism and unbiased reporting.
The role brief

The Journalist brief the interviewer works from.

A realistic role brief — not a vacancy at a specific company. The interview is pitched at this work and these expectations.

What you'll do

  • Research and gather information on assigned topics
  • Conduct interviews with sources to gain insights and quotes
  • Write clear, engaging articles for print or digital publication
  • Develop story ideas and pitch them to editors
  • Ensure all reporting adheres to ethical journalism standards

What we look for

  • Proficient in researching complex topics and verifying facts
  • Strong writing skills with attention to clarity and accuracy
  • Experienced in conducting effective interviews
  • Ability to develop compelling story angles
  • Commitment to ethical journalism and unbiased reporting
What gets scored

The 5 skills a Journalist is assessed on.

Each is scored against the level you chose — Entry / Junior · Mid-level · Senior · Lead / Staff / Principal · Manager · Director / Head of — with the quote and the timestamp behind every score.

1. Research Skills

Probed to the level of a real example — what you did, what happened, what you would change — never a definition.

2. Writing Proficiency

Probed to the level of a real example — what you did, what happened, what you would change — never a definition.

3. Interview Techniques

Probed to the level of a real example — what you did, what happened, what you would change — never a definition.

4. Story Development

Probed to the level of a real example — what you did, what happened, what you would change — never a definition.

5. Ethical Journalism

Probed to the level of a real example — what you did, what happened, what you would change — never a definition.

How it works

Practise. Keep your best. Share the interview.

1. Choose your experience

Try a free 10-minute preview first, or choose a separate 30-minute certification assessment. Pick your seniority; the questions move with it.

2. Read your feedback

The preview includes private practice feedback, recording and transcript. The full assessment explores more skills and unlocks certification and controlled sharing.

3. Send it instead of a resume

One link per hiring manager. They verify with a work email, watch the interview, read the sealed assessment — and you see who opened it.

Before your first attempt

Journalist mock interview — questions candidates ask.

How long is the Journalist mock interview?

Your free preview lasts 10 minutes. The separate certification assessment lasts 30 minutes. Both are role-specific conversations with Alex.

Is the Journalist mock interview free?

You get one free 10-minute practice preview. The Certified Resume plan — $30 every 3 months — includes one 30-minute assessment and unlimited controlled sharing. Renews automatically every 3 months until you cancel. Got hired? Cancel in one click.

What level is the interview pitched at?

You choose before you start. This role is offered at Entry / Junior · Mid-level · Senior · Lead / Staff / Principal · Manager · Director / Head of; the questions and the bar move with the level you pick, so a director is not asked entry-level questions.

What do I get at the end?

The 10-minute preview provides brief private practice feedback, not a certificate. The separate certification assessment provides a recording, transcript, role-specific AI evaluation and a scoped SealHire badge in your shareable profile.

Can I share it with a recruiter or hiring manager?

Yes — your Certified Resume can be shared while your plan is active, with one link per application or a public Seal link. Every assessment stays on your account; the one you mark Primary is what your link shows. The recording and other protected sections open only to a hiring manager who verifies with a work email, you see who opened it, and you can revoke any link. Free previews stay private.

Is this a job opening at a company?

No. It is a realistic Journalist role brief — the kind of interview you would face for the role — not a vacancy at a specific employer. Practise here, then share your best attempt with the employers you apply to.

Related roles

Other Media & Communications mock interviews.

Ready when you are

Take the Journalist interview.

Choose a free 10-minute preview or the certification package. Your feedback stays private until you decide what to share.

Interview at this level

Choose your level to enable the interview button below.