The Top 25 CBS News and Stations Interview Questions You Need to Know

Getting hired at a prestigious media organization like CBS News and Stations is no easy feat. With competition fiercer than ever, it’s crucial to be fully prepared for the challenging interview process. This comprehensive guide will explore the top 25 most common CBS interview questions providing sample answers and insider tips to help you craft winning responses.

As one of the “big three” television news networks in the United States, CBS News has a rich history dating back to 1927. Its award-winning correspondents and anchors, like Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, and 60 Minutes, are broadcast legends. CBS Television Stations operates 28 local affiliates, reaching millions of American households daily

Landing a job with this media powerhouse requires demonstrating your skills, knowledge, and alignment with their journalistic values. We’ve broken down the key questions CBS interviewers are likely to ask, along with strategies to help you put your best foot forward.

Common CBS Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

1. Why do you want to work at CBS News/Stations?

This question gauges your passion and fit for the company. CBS wants to hire candidates who are truly excited by their mission.

• Do your research beforehand to highlight specific things that appeal to you about their culture, values, and content.
• Discuss their esteemed reputation and your desire to work alongside their talented teams.
• Share relevant experiences that have prepared you for this opportunity.
• Convey genuine enthusiasm for the prospect of contributing your skills and growing professionally here.

Sample Answer:

I’ve been an avid viewer of CBS News programs for many years and have immense respect for the standard of journalism you uphold. Getting to be part of a team with such an esteemed legacy, working alongside incredibly talented correspondents and producers, would be a dream come true. Beyond the reputation, I’m drawn to CBS’ courageous reporting, integrity, and commitment to informing the public. I’m particularly excited by the prospect of working on 60 Minutes; the in-depth investigative work aligns well with my experience…

2. What do you know about our company’s values and mission?

CBS wants team players who align with their guiding principles. This question allows you to demonstrate your understanding of what they stand for.

• Thoroughly research their ethos, ideals, and core goals beforehand.
• Discuss their commitment to integrity, accuracy, and objectivity in journalism.
• Mention values like courage, truth-seeking, and holding the powerful accountable.
• Show how your own principles and priorities align with theirs.

Sample Answer:

From my research, I understand CBS News has three core tenets: accuracy, integrity, and transparency. This means a relentless commitment to seeking truth through fair, objective reporting and acknowledging mistakes when they occur. I also know you aim to hold accountable those in power, serve the public interest, and pursue stories that impact society. Good journalism is clearly about more than ratings for CBS; it’s about upholding democracy and the greater good. These values resonate deeply with me as someone passionate about ethics and…

3. Why do you want to pursue a career in broadcast journalism?

This question gauges your motivations and fit for a journalism role. It’s important to come across as passionate about the field.

• Share when your interest in journalism sparked and key inspirations.
• Discuss unique advantages of broadcast/TV journalism and why they appeal to you.
• Mention relevant experiential learning like college newspaper or internships.
• Highlight transferable skills you have that translate well to news.

Sample Answer:

I’ve always had an innate curiosity to learn people’s stories and understand issues happening in our world. As a kid, I admired broadcast journalists and their ability to amplify important voices and uncover truths. Getting to combine my passion for current events with creative, visual storytelling seems like the perfect career path for me. I also love the immediacy and community reach of broadcast news. Reporting live as events unfold or showcasing investigations that incite positive change really excites me. While I don’t have direct journalism experience yet, my strengths in conducting interviews, writing under pressure, and building rapport with strangers will definitely translate well. This role would be an amazing opportunity to turn my passion into a fulfilling career.

4. How do you stay up-to-date with current news and events?

CBS seeks applicants who are truly engaged with what’s happening in the world. This demonstrates genuine interest.

• Discuss daily news consumption habits across multiple platforms, including examples.
• Mention engaging in discussions, reading reputable publications, and following influencers.
• Share what issues currently interest or concern you the most and why.
• Highlight any other hobbies/activities that keep you well-informed.

Sample Answer:

Staying current with the news is just part of my daily routine. I start my mornings catching up on notifications from news apps like CBS News to get a pulse of the latest updates. I also make a point to read reputable publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal regularly. Podcasts like The Daily are great for diving deeper on issues while I commute.

Beyond traditional news media, I also follow prominent journalists and political commentators on social media to get different perspectives. Participating in discussions with friends and family helps me appreciate nuances in how major events are impacting people differently. Some topics I’m particularly interested in lately include election integrity laws, Russia-Ukraine relations, inflation concerns, and the future of work. Learning about the world through photography and travel also expands my global outlook. Overall, staying informed comes naturally to me.

5. Why are you interested in this particular position or department?

Hiring managers want to see you have purposefully chosen the role, not just applied randomly. Demonstrate fit.

• Research the role fully to highlight most appealing aspects for you.
• Tie your skills, values, interests directly to specifics of the position.
• Convey genuine enthusiasm for this job, not just the company.
• Bonus: Mention speaking with employees to gain helpful insights.

Sample Answer:

I’m particularly excited to apply for this Field Producer role within the CBS Evening News team. Having researched the position thoroughly, I’m confident my skills in news gathering, writing, and relationship building will translate seamlessly. Speaking with a contact who works as an Associate Producer also gave me valuable insights into a typical day in this fast-paced environment. What appeals to me most is having the opportunity to travel for journalism again, telling impactful national stories with an immersive, boots-on-the-ground approach. This aligns perfectly with my career goals. I can’t wait to bring my experience producing segments for our local station to this bigger platform. I know I would thrive as part of the Evening News team.

6. What unique skills or qualities would you bring to our news team?

This question allows you to sell your strongest assets. Be prepared to highlight what makes you stand out.

• Think about which of your hard and soft skills would provide the most value.
• Emphasize unique experiences, strengths, or personality traits you possess.
• Use specific examples to backup claims when possible.
• Align these clearly to the role and company culture.

Sample Answer:

I believe my natural curiosity, passion for connecting with people, and ability to thrive under pressure would make me a strong addition to your team. I’m never satisfied with a superficial understanding of issues; my probing approach to interviews and research unearths compelling angles. At my college newspaper, I was known for getting unexpected scoops and insights because sources trusted me. I’m also extremely resilient and cool under tight deadlines, which I think is crucial for succeeding in your fast-paced environment. Given my mixed background – growing up overseas as an expat but now being rooted in Houston – I offer both an insider view into local issues but also a global mindset that allows me to look at stories differently. Overall, I know my unique combination of interpersonal skills, work ethic, and eclectic worldview would benefit your newsroom.

7. How do you handle working in a high-pressure environment with tight deadlines?

Broadcast news involves fast turnarounds. This evaluates your composure under stress.

• Share examples of past successes under pressure. Stress outcomes, not just efforts.
• Discuss any strategies or systems you rely on when times get hectic.
• Convey that this environment motivates and energizes you.
• Reassure that quality still comes first for you, despite quick deadlines.

Sample Answer:

Thriving under high-pressure deadlines actually energizes me. As an intern at Channel 6 News, I once had to turn around a key soundbite from an interview in just 30 minutes before the live 5 o’clock broadcast. By staying focused, getting clarity on expectations, and using shortcuts I had learned, I delivered it with time to spare. My strategy is always prioritizing the most important tasks, dividing big projects into smaller milestones, and maintaining clear communication with my team. While speed is crucial in news, I never compromise accurate reporting in my hurry. If anything, working under tight deadlines forces me to operate more efficiently while still producing quality work. Far from being stressful, I find it intensely exhilarating.

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