Eleanor Crooks is a sports reporter for the BBC. We talked to her about how she got started in the field and how her job as a tennis correspondent takes her all over the world.
How long have you been doing this job? Ive worked at PA for 9 and a half years. Ive been a reporter for the last four years.
As a sports reporter, your job is to captivate audiences with engaging stories about athletic competitions, teams, and players But first, you have to ace the interview and convince employers you have the skills for this coveted role.
With competition fierce for media jobs covering popular sports, preparation is key. This comprehensive guide explores the most common interview questions for aspiring sports reporters, along with tips to craft winning responses. Master these, and you’ll be poised for success on the press beat.
Why Sports Reporter Interview Questions Matter
Sports reporting is about much more than just knowing the rules and stats. To tell compelling stories, you need top-notch writing skills, incisive interviewing abilities, unbridled curiosity, and the drive to meet tight deadlines consistently.
During job interviews editors will probe your capabilities across all these areas with targeted questions. They want to determine if you have what it takes to
- Build rapport and elicit candid insights from athletes
- Ask smart, unexpected questions that uncover unique story angles
- Convey complex plays and strategies clearly for audiences
- Produce engaging, accurate stories on tight deadlines
- Handle high-pressure locker room interviews smoothly
Thoughtful preparation using real interview questions is the best way to demonstrate these abilities and impress your next boss.
10 Common Sports Reporter Interview Questions and How to Ace Them
Here are 10 of the most frequently asked sports reporter interview questions, along with suggestions for crafting winning answers:
1. How did you get involved in your sport?
This is a common icebreaker aimed at gauging your passion for sports. Be ready to discuss:
- What drew you into following this particular sport
- Key moments that sparked your interest
- How long you’ve been a fan/player
Example: “I’ve been obsessed with basketball from a young age. When I was 8, I vividly remember being glued to the TV for Michael Jordan’s iconic last-shot victory in the 1998 finals. The narration, the buzzer-beater – it gave me chills! Since then, I’ve played basketball through high school, covered college games as a student reporter, and been a superfan. I live and breathe the sport.”
2. Tell me about the competition/event we’re at today.
With this question, interviewers want to assess your ability to quickly analyze the vital details and storylines around a match. Be ready to discuss:
- The competing teams/players and their backstories
- Notable statistics/records at stake
- Key matchups, injuries or other factors that could impact the outcome
Example: “This game features a marquee quarterback matchup between Wentz and Prescott. Both are having career years, but Prescott has the edge with a better O-line and running game behind him. Wentz also has a weakened receiving corps after injuries. With playoff seeding on the line, I’m watching to see if Wentz can still find ways to elevate his team.”
3. How do you think your team/a particular athlete played today?
With this question, interviewers evaluate your ability to provide sharp yet balanced analysis. Avoid vague platitudes and back up opinions using facts/stats.
Example: “Overall, I thought Serena looked sluggish today compared to her usual level. Her first serve percentage was just 54% compared to her career mark of around 70%. She also made 40 unforced errors, which is very uncharacteristic. However, she stepped up big in the final set tiebreaker. She focused in, started moving better, and forced the issue with her forehand, which was key to the win.”
4. Why is today’s game important?
This tests whether you can articulate the wider significance of a game/event beyond just the score. Tie it to larger storylines, history and context.
Example: “On the surface, today’s game decides the conference champion. But there are deeper storylines that make it a must-watch matchup. It’s a redemption shot for the Eagles after missing the playoffs last season. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are seeking to cap off a perfect season and cement their resurgence after a down year plagued by scandals and infighting. There’s also major division rivalry here that raises the stakes.”
5. What are your predictions for the tournament/game/season?
With this common question, employers evaluate your ability to synthesize facts into insightful prognostication. Back up predictions using sound logic.
Example: “Based on the Warriors’ potent small-ball lineup, I predict they’ll win the NBA title this year. They have four All-Stars, unmatched team chemistry, and hit peak form towards the end of the regular season. The key threat is the Bucks and Giannis – but their lack of 3-point shooting will be exposed in the finals.”
6. How has playing this sport impacted your life?
This personal question assesses your passion and relationship with the sport. Share interesting anecdotes/stories that provide glimpses into how the sport has shaped you.
Example: “Playing volleyball in high school taught me so much beyond the court. As captain, I had to learn how to motivate teammates and lead by example. The speed of play forced me to think strategically and stay cool under pressure. Sports also kept me disciplined, helping me forge work ethic and time management skills that still benefit me today in my journalism career.”
7. What interests you most about covering this team/sport?
Employers want to understand what specifically excites you about this reporting gig. Tap into your passion and paint a picture of the types of stories/angles you want to pursue and cover.
Example: “The greatest thing about covering pro basketball is the player access and locker room culture. I love conducting in-depth interviews that provide rare insights into players’ lives beyond the court. I also enjoy analyzing scheme and tactics – telling stories about how teams strategically construct rosters and playing styles to compete in the modern NBA.”
8. How do you handle criticism or pushback from fans, athletes, or fellow reporters?
In sports media, criticism comes with the territory. Interviewers want to assess your composure and principles when faced with backlash over stories/opinions.
Example: “When covering controversial issues, criticism will inevitably arise on some sides. But the key is maintaining journalistic principles. I always keep reporting fair and honest, back up analysis with facts, and correct any errors immediately. If fans get upset over opinions, I hear them out but reiterate that commentary is just one person’s perspective. Ultimately, I don’t let pushback or threats compromise the integrity of my reporting.”
9. What existing sports coverage do you admire? Which areas could be improved?
This two-pronged question tests your ability to critically evaluate sports journalism and offer constructive ideas to enhance it.
Example: “I closely follow Bill Simmons’ work – he blends humor, pop culture and analytics seamlessly. The Ringer does an excellent job making content interactive for fans. One area I see room for growth is spotlighting underreported stories, like mental health issues or gender equality in athletics. I want to produce pieces that spark social conversations beyond just game recaps.”
10. How do you handle the high-pressure environment of a locker room interview?
This is aimed at gauging your poise, tact and professionalism in stressful post-game situations where emotions and tensions run high.
Example: “Post-game locker rooms can undoubtedly get intense, especially after close or heated games. My strategy is to always remain poised, give players space if needed, and avoid inflammatory questions at raw moments. I build relationships with athletes ahead of time so they know I operate with respect even in emotional settings. If a player needs to cool down first, I’ll wait for a better time to get commentary.”
Preparation is Key for Sports Reporter Interview Success
With the right preparation, you can master sports reporter interview questions and step closer to landing your dream journalism job. Keep these tips in mind:
- Research the publication/station to tailor responses
- Study up on major news and figures in the sport
- Practice succinctly explaining complex games/rules/strategies
- Prepare interesting anecdotes that convey your passion
- Brush up on your reporting work and favorite pieces of sports journalism
Bring your A-game to the interview, and you’ll be ready to break in and start covering pulsating sports action. Best of luck as you embark on an exciting career in sports media!
What’s the best thing about your job?
Though there are many things, for a big sports fan, getting paid to see some of the best athletes in the world up close pretty much sums it up.
What was your very first job?
I was a waitress in a pizza restaurant when I was 18.
How to Prepare for your Interview – Sports Journalism
How do I prepare for a sports reporter job interview?
One of the best ways to prepare for a sports reporter job interview is to know what questions you might be asked and to have thoughtful answers ready. We have put together a list of sports reporter interview questions and answers to help you get started. Are you comfortable working on your own, or do you prefer to have a team to work with?
What questions do sports reporters ask?
Sports reporters often cover events that they may not be familiar with. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to learn quickly and write about a variety of sports. In your answer, explain how you researched the event before attending it. Show them that you can adapt to new situations and develop skills quickly.
How do you conduct an interview in a sports journalist job?
Interviewing is a common part of the sports journalist job. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience conducting interviews and can do so effectively. In your answer, explain what steps you take when conducting an interview. Explain that you will first introduce yourself to the person being interviewed.
What is a sports interview question?
This question aims to understand your sports experience and how it’s improved you as an athlete. Interviewers usually want to learn what inspires you about sports and how you’ll apply what you’ve learned to your performance on their team.
