20 BBC Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, every company has their own unique process. And while this can make preparing for an interview a bit more challenging, it also means that you have the opportunity to really stand out from the crowd.

If you’re interviewing with BBC, you’ll want to be prepared to answer questions about your experience, your qualifications, and why you’re interested in the role. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common BBC interview questions, with sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.

BBC Interview Process

The interview process at BBC can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most interviews will consist of a competency based interview and a presentation. For some positions, you may also be required to do a technical task. The interview process can be long and drawn out, taking up to 6 months in some cases.

1. What do you think about the BBC’s decision to make all TV shows available for streaming?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the BBC’s recent decision. You can use this opportunity to explain why you agree or disagree with the move and how it will affect the public broadcaster in the future.

Example: “I think that making all TV shows available for streaming is a smart business decision. It allows more people to watch their favorite programs, which means more advertising revenue. However, I do worry about the quality of some of these shows when they’re streamed online. The resolution isn’t always as good as on television, so I hope the BBC continues to offer high-quality content.”

2. Give an example of a time when you had to work under pressure. How did you handle it?

BBC is a global leader in broadcasting, and they want to know that you can handle pressure. This question allows the interviewer to see how you react under stress and if you have any experience working with deadlines.

Example: “In my last position as an editor for a local news station, I was responsible for editing all of our live broadcasts. One day, we had two reporters on location covering a story when one reporter’s equipment failed. The other reporter continued reporting while I edited their footage from the field. It was challenging to edit the video while listening to the reporter describe what was happening, but I managed to get it done before going back on air.”

3. Why are you interested in working at the BBC as opposed to other media companies?

The BBC is a highly respected media company, and the interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interest in working for them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific reasons why you are interested in working at the BBC. You could also include information about what attracted you to the role or position you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I am very passionate about public service broadcasting, and I think that the BBC does an excellent job of providing quality content to its viewers. In my research on the BBC, I learned that the organization has a long history of producing high-quality programming. I would love to work here because I feel like I could make meaningful contributions to the organization.”

4. Do you have any experience working with teams and managing them simultaneously?

The BBC is a large organization that requires employees to work with others and manage teams. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a similar environment and how well you can collaborate with others. Use your answer to highlight your teamwork skills, communication abilities and leadership qualities.

Example: “In my previous role as an editor for a local newspaper, I worked with a team of journalists who covered different areas of news. We had weekly meetings where we discussed our progress on stories and any challenges we faced. I was responsible for assigning tasks to other members of the team and ensuring they met their deadlines. I also helped resolve conflicts between team members when they arose.”

5. How would you go about making sure that your team is happy within their role?

BBC is a large organization that employs thousands of people. The interviewer wants to know how you would ensure your team members are happy and productive in their roles. Show them that you have the skills necessary to lead a large group of employees by providing examples from previous experience or explaining what you plan to do if you’re new to leading a team.

Example: “I believe it’s important for managers to be approachable, so I make sure to always answer my emails within 24 hours and hold weekly meetings with each member of my team. During these meetings, we discuss our goals for the week and any challenges they may be facing. This helps me learn more about my team members and gives them an opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns.”

6. Have you ever worked on a project where there was conflict, how did you deal with it?

BBC is a global leader in broadcasting, and they want to hire people who can work well with others. This question helps them determine how you handle conflict and whether or not you have the ability to resolve it. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to compromise and find solutions that benefit everyone involved.

Example: “I once worked on a project where my team was trying to create an app for children. The client wanted us to include advertisements so we could make more money. I spoke with the client about our concerns and explained why we didn’t think advertising would be appropriate for their target audience. They agreed to let us remove the ads from the final product.”

7. Describe a story or news event that you find exciting right now.

This question is a great way to show your passion for journalism and the news. It also allows you to share some of your knowledge about current events, which can be helpful if you are interviewing for an entry-level position.

Example: “I find it exciting that we’re living in a time where more people than ever before have access to information. I think this has led to a lot of positive change in the world, but there’s still so much work to do. For example, I’m excited by the fact that many women are speaking out against sexual assault and harassment. This is leading to important conversations about consent and how we treat each other.”

8. Tell me about a story you wrote that you are particularly proud of.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are proud of your work and have the ability to produce quality content. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a story or piece of content that was particularly challenging for you to write but turned out well in the end.

Example: “I am very proud of my most recent article on how to make sure you’re getting the best deal when shopping online. I had never written about consumer rights before, so I did some research on what types of things consumers should look for when shopping online. After writing the article, I realized that I could use my new knowledge to save money while shopping online myself.”

9. What are some ethical issues you may face writing a story?

BBC journalists are expected to adhere to the highest standards of journalistic ethics. This question is an opportunity for you to show your knowledge of ethical journalism and how you would handle a situation where you may have to make a difficult decision.

Example: “I believe that as a journalist, it’s my responsibility to tell stories in a fair and balanced way. I would never report on something without doing thorough research and speaking with all sides involved. If I found out information after publishing a story that changed the context or meaning of what I had originally reported, I would immediately update the story online and include a note about the change.”

10. Can you tell us about the last time you were excited about a news story? Why were you excited?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new colleague’s interests and passions. It can also help you understand what types of stories they enjoy reporting on. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific news story that was exciting for you and why.

Example: “I’m always excited when I get the opportunity to report on local news stories. A few years ago, there was a big snowstorm in my city. I got to go out with a team of reporters and capture some amazing footage of people trying to navigate through the storm. It was so much fun to see how happy everyone was despite the weather.”

11. You will need to be able to effectively communicate with people from all walks of life while working here, please give an example of a time when you were able to successfully express yourself verbally and non-verbally.

The BBC is a global organization that serves millions of people every day. The interviewer will want to know how you can communicate with others in different countries and cultures, as well as your ability to adapt to new situations.

Example: “I once had to give an important presentation to the board of directors at my previous job. I was nervous about speaking in front of such a large group of people, but I knew it was an important moment for the company. I took a few deep breaths before beginning my speech and focused on making eye contact with each person in the room. This helped me feel more confident and calm, which allowed me to deliver my message clearly.”

12. Please describe your experience conducting interviews.

Interviewing is a skill that many employers look for when hiring new employees. The BBC wants to know your interviewing experience and how you would conduct an interview with them.

Example: “I have conducted several interviews in my career, including one where I interviewed the CEO of a company about their business practices. In this instance, I asked questions about what they did well and what they could improve on. I also asked if there were any challenges they faced as a leader. This helped me understand more about the company and its goals.”

13. If you get hired, what kind of research methods would you use to improve our ratings?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have any experience with improving ratings. If you do, they may want to know how you did it and what strategies you used. If you don’t have experience in this area, you can talk about your research skills and how you would use them to find out more information on the topic.

Example: “I’ve worked for a few different media companies that were trying to improve their ratings. I think the best way to do this is by finding out what viewers are looking for. For example, we could conduct surveys or focus groups to get feedback from our audience. We could also analyze data from social media to see which shows people are talking about most.”

14. Would you consider yourself to be more creative or analytical?

This question is designed to determine your strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to be honest about which you are better at, as it can help the interviewer understand how you would approach a problem or challenge in your role.

Example: “I am definitely more analytical than creative. I have always been good with numbers and solving problems, so when I was looking for my first job out of college, I applied for an accounting position. However, after working there for two years, I realized that I wanted something more challenging. So, I started taking classes at night to get my degree in business management. Now, I work as a financial analyst, where I use my analytical skills to solve complex problems.”

15. When interviewing someone, how do you avoid bias?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you can apply the principles of fairness and equality in your work. To answer this question, explain how you would ensure that everyone who comes into contact with you receives equal treatment.

Example: “I avoid bias by making sure I treat everyone fairly and equally. When interviewing someone, I make sure they have a chance to speak their mind and share their qualifications. If I feel like I am favoring one candidate over another, I will take some time to reevaluate my notes and remind myself that all candidates deserve equal consideration.”

16. How can you ensure that the information you are reporting is accurate?

The BBC is known for its high standards of accuracy and impartiality. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of these values, as well as how to achieve them in your work.

Example: “I have always been passionate about getting my facts right. I believe it’s important to be accurate because it helps people make better decisions. In my previous role, I was responsible for writing a weekly column on business news. I would do extensive research before each article so that I could ensure all information was up-to-date and relevant. I also made sure to cite my sources so readers knew where I got my information from.”

17. Give an example of a time when you have gone above and beyond for a customer.

BBC is a public service broadcaster, so they want to know that you are willing to go above and beyond for their customers. This question can help them determine if you have the right attitude for working at BBC.

Example: “When I worked as a customer service representative, I had a customer who was having trouble with his cable box. He called in several times about this issue, but we were unable to fix it over the phone. Finally, he asked me if I could come to his house and fix the problem. I told him that I would be happy to do so, and I went to his house after work one day. We fixed the problem, and he was very grateful.”

18. What is your experience with software development?

BBC is a media company that produces content for radio, television and online. The organization also has an extensive digital presence with many websites and apps. As such, it requires employees who are experienced in software development to create new products and maintain existing ones. When answering this question, describe your experience with the most popular programming languages like Java, C++, Python and Ruby.

Example: “I have been working as a developer for five years now. I started out as a junior programmer but quickly gained more experience by taking on challenging projects. In my last job, I worked on developing BBC’s website and mobile app. I was responsible for creating new features and fixing bugs. I am proficient in Java, C++, Python and Ruby.”

19. Which area of software development are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the software development field and how you can contribute to BBC’s mission. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area that aligns with BBC’s goals or interests.

Example: “I am most interested in creating user-friendly applications for mobile devices. I think there are many ways we can improve the experience of using public services on our phones, and I would love to work on projects like that at BBC.”

20. How do you stay up to date on new trends in software development?

The BBC is a large organization that requires its employees to be knowledgeable about current events and developments in their field. Your answer should show the interviewer you are committed to your career and have an interest in learning more about software development.

Example: “I am passionate about my work, so I regularly read blogs and articles on new technologies and advancements in software development. I also attend conferences and seminars where experts share their knowledge with others. I believe it’s important for me to keep up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry because it helps me solve problems faster and develop better solutions.”