20 Forbes Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a job, preparation is key. And one of the best ways to prepare is to anticipate the questions you may be asked and practice your responses.

But what if you could go one step further and find out the specific interview questions that a company is likely to ask?

While it’s impossible to know exactly what you’ll be asked in an interview, there are some questions that are more likely to be asked by certain companies.

Forbes has compiled a list of company specific interview questions that you can use to help you prepare for your next interview.

Forbes Interview Process

The interview process at Forbes can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screen and one in-person interview. For some positions, you may also be asked to complete a written test or project. Overall, the interview process is generally quick and efficient. However, some candidates have reported being ghosted after the interview process, which can be frustrating.

1. What is your experience with video editing?

Forbes Magazine uses video to tell stories and highlight important information. Video editing experience is a valuable skill for this position, as it allows you to create high-quality content that engages readers. When answering this question, explain your previous experience with video editing software or other relevant skills.

Example: “I have some experience using Adobe Premiere Pro, which I used in my last role to edit videos for the company’s social media channels. I also have some basic knowledge of Final Cut Pro, but I would like to learn more about it if hired by Forbes.”

2. Do you have any writing samples that we can take a look at?

Forbes Magazine is a business magazine that focuses on financial news and information. As such, they are looking for writers who can produce high-quality content that is relevant to their audience. When you answer this question, make sure you provide them with samples of your work that showcase your writing skills.

Example: “I have several pieces of published work that I am happy to share with you. One piece was an article about the best places to find freelance jobs online. Another was a review of the top five apps for freelancers. Finally, I wrote a blog post about how to get more clients as a freelancer.”

3. How do you think social media has impacted journalism?

Forbes is a business magazine that focuses on financial news and information. As such, it’s important for Forbes journalists to be able to use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share their stories with the public. This question helps hiring managers determine how you feel about using social media as a journalist. In your answer, explain why you think social media has impacted journalism and what you’ve done in the past to incorporate social media into your work.

Example: “I believe social media has had a positive impact on journalism because it allows journalists to reach more people than ever before. I have used social media extensively throughout my career as a journalist. For example, when I was working at The New York Times, I wrote several articles that were shared widely on social media. These articles helped me gain followers who appreciated my writing style and content.”

4. What would you say is the most important trait to be successful in this field?

Forbes is a publication that focuses on business and financial news. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the role of Forbes in the business world. They want to know what traits are important for success in their company. When answering, think about which traits you have that would help you succeed in this position.

Example: “I believe the most important trait to be successful in this field is curiosity. I am always looking for new information and ways to improve my understanding of the business world. This trait has helped me learn more about how businesses operate and find new opportunities for growth.”

5. What are some of your favorite business and finance related news sources?

Forbes Magazine is a business magazine, so it’s important to show that you’re familiar with the publication and its content. When answering this question, try to mention some of Forbes’ most popular articles or publications that you read regularly.

Example: “I really enjoy reading The Wall Street Journal for financial news and information. I also like Business Insider because they have a lot of interesting stories about new technology and startups. For more general business news, I love Entrepreneur Magazine. They always have great advice on how to start your own business.”

6. Do you consider yourself more of an idea person or an execution person? Why?

Forbes is a publication that requires its writers to be able to generate ideas and write about them in an engaging way. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience with this type of work, as well as how you approach it. Your answer should show your ability to come up with unique ideas while also explaining why you prefer one over the other.

Example: “I would say I’m more of an idea person, but only because I find execution to be so much fun. Coming up with new ways to present information or tell stories is always exciting for me, and I love seeing my ideas come to life on paper. However, I do understand that there are times when execution needs to take precedence over ideas, which is why I am always willing to put in the extra effort needed to make sure everything looks great.”

7. Forbes places a high emphasis on teamwork, how comfortable are you working in a team environment?

Forbes is a company that values teamwork and collaboration. They want to know how you will fit into their team environment, so they can make sure you are compatible with the other employees. When answering this question, it’s important to emphasize your ability to work well in teams.

Example: “I have always been comfortable working in a team environment. I find that when working on projects as part of a team, we are able to accomplish more than if we were working alone. In my previous position, I was often tasked with leading project teams, which helped me develop my leadership skills.”

8. How do you think Forbes stands out from other publications?

Forbes is a unique publication that has a lot of competition in the business news industry. Employers want to know how you can help their company’s magazine stand out from others and be successful. Use your answer to highlight what makes Forbes different than other publications. You can also mention any specific features or content that you enjoy reading.

Example: “Forbes stands out because it provides readers with quality financial information, but it also does so in an entertaining way. I think this combination is why many people read the publication. In my last role as a writer, I was able to write several articles that were both informative and interesting. This helped me gain more followers on social media and increased traffic to our website.”

9. If hired, what type of stories would you like to write about?

Forbes Magazine is a business magazine, so it’s important that you have an interest in writing about financial news and information. When answering this question, make sure to mention the type of stories you would be excited to write for Forbes Magazine.

Example: “I’m passionate about business journalism, so I would love to cover any major business news or trends. For example, I recently wrote an article on how businesses can use social media to their advantage. I think that Forbes Magazine could do more coverage on social media marketing strategies.”

10. Tell me about a time when you had to work against a tight deadline, what did you do?

Forbes Magazine is a business magazine that focuses on financial news and information. As such, it’s important to be able to work under tight deadlines when necessary. This question helps the interviewer determine how you handle pressure and whether or not you can meet their expectations of working in a fast-paced environment.

Example: “In my last role as an editor for a local newspaper, I was responsible for writing several articles each week. One week, I had three stories due at once, which meant I would have to write all three by the end of the day. I knew this would be challenging, but I also knew that if I focused on one story at a time, I could get them all done before deadline.”

11. Which types of stories interest you the most?

Forbes Magazine publishes a variety of content, including news stories, opinion pieces and investigative reports. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interests as well as how you would fit into the company culture. To answer this question, think about which types of articles you enjoy reading in Forbes Magazine or other publications. Explain why these topics interest you and what skills you have that could help you write on those subjects.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in business news, so I read several financial magazines regularly. In my last role, I wrote many of the company’s press releases, so I am familiar with writing for a wide audience. I also like learning about new technologies and innovations, so I would be excited to cover any stories related to emerging industries.”

12. Are you familiar with SEO?

SEO stands for search engine optimization, and it’s a process that helps websites rank higher in search engines. Forbes uses SEO to help their website rank highly on search engines like Google and Bing. If you’re interviewing for an SEO position at Forbes, the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with SEO. In your answer, explain what SEO is and describe any previous experience using it.

Example: “I am familiar with SEO because I’ve used it before when working on my own blog. I learned how to use SEO by reading articles about SEO online. After learning more about SEO, I started implementing some of those strategies into my own blog. My blog now ranks highly on Google searches.”

13. What magazines/publications do you read?

This question is a great way to show your interest in business and financial news. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the publications you read regularly and why they are important to you.

Example: “I subscribe to several different magazines that I find interesting and informative. One of my favorites is Entrepreneur Magazine because I love learning about new businesses and how people have started them. Another magazine I enjoy reading is The Wall Street Journal because I like getting an insider’s perspective on current events and trends.”

14. Have you ever had a piece rejected by an editor?

This question is a great way to learn more about an applicant’s writing experience and how they respond to rejection. Answering this question can also help you determine if the applicant has ever had any pieces published in Forbes Magazine before, which can be beneficial for your company.

Example: “Yes, I have had several of my pieces rejected by editors over the years. However, I always take these rejections as learning experiences. In one instance, I submitted a piece that was focused on business tips for small businesses. The editor who reviewed it said that while the content was good, it didn’t fit with their publication because it wasn’t specific enough to small businesses. After that experience, I learned to make sure all of my pieces are relevant to the publications I submit them to.”

15. Would you be able to travel for interviews if needed?

Forbes Magazine is a national publication, so you may need to travel for interviews. Employers ask this question to make sure that you are willing to do what it takes to get the job. They also want to know if you have experience traveling for work. In your answer, let them know that you would be willing to travel and give them an example of how you’ve done this in the past.

Example: “I am happy to travel for interviews as long as I’m compensated for my time. I have had to travel for interviews before, and I always made sure to arrive early and stay late to make a good impression on the employer. I think it’s important to show employers that you’re committed to their company.”

16. What would you say is the biggest challenge facing journalists today?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can help improve it. When answering, consider what challenges you have personally faced as a journalist and discuss ways you would solve them.

Example: “The biggest challenge facing journalists today is that there are so many sources for news. This makes it difficult for people to know which ones they can trust. I think one solution to this problem is creating more transparency in journalism. If we were able to make our methods and processes more public, readers could see why we choose certain stories over others.”

17. Describe a time where you had to meet a strict deadline.

Forbes is a business magazine, so it’s likely that you’ll be working on projects that involve meeting deadlines. Employers ask this question to make sure you can meet their expectations and standards for quality work. In your answer, explain how you plan ahead to ensure you’re able to complete assignments in time.

Example: “I always try to have my work done well before the deadline. However, I know that things happen sometimes. If I’m ever running behind, I stay late or come in early to get everything finished. I also communicate with my manager about any challenges I may be having.”

18. What skills do you think you need to improve upon?

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are self-aware and willing to improve. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two skills that you would like to develop in the future.

Example: “I think I need to work on my public speaking skills. Although I am comfortable presenting information to small groups of people, I have never spoken in front of large crowds before. I understand that Forbes Magazine has many events where they invite guests to speak about their business ventures. If I were hired for this position, I would take some public speaking classes to help me prepare.”

19. What was the last article you wrote? Can you tell us about it?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can apply it. When answering this question, make sure that you are able to clearly describe what you wrote about and why you chose that topic.

Example: “The last article I wrote was on the best ways to use social media for business. I chose this topic because I have seen many businesses struggle with using social media effectively. In my research, I found that there are several different types of social media platforms that work well for certain industries. For example, Instagram works well for fashion brands while Twitter works better for news outlets.”

20. Explain the difference between AP style and Chicago Manual Style.

Writers at Forbes use AP style, which is a set of rules for writing and editing news. Writers also need to know Chicago Manual Style, which is the standard format for business documents. Your answer should show that you understand both styles and can apply them correctly.

Example: “AP style is a set of guidelines for journalists who write news stories. It’s important to follow these rules because they ensure consistency in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Chicago Manual Style is a set of rules for formatting business documents. These rules are more specific than AP style, so it’s important to learn them when working as a writer at Forbes.”