20 New York Times Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a job at the New York Times, you can expect to be asked some specific questions about your qualifications and experience. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common questions you’re likely to encounter, as well as some tips on how to answer them.

So whether you’re a seasoned journalist or a recent graduate, read on to find out what you need to know to ace your New York Times interview.

New York Times Interview Process

The New York Times has a lengthy and difficult interview process. It can take up to two months to hear back from the company, and the interviews are very challenging. The first round is a screening with a recruiter, followed by a technical assessment and a final interview. The company asks a lot of questions about your experience and skills, and they also ask you to present a project.

1. What is your experience with software development?

The New York Times is a digital publication, and the company often looks for candidates who have experience with software development. This question allows you to show your knowledge of web design and coding. If you don’t have any experience in this area, you can talk about how you would learn new skills if hired.

Example: “I’ve worked as a journalist for five years now, but I also have some experience with web design and coding. In my last job, I was tasked with creating an online database that listed all of our articles by topic. I used HTML code to create a searchable database where users could find relevant information based on their interests.”

2. Can you tell me about a time when you worked on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

The New York Times is a team-oriented company, so it’s important to show that you can work well with others. When answering this question, try to highlight your communication and problem-solving skills.

Example: “I once worked on a project where I was the only one who knew how to use the software we needed for our research. The rest of my team members were upset because they couldn’t do their jobs without me. Instead of ignoring the issue or getting defensive, I explained why I was the only one who could use the program. Then, I offered to teach them how to use it.”

3. How do you stay up to date on tech trends that are relevant to the industry?

The New York Times is a major publication that covers tech news, so interviewers may ask this question to see if you’re familiar with the latest trends in technology. Use your answer to show that you have an interest in and knowledge of current events in the industry.

Example: “I’m passionate about technology, so I make it a point to read up on the latest developments in the field. I subscribe to several newsletters that deliver daily updates on new products and services, and I also follow some of my favorite tech bloggers on social media. I try to stay informed by reading articles from The New York Times as well.”

4. Please describe some of the projects you have been working on in the past year.

This question is a great way to show the interviewer your skills and abilities. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about what you are passionate about, which can be important for any job. When answering this question, try to focus on projects that highlight your strengths or passions.

Example: “In my last position as a reporter at The Daily News, I covered several stories including a local politician’s corruption trial and a police officer who was accused of shooting an unarmed man. Both of these stories were very challenging but rewarding because they helped me understand how much work goes into reporting news.”

5. Describe an article you read recently, what was your reaction to it?

The New York Times is a newspaper that publishes news, opinion pieces and investigative journalism. As such, it’s important to show you can read the paper thoroughly and understand what you’re reading. This question also allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of current events and opinions about them.

Example: “I recently read an article in The New York Times about how some people are using their pets as emotional support animals. I thought this was interesting because I have a dog myself, and I’ve seen more people with dogs out and about than ever before. However, I think there may be a lot of people abusing the system by getting their pets certified as emotional support animals when they aren’t actually in need of one.”

6. Tell us why you want to work at The New York Times.

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in their company. When you answer this question, it’s important to show that you’ve done some research on the organization and can explain why you’re excited to work there.

Example: “I want to work at The New York Times because I’m passionate about journalism. Your publication has been around since 1851, which shows how dedicated you are to providing quality news. I also love the fact that you have an app where people can subscribe to get breaking news alerts. In my last job, I worked with a team of developers who created a similar app, so I know how challenging it can be to create something like that.”

7. Have you ever disagreed with an editor’s decision? If so, what happened?

The New York Times wants to know that you can work well with others and are willing to compromise. Your answer should show that you’re able to communicate your ideas effectively, but also respect the opinions of others.

Example: “I once disagreed with an editor’s decision to not publish a story I had written about a local politician who was under investigation for corruption. The editor felt it wasn’t newsworthy enough to be published in the paper, so I submitted it to another publication where it was accepted and published online. After seeing my article published elsewhere, the editor decided to publish it after all.”

8. Do you have any experience writing for different audiences?

The New York Times publishes content for a variety of audiences, including international readers and subscribers. Your answer should show that you can write for different types of people. You can mention the type of audience you usually write for and how your writing style changes to accommodate it.

Example: “I have experience writing for both general and niche audiences. I usually write for my blog, which is aimed at young professionals who are looking for advice on their careers. However, when I wrote for my college newspaper, I had to adjust my writing style to appeal to a wider audience. My articles were more informative than entertaining.”

9. What would you say is the most important part of the editing process?

The interviewer may ask this question to understand your editing process and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should include a description of the steps in the editing process, as well as which part is most important to you.

Example: “The most important part of the editing process for me is fact-checking. I always make sure that all sources are valid and reliable before publishing any information. This helps ensure that we’re providing accurate news to our readers and protects the reputation of The New York Times.”

10. Why should we hire you versus someone else who has applied for this position?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate.

Example: “I am passionate about journalism and have been working toward my goal of becoming a journalist since I was in college. My education and work experience are all geared toward helping me succeed as a reporter at The New York Times. I also understand the importance of accuracy when reporting news stories, which is why I always strive to double-check facts before publishing them.”

11. What types of stories or issues are you interested in covering?

The New York Times is a large publication with many different types of stories and issues. The interviewer wants to know if you have any interest in covering the type of news they produce, such as politics or business. Show that you are familiar with their coverage by mentioning some specific topics you would like to cover.

Example: “I am very interested in political reporting. I think it’s important for people to be informed about what’s happening in Washington and state governments. I also want to write more about environmental issues. I’ve been following several organizations on social media who are doing great work in this area, and I’d love to do more research and writing on these topics.”

12. Who is your favorite reporter/journalist and why?

The New York Times is a major newspaper with many talented journalists. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your news consumption habits and how you view the media landscape. To answer, think of a journalist or reporter who has influenced your career goals or inspired you in some way.

Example: “My favorite journalist is Jane Doe from ABC News. She’s been my role model since I was an intern at her station. Her reporting on politics always seems fair and balanced, even when she covers controversial topics. She also does a great job of connecting with her audience through social media. I hope to one day be as respected and well-known as she is.”

13. Are there any competitors that you think we should be keeping an eye out for?

The New York Times is a major player in the news industry, and they want to know that you understand this. They also want to see if you have any knowledge of their competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.

Example: “I think The Washington Post has been making some great strides recently, especially with their investigative journalism. I’ve read several articles from them on topics like government corruption and foreign policy, and I think they’re doing an excellent job at reporting these stories. However, I do think The New York Times still leads the way when it comes to breaking news and international coverage.”

14. The New York Times values diversity and inclusion, tell us something that makes you unique.

The New York Times wants to hire people who are unique and bring something different to the table. This question is an opportunity for you to show them that you have a skill or quality that makes you stand out from other candidates.

Example: “I am a native New Yorker, which gives me a unique perspective on the city. I also speak three languages fluently, which has helped me understand how diverse cultures interact with one another.”

15. What do you think is the purpose of journalism?

The purpose of journalism is a question that many employers ask to see how you view your role as a journalist. Your answer should show the interviewer that you understand what it means to be a journalist and why you want to work for The New York Times.

Example: “I think the purpose of journalism is to inform people about important events in their communities, state, country and world. I believe journalists have an obligation to report on issues that are affecting our society so that citizens can make informed decisions when they go to the polls or cast their votes.”

16. Why are you leaving your current job?

This question can help the interviewer understand your motivations for leaving and whether you’re likely to stay at The New York Times. You should explain why you are looking for a new job, but also emphasize that you are committed to staying with The New York Times if you get hired.

Example: “I am looking for a new position because I feel like my current company is not giving me enough opportunities to advance in my career. I have been working there for five years, and while I appreciate the experience, I would really like to work somewhere where I can learn more about journalism and develop my skills as a writer.”

17. Provide an example of a story you pitched and got published.

The New York Times wants to know that you can pitch stories and get them published. This shows your ability to work with editors, which is an important part of the job. When answering this question, try to provide a specific example of a story you pitched and got published.

Example: “When I was working as a reporter for The Daily Herald, I noticed that there were several accidents on one stretch of highway. I decided to do some research and found out that it was because of a faulty guardrail. I pitched the idea of writing a series about the problem to my editor, who loved the idea. We wrote a three-part series about the faulty guardrails and how they could be fixed.”

18. We want reporters who can come up with ideas on their own. Give us an example of a story idea you came up with that wasn’t assigned to you.

The New York Times wants to know that you can come up with your own ideas for stories. This shows them that you’re proactive and have the initiative to find a story on your own.

Example: “I was working at my previous job as a reporter, and I noticed that there were several accidents in one area of town. I started looking into it further and found out that the city hadn’t updated some traffic lights in years. I wrote an article about this issue and how it could be fixed.”

19. Do you have any experience working with data journalism?

The New York Times is a leader in data journalism, and the company wants to hire people who have experience working with this type of reporting. If you do, share your experience and how it helped you complete projects. If you don’t have any experience, talk about what you know about data journalism and why you would like to learn more about it.

Example: “I’ve worked with data journalism before, but I’m always looking for new ways to use data to tell stories. In my last position, I used data to create interactive graphics that showed readers how much money they spent on certain things each month. This was helpful because it gave them an idea of where their money went and how they could save more.”

20. Describe a time where you had to deal with a difficult client, how did you handle it?

The New York Times is a major publication, and the interviewer will want to know that you can handle difficult clients. This question also allows you to show your problem-solving skills and how you might approach working with an important client.

Example: “I once had a client who was very demanding. He would call me several times a day asking for updates on his project. I tried my best to be polite but firm in telling him that I needed more time to complete his project. Eventually, he understood that I couldn’t give him daily updates and only called when there were problems.”