17 Sports Reporter Interview Questions and Answers

Whether it’s a game-winning touchdown or a home run in the bottom of the ninth, sports fans want to know all about the action as it happens. That’s where sports reporters come in. These professionals research, write, and deliver stories about sporting events for television, radio, and digital media outlets.

To become a sports reporter, you will need to have strong writing skills, be able to work well under pressure, and be knowledgeable about the sports you cover. You will also need to be able to think on your feet and be prepared for anything when you’re on the job.

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?

Sports reporting is a job that often requires you to work independently. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with working alone and can handle the responsibility of covering an entire game or event by yourself. In your answer, explain how much you enjoy being independent and doing your own work. Explain that you are willing to do what it takes to get the job done on time and without help from others.

Example: “I am very comfortable working on my own. I have been a sports reporter for five years now, and in that time, I’ve learned how to cover games and events all by myself. I prefer to work independently because I know I can get the job done well without needing any help. However, if there’s ever a situation where I need help, I’m always open to asking for assistance.”

What are some of your favorite sports to cover and why?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you a little better and see if your interests align with the sports they cover. It’s important to show that you’re passionate about the sport, but it’s also good to be honest about what you enjoy covering.

Example: “I love basketball because of how fast-paced it is. I find it so exciting to watch players make incredible plays and score points. Football is another one of my favorites because there are so many different aspects to cover. There are so many different positions on the field, and each play can change based on who is in the game. Baseball is another favorite of mine because of the long season. I like being able to follow a team for an entire year.”

How do you keep up with the latest news in your area of sports reporting?

Sports reporting is a fast-paced industry, and employers want to make sure you’re able to keep up with the latest news in your area. They also want to know that you have an interest in sports outside of what you cover as a reporter. Show them that you are passionate about sports by explaining how you stay current on all things related to your beat.

Example: “I am a huge fan of my local team, so I follow their every move. I also subscribe to several sports websites where I can find breaking news stories before they go viral. I also like to read articles from other reporters who cover different teams. This helps me learn more about players and coaches, which makes it easier for me to interview them when they come to town.”

What is your process for conducting an interview and getting the most out of your subject?

Sports reporters often conduct interviews with coaches, players and other sports professionals. Interviewers ask this question to see if you have experience conducting these types of interviews and how you go about doing it. In your answer, share what steps you take when conducting an interview. Explain that you try to be as prepared as possible before the interview so you can get all of your questions answered.

Example: “I always make sure I am fully prepared for any interview I do. Before meeting with a subject, I read up on their background and stats. This helps me come up with more relevant questions during the interview. I also like to use open-ended questions to encourage subjects to talk more in-depth about their answers. This allows me to learn more about them and their experiences.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to cover a sporting event that you knew very little about. How did you prepare for it?

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.

Example: “When I was working as an intern at my local newspaper, I had to cover a high school football game that I knew nothing about. I asked one of the veteran reporters for advice on what to look for during the game. He told me which players were important to watch and gave me some basic strategies for each team. I took notes throughout the game so I could remember everything he said. By the end of the night, I felt confident enough to write a full article about the game.”

If you had the opportunity to interview any athlete in the world, who would it be and why?

This question is a great way to see how passionate you are about sports and the athletes who play them. Interviewers ask this question to make sure that you’re not just looking for an easy job, but also one where you can be excited and enthusiastic. When answering this question, it’s important to show your passion for sports by naming an athlete you admire or someone you would love to meet.

Example: “If I had the opportunity to interview any athlete in the world, I would choose LeBron James because he’s such an inspirational figure in the basketball community. He has overcome so many obstacles throughout his career, including overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Warriors in 2016 to win the NBA Championship. His story is truly remarkable, and I would love to hear more about what drives him.”

What would you do if you were assigned to cover a sporting event but you weren’t given press credentials?

This question is designed to test your knowledge of the industry and how you would handle a situation that could arise. It also shows an employer if you are willing to go above and beyond for the job. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to get credentials or find another way to cover the event.

Example: “I have never been in this situation before, but I would first try to contact the press manager to see why I was denied credentials. If they still refused me access, I would look into other ways to cover the event such as finding a local reporter who had credentials and asking them to let me tag along with them.”

How well do you know the rules of the sports you cover? Do you feel it’s important for sports reporters to know the rules?

Sports reporters need to know the rules of the sports they cover. This is because knowing the rules helps them understand what’s happening on the field or court and how it relates to the game. It also allows them to ask more informed questions of coaches, players and other sources.

Example: “I feel that it’s important for sports reporters to have a good understanding of the rules of the games they cover. I always make sure to read up on the rules before each season starts so I can be prepared when covering games. I find this knowledge helps me ask better questions during interviews with coaches and players.”

Do you have any experience writing for digital media outlets?

Sports reporting is a rapidly changing field, and employers want to make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest trends. If you have experience writing for digital media outlets, explain how your previous work helped prepare you for this role.

Example: “I’ve been writing for my own blog since college, where I covered local sports teams. This experience has given me valuable insight into what fans are looking for in their coverage. It’s also taught me how to write concisely while still providing interesting content. My blog has even led to freelance opportunities with major news outlets.”

When is it appropriate to break news stories on social media?

Sports reporters often have the opportunity to break news stories. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand when it’s appropriate to do so and how to handle breaking a story on social media. In your answer, explain that you would only break a story on social media if you can’t get in touch with anyone from the team or organization for comment. You should also mention that you would wait until you know all of the facts before posting anything online.

Example: “I would only use social media to break a story if I couldn’t get in contact with anyone from the team or organization. If I had questions about the story, I would try calling them again. If they still didn’t respond, I would post the story on my personal account and tag the official accounts of the team or organization. Then, I would update the story with more information as I got it.”

We want to increase our social media presence. What would you do to increase engagement on your posts?

Social media is a great way to reach sports fans and increase your audience. Employers want to know that you understand how social media works and can use it to benefit their organization. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure your posts are engaging and shareable.

Example: “I think the most important thing when posting on social media is to be timely. I would make sure my posts were relevant to current events in the world of sports. For example, if there was an exciting game going on, I would post about it during the game so people could follow along as they’re watching. Another thing I would do is include photos or videos with my posts. This makes them more visually appealing and increases engagement.”

Describe your writing process.

Sports reporters need to be able to write quickly and accurately. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the writing skills necessary for the job. In your answer, explain how you plan out a story before you start writing. Share any tips or tricks that help you write faster.

Example: “I usually outline my stories before I begin writing them. This helps me organize my thoughts and makes it easier to write quickly. When I’m on deadline, I also use shorthand notes to keep track of important information. These are just abbreviations that I can type more quickly than regular words. It’s also helpful to know some basic keyboard shortcuts so I can save time when typing.”

What makes you the best candidate for this sports reporter position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Consider including any relevant education or training, as well as any past work experience in sports reporting.

Example: “I am passionate about sports and have been following my favorite teams since I was a child. My love for sports has inspired me to pursue a career in sports journalism. In addition to my passion for sports, I also possess excellent communication skills and strong research abilities. These skills helped me earn a degree in communications with a minor in sports management. I also completed an internship at a local news station where I learned valuable skills like interviewing techniques and writing stories.”

Which sports do you feel you have the most expertise in?

Sports reporters need to be knowledgeable about the sports they cover. Employers ask this question to make sure you have a strong background in the sport you’re applying for. Before your interview, read through the job description and highlight any skills or experience requirements. Make sure that your background matches these qualifications. If there are multiple positions available, apply for the one that best fits your background.

Example: “I feel I have the most expertise in basketball. Throughout high school, I played on both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams. I also covered my local team as a sports reporter at my college newspaper. I understand the ins and outs of the game and know how to write engaging stories about it.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of sports reporting?

Sports reporting is a multifaceted job that requires reporters to be knowledgeable about the sport they’re covering, as well as the teams and players involved. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand what’s important in this role. In your answer, explain which aspects of sports reporting are most important to you. Explain why these elements are so vital to the job.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of sports reporting is accuracy. As a reporter, it’s our responsibility to relay information to the public accurately. If we get something wrong or misrepresent an event, it can have serious consequences for both the team and the athletes involved. I take great care to ensure everything I write is accurate and thoroughly researched.”

How often do you think sports reporters should update their stories?

Sports reporters need to be able to keep up with the latest news and developments in their sports. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand how often you should update your stories. In your answer, explain that you will update your story as soon as possible after a game or event ends. Explain that you know it’s important for fans to read about the results of games right away.

Example: “I think it’s very important for fans to get the latest updates on their favorite teams. I would always try to publish my articles as quickly as possible after an event has ended. For example, if a team wins a big game, I would write my article immediately after the game is over. Fans want to read about these events as they happen, so I would do everything I could to provide them with timely information.”

There is a disagreement in the locker room about how to approach the next game. How would you handle this as a sports reporter?

Sports reporters often have to make decisions about how to cover a story. This question is asking you to demonstrate your ability to handle conflict and use critical thinking skills to solve problems.

Example: “I would first ask the players what their concerns are, then I would talk with coaches and other team officials to get their perspective on the situation. After gathering all of this information, I would write my article based on the facts that I know. If there are still disagreements after publication, I would be willing to meet with anyone who has questions or concerns.”