BBC Journalist Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 47 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at BBC.
BBC
Journalist
Senior Difficult Negative experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Take home Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
The interview process had 3 stages. First, a 3-hour online test with situational and skill-based questions, mostly rewriting and editing. Second, a 1-hour in-office test where I had to write on a current news topic. Third, an in-office interview with situational questions about how I would respond to breaking news, developing a story, a big story, and ideas.
Confirmed questions5 questions
- Can you describe a digital media strategy and outline your execution plan for it?
- How would you handle breaking news situations?
- Describe your approach to developing a story.
BBC
Journalist
Entry Average Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral
I thought the hiring process was pretty unprofessional. I applied and got a really quick response inviting me to an interview, which was nice. But when they sent the invite, it had someone else's name on it, which was weird since I knew them. The interviewers themselves were really nice and made me feel comfortable. The worst part was finding out I didn't get the job through a colleague who heard it from someone at the BBC before the company told me themselves. It's a great company with good people, but their hiring needs some work.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What does it mean for someone to be respectful, in your own words?
- Can you explain how you demonstrate respect towards others?
BBC
Journalist
Mid Average Positive experience Decline offer 1 round
Interview process
Panel Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Presentation Other
It was a three-member panel interview. One panel member was from a different department than the one I was applying to (e.g., my interview was in the Africa department, but someone from MENA was present). My top tip would be to prepare a lot of STAR-structured scenarios. One of the questions was to describe dealing with a difficult person. Also, if the position is related to news, prepare a list of top 5 news stories this week from the region.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Could you list the top three news stories from the region this week?
- Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult individual and how you managed the situation.
BBC Journalist Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from BBC interview reports.
“Could you list the top three news stories from the region this week?”
Read reports →“If you came across a social media post showing injured people, what action would you take regarding that photo?”
Read reports →“What would you do if you learned about an explosion in central London via social media?”
Read reports →“Did you catch the news last night and what were your thoughts on the stories we covered?”
Read reports →“Imagine a 14-year-old girl who was assaulted wants to tell her story to the press. A live investigation is ongoing, but her guardian has given consent. What's your approach to handling this situation?”
Read report →“What does it mean for someone to be respectful, in your own words?”
Read report →“The BBC's global audience includes diverse cultures and perspectives. How would you tailor your reporting style to resonate with an international audience while still maintaining the essence of the story?”
Read report →“Imagine Rupert Murdoch has passed away and you're the only one at the desk. What would be your course of action?”
Read report →“How would you approach covering a story about people in Reading having £X.XX per week for groceries?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 47 BBC interview reports.