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USA TODAY Co. Journalist Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 9 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

2.7 Rounds average
Average Typical difficulty
66.7% Positive experience

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at USA TODAY Co..

Showing 3 of 9
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USA TODAY Co.

Editor

Other · more than a year ago

Senior Average Negative experience Decline offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral

HR folks are really involved at the start, then they kinda vanish once you start talking to the hiring managers. It was all pretty standard and a decent experience. Corporate interviews can be a political minefield, mostly based on who you know, which is pretty normal for big companies.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • Describe how you handle working with people you don't get along with.
USA TODAY Co. logo
USA TODAY Co.

Journalist

Other · more than a year ago

Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Background check
Interview formats
Behavioral

The interview process was straightforward and efficient. They inquired about my aspirations and objectives should I be hired. There was also a discussion about the Talent Development program, highlighting that prior internship experience increases the likelihood of securing a spot. The interview was a one-on-one session; the interviewers were pleasant but maintained a serious demeanor. They were accommodating and aimed to make me feel at ease.

Confirmed questions3 questions
  • Could you share your weaknesses?
  • What are your long-term career goals?
  • What are your aspirations and goals if you get the job?
USA TODAY Co. logo
USA TODAY Co.

Journalist

Other

Mid Average Neutral experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Take home Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation

The hiring process involved an initial chat with HR, followed by a meeting with the editor. Candidates needed to submit a writing test and have their clip files prepared. There was also a practical try-out story assigned with a same-day deadline and a requirement to be well-versed in current events by reading the paper.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • Standard format.

USA TODAY Co. Journalist Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from USA TODAY Co. interview reports.

How would you report on the recent shooting incident in Charleston?

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What's your approach to covering the current drought news?

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Can you tell me about other publications you've written for?

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Can you discuss your experience managing freelance writers?

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Describe how you handle working with people you don't get along with.

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What are your aspirations and goals if you get the job?

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Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 9 USA TODAY Co. interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 38.9%
Technical 27.8%
Presentation 27.8%
Case 5.6%

Interview difficulty

Easy 11.1%
Average 88.9%
Difficult 0%

Candidate experience

Negative 22.2%
Positive 66.7%
Neutral 11.1%