Interviewers ask this question to see if you are proactive and engaged in your industry, which is crucial for a feature writer to produce relevant and timely content. You need to say you regularly follow reputable news sources, industry blogs, and social media, and engage with professional networks or events to stay informed.

Example: I like to stay connected by reading a mix of industry blogs, newspapers, and newsletters that focus on storytelling and current events. Podcasts and social media also offer real-time insights and fresh perspectives. For example, I often follow writers and editors on Twitter who share trends and thoughts. Staying curious and open to different sources helps me keep my work relevant and engaging.

This interview question helps the interviewer see if you’re proactive and consistently engaged with your field. You need to say you regularly read industry publications, follow key influencers, and attend relevant events or webinars to stay updated.

Example: I stay updated by regularly reading industry publications and following key journalists on social media. Attending events and webinars also helps me catch emerging trends firsthand. For example, I recently joined a panel discussion on digital storytelling, which gave fresh perspectives that influenced my recent articles. Staying curious and connected ensures my writing reflects the latest shifts and resonates with readers.

This question helps interviewers see how you organize and manage complex tasks over time. You need to explain how you broke the project into phases, communicated progress regularly, and consistently met deadlines to ensure success.

Example: During a six-month feature on emerging UK artists, I broke the project into weekly goals to stay on track and adjusted my focus as new stories developed. I kept in regular touch with editors to ensure priorities aligned and managed interviews around busy schedules. Consistently hitting deadlines allowed me to deliver a well-rounded, timely piece that balanced depth with ongoing developments.

This question aims to assess your ability to think creatively and engage readers through original storytelling while overcoming challenges. You need to describe a unique story angle you developed, explain how readers responded positively, and mention any obstacles you solved during the writing process.

Example: Sure, I once wrote a feature exploring hidden London street art, weaving in personal stories from local artists. It wasn’t just about the art but capturing the community behind it, which sparked lots of reader comments and social shares. To bring it alive, I mixed interview snippets with vivid descriptions, turning a simple guide into a narrative that really connected with people and gave a fresh perspective on a familiar city.

What they want to understand is how well you stay informed and adapt to changes in your field. You should mention trends like storytelling through multimedia, a focus on diverse perspectives, or data-driven narratives, showing your awareness and enthusiasm for evolving journalism.

Example: What I find fascinating is how feature writing now blends storytelling with multimedia elements, like incorporating podcasts or interactive graphics to engage readers more deeply. Also, there’s a growing focus on diverse voices and underrepresented perspectives, which makes stories richer and more relatable. For example, I’ve noticed how lifestyle features now often include personal experiences alongside expert insights, creating a more immersive and authentic read.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience in overcoming common creative challenges. You need to explain that you take proactive steps like changing your environment or seeking new perspectives to reignite your creativity.

Example: When inspiration runs dry, I step away from the screen—sometimes a walk or a quick change of scene sparks new ideas. I’ve found that reading widely or chatting with people about different topics often helps me see things from a fresh angle. Writer’s block is just a signal to pause and refresh, so I use that time to gather thoughts rather than force them.

This interview question aims to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills during complex projects. You need to explain how you defined key research questions, detail the methods you used to gather information, and describe how you adapted when faced with challenges.

Example: Sure! Here's a natural and concise response for your interview: In one project, I had to explore the impact of urban green spaces on mental health. I started by pinpointing what gaps existed in current studies, then gathered data from interviews, local reports, and academic papers. When sources were limited, I reached out directly to experts for insights. Navigating these challenges helped me create a well-rounded, engaging feature that resonated with readers.

This question aims to assess your ability to analyze storytelling and recognize impactful journalism. You should explain why the article stood out to you and highlight specific elements like narrative style or subject matter that made it effective.

Example: Recently, I was struck by a feature in The Guardian exploring the rise of urban gardening in London. It wove personal stories with wider environmental themes, showing how small green spaces are transforming communities. The piece felt both intimate and socially relevant, which reminded me how powerful storytelling can connect readers to everyday changes that often go unnoticed. It’s the kind of writing I aspire to create myself.

What they want to understand is how you differentiate your work and engage readers effectively. You need to say you use vivid storytelling, strong voice, and thorough research to create compelling and unique articles.

Example: I focus on storytelling that connects with readers by weaving in relatable details and vivid descriptions. I pay attention to the rhythm of my sentences, mixing short and longer ones to keep things engaging. For example, when writing a travel piece, I might share a small, personal moment that captures the place’s mood, making the story feel more alive and memorable.

What they want to know is how your experience and style fit their publication’s needs. You should briefly highlight specific articles you’ve written, emphasizing your storytelling skills and ability to engage readers.

Example: Certainly. In my previous role, I wrote a series of human-interest features exploring local communities, including a piece on a London-based social enterprise supporting refugees. I also covered cultural events and profiles of emerging artists, blending storytelling with insightful research to engage readers. These experiences honed my ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate and inform, which I’m keen to bring to your publication.

This interview question helps assess your ability to ensure accurate and trustworthy reporting. You should explain that you verify sources by cross-referencing with reputable publications, consult multiple independent sources to confirm facts, and remain aware of potential biases to present balanced information.

Example: When verifying sources, I start by considering where the information comes from and the track record of the person or organisation. I cross-check key facts with multiple trustworthy outlets to ensure consistency. I also stay mindful of any potential biases, making sure to include diverse viewpoints to give a well-rounded picture. For example, when writing about local politics, I’ll compare official statements with community voices to capture the full story.

Employers ask this to see how you manage time and quality under pressure. In your answer, explain how you prioritize key research areas, use efficient methods to gather information quickly, and organize your schedule to balance research and writing effectively.

Example: Balancing research and deadlines means knowing what’s essential and what can wait. I usually map out key sources early and carve out time blocks for digging deeper while keeping the story moving forward. For example, when working on a feature last year, I focused first on core facts to meet the initial deadline, then enriched the piece with interviews and background in follow-ups—making sure the final story stayed accurate without missing the schedule.

Employers ask this question to gauge your ability to efficiently gather accurate information using various tools and adapt your methods to different research needs. You should explain that you use reputable databases like LexisNexis or ProQuest, cross-check facts across multiple sources, and adjust your approach depending on the story type and deadline.

Example: When researching, I rely on a mix of trusted sources, from official reports and academic journals to interviews and social media insights. I always cross-check facts across multiple channels to ensure accuracy. Depending on the story, I might dig into archives for historical context or contact experts for fresh perspectives, adapting quickly if a deadline looms. This flexible approach helps me craft well-rounded, reliable features every time.

What they want to know is how you tackle difficult subjects and make them accessible, showing your research skills and creativity. You should explain how you thoroughly studied the topic, broke it down into clear parts, and used storytelling or expert input to make it engaging and accurate.

Example: In a recent piece on renewable energy policies, I started by diving deep into government reports and expert interviews to grasp the key details. Then, I broke down the information into relatable stories and clear explanations to keep readers engaged. When technical terms got tricky, I found simpler analogies to bridge the gap, ensuring the topic stayed accessible without losing its essence.

This question assesses your attention to detail and commitment to producing polished work. You need to explain that you carefully review your writing for clarity, grammar, and flow, often reading aloud and using tools or peer feedback to catch errors.

Example: When I finish a draft, I take a short break to clear my mind, then read through it aloud to catch awkward phrases or errors. I focus on clarity and flow, making sure the story feels natural and engaging. Sometimes, I ask a colleague to glance over it for fresh eyes. For example, when writing a recent feature, this approach helped me spot inconsistencies I’d missed initially.

This question helps interviewers see how you generate unique, relevant stories while adapting to different audiences and ensuring your ideas are strong before pitching. You should explain how you draw inspiration from current trends or personal experiences, tailor your ideas to the publication’s readers, and seek feedback to refine your concepts.

Example: I usually start by exploring everyday experiences or current trends that spark curiosity, then think about fresh angles that haven’t been widely covered. I pay close attention to who I’m writing for, tweaking the approach to suit their interests. Before pitching, I bounce ideas off colleagues or do quick research to ensure the story feels relevant and engaging. For example, a recent feature on urban gardening came from noticing local community gardens during my walk.

What they want to know is how you ensure your articles are well-researched, accurate, and relevant by using various trustworthy sources and verifying information carefully. You should say you use a mix of official reports, interviews, and observations, cross-check facts for reliability, and adjust your methods like using social media for trending topics.

Example: When I’m researching, I use a mix of interviews, official reports, and firsthand observations to get a well-rounded view. I always cross-check facts, especially if sources conflict, to ensure accuracy. Depending on the story, I might dive into archives or attend events to capture the right angle. For example, covering a local festival once meant speaking directly with organisers and attendees, which really brought the piece to life.

Interviewers ask this question to see if you stay engaged with quality writing and if you can critically learn from established voices. You should mention respected UK publications or writers you follow and briefly explain how their work shapes your approach or inspires your stories.

Example: I regularly follow *The Guardian* and *The New Yorker* for their thoughtful storytelling and strong narrative voices. Writers like Zadie Smith inspire me with their sharp insights and cultural awareness. Keeping up with such diverse perspectives helps me refine my own style and stay curious about fresh topics, which I find essential for writing features that truly engage readers.

Questions like this assess your understanding of the industry's direction and your adaptability to change. You need to highlight trends like digital storytelling and audience engagement while showing your eagerness to innovate and evolve with new media formats.

Example: Feature writing will increasingly blend traditional storytelling with digital innovation. Readers seek deeper, relatable content but also appreciate interactive elements like multimedia and social storytelling. For example, features may integrate podcasts or visuals to enrich the narrative. Ultimately, the role will focus on connecting emotionally while adapting to new platforms, ensuring stories remain compelling and accessible in a fast-evolving media landscape.

This question helps the interviewer understand how you connect with readers and keep them invested in your stories. You should explain that you use catchy headlines and intriguing openings to grab attention, structure your content logically for clear flow, and tailor your tone and style to make the writing relatable and relevant to your audience.

Example: To keep readers hooked, I start with a strong, relatable opening that taps into their interests or emotions. Throughout the piece, I focus on clear, smooth transitions to make the story easy to follow. I also tailor examples and language to suit the audience’s experiences, ensuring the content feels relevant and meaningful. For example, when writing about local culture, I’ll weave in familiar references to create a genuine connection.

This question reveals your ability to handle pressure and time management, essential skills for a feature writer. You need to explain how you prioritized tasks and planned your work to meet the deadline, describe the focused actions you took to maintain quality, and share the positive outcome and lessons learned.

Example: Sure! Here’s a polished, natural response under 70 words: Once, I had to turn around a feature story within 24 hours. I quickly broke down the task—research, interviews, writing—and set mini-deadlines. I stayed focused, cutting distractions but kept the piece sharp by prioritising clarity over length. The article ran on time and was well received. That experience taught me how structure and staying calm really make tight deadlines manageable without skimping on quality.

This interview question helps employers understand how you manage your time and stay productive under deadlines. You need to explain that you plan your work with detailed outlines, set internal deadlines to prioritize tasks, and use techniques like time-blocking to minimize distractions and maintain focus.

Example: I usually break down my articles into smaller sections with clear deadlines, which helps me keep a steady pace. I prioritise tasks by urgency and focus on one piece at a time to avoid stretching myself too thin. To stay focused, I find a quiet space and limit distractions, whether that’s turning off notifications or setting specific writing hours. This routine keeps me on track and consistently meets deadlines.

Questions like this help interviewers understand how you manage time and handle pressure. You need to explain that you assess deadlines and project impact to organize tasks efficiently, ensuring timely and quality delivery.

Example: When juggling several stories, I start by assessing deadlines and the complexity of each piece. I tend to tackle the most urgent or time-sensitive ones first but remain flexible if a new angle develops. For example, while working on multiple features last year, I set mini-deadlines to stay on track and ensure I had enough time to research and rewrite, keeping quality consistent across all projects.

Interviewers ask this question to see how you approach challenges creatively and find unique solutions in your writing process. You need to explain how you identified a problem or gap, what unconventional methods you used to solve it, and the positive results that came from your innovative approach.

Example: Once, I was asked to write about a local event with limited access to official sources. Instead of the usual interviews, I attended the event myself, capturing vivid details and talking directly to attendees. This fresh approach brought authentic voices and atmosphere into the piece, making it more engaging. It not only enriched the story but also connected readers more deeply with the community.

This interview question helps employers see if you understand how to connect with diverse readers and adjust your writing accordingly. You need to explain that you research your audience’s demographics and interests, then tailor your tone and content style to suit different platforms or publications.

Example: When writing for different audiences, I first get a clear sense of who they are and what interests them. For example, a piece for a tech-savvy crowd will be more detailed and jargon-friendly, while one for general readers stays clear and engaging. I research their preferences and adjust tone and structure accordingly, ensuring the content feels relevant and accessible without losing its voice.