Top interview questions to expect

1. Share a time when you successfully managed a PR crisis.
2. How do you measure the success of your PR campaigns?
3. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult client. How did you handle it?
4. What are your thoughts on the latest trends in public relations?
5. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest industry news and developments?
6. Can you tell me about a time when you had to work on a tight deadline? How did you manage your time and resources?
7. Why are you interested in working as a Public Relations Manager?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured way of answering interview questions that helps you to provide clear, concise, and relevant answers. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

* Situation: Briefly describe the situation or challenge you were faced with.
* Task: Explain the task or goal you were trying to achieve.
* Action: Describe the specific actions you took to address the situation or achieve the goal.
* Result: Share the positive outcome or result of your actions.

Using the STAR framework will help you to structure your answers in a way that is easy for the interviewer to follow and understand. It will also help you to highlight your skills and experience in a positive and impactful way.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Share a time when you successfully managed a PR crisis.

Example Answer:

Situation: During my time as a PR Manager at a leading tech company, we faced a major product recall that threatened to damage our reputation.

Task: My task was to develop and implement a crisis communications plan to minimize the negative impact on our brand.

Action: I worked closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to gather all the facts and develop a clear and concise message. We then communicated this message to our customers, employees, and the media in a timely and transparent manner.

Result: Our quick and decisive response helped to mitigate the damage to our reputation and maintain the trust of our customers.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a clear and concise explanation of how I successfully managed a PR crisis. It highlights my skills in crisis communications, problem-solving, and leadership.

2. How do you measure the success of your PR campaigns?

Example Answer:

Situation: At my previous company, we launched a new product that we believed had the potential to be a game-changer in the industry.

Task: My task was to develop and implement a PR campaign to generate awareness and excitement for the new product.

Action: I worked with my team to create a comprehensive PR plan that included a mix of traditional and digital media outreach. We also developed a social media strategy to engage with potential customers and influencers.

Result: The PR campaign was a huge success. We generated over 100 million media impressions and the new product became one of the company’s best-selling products.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a clear and concise explanation of how I measured the success of a PR campaign. It highlights my skills in campaign planning, execution, and measurement.

3. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult client. How did you handle it?

Example Answer:

Situation: As a PR Manager, I once had a client who was extremely demanding and difficult to please. They were constantly changing their mind and making unreasonable requests.

Task: My task was to manage the client relationship and ensure that they were satisfied with our services.

Action: I took a proactive approach to managing the client relationship. I scheduled regular meetings to keep them updated on our progress and to address any concerns they had. I also made myself available to answer their questions and respond to their requests in a timely manner.

Result: Despite the challenges, I was able to build a strong relationship with the client and exceed their expectations. They were so happy with our services that they referred us to several other clients.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a clear and concise explanation of how I handled a difficult client. It highlights my skills in client management, communication, and problem-solving.

4. What are your thoughts on the latest trends in public relations?

Example Answer:

Situation: The public relations landscape is constantly evolving. New technologies and platforms are emerging all the time, and PR professionals need to be aware of these trends in order to stay ahead of the curve.

Task: My task is to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in public relations and to incorporate them into my work.

Action: I read industry publications, attend conferences, and network with other PR professionals to stay informed about the latest trends. I also experiment with new tools and technologies to see how they can be used to improve my work.

Result: My knowledge of the latest trends in public relations has helped me to develop and implement more effective PR campaigns. I am able to reach a wider audience and achieve better results for my clients.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a clear and concise explanation of how I stay up-to-date on the latest trends in public relations. It highlights my skills in research, learning, and innovation.

5. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest industry news and developments?

Example Answer:

Situation: The public relations industry is constantly changing. New technologies, platforms, and trends are emerging all the time. PR professionals need to be aware of these changes in order to stay ahead of the curve.

Task: My task is to stay up-to-date with the latest industry news and developments.

Action: I read industry publications, attend conferences, and network with other PR professionals to stay informed about the latest trends. I also follow industry leaders on social media and subscribe to industry newsletters.

Result: My knowledge of the latest industry news and developments has helped me to develop and implement more effective PR campaigns. I am able to reach a wider audience and achieve better results for my clients.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a clear and concise explanation of how I stay up-to-date with the latest industry news and developments. It highlights my skills in research, learning, and innovation.

6. Can you tell me about a time when you had to work on a tight deadline? How did you manage your time and resources?

Example Answer:

Situation: I was once tasked with developing and implementing a PR campaign for a new product launch. The deadline was very tight, and I had a limited budget and staff.

Task: My task was to develop and implement a successful PR campaign on a tight deadline and with limited resources.

Action: I broke the project down into smaller tasks and prioritized the most important ones. I also delegated tasks to my team members and worked closely with them to ensure that we were all on track. I also communicated regularly with the client to keep them updated on our progress.

Result: Despite the challenges, we were able to develop and implement a successful PR campaign that met the client’s expectations. The product launch was a success and the client was very happy with our work.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a clear and concise explanation of how I managed my time and resources on a tight deadline. It highlights my skills in project management, teamwork, and communication.

7. Why are you interested in working as a Public Relations Manager?

Example Answer:

Situation: I have always been passionate about public relations. I love the challenge of developing and implementing creative PR campaigns that help organizations achieve their goals.

Task: My goal is to find a position as a Public Relations Manager where I can use my skills and experience to make a positive impact on an organization.

Action: I have been working in the public relations field for the past five years. I have experience in developing and implementing PR campaigns, managing client relationships, and working with the media. I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be successful in a Public Relations Manager position.

Result: I am excited about the opportunity to work as a Public Relations Manager. I am confident that I can use my skills and experience to make a positive impact on your organization.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a clear and concise explanation of why I am interested in working as a Public Relations Manager. It highlights my passion for the field, my skills and experience, and my confidence in my ability to be successful in the role.