Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself and your experience in public relations.
2. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in public relations?
3. Describe a time you had to manage a crisis communication situation.
4. How do you build and maintain relationships with media outlets?
5. Give an example of a successful public relations campaign you’ve worked on.
6. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a public relations professional?
7. How do you handle working under pressure and meeting deadlines?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

To answer these questions effectively, use the STAR method. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This framework helps you structure your answers by providing a clear and concise description of a relevant experience. First, describe the Situation, outlining the context of your story. Then, explain the Task you were responsible for. Next, detail the Actions you took to address the situation. Finally, conclude by outlining the Result of your actions.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself and your experience in public relations.

Example Answer: “I’ve been passionate about public relations for [number] years. My journey began with [briefly describe your first PR experience]. Since then, I’ve worked on [list a few key projects or experiences] which have honed my skills in [mention key skills like media relations, crisis communication, etc.]. I’m particularly proud of [mention a specific accomplishment or project you’re proud of]. I’m confident that my experience and skills align perfectly with the requirements of this role.”

Why this is strong: This answer uses the STAR method by providing a brief overview of your background and highlighting key accomplishments. It focuses on relevant experience and demonstrates your passion for public relations.

2. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in public relations?

Example Answer: “I’m a firm believer in continuous learning. I subscribe to industry publications like [mention specific publications], attend relevant conferences like [mention specific conferences], and actively participate in online communities like [mention specific online communities]. I also follow thought leaders in the field on social media to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices. This helps me stay ahead of the curve and apply new knowledge to my work.”

Why this is strong: This answer demonstrates your commitment to professional development and staying informed about industry trends. It showcases your proactive approach to learning and your ability to adapt to new information.

3. Describe a time you had to manage a crisis communication situation.

Example Answer: “During my time at [previous company], a negative news story emerged about [briefly describe the crisis situation]. I immediately worked with the team to develop a comprehensive crisis communication plan, which involved [mention key actions taken, e.g., issuing a press release, engaging with stakeholders, etc.]. We also established a communication channel to provide timely updates to the public. Through our proactive efforts, we were able to manage the situation effectively and minimize the damage to the company’s reputation.”

Why this is strong: This answer uses the STAR method to describe a specific crisis situation and highlights your ability to think strategically, act quickly, and communicate effectively during a challenging time.

4. How do you build and maintain relationships with media outlets?

Example Answer: “I believe in building strong, authentic relationships with journalists. I start by researching each outlet and understanding their target audience and editorial focus. I then reach out to relevant reporters and editors, offering them valuable information and insights. I’m also proactive in attending press conferences and events to network and build connections. I always aim to be a reliable source of information and maintain open communication with journalists, even when there’s no immediate news.”

Why this is strong: This answer demonstrates your understanding of the importance of media relations and your ability to build strong relationships with journalists. It highlights your proactive approach to networking and your commitment to providing valuable information.

5. Give an example of a successful public relations campaign you’ve worked on.

Example Answer: “One of my proudest accomplishments was leading the public relations campaign for [name of campaign] for [company]. Our goal was to [state the campaign objective]. We achieved this by [mention key strategies used, e.g., media outreach, social media engagement, etc.]. The campaign resulted in [mention quantifiable results, e.g., increased brand awareness, positive media coverage, etc.]. This success solidified my belief in the power of strategic public relations to achieve tangible results.”

Why this is strong: This answer uses the STAR method to showcase a successful public relations campaign. It highlights your leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to measure success.

6. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a public relations professional?

Example Answer: “My strengths lie in my ability to [mention specific strengths, e.g., strong communication skills, strategic thinking, crisis management, etc.]. I’m also a highly organized and detail-oriented individual, ensuring that every aspect of a campaign is carefully planned and executed. However, I’m always striving to improve my [mention a specific area for development, e.g., public speaking, social media marketing, etc.]. I’m actively taking steps to address this by [mention specific actions you’re taking to improve]. I believe that continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for success in this field.”

Why this is strong: This answer provides a balanced assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. It demonstrates your self-awareness and your commitment to professional growth.

7. How do you handle working under pressure and meeting deadlines?

Example Answer: “I thrive in fast-paced environments and am adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring that deadlines are met. I also maintain open communication with my team and stakeholders to keep everyone informed and on track. When facing tight deadlines, I remain calm and focused, leveraging my organizational skills and problem-solving abilities to deliver successful results.”

Why this is strong: This answer demonstrates your ability to work effectively under pressure and manage deadlines. It highlights your organizational skills, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.