Interview questions for Public relations

Public Relations (PR) interns assist the PR manager with the organizing of press conferences and other marketing-related events and create content for media releases and social media platforms. They work with suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of marketing material.

1. Why do you love PR?

What They Want to Know: This question gauges your enthusiasm for your career field. Give an honest response about what appeals to you about the position. The best answers will connect your passion for PR with the company’s mission. Avoid answers focused on yourself (e.g., “I love going to client events and drinking cocktails for free.

2. What is your ideal work environment?

What They Want to Know: Here’s where your research on the agency or company will pay off! If the company is known for a fast-paced environment, you can mention that you work best when busy and are the kind of person who’s always on email.

3. When responding to media and public inquiries, what question do you find most difficult to answer?

What They Want to Know: This question evaluates how well you can “think on your feet.” Be honest in your response. If you say you do not find any questions difficult to answer, it can seem like you’re prevaricating. But be strategic: do not mention a question that you’re likely to receive regularly in this role.

4. Why do you want to work with our company?

When a hiring manager asks why you want to work for their company, they often seek to understand your reasoning for applying and interviewing for a particular role. Additionally, they may want to determine whether you conducted research about their company beforehand. It’s important to answer this question honestly by describing aspects of a prospective employer that most appeal to you.
Example: “I initially applied for a job at this company because of the wide variety of clients you serve. After conducting more research, I discovered that the work environment is also collaborative, which is the best type of working environment for me. Additionally, I enjoyed viewing previous PR campaigns your firm produced. This company develops high-quality work, and I would love to positively contribute here.”

5. What types of media do you have the most experience with?

If a hiring manager asks you about your experience conducting media campaigns, they may want to gauge your expertise regarding different types of media relations. For example, if their company focuses on digital public relations, try to highlight your experience with digital media platforms. It’s often best to share specific details about your media experience to properly illustrate your previous work.
Example: “I have experience handling projects associated with digital, print and broadcast media. However, I’m most experienced with broadcast media since I represented professional athletes who frequently participated in on-screen media appearances. Aside from my work with those clients, I’ve created digital PR campaigns for a few projects and am working to expand my skills by seeking certification in digital media.”

6. How do you develop trust with your clients?

If a hiring manager asks you about client relationships, they may want to determine your interpersonal and relationship-building skills. PR professionals work with clients regularly, so it’s often important for new employees to possess the ability to network and engage well with new clients. Consider providing an example of a situation in which you developed trust with a client or listing strategies you typically employ.
Example: “In previous client experiences, I’ve aimed to develop trust with each client individually. I have a few key strategies that I employ to develop these types of relationships. First, I try to ask questions about their personal lives to make each meeting as comfortable as possible.
I offer information about my personal life, as well, to relate to each client. Then, I attempt to speak in terms each client understands. For example, I may use applicable analogies to describe a PR strategy to a client who lacks experience with this industry. I have a proven record of developing effective relationships with clients, and I’m eager to develop new ones.”

7. How would you respond if a client disagreed with your proposed PR strategy?

This question focuses on your ability to resolve conflicts within your workplace. It also addresses your ability to solve problems and think critically. When answering this question, try to describe prior experiences you’d had handling conflicts.
Example: “I**f a client disagreed with my proposed strategy, I would first ask several questions to understand their reasons. I may ask what they would change or what they dislike about it. Their answers may help me alter the proposed strategy to better suit them. Another approach I may choose is to ask them whether we can develop a strategy collaboratively. This allows them to offer feedback in the process and ensures that they feel valued.”

8. What type of communication medium do you suggest we use to reach potential clients of your age?

Reveals the candidate’s understanding of different channels for different target audiences.

9. Do you think it is wise to keep negative feedback on our company’s social media page?

Tests the candidate’s knowledge of social media and reputational risk.

10. Which of our campaigns do you follow and what would you change?

Assesses the candidate’s knowledge of the company’s products and services.

11. What methods will you use to monitor media coverage on events and campaigns?

Examines the candidate’s knowledge of the media.

12. Why do you want to work in PR?

Try to find a good balance between what you want to gain in this job, and what you want to bring to the company (the value the employer will gain by employing you).
You can start with excellent presentation and communication skills, and a good understanding for their market and the position of all stakeholders, believing that this knowledge makes from you an excellent candidate for the job.
Then you can refer to your love for the work in PR, citing how you (would) enjoy speaking for the company or working on particular campaigns, and how this job helps you to grow professionally and gain satisfaction in life.

13. What do you think is a main goal of PR in our company?

They can inquire also about the role of a particular PR worker, depending on the job you apply for.
The answer is simple: To help improve the reputation of the company, to ensure that good word spreads out, that the public (and everyone involved) is informed about the news, that people keep the brand in their subconscious mind, and will remember on it when deciding about making a purchase or whatever else action the company wants them to take.
You can also point out dealing with negative publicity, and ensuring that the image of the company stays in tact even in the most difficult times.