Public Relations Specialist Interview Questions & Answers

Public relations specialists, also called PR specialists, PR managers, and communications specialists, create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Problem-solving skills
• Organizational skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Writing skills
• Speaking skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Public Relations Specialist positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

Public relations specialists deal with the public and the media regularly; therefore, they must be open and friendly in order to maintain a favorable image for their organization.

Related: What Does an Event Marketing Manager Do?

Organizational skills

Why interviewers are interested in your organizational skills:

Public relations specialists are often in charge of managing several events at the same time, requiring superior organizational skills.

Learn more about organizational skill interview questions and how to answer them!

Problem-solving skills

Why interviewers are interested in your problem-solving skills:

Public relations specialists sometimes must explain how a company or client is handling sensitive issues. They must use good judgment in what they report and how they report it.

Related: What Does a Corporate Event Planner Do?

Speaking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your speaking skills:

Public relations specialists regularly speak on behalf of their organization. When doing so, they must be able to clearly explain the organization’s position.

Related: What Does a Creative Strategist Do?

Writing skills

Why interviewers are interested in your writing skills:

Public relations specialists must be able to write well-organized and clear press releases and speeches. They must be able to grasp the key messages they want to get across and write them in a short, succinct way to get the attention of busy readers or listeners.

Related: What Does a Lobbyist Do?

(source: bls.gov)

Public Relations Specialist Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Public Relations Specialist Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Public Relations Specialist Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. What is the most challenging PR situation you had to deal with as a Public Relations Specialist?
2. Give me an example of how you have successfully used social media to influence your PR strategy.
3. Tell me about a time you helped revamp the image of a company. Why was this necessary? What was your role?
4. What would you do if your manager or client disagreed with your PR strategy?
5. Give me an example of a time you mentored or trained a colleague or team member. What results did you achieve together?
6. How would you respond to a situation where your target audience misunderstands your PR communications. How would you handle it?
7. Tell me about a time you had to manage negative media attention.
8. Give me an example of a time you successfully worked as part of a team to handle a PR crisis.
9. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment or campaign as a public relations specialist?
10. Which skills do you think are essential for a PR specialist? Can you give me an example of how you use these skills in your work?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.