Anybody looking for a public relations job should have bags of charisma and excellent communication skills – something which should make an interview for this particular role a breeze.
However, even the most confident of candidates will naturally feel the nerves creeping up as an interview ticks ever closer – so if you’re applying for public relation jobs, read our interview tips in the guide below.
Public Relations Jobs: Interview Tips
1. Research the company
This is incredibly important for any job interview, never mind a PR position. The recruiter will be analysing whether you really have the drive and dedication to work for the organisation, and for signs that you understand their core business interests. Even if you’re a confident talker, you can come badly unstuck without any concrete knowledge of an organisation’s key interests. Before the interview, take some time to visit the company’s website and make a mental note of their current activities, especially in relation to PR.
2. Bring some writing samples
PR is all about effective communication, so perhaps unsurprisingly, many recruiters looking to fill a PR position will be looking to determine whether you have the communication skills necessary to succeed in the role. If possible, try and bring a portfolio of your previous work along to the interview, as the quality of your written work may be enough to swing a decision in your favour. Many PR interviews may also include a written test, so it’s best to prepare for this eventuality before heading to interview.
3. Study current PR trends
The world of PR is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest developments within the trade. PR recruiters will be looking for a switched-on candidate with the ability to think outside the box when it comes to PR, so keep track of industry developments by reading trade magazines, journals and websites.
4. Prepare for difficult questions
At every job interview, there’s always going to be one question that will cause a candidate a momentary slip-up, so if you have the opportunity, try and analyse as many potential questions as you can prior to the interview, and plan some effective answers. It’s crucial, however, to appear natural and charismatic in the presentation of your answers when applying for PR vacancies. Don’t appear flustered by an unexpected question – it’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment to think through an answer.
5. Embrace the modern world
As touched on above, PR jobs are forever evolving, particularly with the development of technology and social networking. From Twitter to Facebook to YouTube campaigns, there has never been a better time to be a PR professional in terms of promoting a business or brand. Therefore, at the job interview, ensure you can show off plenty of diverse social networking skills on your CV.
Find public relations jobs on Simply Marketing Jobs.
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