Ten things you need to know about PR job interviews

So, your cv has passed muster and you’re off to meet your potential new employer – excellent news!  But, PR interviews can be tough.  You need to demonstrate experience, knowledge, passion and creativity. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready!

1.       Preparation is EVERYTHING

Have you been on your potential new company’s website and those of their clients and their competitors?  Have you read the papers, been on Twitter (you should already be following the appropriate people and companies), checked out Facebook and LinkedIn today?  What are the big stories in their clients’ industries? Don’t even think about rocking up at an interview without being 100% on top of the relevant news and social activity.  It’s your job to know what’s going on so make sure you really, really do.

2.       Dress appropriately

Suited and booted for the City and corporate, business casual for tech, on-trend for consumer and fashion and a nurse’s outfit for healthcare.  (Kidding!)  Your recruitment consultant should know the culture of where you’re going so ask them for advice.  If in doubt go smarter rather than more casual – a good jacket will take you anywhere.

3.         Have an early, booze-free night

  Don’t turn up hungover.  Not cool.

4.       Think through the obvious questions in advance

Video yourself answering the following:

• So, tell us a bit about yourself.
• What do you think your key skills / strengths are?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Why do want to work here?
• Thinking of work you have done, what are most proud of?

If you can’t record yourself then a mirror and a hairbrush will have to do, but make sure you practice.

5.       Provide evidence

It’s all very well saying what you’ve done but it’s even better to show people.  Take along your portfolio, putting the most relevant work at the front.  For up to Account Manager level this will probably be coverage and press releases, more senior positions will require strategy, proposals and briefing documents as well.

6.       Expect writing tests and presentations

Depending on seniority, most clients will test one or both of these skills so don’t be surprised if you find yourself locked in their boardroom with 45 minutes to write an article or develop a presentation for immediate delivery.  This generally happens at second or final interview stage but be prepared just in case!

7.       Fidgeting and scratching…

Even if you are feeling nervous please try not to fidget and scratch, it’s really off-putting.

8.       Passion. Not just a type of cake.

One of the most common reasons for not making it to a second interview is a lack of passion.  You need to be enthusiastic, energetic, motivated, a source of positive energy.  If you sit there sighing, rolling your eyes and slagging off everyone you’ve ever worked with then guess what…?

9.       Honesty is the only policy

Don’t lie about your experience, your age or your salary.  It’s too easy to be found out, not to mention morally questionable.

10.   Is there anything you’d like to ask us?

“Umm, er… no, not really…” isn’t the ideal answer to this question but sometimes it’s hard when everything has been answered and the adrenaline’s pumping.  Try and keep one question up your sleeve for the very end and if not – ask a general question about the agency or company’s plans for the future. 

Good luck!

If you want to put your newly learned skills and knowledge into action, why not check out our PR Jobs Board?

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