In our past articles, we reviewed the first two steps of the job application process. First, we focused on writing a resume, and then the cover letter. Next on the agenda is acing the interview. In this guide, we will go over tips for in-person and virtual interviews.
How to communicate effectively in a job interview?
Before going into the interview, review your resume and cover letter carefully. Have a few strong examples ready from past roles, like PR campaigns or press releases you helped bring to life. When answering questions, lean into your strengths to show you’re a valuable team member and a good communicator.
For roles in public relations or communications, showcasing strong communication skills is most important. Expect questions that assess your experience with managing different communication channels and executing campaigns. Take advantage of these moments to show your conversational skills, making the interaction with the interviewer clear and engaging.
More often than not, during a Public Relations interview, you could be asked about the proficiency of various tools. Check the job description to identify the tools the company values—common examples include SEMrush, Google Analytics, and HubSpot. Many of these platforms offer free courses and tutorials that can help you brush up on their features and applications.
For a focused preparation, here’s a concise guide covering role-specific topics and common questions encountered in PR and communications job interviews.
PR Interview Questions and Answers
When hiring managers are developing interview questions to ask a Public Relations professional, they think about what the new employee can bring to their team. Don’t forget that you can also ask questions, and demonstrate your understanding of company culture.
- PR Intern Interview Questions
- PR Manager Interview Questions and Answers
- Public Relations Coordinator Interview Questions
- Questions to ask a PR Firm in an interview
Communications Job Interview Questions
Learning how to communicate your strengths in a job interview can be challenging, but these resources should help. Use examples that show communication campaigns you implemented across different platforms.
- Communications Specialist Interview Questions
- Communications Manager Interview Questions
- Communications Director Interview Questions
What to Wear for a Virtual Interview – Plus Additional Tips for a Successful Zoom Call
Nowadays, with so many interviews happening virtually, questions like what to wear for a Zoom interview or how to set up your background are common. Preparing for a virtual call takes a few extra steps to make a great impression!
- Dress Professionally: When deciding what to wear for a virtual interview, think of attire that would be appropriate for a professional setting. Dress as you would for an in-person interview—business casual or formal depending on the role. First impressions still matter even online.
- Choose a Professional Background: To find a Zoom background for interviews, focus on an environment without any noise or harsh lighting. Find a simple background in your home, to avoid distractions. If you can’t find one, use a digital Zoom background or blurring feature.
- Test Your Setup: Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are all working properly.
- Remove Distractions: It can be hard to concentrate during video calls, but don’t forget it matters just as much as it would in person. Turn your phone off, maintain eye contact, and focus on the screen. You can still use body language to show your enthusiasm.
If you are interviewing for a remote position be prepared to expand on your approach to virtual collaboration and time management. To seem more engaged it is worth asking questions about the company’s virtual work environment, like what tools they use for communication and project management.
Finally, Follow Up
After the interview, send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer and reaffirming your interest in the position.
Good luck!