HR Templates | Sample Interview Questions

Public Relations Intern Interview Questions and Answers

Use this list of Public Relations Intern interview questions and answers to gain better insight into your candidates, and make better hiring decisions.

Public Relations Intern overview

When interviewing for a Public Relations Intern, it's important to assess their communication skills, creativity, and ability to handle social media. Look for candidates who are enthusiastic, adaptable, and have a basic understanding of PR principles.

Sample Interview Questions

  • If you were a social media platform, which one would you be and why?

    Purpose: To gauge the candidate's familiarity with different social media platforms and their creativity.

    Sample answer

    I would be Instagram because I love creating visually appealing content and engaging with a wide audience through stories and posts.

  • How would you handle a negative comment about our company on social media?

    Purpose: To assess the candidate's crisis management skills and ability to maintain a positive brand image.

    Sample answer

    I would respond promptly and professionally, addressing the concern and offering a solution to show that we care about our customers' experiences.

  • Can you tell us about a recent PR campaign that caught your eye? What did you like about it?

    Purpose: To understand the candidate's awareness of current PR trends and their analytical skills.

    Sample answer

    I loved the recent campaign by Nike that focused on inclusivity and diversity. It was powerful and resonated with a wide audience.

  • If you had to create a hashtag for our company, what would it be and why?

    Purpose: To evaluate the candidate's creativity and understanding of the company's brand.

    Sample answer

    #InnovateWithUs because it highlights our commitment to innovation and invites our audience to be a part of our journey.

  • How do you measure the success of a PR campaign?

    Purpose: To assess the candidate's knowledge of PR metrics and their ability to evaluate campaign effectiveness.

    Sample answer

    I would look at metrics like media coverage, social media engagement, website traffic, and overall brand sentiment.

  • Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?

    Purpose: To understand the candidate's teamwork and conflict resolution skills.

    Sample answer

    I focused on open communication and tried to understand their perspective. We eventually found common ground and worked together effectively.

  • How do you stay organized when managing multiple projects?

    Purpose: To evaluate the candidate's organizational and time management skills.

    Sample answer

    I use tools like Trello and Google Calendar to keep track of deadlines and prioritize tasks. Regular check-ins also help me stay on top of things.

  • What PR-related skills are you looking to develop further?

    Purpose: To understand the candidate's commitment to professional growth and their areas of interest.

    Sample answer

    I'm eager to improve my media relations skills and learn more about digital PR strategies.

  • What makes you excited about a career in Public Relations?

    Purpose: To gauge the candidate's passion and enthusiasm for the field.

    Sample answer

    I love the dynamic nature of PR and the opportunity to shape public perception. It's exciting to see the impact of a well-executed campaign.

  • How would you approach creating a PR strategy for a new product launch?

    Purpose: To assess the candidate's strategic thinking and planning abilities.

    Sample answer

    I would start with market research to understand our target audience, then develop key messages and choose the best channels for reaching them. A mix of media outreach, social media, and events would be ideal.

🚨 Red Flags

Look out for these red flags when interviewing candidates for this role:

  • Lack of enthusiasm or interest in PR
  • Poor communication skills
  • Inability to handle criticism or negative feedback
  • Lack of basic understanding of social media platforms
  • Inability to work well in a team