Candidate advice
How to perform well in PR interviews
- Take a good look at the company’s website before any interview. Don’t attempt to interview with a company unless you have done this beforehand, most companies put details of who their clients are these days on there so make the effort!
- If going for a consultancy interview, research the clients’ clients. Being aware of what PR activity is currently happening on the accounts will impress your interviewers.
- Take your portfolio. Ensure it’s a professionally put together and include any high ABOUT or national pieces of coverage in there.
- Ensure you demonstrate a passion and interest in their clients.
- Be aware of the latest media coverage on these type of brands/issues and have an opinion!
- Ensure you sell yourself, don’t wait to be asked questions in the interview. We find when the interviewer does most of the talking, the candidate rarely gets the job. You’re in PR, you’re expected to be a good verbal communicator. If you can’t sell yourself well to a prospective employer you don’t stand a chance with journalists!
- Prepare questions beforehand and don’t just ask about holidays and training.. think about it from their perspective. It’s not all about what they can do for you! Think up a few originals beforehand and pull them out of the bag before the interview is rounded up.
- Enthusiasm is the key to a successful interview so make sure you bounce off the walls! If you want the job, tell them! You wouldn’t believe how many candidates clients tell us they weren’t sure if the candidate wanted the job at all, we find its usually down to nerves so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm.
- Dress well, best to be over dressed than under dressed regardless of whether they appear to have a casual policy. The trend now is similar to the eighties, you ‘power-dress’ and psychologically it puts you in a better place.
- If you don’t have consultancy experience and are going for an consultancy role then you will need to think about convincing the employer that you’re skills are transferable. Many consultancies believe candidates will struggle in an agency role if they have only ever worked in-house. Have examples at the ready on how you can juggle tasks, meet deadlines and prioritise your work on a daily basis.
- If you are a senior-level candidate and looking to move up the ranks financially then you need to ensure you demonstrate a good level of commercial awareness so know your financials before you step into the interview. Roles focusing on new business development will demand a proven track record in growing business and expect to be asked about percentages and fee income.