The director of public relations is in charge of the team that creates and runs publicity campaigns for a business, brand, or product.
When interviewing people for the job of public relations director, look for people who have led campaigns that were successful in the past. Watch out for applicants who can’t talk to people well; the person who represents your brand needs to be able to speak and write clearly. Special Offer.
Landing an interview for a director of PR role is a major achievement. However, the real test is still ahead – wowing the interviewers with your expertise.
As the director you’ll be spearheading an organization’s entire PR and communications strategy. The interviewers will want to assess your leadership abilities, strategic thinking, media relationships and more.
To help you tackle this make-or-break interview, I’ve compiled a list of 7 common director of PR interview questions along with examples of strong responses:
1. What Excites You About the Public Relations Industry?
With this opener, interviewers want to gauge your passion for and understanding of the field. Share what truly energizes you about PR specifically
For example:
“What excites me most about PR is the opportunity to shape influential narratives. I love leveraging creative strategies to build mutually beneficial relationships between brands and their audiences. The field is so dynamic, requiring big picture thinking while mastering an ever-evolving media landscape. This diversity of skills and challenges attracted me to the industry.”
Focus your answer on the aspects of strategic communication, relationship building, influencing narratives and managing the complex media ecosystem.
2. What’s Your Ideal Work Environment?
With this question, interviewers want to assess your working style and preferences to see if they align with the company. Be honest but keep an open mind.
For instance:
“My ideal environment is one that values collaboration. I thrive when I can brainstorm creatively with colleagues and leverage diverse perspectives to develop strategic campaigns. Of course, I’m also comfortable working independently when needed. The end goal is executing first-rate PR plans, so I’m adaptable to different working styles if there’s open communication and everyone is committed to excellence.”
Emphasize your flexibility while sharing your real preferences around things like collaboration, communication, creativity and results-driven workplaces.
3. Do You Work Well in Team Settings?
PR relies heavily on collaboration and teamwork. This question allows you to prove you can thrive in a team environment and leverage diverse skill sets. Share examples of working collaboratively.
For example:
“Yes, team settings energize me. I enjoy collaborating closely with colleagues across departments like marketing or social media for a multi-dimensional approach. For instance, in a previous role, I worked cross-functionally to execute a successful brand awareness campaign. We delivered it on time by leveraging each team member’s strengths through ongoing brainstorming and keeping aligned through clear communication.”
Emphasize your appreciation for different perspectives, ability to collaborate while also taking initiative, and success delivering unified projects through strong teamwork.
4. What Are Your Biggest Strengths?
This is the time to highlight 2-3 standout qualities that make you perfectly suited for leading PR strategy. Provide specific examples of demonstrating these strengths.
For instance:
“One of my biggest strengths is identifying smart communications opportunities that further business goals. For example, at my previous company, I developed an impactful thought leadership campaign for the CEO that elevated brand awareness while positioning them as an industry expert. Additionally, creativity and perseverance are strong suits. I don’t give up when an out-of-the-box idea holds potential.”
Tailor your answer to highlight useful skills like strategic thinking, business acumen, creative problem-solving, and relationship building. Offer examples.
5. What Sources of Media Do You Regularly Follow and Why?
PR directors must have their fingers on the pulse of current events and media landscapes. This question evaluates your awareness and understanding of key information sources relevant for effective PR management.
For example:
“I follow a diverse mix of media sources to maintain a well-rounded perspective. This includes national publications like The Wall Street Journal and New York Times to remain updated on business trends, emerging issues, and mainstream coverage. I also regularly check industry trades like PRWeek and follow leading journalists on social media for insights into breaking PR and communications news.”
Demonstrate your grasp of the media ecosystem and highlight sources that provide valuable insights for strategic public relations planning.
6. What Motivates You?
Employers want to understand your values and priorities to assess fit with the company’s culture. Share what truly drives you in your career.
For instance:
“I’m motivated by innovating solutions to complex communication challenges. I love the excitement of brainstorming out-of-the-box yet strategic ideas and then executing them effectively through collaborative plans. Receiving positive feedback directly from audiences we engage is extremely fulfilling as well. I’m driven by creativity, problem-solving and shaping influential narratives.”
Focus your answer on elements that indicate passion for your work like creativity, problem-solving, collaborating with smart teams, and seeing your ideas executed successfully.
7. How Do You Manage Your Schedule?
Time management and organizational skills are essential for overseeing all aspects of PR as the director. Provide examples that demonstrate your ability to juggle priorities and manage time effectively.
For example:
“Organization is crucial in my role. I use project management tools to maintain oversight of diverse initiatives across my team and schedule my own time accordingly. For example, when we’re planning a product launch, I’ll meet with the social media lead and PR event coordinator regularly to ensure alignment while also carving out blocks for higher level strategy. Keeping all stakeholders organized and informed is vital for our productivity.”
Emphasize your experience managing competing priorities through scheduling tools, delegating where possible, communication and maintaining focus on broader goals.
Preparing clear and compelling responses to questions like these will help you rise to the top. Use these examples to demonstrate your leadership abilities, passion, creativity and strategic expertise. With the right preparation, you can master that director of PR interview and take your career to exciting new heights. Now get out there and land your dream role!
What do you think makes a social media campaign successful?
Look for candidates who have insightful knowledge of public relations on social media.
Interview Questions for Public Relations Directors:
This question reveals the candidates crisis-management and problem-solving skills.
PUBLIC RELATIONS Interview Questions & Answers! (How to PASS a PR Interview)
What should I look for in a public relations director?
When interviewing candidates for the position of public relations director, look for people with a track record of successful campaigns they have led. Be wary of candidates with poor communication skills, as you need an eloquent, confident speaker to be the face of your brand. Completely free trial, no card required.
What does a public relations director do?
The public relations director leads the public relations team in generating and maintaining publicity campaigns for a company, brand, or product. When interviewing candidates for the position of public relations director, look for people with a track record of successful campaigns they have led.
What questions do interviewers ask during a PR job interview?
Interviewers often ask in-depth questions to determine your specific work processes and the methods you use to complete your tasks. These types of questions may vary based on the type of PR role to which you’re applying. Some in-depth questions you may answer during an interview for a PR role include:
What does a public relations professional do?
Public relations (PR) professionals manage their clients’ interactions with media personnel to help them create and maintain a positive public reputation. Interviewing for a role in PR may require professionals to discuss their prior work experience and goals for the future.
