Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Public Relations Intern – 2025

Preparing for a public relations internship? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your communication skills, creativity, and ability to handle a fast-paced environment. These questions cover all key areas of the internship, including event planning, media relations, and social media management.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in a career in public relations?
  A: I am a recent graduate with a degree in Communications and I have always been drawn to the fast-paced and dynamic world of public relations. I am passionate about building relationships and creating impactful campaigns that shape public perception.
  
• 2. How do you stay updated on the latest industry trends and developments?
  A: I regularly attend conferences, networking events, and keep up with industry publications and blogs. I also follow industry leaders and organizations on social media to stay informed.
• 3. What do you know about our company and why do you want to intern here?
  A: I have researched your company and am impressed by your successful campaigns for various clients, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors. I appreciate your focus on innovation and your company values align with my own. I believe interning here will provide me with valuable hands-on experience and an opportunity for growth.
• 4. Can you walk us through a successful public relations campaign you have worked on?
  A: During my previous internship, I assisted in organizing an event for a non-profit organization that raised awareness and funds for mental health. My responsibilities included media outreach, creating content for social media, and coordinating with vendors and sponsors. The event garnered extensive media coverage and exceeded fundraising goals.
• 5. How do you handle working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines?
  A: I thrive in a fast-paced environment and am able to prioritize and manage my time effectively. I have experience in working under tight deadlines and am able to remain focused and adapt to changing circumstances to meet them.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a client or stakeholder.
  A: During my internship, I had to manage a client's dissatisfaction with the results of our campaign. I listened to their concerns, addressed their feedback, and offered alternative solutions that would better meet their objectives. By maintaining open communication and finding a compromise, we were able to salvage the relationship and achieve successful outcomes.
• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you had to think on your feet to solve a problem?
  A: During an event I was managing, there was a sudden change in weather that caused some technical difficulties. I quickly assessed the situation and worked with the technical team and event staff to come up with a solution that ensured a smooth experience for attendees.
• 8. Describe a time when you had to work with a team to achieve a common goal.
  A: In my final year project, my group and I had to create a comprehensive marketing strategy for a local business. We divided tasks based on our strengths and collaborated effectively to deliver a cohesive plan that impressed both our professor and the business owner.
• 9. Can you share a time when you had to handle a crisis situation?
  A: During an internship, there was a social media crisis that required immediate attention. I took charge of monitoring and addressing the situation, drafting statements and responses, and communicating with the team to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
• 10. Tell us about a failure or mistake you have made and how you dealt with it.
  A: In my previous internship, I accidentally sent out incorrect information to the media, resulting in a delay in the campaign launch. I took responsibility for my mistake, communicated with the team, and we worked together to quickly adjust and issue a correction. I learned the importance of double-checking all information before sending it out and took extra caution in my work after that.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a scenario where a client is not satisfied with the coverage received for their product?
  A: I would first listen to their concerns and understand their expectations. Then, I would assess the results and identify any areas for improvement. I would then offer a solution, such as targeting a different media outlet or adjusting our approach, to ensure the client's objectives are met.
• 12. How would you pitch a new idea to a client?
  A: I would begin by clearly explaining the idea and its potential impact on the target audience. I would then provide relevant data or examples to support the idea and address any potential concerns the client may have. I would also highlight how the idea aligns with the client's objectives and brand identity.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where your team is behind schedule on a project?
  A: I would first assess why the team is behind schedule and identify any roadblocks. I would then work with the team to come up with a plan to get back on track, potentially by adjusting deadlines or delegating tasks. I would also communicate with the client about any necessary adjustments and reassure them that we are still committed to delivering quality work.
• 14. If you were tasked with planning an event, how would you ensure it is successfully promoted to the target audience?
  A: I would start by identifying the target audience and tailoring the event promotion to appeal to them. I would utilize a combination of traditional and digital marketing channels, such as email campaigns, social media posts, and advertising in relevant publications. I would also collaborate with influencers or partner with other organizations to expand the reach of the event.
• 15. If a crisis situation arises during an event, how would you handle it?
  A: I would first ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. I would then assess the situation and consult with the team and superiors on the best course of action. I would also communicate with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to address the crisis and minimize its impact.

Technical Questions

• 16. What experience do you have with media monitoring and analysis tools?
  A: I have experience using tools like Meltwater, Cision, and Google Alerts to monitor and track media coverage for clients. I am also proficient in analyzing and reporting on the data gathered from these tools to provide valuable insights and inform future strategies.
• 17. How familiar are you with social media management and advertising platforms?
  A: I have experience managing social media accounts for organizations and am proficient in using platforms like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social for scheduling and analyzing posts. I am also familiar with paid advertising on social media platforms, such as Facebook Ads and LinkedIn Ads, and have achieved successful results for previous campaigns.
• 18. How do you develop media lists for media outreach?
  A: I first research media outlets that align with the client's target audience and objectives. I then identify editors or journalists who cover topics relevant to the client's industry and craft personalized and targeted pitches for them. I also maintain and update media lists to ensure accurate and efficient outreach.
• 19. Have you ever handled crisis communications on social media platforms?
  A: Yes, I have experience handling a social media crisis where I had to respond to negative comments and reviews while also informing the public about the steps we were taking to address the issue. This experience has allowed me to develop quick thinking, strong crisis management skills, and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• 20. Can you give an example of a successful media pitch you have crafted?
  A: For a tech startup client, I crafted a personalized and visually appealing media pitch that highlighted their unique product and its potential impact on the industry. The pitch resulted in coverage in multiple technology-focused publications and generated interest from potential investors.