It's important to leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.
Making a positive and lasting impression during the interview is a key component to landing your ideal Public Relations job. Approach the interview with enthusiasm and confidence and arm yourself with research about the company and the position to ensure a successful meeting that will help you get the gig.
Before You Go
Before you even set foot in the interview, devote time to learning as much as possible about the company to which you are applying and the person with whom you will be interviewing. Browse the Internet and the company's website to find out more about their business, how they treat clients and general expectations from employees. A quick online search may also help you find out more about your interviewer's career history and accomplishments. A well-researched candidate shows prospective employers that he is serious about the position and is willing to put forth the effort to get the job done.
Practice Your Answers
After you have an understanding of the company where you are applying, go over some commonly asked interview questions and prepare general answers. Many businesses use the same questions like, "Why should we hire you?" and, "Why do you want to work here?" Preparing ahead of time will make the question and answer process go much smoother, since you will already have a game plan in mind. Remember to only prepare general answers; rigid answers that sound rehearsed will leave an employer wondering how truthful your responses really are.
Gather Your Portfolio
While not every Public Relations company will ask to see a portfolio, it's a good idea to put one together to show prospective employees. The Public Relations Society of America recommends gathering personally created materials that outline the basic responsibilities of a PR worker, like articles or press releases. Putting your best work into a portfolio provides an excellent resource to showcase your talents and capabilities.
In the Interview
There are several key elements that all companies value when seeking new employees. Interviewers highly appreciate candidates with positive attitudes, solid communication skills, honesty and sincerity, punctuality and confidence. When meeting your interviewer, greet them with a firm handshake and smile and be sure to maintain eye contact. Dress professionally and keep your appearance neat and clean. Take questions seriously and provide thoughtful, yet concise answers. Be honest and forthright with your responses and let the interviewer get a sense of who you really are. Use the research you conducted to ask questions of the interviewer to express your interest in learning more about the company and how you can be a successful part of it.
Following Up
After the interview is finished, follow up with a simple thank you note or phone call. Let the potential employer know how much you appreciated them taking the time to meet with you and re-iterate your interest in the position. Be polite in your follow-up and keep it brief and on-topic.
