PR Assistant Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a PR Assistant job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our PR Assistant question bank of 12 questions, written for UK employers at junior level.

Eight PR Assistant interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Why do you want to work in PR, and what do you think a PR Assistant does day to day?

Why they ask: To check motivation and realistic expectations of an entry-level role.

2. What makes a story newsworthy, and can you give an example of a good news angle?

Why they ask: To test basic news judgement, which is essential for PR.

3. How would you build a media list for a client launching a new product?

Why they ask: To check practical research skills.

4. You are asked to compile a daily media coverage report, but you notice that a story about your client is incorrect. What do you do?

Why they ask: To test attention to detail and escalation instincts.

5. What is the difference between PR, advertising and marketing?

Why they ask: To check a basic understanding of the discipline.

6. What tools do you use to monitor the media and social media, and why does monitoring matter?

Why they ask: To check familiarity with PR tools and the purpose of monitoring.

7. Tell me about a time you wrote something for a specific audience and received feedback that you used to improve it.

Why they ask: To test writing and responsiveness to feedback.

8. Your manager gives you three tasks with the same deadline. How would you handle it?

Why they ask: To check organisation and communication in a busy team.

A sample answer to question 1

Why do you want to work in PR, and what do you think a PR Assistant does day to day?

I want to work in PR because I enjoy telling stories that people actually want to read, and I like how varied the work is. From what I understand, a PR Assistant supports the team by monitoring the media and compiling coverage reports, building and updating media lists, drafting press releases and social posts for review, helping with pitching, organising events, and keeping client documents in order. It is a lot of research and administration, but that is how you learn what makes a story work and how the team operates. I have also run the social media account for my university society and written for the student newspaper, where I learned how to meet a deadline and adapt my writing for different readers. I am keen to learn from experienced colleagues and take on responsibility as quickly as I can show I am reliable.

Common mistake to avoid: Only talking about glamour or events; vague reasons

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the PR Assistant interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.