Eight Interview Questions To Ask Your Prospective Communications Hire

Post written by

Forbes Communications Council


When interviewing a potential new hire, work ethic, cultural fit and skill set are important traits to hone in on through discerning interview questions. And when hiring for a communications or PR position specifically, investigating the candidate's communication skills is key.

So what questions can you pose to learn more about their relevant abilities? Asking about career successes and failures not only gives the candidate an opportunity to demonstrate self awareness, but also their storytelling abilities. And not all of the questions have to be serious; you can have fun by asking the candidate what ice cream flavor they would be to uncover their out-of-the-box thinking.

Below, eight communications executives from Forbes Communications Council share the interview questions they ask, from classic to creative.

Clockwise from left: Sarah Nunes, Eric Brown, Kerri Ward, William Topaz, Monica McCafferty, Dallea Caldwell, Charlie Riley, Amanda Guisbond. All photos courtesy of the individual members.

1. Tell me about a time you failed. 

I love this question because I want to make sure my hires can be open and honest about when they have made mistakes and how they have handled them. If they answer with something that isn't a real failure, that tells you a lot about their self awareness and ability to be transparent. I also expect to hear how they have used this experience to grow; that tells me if they are a good closer. - Sarah NunesVistaprint

2. What do you enjoy most about your job? 

Some communicators love content creation. Others media relations. Some the press junket, executive keynote or experiential consumer event. Knowing what someone really enjoys most helps me gauge whether she or he is a fit for what I need. I also look for people who follow up the "I enjoy this" with "but I also know these other elements make the whole campaign come together..." - Eric BrownStitch Fix

3. If your personality were an ice cream flavor, what would it be and why? 

It sounds quirky, but you get an idea of how quickly and thoughtfully an applicant can think on their feet. Most of the time they begin with their favorite flavor, but then realize it doesn't describe their personality. They are able to describe themselves in a creative, out-of-the-box manner that they aren't typically used to. In my experience, the flavor they choose is usually spot on. Try it! - Kerri WardIGS Energy


4. Tell me about one of your successes.

This goes back to my traditional training from journalism school. It doesn't matter what the "success" story is (although the choice may give insight into a candidate's character). A truly great answer will include all the basics of a good news story: who, what when, where, why, how. It will be succinct, well structured, thorough, clearly worded and include a little pathos for interest. - William Topaz, Healthcare Brands

5. Tell me about a career highlight. 

Great communicators need to tell great stories. A "career highlight" invites a great communicator to tell a story that demonstrates their skills, work ethic, creativity, follow-through and motivation. "I landed a big New York Times story" is not a great story. Alternatively, "We were losing people left and right so I pitched our CEO on an employee storytelling campaign...," has me hooked. - Amanda GuisbondAmerican Well

6. What are you currently reading? 

This gives a glimpse into their time management and interests. Are they reading three books at once or focusing on one? Is it a business book or a mindless escape, showing work-life balance? A person explaining the book, if they agree or disagree with the story, and their takeaways can show their passion, learning styles and philosophical views. You may even add a bonus new book to your reading list. - Charlie RileyLawley

7. Do you prefer to communicate verbally or in writing? 

Since communication requirements differ with the role, I need to find out how candidates best communicate, not just which candidate communicates best. So I give candidates the option to answer one of my questions either verbally or in writing. Their choice, as well as their performance, tells me how well they'll fit into the role. - Dallea Caldwell, TalkLocal

8. Name a personal goal outside of work that you recently accomplished. 

While not a scientific measure, getting a glimpse into how a candidate spends their time outside the office can help predict other transferable traits, such as motivation or perseverance. If the candidate runs marathons, chances are they can follow through on a project. Interviewing a world traveler? That candidate is likely intellectually curious, an important trait for communicators. - Monica McCaffertyR&R Partners
