5 Common Public Affairs Specialist Interview Questions & Answers

My background in writing began with my education. In college I earned a degree in journalism with a minor in public relations. In my work experience out of college, I composed many specific writing pieces for organizations, including press releases and media briefings. I also helped my previous organization by writing copy for the company’s website and other internal communication pieces.

Written communication is a strength of mine. I am also very skilled in delivering effective communication verbally. In the past I have had to deliver speeches in press conferences, answer questions in media briefings and also deal with high level government officials. I have always been able to communicate clearly and sincerely, no matter who the audience is.

With my background in journalism, I have always had to rely on conducting research for my writing. Additionally, in the public relations field, I have had to conduct interviews with various officials, find specific data reports and confirm facts for all pieces of writing that were to be released to the public. I have always had a commitment to being accurate so an organization can avoid the embarrassment of releasing something that is untrue.

As a child of the digital age, I have grown up with technology. I have always had access to various forms of digital technology including smartphones, tablets and computers. In my personal life, I have several different social media accounts that I update regularly. The familiarity with technology for personal reasons translates to a comfort using all of the platforms for my work. I have been able to successfully maintain various social media accounts through my positions in the past. I have also generated innovative methods of engaging the public through the different features that many of these platforms offer.

There have been several times when I have been part of crisis management for a client. One instance that was recent involved a well-known national restaurant chain. What happened was that someone posted pictures of this restaurant chain’s kitchen online through a popular message board. The pictures showed filthy kitchen conditions, bugs, rodents and other things that diners found disgusting. There was a movement by some individuals online to begin a nationwide boycott of the restaurant. First, I investigated the source of the pictures by contacting a close friend associated with the message board’s company. I found out that the person who posted these pictures was a former disgruntled employee who had staged the photos. Then, I went to some of my national print, television and internet media contacts and helped them develop a story exposing the fraud of this individual. I learned that by acting quickly, it’s possible to put a crisis fire out.