Questions like this assess your resilience and problem-solving mindset under pressure. Show that you stay motivated by breaking tasks into smaller steps, reframing challenges positively, and setting clear short-term goals to track progress.

Example: When projects get tough, I focus on breaking down tasks into manageable steps and remind myself of the bigger picture. Setting small goals helps keep me on track and motivated. I also try to stay flexible, adjusting my approach when needed. Taking a moment to reflect on progress—even small wins—keeps my mindset positive and energy up, which is key to pushing through challenges.

This interview question helps assess your genuine interest and preparation by revealing how well you know the company and why you want the role. You should mention how you discovered the job opening, highlight a recent company achievement or campaign, and explain your enthusiasm for press and communications.

Example: I first came across your company while following recent media campaigns in the UK, which really highlighted your innovative approach to public relations. When I saw the press assistant role advertised on your website, it felt like a great fit for my skills and passion for clear, impactful communication. I’m keen to contribute to a forward-thinking team known for shaping compelling narratives.

What they want to know is that you are proactive and resourceful in keeping current with relevant news, which is crucial for timely and accurate communication in a press assistant role. You need to say that you regularly follow trusted industry news sources, use alerts or newsletters, and engage with social media or professional networks to stay informed.

Example: I regularly follow key outlets like the BBC and industry newsletters to keep up with the latest trends. I also engage with professional groups on LinkedIn, which helps me hear different perspectives. Attending webinars and events whenever possible gives me a deeper understanding and allows me to connect with others in the field. This combination helps me stay well-informed and ready to respond quickly.

Interviewers ask this to see if you can handle the pressure and coordinate multiple tasks effectively. You need to highlight a specific event or campaign you managed, focusing on your role, actions, and the positive outcome you achieved.

Example: In my previous role, I coordinated a product launch event that attracted local media and bloggers. I handled press invitations, prepared briefing notes, and ensured spokespeople were confident. The coverage boosted brand visibility significantly. It was rewarding to see how clear communication and attention to detail helped create a smooth experience for both the press and our team.

This question aims to assess your experience and familiarity with different media channels relevant to the role. You need to clearly mention the specific types of media outlets you have worked with, such as local news, national newspapers, online platforms, or broadcast media, to show your versatility and industry knowledge.

Example: I’ve worked with a broad mix of media, from local newspapers and lifestyle magazines to national broadcasters and online news platforms. For example, coordinating interviews with regional radio stations and pitching stories to trade publications has been a regular part of my role. Building relationships across different outlets helps tailor our messaging effectively and ensures the right audience is reached every time.

This question assesses your understanding of how social media influences public perception and the dynamics of media relations today. You should explain that social media enables direct, real-time communication with audiences and is essential for engagement and managing crises effectively.

Example: Social media has become essential in shaping how the public views a brand or story, offering real-time engagement that traditional media can’t match. It allows teams to respond quickly during a crisis, managing narratives before they escalate. At the same time, it complements press releases and interviews by amplifying messages directly to audiences, creating a more dynamic and immediate dialogue with the public.

This question gauges your ability to stay organized and handle multiple responsibilities efficiently under pressure. You need to explain how you plan your tasks, prioritize based on urgency and impact, and remain flexible by adjusting your schedule and communicating effectively when priorities shift.

Example: When juggling multiple projects, I start by mapping out deadlines and breaking tasks into clear steps. I focus first on what’s most time-sensitive or critical, but remain flexible if priorities shift. Keeping open communication with the team helps me stay aligned and adjust workloads when needed. For example, during a busy campaign, this approach ensured all press releases were delivered on time without compromising quality.

What they want to understand is your awareness of current press trends and your ability to analyze effective strategies. You need to mention a recent UK press campaign, explain why it stood out to you, and briefly link its success to how you would use similar tactics in your work.

Example: One campaign that impressed me was the BBC’s Climate Change initiative. It blended hard facts with compelling human stories, making complex issues accessible and urgent. The use of diverse platforms, from social media to traditional broadcasts, maximised reach and engagement. It reminded me how vital storytelling and knowing your audience are in press work—balancing information with empathy truly drives impact.

Interviewers ask this question to see how you proactively build trust and keep strong connections with media contacts. You need to say that you maintain relationships through regular, tailored communication and consistent follow-ups to meet their needs and ensure ongoing engagement.

Example: Building strong media relationships starts with being reliable and timely in communication, so contacts know they can count on you. I make an effort to understand what stories resonate with them and tailor my approach accordingly. Regular check-ins, whether sharing relevant updates or just touching base, help keep the connection alive and mutually beneficial—like a good conversation that goes beyond just work.

This question assesses your ability to stay calm, organized, and effective when facing urgent tasks—key skills for a press assistant. In your answer, describe a specific example where you prioritized tasks and communicated clearly to successfully meet the deadline.

Example: In my previous role, we had a last-minute request to prepare press materials for an urgent announcement. With limited time, I coordinated quickly with the team, prioritised the key messages, and ensured all information was accurate. Despite the pressure, we delivered a clear, professional release on time, which received positive feedback from the media and helped maintain the organisation’s reputation.

Employers ask this to see how your past experiences have prepared you for the job and to understand your motivation. You need to briefly connect your relevant skills and experiences to the press assistant role, showing how you can contribute effectively.

Example: Certainly. I’ve worked in communications roles where crafting clear messages and managing media relationships were key. For example, coordinating press releases and supporting events taught me how to keep information accurate and timely. I enjoy helping stories reach the right audience smoothly, which I believe fits well with the press assistant role here. My background has given me the skills to stay organised and communicate effectively under pressure.

Questions like this assess your ability to stay calm under pressure and effectively communicate during urgent situations. You need to explain the specific steps you took to address the crisis, emphasizing clear communication and quick problem-solving.

Example: I once supported a company facing sudden negative coverage after a product issue. I quickly coordinated with the team to craft clear, honest messaging and arranged timely updates for the press. Staying calm and transparent helped rebuild trust and control the narrative before it escalated. It taught me the importance of preparedness and open communication during challenging moments.

Hiring managers ask this question to see how well you can communicate, coordinate, and solve problems across different teams, which is crucial in a press assistant role. In your answer, describe how you facilitated clear communication between departments, aligned everyone’s goals, and overcame any challenges to achieve a successful outcome.

Example: In my previous role, I worked closely with marketing and social media teams to launch a product campaign. Regular check-ins helped us stay aligned and address challenges quickly, like adjusting messaging based on audience feedback. This collaboration ensured a consistent story across channels and smooth execution, highlighting how clear communication and flexibility are key when working across different teams.

What they want to know is if you understand how the media is evolving in the digital age and the challenges it faces. You need to mention the growth of online news platforms, the significant role social media plays in spreading news, and the issues of misinformation and trust in the industry.

Example: Right now, the media landscape is shifting rapidly with digital platforms leading the charge. Social media has become a primary source for news, shaping public conversation but also making it tricky to navigate misinformation. Trust is harder to build, so press teams must work harder to be transparent and accurate. For example, during recent elections, the speed of news cycles highlighted both the power and pitfalls of instant online updates.

Hiring managers ask this question to see if you can create polished, effective press materials that meet deadlines and handle pressure. You need to briefly describe your past writing and editing work with press releases or articles, and explain how you manage quality and time constraints in your process.

Example: In my previous role, I regularly drafted press releases and media briefs, ensuring the messages were clear and engaging. I also reviewed content carefully, refining language and tone to suit different audiences. Managing tight deadlines while juggling several projects was part of the routine, which helped me stay organised and deliver polished materials on time. One memorable example was leading the press pack for a product launch that gained excellent media coverage.

This question helps the interviewer understand your foundational knowledge and how your education aligns with the press assistant role. You need to briefly highlight your degree and mention specific courses that taught you communication, media relations, or writing skills.

Example: I studied Media and Communications, which gave me a solid grounding in how messages shape public opinion. Courses like Public Relations and Journalism helped me develop strong writing and storytelling skills. I also worked on projects involving media campaigns, where I learned to craft clear, engaging press materials—experience I’m eager to bring into this role.

What they want to understand is how your technical skills match the demands of the press assistant role. You need to clearly mention relevant software like media monitoring tools, social media platforms, and press release distribution services you can use confidently.

Example: I’m comfortable working with media monitoring tools like Meltwater and Cision, which help track press coverage and analyse public sentiment. I also regularly use Microsoft Office for preparing press releases and managing schedules, and I’m familiar with social media platforms to support online engagement. These tools have been invaluable in helping me stay organised and responsive in fast-paced environments.

Hiring managers ask this to see if you can handle unexpected challenges and stay effective under pressure. In your answer, briefly describe the change you faced and explain how you adjusted your approach to successfully manage it.

Example: In a previous role, our team had to switch to remote working overnight. I quickly adjusted by setting up new communication channels and learning virtual event tools to keep press releases and media relations running smoothly. Though challenging at first, this shift taught me to stay flexible and proactive, ensuring that our messaging stayed consistent despite the change in how we worked.

What they want to see is that you understand the shift from traditional to digital media and the growing influence of AI and social platforms in news distribution. You should explain how these changes will make press work faster, more interactive, and more targeted to audiences.

Example: Over the next five years, I expect the press to become even more digital-first, with AI tools helping to tailor content and speed up reporting. At the same time, there’ll likely be greater focus on transparency and ethics, especially as audiences demand trustworthy news amid misinformation. Social media platforms will keep evolving as key channels, but we might also see new regulations shaping how stories are shared and monetized to protect both consumers and journalists.

This question helps interviewers see if you’ve researched the company and understand its place in the industry. In your answer, clearly state the company’s mission and recent work, then connect how your experience aligns with their goals and challenges.

Example: From what I’ve seen, your company stands out for its clear commitment to transparent and impactful communication, which really shapes public perception positively. Your role in managing high-profile media campaigns and crisis communications reflects a strong reputation in the UK press landscape. With my background in media relations and keen attention to detail, I’m excited about contributing to your team’s continued success in navigating complex public narratives.

Interviewers ask this to see if you can grow and improve professionally. You need to say you welcome feedback, reflect on it thoughtfully, and use it to enhance your work.

Example: I welcome constructive feedback as an opportunity to grow and improve. When I was working on a press release, a colleague pointed out areas where my messaging could be clearer. I took the advice on board, revised the draft, and it made the final piece much stronger. I find that staying open and reflective helps me deliver better results and build stronger team relationships.

Questions like this explore your conflict resolution skills and how you handle pressure while maintaining professionalism. You need to describe how you listened to all sides, stayed calm, and worked toward a compromise that satisfied everyone involved.

Example: In a previous role, a client was unhappy with a campaign’s direction. I listened carefully to their concerns and calmly clarified our goals, which helped ease tensions. By keeping the conversation open and focusing on shared outcomes, we adjusted the strategy to meet their needs without compromising our message. It turned a difficult situation into a collaboration that strengthened our relationship.

Hiring managers ask this question to see if you can handle multiple tasks efficiently and maintain high-quality, error-free work under pressure. You need to say that you prioritize tasks with to-do lists and deadlines, double-check your work for accuracy, and use tools like project management software to stay organized and on track.

Example: I stay organized by breaking my workload into manageable tasks and setting clear deadlines, which helps me focus on what’s most important. I’m meticulous when checking facts and details, especially in press materials where accuracy is crucial. I also rely on digital tools like calendars and task managers to keep everything on track. For example, when preparing press releases, I double-check sources and timelines to avoid any errors.

Employers ask this to assess your practical skills and attention to detail in crafting clear, engaging communications. You need to describe a specific example, highlighting your role, the purpose, and the impact of the press release or media kit you created.

Example: In my last role, I crafted a press release to launch a local art festival, focusing on engaging storytelling and clear, concise information. I included key details like event highlights, quotes from organisers, and contact info, which helped secure coverage in regional newspapers and online outlets. It was rewarding to see how the release supported strong media interest and boosted attendance.

This question assesses your genuine interest and understanding of the role. You need to say that you are motivated by your passion for media communication and your desire to support effective public relations through this position.

Example: I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and communication, and the Press Assistant role feels like a great opportunity to combine those interests with practical experience. I’m motivated by helping shape clear, engaging messages that resonate with different audiences. For example, during my time volunteering with a local charity, I enjoyed crafting press releases that helped increase community awareness—experiences like that really sparked my enthusiasm for this field.