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Research the Company Thoroughly
Before your interview, take time to study the company’s mission, values, and brand identity. Look at recent campaigns, press releases, or news coverage to understand how they communicate with their audience. Take note of any strengths or areas where you think they could improve their strategy, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute. Demonstrating a strong understanding of the company’s goals shows initiative and a genuine interest in the role. -
Understand the Job Role and Expectations
Carefully analyse the job description to identify the key skills and responsibilities. Does the role focus on crisis management, social media, public relations, or content strategy? Match these requirements with your experiences and skills, and think of examples that demonstrate your expertise in each area. Highlight how your background aligns with the role, and be ready to explain why you’re the ideal candidate. -
Polish Your Storytelling Skills
Strategic communications is about crafting and delivering effective messages, so your ability to tell a story is key. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to behavioural questions. For example, if asked about a successful campaign, explain the context, your specific role, what actions you took, and the results you achieved. Practice delivering these stories confidently, ensuring they showcase your creativity and problem-solving abilities. -
Stay Informed on Industry Trends and Tools
Strategic communications is a rapidly evolving field, so staying updated on the latest trends is essential. Familiarise yourself with current topics like influencer marketing, AI in communications, audience analytics, or crisis communication strategies. Mentioning tools like Google Analytics, Hootsuite, or Mailchimp can also demonstrate your technical proficiency. If possible, reference how you’ve used these tools in past roles or how you would apply them to benefit the company. -
Practice Common Behavioural Questions
Expect to answer questions such as:
- “How have you handled a communications crisis?”
- “Describe a time when you successfully engaged a difficult audience.”
- “What’s a campaign you admire, and why?”
Prepare concise yet detailed answers that showcase your ability to think strategically and adapt to challenges. If asked about failures, frame them as learning experiences and emphasise how they improved your approach.
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Prepare a Portfolio of Your Work
Having a portfolio is a great way to make a lasting impression. Bring examples of press releases, content calendars, campaign strategies, or social media posts you’ve worked on. If your work is digital, prepare an accessible online portfolio or presentation to share during the interview. Be ready to walk the interviewer through your process and outcomes, emphasising measurable results whenever possible. -
Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have thoughtful questions ready to show your interest and strategic mindset. For example:
- “What communication challenges is the team currently facing, and how could I help address them?”
- “How does the company measure the success of its communications strategies?”
- “What opportunities exist for collaboration across departments?”
These questions demonstrate that you’re proactive, eager to contribute, and genuinely curious about the company’s operations.
By combining thorough preparation, a clear understanding of your strengths, and a focus on the company’s needs, you’ll be well-positioned to impress and land the role.