Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult client. How did you handle the situation?

Public Relations Account Executive Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

I once had to deal with a difficult client while working as a Public Relations Account Executive. The client was very demanding and had high expectations for our work. To handle the situation, I started by listening to their concerns and understanding their needs. I then worked closely with my team to develop a plan that would meet their expectations. We kept the client involved throughout the process, providing regular updates and seeking their input. I also made sure to set realistic expectations and communicate any challenges or constraints we faced. By being proactive, responsive, and transparent, we were able to gain the client's trust and deliver results that surpassed their expectations.

A more solid answer

As a Public Relations Account Executive, I faced a challenging client situation where they had high demands and expectations. To address the issue, I first took the time to actively listen to the client's concerns and understand their needs. I then collaborated with my team to develop a strategic plan to meet those expectations. We held regular meetings with the client to provide updates, seek their input, and address any concerns they had. I also made a point to set realistic expectations and communicate any challenges or constraints we encountered along the way. By being transparent and proactive, we were able to establish a strong working relationship with the client, gain their trust, and ultimately deliver results that exceeded their expectations.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more details and examples. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to actively listen, collaborate with a team, set realistic expectations, communicate effectively, and build a strong client relationship. However, it could still benefit from more specific examples and quantifiable results to further strengthen the response.

An exceptional answer

In my role as a Public Relations Account Executive, I encountered a difficult client who had high demands and was often dissatisfied with our work. To address the situation, I took a proactive approach by scheduling regular meetings with the client to understand their expectations and concerns. I then developed a comprehensive communication plan that outlined our strategy, milestones, and key deliverables. Throughout the project, I provided the client with frequent updates, ensuring their involvement and input at every stage. Additionally, I assigned a dedicated team member to address any immediate concerns or issues the client had, ensuring prompt resolution. By consistently exceeding their expectations and delivering exceptional results, we were able to turn the difficult client into a satisfied and loyal advocate for our agency.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed and comprehensive response. It showcases the candidate's ability to proactively address a challenging client situation, develop a strategic plan, effectively communicate with the client, assign resources to address concerns, and ultimately achieve exceptional results. The answer also highlights the candidate's ability to turn a difficult client into a satisfied advocate for the agency. It could be further improved by including specific metrics or examples of the exceptional results achieved.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you dealt with difficult clients and think about the strategies and techniques you used to handle the situations.
Consider the importance of active listening and communication skills when working with clients. Think about how you can effectively convey information, manage expectations, and address any concerns or issues.
Review your problem-solving skills and think about how you can apply them to client-facing situations. Consider any challenges or constraints you have encountered in the past and how you approached them.
Familiarize yourself with the PR industry and stay updated on current trends and best practices. Think about how you can leverage this knowledge to provide value to clients.
Practice discussing your experiences and skills related to client relationship management. Consider using specific examples and results to support your answers.

What interviewers are evaluating

Communication
Problem-solving
Client relationship management