Public Relations Strategy Test
The Public Relations Strategy Test is for hiring teams assessing intermediate PR and communications candidates. In 10 minutes, it checks how well a candidate shapes stories, handles media requests and responds to fast-moving reputation issues.
Summary of the Public Relations Strategy Test
The Public Relations Strategy Test is for hiring teams assessing intermediate PR and communications candidates. In 10 minutes, it checks how well a candidate shapes stories, handles media requests and responds to fast-moving reputation issues.
3 dimensions, scored separately
Narrative & angles
This measures how well a candidate identifies what makes a story relevant, timely and worth covering. It matters because strong PR results depend on framing announcements in ways that fit audience interest and media priorities.
Media relations
This measures judgment in working with reporters, including response timing, comment handling and outreach choices. It matters because media relationships are shaped by credibility, speed and knowing when to engage directly.
Crisis response
This measures how a candidate prioritises actions when an issue develops quickly and information is incomplete. It matters because early PR decisions can contain reputational damage or make a situation worse.
Everything about the Public Relations Strategy Test
01What is the Public Relations Strategy Test?
This test measures practical judgment in core public relations work. Candidates answer scenario-based questions on choosing strong story angles, deciding when and how to engage reporters, and responding to time-sensitive issues that can affect brand reputation. The questions reflect common PR situations, such as weak announcement traction, deadline-driven media requests and early-stage crisis decisions. Because the test focuses on applied choices rather than theory, it helps hiring teams see how candidates are likely to operate on the job. Springhire includes this test for teams hiring PR, communications and brand-facing marketing roles.
02How does the Public Relations Strategy Test work?
Candidates complete 20 multiple-choice questions in 10 minutes. Questions are drawn from a bank of 60, so each candidate receives a randomised set. The test is set at an intermediate level, is auto-scored, and is designed to compare candidates on practical PR decision-making under time pressure.
03Why is the Public Relations Strategy Test important to employers?
PR hires often need to make sound decisions quickly, with limited information and real external consequences. A weak hire may push low-value announcements, mishandle reporter requests or escalate a reputation issue through poor judgment. This test helps reduce that risk by showing who can think clearly about message value, media handling and response priorities.
How to interpret Public Relations Strategy Test results
Every candidate report scores each dimension separately. Here is what high and lower scores typically look like at work, and how to use them in your hiring decision.
Narrative & angles
High scorers: A high score means the candidate can spot stronger story hooks and choose angles more likely to earn attention.
Lower scorers: A low score suggests the candidate may struggle to distinguish between internal updates and genuinely newsworthy narratives.
Media relations
High scorers: A high score means the candidate shows sound judgment in handling press requests, deadlines and outreach decisions.
Lower scorers: A low score suggests the candidate may mishandle timing, overrespond, underrespond or miss the best path for reporter engagement.
Crisis response
High scorers: A high score means the candidate can prioritise sensible first steps and communicate carefully in high-pressure situations.
Lower scorers: A low score suggests the candidate may react too slowly, choose the wrong first action or increase risk through poor response choices.
What job roles can you hire with the Public Relations Strategy Test?
- Public Relations Manager
- PR Specialist
- Communications Manager
- Corporate Communications Specialist
- Brand Communications Manager
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