So, you found an amazing marketing job opening, created a standout resume and cover letter, and you just heard back from the hiring manager. The next step, of course, is to ace that marketing interview! It’s important to know how to prepare for a marketing interview to ensure you leave a lasting positive impact on the hiring manager.
Following are marketing interview tips to help you prepare and outshine the competition:
THOROUGHLY RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION
Having a solid understanding of the company to which you are applying, their areas of expertise, and values can go a long way in your marketing interview to show that you have a strong and sincere interest in the position.
Most websites have an “About Us” section, which is a great place to start learning more about the company’s history and organizational culture. If there is a “Meet the Team” section, read up on the other marketing professionals and senior leaders profiled. And pay close attention to all the products and services they offer. Often, current projects will be highlighted on their blog or in the news section.
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Beyond the company’s website, familiarize yourself with how the organization engages on social media platforms, which ones they use most, and how they speak to target audiences.
In most cases, the list of marketing interview questions an employer asks will include at least one about your opinion of a current marketing strategy. Something like, “What do you think we are doing well, and where can we improve?” Having some ideas already brewing, based on your research, will show that you’re not only prepared for the marketing interview but the job itself.
Marketing interviews can cover a wide range of topics to assess your skills, experience, and fit for the role. Here are some common marketing interview questions you might encounter:
What interests you about our company and this specific marketing role?
Describe a successful marketing campaign you've worked on. What was your role, and what were the outcomes?
How do you approach developing a marketing strategy for a new product or service?
What marketing tools and technologies are you familiar with?
What AI tools have you used?
How do you stay up to date with the latest marketing trends and changes in the industry?
Describe a time when a marketing campaign didn't go as planned. How did you handle it?
What metrics do you consider when measuring the success of a marketing campaign?
· How do you ensure that your marketing activities are aligned with a company's branding and messaging?
Now that we’ve covered possible questions you’ll be asked during a marketing interview, check out these important marketing interview tips to ensure you are fully prepared for the pre-interview and post-interview stages in the recruitment process. Below are our top 10 marketing interview tips to keep in mind:
1. LEVERAGE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Before your marketing interview, take time to look back at your professional experience to date. It’s helpful to print your resume and make some additional notes that speak to the most relevant accomplishments you want to highlight.
As mentioned, you will likely be asked specific marketing interview questions about how you’ve contributed to the success of past campaigns, as well as your ability to problem-solve and collaborate with a team. Prepare for these marketing interview questions by pulling examples from your experience ahead of time.
2. QUANTIFY YOUR SUCCESS
One of the best ways to show hiring managers in your marketing interview how you’ve achieved wins is through quantifiable, measurable metrics. Having experience is great, but if you can back that experience up with metrics that speak to your success, that’s even better!
Examples of quantifiable information might include:
How much revenue a marketing campaign you led generated for a past employer
The number of leads and/or conversions you saw after a marketing campaign
Percentage in follower growth gained on social media channels you managed
Demonstrating your capabilities using numbers in your interview shows that you’re a data-driven marketer and can help employers see the potential value you’d add to their company.
3. STAY UP TO DATE WITH CURRENT TRENDS
In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, it’s crucial for marketers to stay up to date on the latest trends. As technology plays an increasingly influential role in the workplace, proficiency in AI tools has emerged as a significant advantage. In your marketing interview, be sure to speak to your hands-on experience with new digital tools, and showcase your AI fluency, underscoring your grasp of emerging technical tools within your area of expertise. This will illustrate your ability to stay ahead of the curve while highlighting your adaptability.
4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CERTIFICATIONS
Boost your marketing know-how by taking advantage of online certifications. This is something you can do right now to prepare for your next marketing interview!
There are several certification programs available for Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Google Ads, and HubSpot just to name a few. Having certifications under your belt is just one way to give you an edge over other candidates.
5. ASK THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS
Just as you should put careful consideration into how you answer marketing interview questions – you will benefit from giving the same attention to the questions you choose to ask.
While researching the organization, jot down a few questions so that you’re prepared once the interviewer asks you what questions you have. These queries should highlight your interest in the company, and the position, and demonstrate your marketing knowledge.
In addition, ask thoughtful follow-up questions to the points discussed to show off your active listening skills.
6. GET YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA IN CHECK
Chances are high that at least one person you’ll speak to in your marketing interview has looked you up on social media before the meeting. As such, ensure that your social media profiles reflect a positive extension of your resume.
Social media can also be a great place to show off your experience and ability to market yourself. This is especially true on a professional platform like LinkedIn. Before your interview, make sure your LinkedIn profile is current and that your other accounts highlight your professionalism and skills in a positive light – or set them to private.
7. DRESS THE PART
Whether your interview is in-person or online, dress for the position. Unless the organization has a business formal dress code, business casual attire is usually a good bet. If your marketing interview is virtual, do the interview from a place that has reliable Wi-Fi and is free from both visible and audible distractions. Consider wearing headphones to reduce background noise and if you have children or pets, and be upfront at the start of your interview about any potential disruptions.
8. BE CONFIDENT
It’s natural to feel nervous before an interview, but remember you are the best person to speak to about your experiences, skills, and strengths! Hiring managers are looking for candidates who can confidently lead or meaningfully contribute to their next marketing campaign. Your marketing interview is your first chance to demonstrate how you can confidently market yourself.
9. SEND A FOLLOW-UP EMAIL
After you’ve wrapped up your marketing interview, leave a lasting impression with a thoughtfully crafted thank you note. Sending a post-interview note conveys good etiquette and gives you another opportunity to make the case for why you’re the perfect fit for the position.
This note should include the standard “thank you for your time” messaging, but it should also reiterate your strong interest in the position, why your experience and skills make you the right fit, and reference at least one thing discussed during your marketing interview.
10. WORKING WITH A SPECIALIZED MARKETING RECRUITMENT AGENCY
If you’re in pursuit of your next marketing job, consider working with the specialized recruiters at 24 Seven. Our team has deep connections with a vast network of employers in the marketing space looking to hire marketers just like you!
Browse our available marketing jobs and contact a recruiter today!
This post was updated on September 22, 2023.
