5 key interview questions for your marketing interview

Preparing for an interview is key to its success, which is why we asked our experts to share their insights, tips and expertise to help you. When you’re applying for any marketing job, no matter what level you’re at, you’re bound to be asked some competency-based interview questions. Like any question you answer at interview, how you respond can be telling of how you are going to perform in your future role, so it is important that you are prepared for any that come your way.

For marketing candidates, employers want to use interviews as an opportunity for you to demonstrate a genuine passion and awareness for the industry, as well as showcasing your ability and skills

We asked Managing Consultant for Search Marketing, Laura Mallinson, what the five most frequently asked competency-based interview questions in Marketing are to help set you up for success in your next marketing interview.

Top 5 marketing competency-based interview questions

• Can you identify a recent marketing/TV/PR/ social campaign that you would rate a success? Why was it successful? And what you could learn from it?
• Can you tell me about a time when you developed an innovative solution to a marketing problem?
• Give an example of a time where you had to deal with difficult clients in order to fulfil a deadline on a project? (This question applies more to agency roles than in-house.)
• Give an example of a time where you were able to successfully influence a difficult stakeholder such as a business owner or Managing Director? (This question applies more to in-house roles.)
• Tell us about the most successful marketing campaign that you have delivered? How did you put it together and how did you assess its impact?

Additional questions to prepare for

• Can you give me an example of a marketing campaign that you used which did not succeed?

Questions about failure can be difficult to answer. In marketing, however, there is always an element of trial and error. That’s how we are able to learn and understand the best channels for every campaign. So whilst a campaign may not have hit its targets, there will have been learnings you can take from it, allowing you to spin the answer to this question into a positive.

“When answering this question, you want to reassure the interviewer that, should a situation arise that doesn’t go to plan, you can overcome it. You can reflect and react in an appropriate way.” Laura Mallinson, Marketing Managing Consultant.

How to answer competency-based interview questions

We recommend that you follow the 4-step STAR technique to ensure your answer is easy to follow and includes a clear challenge and resolution.

STAR is used to structure your answers into four core steps:

S – Situation
Describe the situation.

T – Task
What was your task? What were YOU responsible for?

A – Action
What action(s) did YOU take.

R – Results
What were the results?

Looking for further advice on how to prepare for your next marketing job interview?

We have helped you brush up on nailing your competency-based interview questions but check out our further resources to achieve success and stand out from the crowd in your next marketing interview:

Download a free copy of our 2023 Career Toolkit to prepare for your next job interview.

Finding your next marketing position

Are you ready to put your polished interview skills to the test? If you’re seeking a new start, check out our latest Marketing jobs.

About the expert

Laura has ten years of experience in marketing recruitment, with a background in marketing and PR. Based in our Leeds office, she recruits for a wide range of PR, digital and marketing roles both in-house and within agency across England, including Graduate to Director level opportunities for small boutique agencies to national and international players.

If you’d like to speak to Laura about jobs in Marketing please get in touch.