Article

Crucial Questions Marketers Should Ask in Job Interviews

November 28, 2024

Navigating a job interview can feel daunting, but as a Marketer, it's the perfect opportunity to evaluate if a company aligns with your career goals. Beyond showcasing your expertise, asking thoughtful questions can provide invaluable insight into the business's perception of marketing—and your potential role within it.


Here are some essential interview questions and tips to help you stand out while ensuring the role is the right fit for you.


1. How Is Marketing Valued Internally?


One of the most revealing questions you can ask is:


💡 "Can you please advise on how Marketing, as a team, is valued internally within the business?"


This question digs deep into the company's culture and its priorities. A thoughtful answer will show you how marketing fits into the business’s broader strategy, whether it’s recognised as a driver of growth or simply seen as a support function.


Pro Tip: If the response feels surface-level (e.g., “Oh, we love our marketing team!”), take it further:

  • Why does marketing work well within the business?
  • What’s one thing the marketing team could improve on?
  • What’s an example of the best result the team has delivered for the business?


These follow-ups will give you a sense of whether the company values strategy and results or focuses on tactical execution.


2. Where Does Marketing Sit on the Strategic Spectrum?


Another great way to gauge how marketing is viewed is to ask:


💡 "How do you define the role of marketing in your business, and how does it support growth?"


This question subtly probes whether marketing is positioned as a tactical execution team or a strategic partner driving business outcomes. While some answers may feel rehearsed, they still offer clues about the organisation’s priorities and the potential challenges you might face.


Pro Tip: Look out for organisations that can articulate how marketing contributes to strategic goals and integrates with other functions to drive growth.


3. How Does Marketing Contribute to Strategic Business Goals?


To gauge how marketing aligns with the company’s long-term vision, ask:


💡 "How is marketing contributing to the broader strategic priorities of the business?"


This question can help you uncover whether marketing has a seat at the decision-making table or if it’s more siloed. It also reveals the organisation's ambitions for the marketing team and its impact on growth.


4. AI: The Must-Mention Topic


Artificial Intelligence is transforming marketing, and businesses are looking for professionals who can adapt to this shift. In fact, some candidates have missed out on roles because they didn’t discuss how they’d integrate AI into their work.


Pro Tip: Be prepared to answer:

  • How have you used AI in your current role?
  • What’s your plan to leverage AI to stay relevant?


If you’re new to AI, don’t worry—it’s a journey for everyone. Start by exploring free online courses or resources from AI thought leaders like Justin Kabbani and Catherine Toms. Having examples or ideas ready can set you apart from other candidates.


Why Asking Questions Matters


Asking thoughtful, strategic questions not only demonstrates curiosity and critical thinking but also provides insights into the organisation’s culture and priorities. For example, understanding where marketing sits on the tactical-to-strategic spectrum can reveal how much influence you’ll have in shaping business outcomes.


Moreover, it’s an opportunity to identify any potential challenges before joining a new team. If marketing isn’t yet a strategic focus, are you prepared to champion its value and help change perceptions?


Final Takeaway


Interviews are more than just a chance to impress—they’re your opportunity to gain clarity. By asking the right questions, you’ll better understand whether the role aligns with your career aspirations.


So, next time you’re in an interview, be sure to ask:

  • "How is marketing valued internally?"
  • "How does marketing support growth?"
  • "What’s the best result the marketing team has delivered?"



And don’t forget to prepare for the ever-evolving topic of AI!


What’s the most insightful interview question you’ve ever asked (or been asked)? 

share this

Related Articles

Related Articles

Why Top Marketing Talent Is Hesitant to Apply

By Lucy Bolan • March 31, 2025
And How Companies Can Win Them Over

GOOD vs BAD Leadership – How It Impacts Your Career

By Lucy Bolan • March 10, 2025
Last week, I caught up with a marketer who had just landed an exciting senior role, and their enthusiasm was contagious! They couldn't stop raving about their new leader - and for good reason. Why is their leader so great? They never take credit for my work - recognition is given where it's due. They actively encourage me to engage with the C-Suite to develop my leadership skills. I receive regular, constructive feedback that helps me grow. Communication is open, clear, and consistent - no second-guessing expectations. The team culture is supportive, inspiring, and genuinely enjoyable. Sound like a dream? Well, it should be the standard! But here’s the harsh reality - great leadership isn’t always the norm. I also spoke to a marketer who is having the opposite experience, and the contrast is stark. Why is their leader so difficult to work under? They manage with fear, creating a “yes” culture where no one dares to push back. Team members feel that disagreement equals a risk of being fired. Ideas and opinions are dismissed, leaving employees feeling undervalued. The office tension is unbearable - it’s a daily battle just to get through the day. They’re actively looking for a way out because the environment is draining. Two very real, very different versions of leadership. And believe it or not, 1 in 3 leaders exhibit toxic behaviours that negatively impact their teams. If you find yourself working under a leader who makes your work life miserable, it’s time to take action. What Can You Do if You're Stuck with a Bad Leader? Not every situation allows for a quick exit, so here are some strategies to help you navigate the storm while protecting your career and wellbeing: Document Everything – Keep records of key conversations, emails, and decisions. This can be invaluable if you need to escalate issues or make a case for a move. Understand Their Triggers – While it shouldn’t be your responsibility to manage your boss’s emotions, understanding their pressure points can help you avoid unnecessary conflicts. Stay Professional – It’s easy to let frustration take over, but keeping your cool ensures that you maintain your credibility. Never let a bad leader drag you down to their level. Find Allies – Chances are, you’re not alone in this. Build relationships with trusted colleagues who can validate your experiences and provide support. Seek a Mentor – Having a mentor outside your organisation can provide clarity, guidance, and an objective perspective on how to navigate the situation. Leverage External Networks – Stay engaged with marketing communities, industry events, and professional groups. Expanding your network can open doors to better opportunities and a healthier work environment. The Good News? Great Leaders DO Exist! If you’re struggling under poor leadership, don’t lose hope. There are leaders out there who will champion your success, invest in your growth, and create workplaces where you can truly thrive. Whether you’re looking for your next role or simply seeking advice on navigating tough workplace dynamics, New Chapter Talent is here to help. Our network is filled with exceptional marketing leaders who know how to bring out the best in their teams—and we’d love to introduce you to them. If you’re ready for a change, let’s chat. Your next great leader is out there! Contact Lucy Need help finding your next marketing role? We’re here to connect top talent with the right opportunities. At New Chapter Talent, we understand the marketing landscape and can guide you towards the roles that best fit your skills and aspirations - get in touch with us today! Feel free to contact Lucy... ✉️ lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au 📞 +61 416 153 144 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 Or connect with me ~ Lucy on LinkedIn ~ as I'll share all the insights on recruitment you could ask for! For more updates, career tips, and job opportunities , follow New Chapter Talent on LinkedIn .

How to Build a Personal Brand That Attracts Marketing Recruiters

By Lucy Bolan • February 27, 2025
In the competitive marketing world, your personal brand is your ticket to standing out. Whether you're actively job hunting or just keeping an eye on the market, how you present yourself online (and offline) can make all the difference. Marketing recruiters aren’t just looking for skills on a CV - they’re looking for professionals who embody the essence of marketing itself: compelling, strategic, and engaging. So, how do you build a personal brand that makes recruiters take notice? 1. Define Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) Just as brands differentiate themselves in the market, you need to define what makes you unique as a marketing professional. Ask yourself: What are my core strengths in marketing? What industries or sectors do I specialise in? What’s my marketing superpower - creative storytelling, data-driven strategy, brand building? Once you identify your UVP, weave it into everything - your LinkedIn headline, your portfolio, and how you introduce yourself in networking conversations. 2. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile (It's Non-Negotiable!) Recruiters live on LinkedIn, so if your profile isn’t optimised, you’re invisible. Here’s how to make your profile work for you: Headline & Summary: Craft a compelling headline that showcases your expertise. Your summary should tell your career story, highlighting your skills, successes, and what you’re passionate about. Experience & Achievements: Go beyond job titles - include results. Did you grow engagement by 150%? Increase lead conversions? Help launch a new brand? Show impact. Skills & Endorsements: Prioritise marketing-specific skills like SEO, brand strategy, and digital advertising. Engagement: Share industry insights, comment on marketing trends, and engage with content to stay visible. 3. Showcase Your Work with a Portfolio If you’re a marketer, you should market yourself! A portfolio - whether it’s a personal website, a well-curated LinkedIn feature section, or a digital PDF - can be a game-changer. Include: Campaigns you’ve worked on (results included!) Thought leadership pieces or blogs you’ve written Creative assets, social media content, or brand strategies you’ve developed Even if you’ve been out of work for a while, you can create mock campaigns or case studies to demonstrate your expertise. 4. Position Yourself as a Thought Leader Marketing recruiters love candidates who actively engage with the industry. Share your insights, post your perspectives on marketing trends, and engage in discussions. Ideas to get started: Write LinkedIn posts on lessons learned from past marketing projects. Share your take on a new trend (e.g., AI in marketing or the latest social media algorithms). Comment thoughtfully on industry news and thought leaders’ posts. Even a few well-crafted posts a month can establish your credibility. 5. Build and Leverage Your Network Marketing is about relationships - and your career should be no different. Connect with recruiters, marketing leaders, and peers. Ways to network effectively: Engage with recruiters’ content and introduce yourself in a value-driven way. Attend marketing webinars, events, or LinkedIn Lives and connect with attendees. Join relevant marketing groups and actively participate. 6. Be Consistent and Authentic Your personal brand is a reflection of you - so keep it authentic. Choose a niche, develop your voice, and stay consistent. This doesn’t mean posting every day but rather maintaining a steady presence and being intentional with how you present yourself. 7. Stay Adaptable and Keep Learning Marketing evolves quickly, and staying ahead of trends can set you apart. Whether it’s brushing up on new tools like GA4, mastering the latest social media ad platform, or learning more about AI-driven marketing, showing that you're up to date makes you more attractive to recruiters. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for work (or even if you’re not just yet), investing in your personal brand now will pay off when the right opportunity comes along. Marketing recruiters are drawn to candidates who show their expertise, not just list it on a CV.  Remember, your personal brand is your professional identity, and by investing in it, you're not just attracting recruiters, but also shaping your career path with confidence. References Personal Branding Without Social Media | Get the Social Advantage . Contact Lucy Need help finding your next marketing role? We’re here to connect top talent with the right opportunities. At New Chapter Talent, we understand the marketing landscape and can guide you towards the roles that best fit your skills and aspirations - get in touch with us today! Feel free to contact Lucy... ✉️ lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au 📞 +61 416 153 144 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 Or connect with me ~ Lucy on LinkedIn ~ as I'll share all the insights on recruitment you could ask for! For more updates, career tips, and job opportunities , follow New Chapter Talent on LinkedIn .
All Articles

STAY UP TO DATE

Get the latest

Receive regular updates from New Chapter Talent.

Contact Us

Share by: