Article
5 Must-Ask Interview Questions (And the ones you should definitely avoid)
September 18, 2024
We've all been there.
You’re sitting in the interview, confident and prepared, with an A+ list of questions ready to impress your potential employer. But as the conversation unfolds, one by one, they answer all your brilliant queries before you even get the chance to ask. Then, it happens:
“So, do you have any questions for me?”
Suddenly, your mind goes blank. 🤔 Cue the internal panic.
But don’t worry! We've got you covered. Whether you're about to interview for your dream marketing role or just brushing up on your interview skills, having a few go-to questions can really set you apart from the crowd. We’ve rounded up 5 golden nugget questions that will help you shine in any interview, plus a few you’ll definitely want to avoid!
✅ 5 Golden Nugget Questions to ask in your next interview:
- What projects would I be jumping into in the first 60-90 days? This question shows your enthusiasm for getting started and making an impact right away. It also gives you insight into the immediate expectations the company has for your role.
- Why do you enjoy working for the company? This one taps into the interviewer’s personal experience, helping you gauge company culture and whether it’s the right fit for you.
- What’s your management style, and how do you check in with your team? It’s important to understand how you'll be managed. Will you have the freedom to be creative, or will there be more hands-on guidance? This question helps clarify what you can expect from your manager.
- What are the clear expectations for the first 3-6 months? This shows you’re serious about succeeding and want to understand the benchmarks for your performance.
- What challenges do you think I might face in this role? Not only does this question demonstrate that you're thinking ahead, but it also prepares you for any hurdles you may need to overcome.
🚫 What NOT to Ask (Trust us):
- What’s the starting salary?
While salary is crucial, save this for later in the interview process. Asking upfront can make it seem like you're only in it for the paycheck. - How many holidays can I take?
Asking about holidays in the first interview can come across as if you're more focused on time off than the job itself. - How often can I work from home?
While flexibility is important, save this question for later on once you have a clearer picture of the role. - Can I have extra leave?
Again, this is a question for HR once you've received an offer. In the interview, your focus should be on what you can bring to the table.
Good luck with your interviews this week, and remember—stay curious, stay calm, and ask the right questions! 🤞
Got more interview tips or looking for your next marketing role? Reach out to New Chapter Talent—we've got your back!
Contact Lucy!
If you need any career advice, reach out to Lucy at New Chapter Talent via:
✉️ lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au
Or connect with Lucy over on LinkedIn. She is a wealth of knowledge in all things recruitment!
For more insights, news, career opportunities and job vacancies, follow New Talent Chapter on LinkedIn.
share this
Related Articles
Related Articles
Learn how to confidently answer “What problems do you solve?” in interviews. Discover how to showcase your marketing impact with New Chapter Talent.
At New Chapter Talent , we get to connect with some of the most inspiring marketing leaders across Australia and New Zealand — and a common theme keeps emerging: the quiet power of the generalist marketer . It came up again at our recent New Chapter: CMO Collective Club lunch , where several CMOs shared their love for the book Range by David Epstein. In a world that often celebrates specialisation — the data gurus, the brand purists, the performance pros — these marketers reminded us why having range is something to be proud of. The power of the generalist marketer Generalist marketers are the ultimate connectors. They see the big picture — not just the campaign, but the entire ecosystem. They bridge brand and performance, data and creativity, strategy and execution. In today’s fast-paced marketing landscape, where roles and technologies evolve constantly, that adaptability is gold. The ability to zoom out and see how it all fits together is what makes generalists invaluable to teams and organisations alike. Here’s what makes generalist marketers truly shine: They see across the entire customer journey, from awareness to retention. They bring context, connecting insights from different disciplines. They lead cross-functional teams with empathy and perspective. They can pivot quickly when business priorities or market conditions change. Why generalists thrive in modern marketing In Range, David Epstein explores how generalists often outperform specialists in complex, unpredictable environments — precisely the kind of environment marketers operate in today. Epstein’s research spans fields from sport to science to business, showing that early specialisation isn’t always the key to success. Instead, those who explore widely, draw from diverse experiences, and learn to connect ideas across disciplines are often the ones who thrive when faced with change. It’s a book that challenges the “10,000-hour rule” popularised by Malcolm Gladwell , arguing instead that breadth of experience leads to better problem-solving and innovation. For marketers navigating evolving technologies, shifting customer behaviour, and constant transformation, that insight couldn’t be more relevant. The future belongs to the adaptable The future of marketing leadership isn’t just about expertise in one domain. It’s about connection, adaptability, and curiosity . It’s about understanding how everything from brand storytelling to customer data, AI, and CX fits together to drive growth. So here’s to the curious, the adaptable, the connector-marketers who zoom out and dive in — the ones shaping what modern marketing leadership really looks like. And if you haven’t read it yet, grab a copy of Range by David Epstein . It’s a brilliant reminder that being a generalist isn’t a weakness — it’s a superpower . Contact Lucy Looking for career advice? Get in touch with 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 . New Chapter Talent – Your specialist partner in: Marketing Jobs | Digital Marketing Jobs | eCommerce Jobs | CRM Jobs | CX Jobs | Product Jobs | Brand Jobs | Creative Jobs | Communications Jobs | Category Jobs | Executive Marketing Roles
The New Chapter: Marketing Collective Club officially kicked off this month — and what a launch it was! Our inaugural lunch brought together 20+ brilliant marketing leaders from across Melbourne to connect, share ideas, and spark meaningful conversations. The room buzzed with energy (and a few new LinkedIn connections too), proving one thing loud and clear — marketers are craving more opportunities to connect in person. Why We Started the Marketing Collective Club In today’s fast-paced marketing world, the role of the modern marketing leader is constantly evolving. From brand and digital transformation to data-driven strategy and customer experience, there’s a growing need for community-led learning and collaboration . That’s exactly why we launched the New Chapter: Marketing Collective Club — a space designed exclusively for CMOs and Heads of Marketing , whether you’re employed or fractional, to come together, learn from each other, share experiences , and build meaningful professional relationships. Key Takeaways from the First Event Our first event didn’t just bring people together — it reminded us why community matters. Here are a few highlights from the launch: Marketers want more connection — there’s real enthusiasm for face-to-face interaction. Lifelong learning is key — leaders are hungry to grow, evolve, and stay ahead of the curve. Collaboration beats competition — sharing insights and challenges makes us all stronger. It was truly inspiring to be surrounded by passionate, purpose-driven marketing professionals , each bringing unique perspectives to the table. What’s Next for the Marketing Collective Club The Marketing Collective Club will meet monthly on the second Thursday of each month, with each event offering something new — from thought-provoking discussions to interactive networking formats (yes, speed networking may be on the cards next time! 😉). Next event: Thursday, 13th November 2025 Venue: The Duke of Wellington – Russell Room, 146 Flinders Street, Melbourne Tickets: $69 per person (+ booking fees) Bookings are already rolling in , so if you’re keen to join, grab your ticket via the group link before spots fill up. Why You Should Join If you’re a marketing leader in Australia looking to: Build your professional network Learn from other CMOs and Heads of Marketing Stay ahead of industry trends Be part of a supportive, collaborative community Then the New Chapter: Marketing Collective Club is the place for you. It’s more than just a networking group — it’s a community built on shared experiences, learning, and authentic connection . Get Involved Want to be part of the next event or learn more about joining the club? Reach out to Lucy Bolan for details: 📩 lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au 📞 +61 416 153 144 About New Chapter Talent At New Chapter Talent, we’re passionate about connecting, supporting, and elevating marketing talent across Australia and New Zealand. From recruitment to community initiatives like the Marketing Collective Club, we’re here to help marketers grow — professionally and personally. New Chapter Talent – Your specialist partner in: Marketing Jobs | Digital Marketing Jobs | eCommerce Jobs | CRM Jobs | CX Jobs | Product Jobs | Brand Jobs | Creative Jobs | Communications Jobs | Category Jobs | Executive Marketing Roles
STAY UP TO DATE
Get the latest
Receive regular updates from New Chapter Talent.
