Article

Crucial Questions Marketers Should Ask in Job Interviews

Lucy Bolan • 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

Blue and pink paper cutouts protesting, one in front of a stack of coins.
By Lucy Bolan March 10, 2026
New Chapter Talent Marketing Salary Guide Australia 2026
Silhouettes of diverse people, layered over colorful, abstract background.
By Lucy Bolan March 2, 2026
March 2026 is packed with high-value marketing and business networking events across Melbourne and Sydney. From AI and martech summits to loyalty, media, and multicultural marketing forums, this guide highlights where ambitious marketers and business leaders should be showing up. If real-world connection is a priority this year, now’s the time to get out there. Why March 2026 Is the Moment to Show Up It’s March already — and 2026 is moving quickly. If expanding your network, exploring new opportunities, or simply staying sharp in-market is part of your plan this year, now is the time to act. We’ve heard non-stop AI talk for the last two years. But this year feels different. The power of human connection matters more than ever: Real-life content Real-life connections Real-life conversations AI can accelerate your work — but it won’t replace the relationships that shape careers. Here’s where to be this March 👇 📍 Melbourne Marketing & Business Events – March 2026 1. Melbourne Marketing Forum 31 March 2026 A local industry networking event featuring short-form talks and structured networking sessions. Best for: Mid-to-senior marketers Professionals wanting meaningful local connections Marketers exploring new career moves in 2026 Expect practical insights and genuine peer engagement rather than surface-level mingling. 🎟 Tickets & details: https://www.marketingforum.melbourne/ 2. CommBank SmallBiz Week 25–26 March 2026 Two days of growth-focused sessions, workshops, and networking designed for business owners and marketers operating in SME and scale-up environments. Best for: Founders Growth marketers Commercial leaders Marketing professionals in scaling teams If you work in fast-moving businesses, this is one to circle. 🎟 Tickets & details: https://bigevent.io/event/commbank-smallbiz-week-melbourne/ 3. Asia Pacific Loyalty Awards 19 March 2026 A standout event for CRM, retention, customer experience, and lifecycle marketers. Senior loyalty and customer leaders from across APAC attend, making this a strong room for strategic-level conversations. Best for: CRM specialists CX leaders Retention marketers Loyalty program managers 🎟 Tickets & details: https://australianloyaltyassociation.com/apac_loyalty_awards/ 📍 Sydney Marketing & Media Events – March 2026 1. Intrigue MAdVerse Summit 4 March 2026 A strong marketing and martech summit covering: AI in marketing Digital strategy Performance marketing Emerging tech A solid mix of senior marketers, agencies, and technology partners — all under one roof. Best for: Digital leaders Martech professionals Agency-side marketers Tech-savvy brand teams 🎟 Tickets & details: https://www.intriguesummit.com/madverse2026sydney 2. Future Media Forum 19 March 2026 Focused on advertising, media innovation, adtech, and digital trends. Well suited for media, performance, and brand marketers wanting genuine peer networking in a more future-focused setting. Best for: Media planners Performance marketers Brand strategists Adtech professionals 🎟 Tickets & details: https://au.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php? 3. Ethnolink Multicultural Communications Summit 20 March 2026 An important event for marketers wanting to deepen their capability in: Inclusive marketing Multicultural strategy Community engagement As Australia’s audience landscape continues to evolve, inclusive marketing is no longer optional — it’s essential. Best for: Brand leaders Strategy professionals Communications specialists Marketing managers focused on growth audiences 🎟 Tickets & details: https://go.ethnolink.com.au/summit-sydney Come Mingle With Us: The New Chapter Marketing Collective At New Chapter Talent , we believe some of the best career opportunities start over lunch — not LinkedIn. We host monthly marketing lunches through The New Chapter Marketing Collective , bringing together senior marketers for honest, off-the-record conversations about careers, hiring, leadership, and what’s really happening in market. If you’re looking to: Expand your senior marketing network Explore new opportunities discreetly Connect with like-minded industry peers Join our crew and hear about our next lunch here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/15165022/ Why Networking Still Wins in 2026 → The tools are smarter. → The automation is faster. → The AI is louder. ✔️But career-defining moves still happen through relationships. March is stacked with opportunity across Melbourne and Sydney. If you’ve been meaning to get out there — consider this your nudge. We’ll see you in the room.
By New Chapter Talent February 23, 2026
If you’re thinking about your next step… If you’re in between roles… If you simply want to stay sharp and connected… Networking isn’t optional. It’s essential. And yet, it’s one of the most underused tools in a marketer’s career toolkit. We see it every day. Brilliant marketers relying solely on job boards or waiting to be approached. Meanwhile, the strongest career moves often start with something far simpler — a conversation. Let’s break down why networking matters, what it actually looks like in 2026, and how connecting with the right marketing recruiter can quietly change the game. Why Networking Is So Important for Marketing Professionals Marketing is a relationship-driven profession. Always has been. Roles are shaped through referrals. Projects are built through partnerships. Leadership hires are often confidential. That means many opportunities never make it to a public job ad. When you stay visible and connected, you’re more likely to: Hear about roles before they go to market Be recommended by someone who trusts your work Stay informed about shifts in the marketing job market Build credibility within your sector In competitive markets like Melbourne, relationships matter. A lot. What Networking Actually Looks Like (Without the Awkward Bits) Let’s retire the image of stiff name tags and forced small talk. Modern networking for marketers is far more natural: A coffee with a former colleague Attending a local marketing event Reaching out to someone whose career path interests you Engaging meaningfully on LinkedIn Checking in with a trusted recruiter before you actively start job hunting It’s not about collecting contacts. It’s about building genuine, long-term relationships. Why Connecting with a Marketing Recruiter Is Smart Networking Many marketers only speak to a recruiter when they urgently need a job. That’s backwards. Building a relationship with a specialist marketing recruiter early means: You understand your current market value You gain insight into hiring trends You get honest feedback on positioning and career direction You’re considered for roles that may never be advertised At New Chapter Talent , we work across permanent, contract and executive marketing roles. We partner deeply with both candidates and organisations — not just when there’s a vacancy, but throughout careers. If you’re looking for the best marketing recruitment agency in Melbourne, it isn’t about bold claims. It’s about track record, relationships and reputation. We’re proud to be recognised as a trusted marketing recruiter in Melbourne because: We specialise solely in marketing We understand the nuances across digital, brand, CRM, product and leadership roles We work with respected organisations across retail, FMCG, eCommerce, education, financial services and more We prioritise long-term relationships over short-term placements That’s what makes a difference. Networking When You’re In Between Roles If you’re currently between roles, networking becomes even more important. It keeps you visible. It builds momentum. It protects confidence. Some of the strongest career moves we’ve seen started during what felt like a pause. Use the time to: Reconnect with past leaders and peers Attend industry events Meet with a specialist marketing recruiter Refine how you talk about your impact Career gaps aren’t weaknesses. Silence is. Networking for Senior Marketing Leaders For CMOs and senior marketing leaders, networking looks slightly different. It’s less about applying and more about staying front of mind. Executive roles are often handled discreetly. Conversations happen well before briefs are formalised. If you’re not visible within trusted networks, you may never know a role existed. Strategic relationships — including with an experienced marketing recruiter — ensure you remain part of that conversation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Why is networking important in marketing? Marketing is relationship-driven. Many opportunities arise through referrals, recommendations or private searches rather than public job ads. Strong networks increase visibility and access to hidden roles. How do I network effectively as a marketer? Start small. Reconnect with former colleagues. Attend relevant industry events. Engage thoughtfully on LinkedIn. Build genuine relationships rather than transactional connections. Should I connect with a marketing recruiter even if I’m not looking for a job? Yes. Speaking with a specialist marketing recruiter helps you understand your market value, current hiring trends and potential future opportunities. Building the relationship early puts you in a stronger position later. How do I choose the best marketing recruiter in Melbourne? Look for a recruiter who specialises in marketing, understands your sector, works with reputable organisations and prioritises long-term relationships. Reputation, consistency and transparency matter more than volume. Is New Chapter Talent a marketing recruitment agency in Melbourne? Yes. New Chapter Talent is a specialist marketing recruitment agency based in Melbourne, partnering with organisations and marketing professionals across Australia and New Zealand. Networking isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. It’s about being connected, informed and visible in the right circles. And sometimes, the most valuable conversation you have isn’t about a job today — it’s about building the relationship that shapes your career tomorrow. Contact Lucy Are you looking for your next chapter? Then let’s chat. ✉️ 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
All Articles

STAY UP TO DATE

Get the latest

Receive regular updates from New Chapter Talent.

Contact Us

Man wearing a brown beanie, facing forward. He has short hair and a neutral expression.
Empty white background.
Woman playing guitar at a campfire, with someone behind her, tent in background.