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)?
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