Ever Had an Interview That Was All Over the Shop?

You walk in (or log on), you’re prepped, polished, and ready to roll. But five minutes in, the interview feels like it’s veered wildly off-course.

No real structure.
No clear questions.
No vibe.

Sound familiar?

We’ve all been there – interviews that are so unstructured they leave you questioning whether you accidentally showed up to the wrong meeting. But here’s the thing: these chaotic conversations can still be salvaged – and sometimes, they can even be revealing in all the right ways.

Let’s unpack what to do when your interview feels all over the shop – and how to use that moment to your advantage.

First: Don’t Panic. Take Stock.

If an interview feels messy or inconsistent, it doesn’t always mean the opportunity’s a write-off. Sometimes the person interviewing you might be nervous, new to interviewing, or just flat out busy. Try not to take it personally.

Instead, shift into active listening mode. Look for patterns in what they’re saying, pick out key goals they seem to be circling around, and take mental notes on the pace and tone of the conversation.

Second: Politely Steer the Ship

You can gently guide an interview back on track without taking over the room.

Try:

• Clarifying the agenda – “Just to make sure I cover everything you’re keen to know, would it be helpful if I gave you a quick overview of my recent marketing experience first?”
• Bringing it back to the role – “I’m really interested in the marketing team structure – would you mind sharing how this role fits in?”
• Tying your experience to their gaps – “You mentioned brand consistency being a challenge – at my last job, I worked on a similar problem across three markets…”This isn’t about being pushy – it’s about showing initiative, professionalism, and calm under pressure. All strong signals for a potential marketing hire.

Third: Remember – You’re Interviewing Them Too

We say this all the time in Marketing Recruitment – candidates aren’t just there to impress. They’re there to assess.

How your interview is run gives you important insights into the team, leadership, culture, and priorities.

So ask yourself:

• Is this a culture I can thrive in?
• Are they prepared, engaged, and respectful of my time?
• Do I feel like I can grow here?
• Are they really hiring for what they say they are?

If the interview’s been chaotic, it might reflect a fast-paced, ever-changing environment – which could be great for some marketers, and not-so-great for others.

Don’t ignore the red (or green!) flags.

Final Thoughts

If your interview is a bit of a shambles, it’s not a fail. It’s an opportunity to show your adaptability – and to test if the company’s the right fit for you.

And if you leave thinking “that was... not ideal” – don’t ignore your gut.

At New Chapter Talent, we specialise in Marketing Recruitment in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and have seen firsthand how the best marketing jobs don’t just come from nailing interviews – they come from finding the right match on both sides of the table.

Need help finding that perfect fit? Let’s chat. We’ve got the inside track on Australia’s best marketing jobs – and how to ace the process, no matter what’s thrown your way.

Contact Lucy

Need help finding your next marketing role? We’re here to help. 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.