How Marketers Can Master the STAR Technique in Job Interviews

On Thursday 11 September , more than 90 marketers, founders, students, and industry leaders came together in Melbourne for The Future of Marketing panel event hosted by The Marketing Club AU/NZ . The evening explored what’s next for our industry across content, brand, AI, recruitment, education, strategy, and research , with insights from some of the brightest minds in marketing. We were proud to see Lucy Bolan, Director of New Chapter Talent , representing the recruitment and hiring perspective, joining an incredible line-up of speakers. Panel 1: Fresh Thinking in Marketing 🎙️ Ebony Tewierik – Senior Marketing Manager, KeepCup 🎙️ Ebony Coatsworth – Social Media Executive, Melbourne Social Co 🎙️ Sarah No – Director of Brand & Marketing, BlueRock 🎙️ Indianna Symons – Executive Podcast Producer, Lost in Sound Panel 2: The Future of Marketing Careers 🎙️ Lucy Bolan – Director, New Chapter Talent 🎙️ Catherine Toms – Founder, AI Growth Academy 🎙️ Daniel Rayne – Marketing Lecturer, RMIT University 🎙️ Casey Kudrenko – Strategic Client Partner, Ideally Together, both panels shared powerful perspectives on where marketing is heading and how individuals and teams can stay ahead of the curve. A Bubble Bath of Change When asked to describe the current state of the industry, Lucy summed it up in one memorable line: 👉 “A bubble bath of change!” That opening sentiment, along with those of the panellists, sparked a rich discussion about the pace of transformation and the opportunities it presents for marketers who are ready to adapt. Hiring Trends Under the Spotlight Lucy also highlighted the key shifts she’s seeing in marketing recruitment: AI & Upskilling – Employers want marketers who can embrace martech, improve efficiency, and use insights to drive personalisation. ROI Under Pressure – Marketers are under more scrutiny than ever to prove the commercial impact of their work. T-Shaped Marketers – Specialists with deep expertise and strong knowledge across the wider marketing mix (brand, SEO, content, performance, CRM) are highly sought after. Soft Skills Matter – Curiosity, bravery, and innovative thinking are becoming just as important as technical expertise. Key Takeaways from the Evening Across both panels, a number of consistent themes emerged—practical, actionable advice that every marketer can apply: AI is here to stay - embrace it Pair AI with a strong brand strategy to ensure consistency and authenticity Emotional intelligence matters - stay focused on the people you’re trying to connect with Networking is critical to the future of marketing Stay curious and keep learning Soft skills will set you apart in a competitive recruitment market Listen more - the best marketers pay attention before they act Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek clarity by asking questions Strive to be a T-shaped marketer with both deep expertise and broad knowledge Adaptability is key - be ready to pivot with change Find a mentor to help you grow and navigate your career Insights & Connection From the rise of AI and automation to the enduring importance of creativity and human connection, both panels left attendees with practical strategies to help future-proof their careers. And beyond the insights, the networking was just as valuable. With more than 90 attendees, the room buzzed with conversation, ideas, and new connections between marketers, students, founders, and hiring managers. Thank You A huge thank you to The Marketing Club AU/NZ for curating such a forward-thinking event, to Lost in Sound for partnering and supporting with their expertise in podcasting and content, and to BlueRock for generously hosting us in their Melbourne space. Events like these show just how powerful it is when the marketing community comes together to share ideas, collaborate, and imagine the future. At New Chapter Talent , we’re committed to helping marketers thrive through change, whether that’s taking the next step in their career or building future-ready teams. Lucy’s contribution to The Future of Marketing was part of that mission, and we’re excited to keep these conversations going.

In the world of marketing recruitment , it’s not uncommon to hear senior professionals say: “It’s been years since I’ve had to formally interview; my last few roles all came via a tap on the shoulder.” And while that may sound like the dream scenario – being directly approached, skipping the panel interviews, and sliding straight into a new role – it can also be a dangerous shortcut. At New Chapter Talent, we’ve seen firsthand how skipping a formal marketing interview can lead to misalignment, frustration, and even short-lived appointments. The Allure of the “Tap on the Shoulder” For many senior marketers, opportunities often come through networks, reputation, or past colleagues. That “tap on the shoulder” can feel flattering – a recognition of your experience and track record. But here’s the risk: without a structured process, both sides miss the chance to properly test alignment. Recently, I spoke to a senior marketer three months into a new role. Their story was all too familiar: A few coffees with the GM Some warm, unstructured conversations An offer on the table No formal interview. No panel. No testing of values or expectations. The result? They’re now miserable. The role wasn’t what was promised; they’re being micromanaged, and the cultural alignment simply isn’t there. Why Interviews Still Matter for Senior Marketing Roles Even if you’re highly experienced, interview readiness is crucial. Interviews aren’t just about impressing the employer – they’re also about protecting your own career. Here’s what a structured process gives you: A chance to ask tough questions – about leadership style, company culture, resources, and expectations. The opportunity to identify red flags early – before you resign from your current role or commit to something that isn’t the right fit. Alignment on scope and priorities – so you don’t step into a role that looks completely different once you start. A level playing field – ensuring you’re assessed fairly alongside other candidates, not just hand-picked without scrutiny. The Cost of Skipping the Process When senior marketers bypass the interview stage, it can lead to: Misaligned expectations between the employer and employee Higher turnover in marketing leadership roles Frustration on both sides Damage to reputation if things don’t work out Sometimes, the most flattering offer is the one you should treat with the most caution. How to Prepare for Senior Marketing Interviews If it’s been years since your last formal interview, don’t panic – but don’t go in unprepared either. Here are some quick steps to boost your interview readiness : Refresh your story – Be clear about your achievements, leadership style, and the value you bring. Do your research – Understand the company’s market position, growth strategy, and challenges. Prepare questions – Go beyond surface-level queries. Ask about team dynamics, decision-making processes, and measures of success. Practice – Even experienced marketers benefit from a mock interview to sharpen their delivery and boost their confidence. Final Thoughts The interview process is not just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a safeguard. It helps both companies and candidates make better, more informed decisions. So, while the “tap on the shoulder” can feel flattering, skipping interviews can cost you far more than a few hours of nerves. At New Chapter Talent, we work with senior marketing professionals across Australia and New Zealand to ensure the right match between talent and opportunity – not just a quick appointment. Because the right role should feel like a long-term partnership, not a short-term misstep. Contact Lucy Ready to start your next chapter? Looking for a new role? Explore our current marketing jobs H iring top marketing talent? Get in touch ✉️ 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