Reflecting on the New Chapter Talent Christmas Party

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.

As the marketing job market begins to show signs of recovery in Australia and New Zealand, many professionals are brushing off their CVs and stepping back into the interview room after months—or even years—away. But here’s the challenge: knowing your experience inside-out doesn’t always mean you can clearly communicate it under pressure. At New Chapter Talent, we’ve noticed a recurring theme with marketers we support: the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result)—a framework many interviewers expect—is often misunderstood or underused. And when nerves or self-doubt creep in, it becomes even harder to tell your career story with confidence. Whether you’re a Marketing Manager, Digital Specialist, or Head of Brand, here’s how you can prepare and deliver STAR-powered interview answers that make you stand out. Why the STAR Technique Matters for Marketing Interviews The STAR technique helps structure your answers so hiring managers can quickly understand not just what you did , but how you did it and the measurable impact. Situation : Provide context—what was happening? Task : What were you responsible for? Action : What did you actually do? Result : What was the outcome, ideally with metrics? In marketing interviews, this framework is especially valuable. It allows you to highlight creativity, problem-solving, and business impact while avoiding rambling or getting stuck in unnecessary detail. 5 Practical Tips to Nail Your STAR Responses Here are some actionable steps we’ve been sharing with our marketing network: 1. Put Pen to Paper List your top three accomplishments from your last role. What was the mandate? How did you deliver it? What were the results? For example: “I was tasked with revitalising customer engagement. I led the rollout of a new CRM program, introducing segmentation and automation. As a result, email open rates increased by 25% and churn reduced by 12% within six months.” 2. Reflect on Challenges Think about three significant challenges you’ve faced in your career. How did you navigate them? Marketing roles often involve tight budgets, shifting consumer trends, or new tech adoption—these are great opportunities to showcase adaptability and resilience. 3. Show Stakeholder Influence Marketing isn’t just about campaigns—it’s about collaboration. Prepare an example where you influenced a senior stakeholder, brought a cross-functional team onside, or shifted a business mindset. This shows leadership and strategic influence beyond day-to-day delivery. 4. Practice Out Loud It might feel awkward at first, but practising your answers out loud will help you tighten your delivery. Aim to be clear, concise, and confident. Try recording yourself or running through answers with a recruiter, mentor, or trusted friend. 5. Ditch the Jargon Avoid buzzwords like “synergy,” “best-in-class,” or “cutting-edge.” Instead, talk about impact in real, relatable terms. Employers are far more impressed with results than with corporate clichés. Common Mistakes Marketers Make in Interviews Through countless interview coaching sessions, we’ve noticed a few pitfalls: Overloading on detail – STAR answers should be sharp and structured, not an essay. Focusing on tasks, not outcomes – Results are what count. Did you increase ROI? Drive engagement? Improve brand equity? Undervaluing soft skills – Influence, collaboration, and resilience are just as critical as campaign results. Not tailoring answers – Align your examples with the specific role and company. Final Thoughts Interviewing is a skill—and like any skill, it improves with preparation and practice. If it’s been a while since your last interview, don’t leave it to chance. Rehearse with a recruiter, mentor, or trusted colleague. Mock interviews can surface blind spots and help you sharpen your story. In a competitive marketing job market, mastering the STAR technique could be the difference between blending in and standing out. By reflecting on your achievements, practising delivery, and focusing on real impact, you’ll be ready to tell a compelling career story that resonates with employers. ✅ Looking for your next marketing role in Australia or New Zealand? At New Chapter Talent, we specialise in connecting top marketing talent with leading brands. 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