The Future of Marketing: Highlights from TMC Panel Event

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

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