An interview is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your skills, personality and suitability for a particular role. In this blog, I will cover how to prepare for your interview and also give you tips to make you more confident during the interview itself.
1. Prepare for success
Ensure that you have an in-depth knowledge of your work experience, education and skills related to the role. Make a list of all your positive attributes and achievements so you can discuss them with your interviewer in detail. Focus on how your experience fits the requirements of the vacant role, and if you’re a digital marketing veteran, be prepared to show samples of past work. For entry-level digital marketers, positions will be judged more on your communication skills than previous work experience.
2. Do your research
Carrying out research prior to the interview will show that you are an eager candidate and also an effective researcher – an essential skill for any digital marketer. You will need to research the following areas:
The company
Research their core values and practices. Evaluate their online marketing avenues and try to understand what they are trying to achieve with their online presence. Think about how they can improve aspects of their online business and be prepared to share this in the interview as it will demonstrate that you are forward thinking and creative. In terms of practical elements of the role, write down some questions to ask (e.g. Who will I be reporting to?).
The industry
By understanding the company's industry, you will be able to speak about the possible challenges they may be facing. It will also give you perspective on where the company sits within its industry.
The competitors
Impress your interviewers by researching their competitors. Ask yourself: Who are their main competitors? What are they doing online? What marketing techniques are they using? How can this company outperform their competitors?
3. Anticipate questions and practice your answers
Try to think about the types of questions you could be asked. Rehearse your answers so that they sound natural. This video by Don Georgevich has some helpful tips on answering difficult interview questions. Below are some common interview questions which you can prepare for.
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Can you tell me about your greatest accomplishments?
- What motivates you?
- Can you share a time you failed and how you responded to the situation?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Develop five adaptable stories from your work history that directly relate to the job. These stories should be short and to the point. Describe the situation and the problem. Then explain how you improved the situation, outlining the results you achieved. Providing this information shows the interviewer that you are aware of the impact and importance of your personal contributions.
4. Before the interview
The night before your interview, print some copies of your CV/resume, prepare your interview outfit and make sure you have a pen and notepad for notetaking. On the day of the interview, arrive at the location at least ten minutes before the start time – this will give you time to check your outfit, visit the bathroom and calm your nerves.
5. During the interview
Your body language says more about you than your answers, so make sure you gather yourself, try to relax and concentrate solely on the people in the room. Be an active listener and make sure that your answers are relevant to the questions asked. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer as this shows confidence, respect and interest. Check out this post for more tips on non-verbal communication techniques.
Allow your body language, tone of voice and answers to communicate your genuine excitement about the opportunity and passion for the industry. This is critical because the interviewer wants someone who is going to be a good match for both the role and the company culture. Showing your personality allows the interviewer to see that you would work well in a team and with other staff members in the organisation.
6. After the interview
It's important to follow up with an email thanking your interviewer for meeting with you. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the job and include any details you might have forgotten to mention during the interview. Try to send your thank you note within 24 hours of your interview.
Use these tips for your next digital marketing interview and let us know how you get on. We wish you the best of luck with your interview and your future in digital marketing.
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