Summertime is a prime opportunity to search for a new marketing position and apply to companies in need of new professionals. These months tend to be slow enough business-wise to allow time for on-boarding, but not too stagnant that the company would not consider the investment of a new hire. The team at Pearl has decided to impart some of our “Pearls of Wisdom” to all seeking a marketing position. By learning the etiquette and following these tips, you will likely have more success with your next marketing job interview. Let’s get started!
Before the Interview
First, Go Through the Job Requirements
You will likely be working beyond the scope of the requirements, but this list of essentials does give you a framework for the responsibilities you would have in that position. Put a mark next to any items that are familiar to you, skillsets which you can discuss at length.
Study Your Resume
At this point, your resume should have been curated to showcase your experience in marketing, sales, and/or administrative management. Scan each line and underscore any similarities you find with the job description and requirements. For each work entry, jot down a couple bullet points of the experience you recall, such as tasks, work environment, and accomplishments. Choose two or more of your previous managers and coworkers to offer as references (note: many employers wish to know beforehand if you intend to use them as a reference). Once you’ve combed through your resume, it’s back to the Web!
Browse the Business
Employers are impressed with applicants who do their research. Go through the business’s website and write down their mission statement. Who is their ideal client? Go to the About Us section and familiarize yourself with any prominent team members, especially if you are in correspondence with the person who will conduct your job interview.
From there, head to any social media profiles that the company has active. Following the pages and accounts is optional — it likely won’t learn you any brownie points, but do see how often they post. Do they use a social media management platform like Tweetdeck or Sprout Social? What is their brand style and messaging? Having the ability to discuss these topics in your interview with position you as a well-prepared candidate for the job.
Assemble Your Materials
You’ve done your reflection and research, now you are ready to pack your bag or briefcase for the job interview. Bring a couple copies of your resume (including the one you annotated) and a portfolio of the work you’ve done which qualifies you for the marketing position.
What does a marketing portfolio look like?
- Content writers – collect blogs, articles, or any website content you’ve written, preferably printed in its published condition.
- Graphic designers – assemble high quality images of logos, flyers, templates, website layouts, and any other graphic designs that you have created in the past.
- Digital managers – if you still have access to any email or digital ad campaigns, print out the metrics of the ones with the most successful results. Write down a few notes about the nature of these campaigns and how you completed the project.
During the Interview
Aim to Arrive 10-15 Minutes Early
If anyone in this scenario should be the one waiting, it should be you and not your potential employers. In planning for those spare minutes, you give yourself a buffer for traffic and locating the employer’s office. Use this time to calm your nerves and practice your introduction.
Shake Hands and Speak Candidly
An interview is not an interrogation. Sit back in your seat (but don’t slouch!) and speak at a measured pace. If you find yourself stumbling, take a breath and restart your train of thought.
Next, Bring Up Valuable Skills
A marketing agency evolves with innovative tools that make our work easier and increase ROI. Marketing teams tend to share responsibilities and trade off on projects per the needs of the client. Find opportunities to bring up a time that you learned a tool or skill in a short period of time. Think back to any significant group projects you’ve done, and your role in them. How did you handle time-sensitive assignments?
After the Interview
Shake Hands and Smile Confidently
Your potential employer was not expecting a perfect performance, but rather a personal insight into you as an employee. Remain positive that you will be in strong consideration for the role. Save your nerves for later!
Then, Write the Thank You Email
If you have time to get a thank you letter in the mail the same day, then do so. The employer will likely receive it before their final decision and be impressed with the gesture. If you cannot have a letter postmarked by that afternoon, then be sure to send a thank you email to your interviewer within 24 hours of the interview.
Important beats to hit in your thank you email:
- Thank them for taking the time to interview (They most certainly had other responsibilities that day)
- Restate your appreciation for the business and the value they bring to the community (reference mission statement)
- Recall a topic that you brushed on during the marketing job interview to demonstrate your attention to detail
- Reiterate 1-2 of your skills which promote you as an ideal candidate for the position
- Address any questions that you or the interviewer may have missed in your session
Lastly, Await Their Response
Give your employer 1 week to respond before sending a followup email (keep your tone light but polite). If the company is larger than 50 employees, consider extending that patience to 2 weeks.
You’ve done your best, and an employer will take note. Do not lose faith in yourself!
For more skills that will add to your appeal in a marketing job interview, go to www.pearlmarketingacademy.com and take a look at the courses we offer for a low price!
