30 Content Marketing Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Content Marketing interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. Do you like to follow a regular routine for your workday, or do you prefer mixing up your routine?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you prefer a steady, structured environment or one that is prone to change. There are two reasons this question is asked. The first is to ascertain what type of environment you thrive in. The interviewer may make a note about which manager or team you would fit best with based on your answer. This question may also be asked if the company tends to prefer staff who thrive in one environment or the other because one is more common in their company culture.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
When answering this question, avoid saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear just to make a good impression. Be honest. If you aren't, you might find yourself in a job that's not a good fit. For example, if you prefer a steady workload and want advanced notice about any changes, it's unlikely you'll be happy in an environment where you are regularly asked to adapt to new requests. On the other hand, if you crave variation and like new challenges, you could be bored in a steady environment. Being honest gives the interviewer a chance to assess how well you may or may not fit into the company culture.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I prefer working in a more predictable environment with a regular routine because it helps me stay organized and on task. With that said, I can certainly work in an unpredictable environment from time to time."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I love it when no two workdays are the same. This keeps me on my toes and keeps my problem-solving and creative thinking skills sharp. Even when my workload is steady, I'll tackle things with a different approach on Friday than I did on Monday just to have some variation."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Behavioral
2. We have a high-energy, collaborative culture here at Company ABC. Do you think you'd fit in?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Being a good candidate for the job depends on more than just your skillset; fitting into the company's culture is important too. The interviewer asks this question to learn about your work pace and style. They want to know if you'll work well with other staff and be open to team projects.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
When answering this question, avoid saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear just to make a good impression. Be honest. If you aren't, you might find yourself in a job that's not a good fit. For example, if you prefer working independently and have an introverted, reserved personality, it's unlikely you'll be happy in a high-energy, collaborative environment. Being honest gives the interviewer a chance to assess how well you may or may not fit into the company culture.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
If you would enjoy working in a high-energy, collaborative environment: Example
"I can see that you have great energy here, and I've enjoyed that during this interview process! I tend to work at a fast pace and like being surrounded by people with the same approach. I'm also always up for teamwork. I think the best ideas come from working together."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I admire people who can work in a fast-paced and team-based environment. It takes a lot of energy and resilience. My style is fairly laid-back and calm. I always meet deadlines and achieve my goals, but I like to approach my work at an even pace. I'm open to collaborating, but I prefer most of my workload to be independent."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Behavioral
3. How do you incorporate feedback into your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know your approach to incorporating feedback into your work. Some people can work with abstract, idea-based feedback, while others need more concrete suggestions to revise. Understanding your approach will help the interviewer decide if you'll be a good fit for the company and potentially what team to place you on, depending on management styles.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
It's best to answer this question with an example. This approach allows you to offer concrete details and shows that you have experience incorporating feedback into your work.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a lot of experience incorporating feedback into my work. In my current job, we work in teams and frequently take turns reviewing each others' projects as they're being developed. A few weeks ago, a colleague suggested I improve the structure of a blog post I wrote. She mentioned that it seemed too dense and might result in high bounce rates. I thought my approach was pretty good, but I spent time brainstorming ways to improve it. After I made changes, I shared it with my colleague, and she was impressed!"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Behavioral
4. We have an in-house editor who reviews all our content and offers feedback. How do you respond to constructive criticism about your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know how you handle constructive criticism. Some people have a hard time receiving critiques about their work, while others welcome it. If you struggle to receive and incorporate feedback into your work, you'll want to work on developing that skill before the interview, as it is an essential part of a career that involves marketing and writing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Focus on assuring the interviewer that you welcome feedback on your work and strive to incorporate it. It's important that the interviewer feels you are flexible and adaptable.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm open to feedback on my work. I know that marketing content is dynamic, and that's especially true of content marketing. I expect that, if hired, my work will be reviewed and critiqued. I view this as an opportunity to grow."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Behavioral
5. When change occurs in the workplace, it can create new challenges. How do you handle change?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Change in the workplace is inevitable. The interviewer wants to know how you handle changes to your workload, company policies, and even major shifts in marketing strategy. They hope to hear that you manage change with a positive, learning-based mindset, not that you view change as an inconvenience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
When you answer this question, acknowledge that change can be challenging but emphasize that it almost always offers room to grow. Include a story-based example of a time when you faced a significant change in the workplace and you adapted well.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"Of course change can be challenging, especially if it's a change to a major aspect of the company. That being said, I try to embrace change because it usually gives me a chance to learn something new and to be a positive example to my colleagues. For instance, my current employer recently acquired a small marketing agency. As a result, we had some turnover, layoffs, and many procedural changes. I took this situation as an opportunity to learn how acquisitions work. I also encouraged my colleagues to grow from the experience. Overall, the situation has not been ideal, but I have learned so much about teamwork and deep collaboration, which will certainly serve me well in my next opportunity."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
6. Why did you choose a career in marketing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know what initially drew you to pursue a career in marketing. Perhaps you have a significant interest in consumer behavior, or maybe you have a strong penchant for marketing research and analytics. You might even be a writer who discovered marketing as the ideal way to share your ideas with the world. Your answer will give the interviewer insight into your motivations and desired career trajectory.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid broad, cliche responses like, "I have always dreamed of having my own marketing firm."
Be specific, and highlight your strengths and areas of expertise, especially those that are related to the job ad.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I initially chose a career path in sales because I love talking to people and pitching products. I ended up in marketing after completing a business development contract for a client who was heavily involved in the influencer marketing sector. I loved the idea of helping a business put together a strategy for branding and development. From there, I enrolled in online classes with ABC University and completed my degree in Digital Marketing and Communications."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
7. The marketing industry is innovative and dynamic. How do you stay on top of the latest trends?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know you will be invested in your role and keep up with the latest marketing trends. This is a crucial aspect of a content marketer's position because it ensures the company's advertising approach is current and prevents them from falling behind competitors. When there is a new trend in the marketing industry, the interviewer wants to feel confident you'll be aware of it and prepared to adapt your approach.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Tell the interviewer about the ways you typically stay on top of new marketing trends. For example, you might belong to a relevant Facebook group, subscribe to newsletters, or read certain blogs. You can also start a great conversation by asking the interviewer how they prefer to stay up to date (after providing your answer, of course!).
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I agree! This industry seems to change every day, and it's really important to stay "in the know." I'm always looking out for new marketing trends, so I subscribe to AdWeek and Communication Arts Magazine. I also read all the new content published by the Content Marketing Institute. Do you have any recommendations for staying on top of industry trends?"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
8. In your opinion, what makes a marketing campaign effective?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is testing your overall marketing knowledge. Even if your primary role with the company would be content marketing, you will be expected to understand the general principles and foundations of marketing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
When you answer this question, focus on marketing elements and approaches you know the hiring company would utilize based on their industry. You can describe a new marketing trend you've heard about, too. Aim to give a broad answer that reflects your knowledge of marketing but also ties into the role of a content marketer.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"An effective marketing campaign requires a solid foundation of clearly laid out goals, careful target audience analysis, and a strong focus on metrics. My current company creates an avatar of their ideal client and develops content ideas as though we are speaking directly to that avatar. I think it's also important to have a diverse team with a range of skills and ideas. I have worked in smaller groups where creativity became stale when the team members failed to contribute fresh ideas."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
9. What questions do you have for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers typically ask this question near the end of the interview to find out if you need clarification on any aspect of the position of the company. It is also a way to gauge your interest in the job.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Do not ask questions just for the sake of asking questions. While it is always best to prepare a few good questions ahead of time, if the interviewer answered them during the interview, it's okay to say, "I was wondering when you hope to fill the position and what the typical schedule is like, but you've already answered those questions for me." Don't ask mundane questions about the company, and avoid asking about salary and vacation time during the first interview. While it is best practice for the company to be upfront about those topics, if they haven't been forthcoming, now is not the time to ask.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
Aim to have 2-3 questions prepared. Below are several examples:
- Is the company's current marketing strategy focused on content marketing?
- Do you have any content marketing experts on staff?
- How receptive is management to suggestions for changing marketing strategies?
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- Is this a new role, or are you filling a vacant position?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the biggest change in marketing over the past three years?
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
10. Why do you want to work for us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. After selecting candidates to interview, they discern who is truly interested in the position by asking interviewees this question. Those who have taken the time to research the company, understand its products and services, and become familiar with its mission statement are likely to rank high on the list of candidates. Essentially, the interviewer wants to know if you view the position as "just another job" or if you care about the company's goals.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
It's best to be well prepared to answer this question, so research the company. Start by doing a web search and reviewing the company website and any recent news articles published about the company. You can also explore the company's social media accounts and ask friends and family what they know or have heard about the company. Good answers to this question begin with phrases like, "I am impressed by...," "I like how you approach...," "I saw that the company recently...," and "I'm interested in learning more about that."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"Besides my interest in the position itself, I like that Company ABC is involved in community events. I remember seeing your booth at the volunteer fair several months ago, and I also read that you participate in the town's Special Olympics event. I have always dedicated time to giving back to the community, and, if hired, I like that I'd be able to do so as a representative of the company."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
11. Do you use Google Analytics in your current role?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Knowing how your content performs is an important aspect of working in content marketing. Google Analytics is one of the most popular ways to track the results of online marketing campaigns aimed at directing traffic to company websites, so the interviewer wants to know if you're comfortable using it.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
If you have experience using Google Analytics, tell the interviewer about this in detail. If not, assure them you're excited and willing to learn how to use this helpful tool.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have used Google Analytics in past marketing roles, but I'm not an expert. In the past, I've used Google Analytics to view demographic trends, which helps inform my content marketing strategies. I recognize that there are many other more in-depth functions available on Google Analytics, and I look forward to furthering my knowledge in this area."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
12. Tell me about your experience in content marketing.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer has already reviewed your resume and now wants to gain additional insight into your background in content marketing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Don't simply run through your resume, which the interviewer has already read. Instead, highlight the most significant experiences that are relevant to the skill sets noted in the job ad. If you are new to the field or just out of college, discuss the courses you've taken and internships you've had that will allow you to excel in the role.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
If you have significant experience: Example
"My first marketing role was with a medical supply company and focused on a print advertisement that was product-marketing oriented. I didn't find my work rewarding, however, so I started looking for positions that would let me incorporate more creativity and story-telling, which are two of my strengths. I ended up landing a job with a fitness and nutrition startup company that wanted to introduce and define its brand through effective content marketing. There was very little existing marketing in place, so I had the opportunity to develop a strategy from the ground up, working closely with the company's founder to set goals and develop meaningful content. This position was an awesome learning experience, and I refined my audience analysis skills quite a bit!"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
If you don't have much on-the-job experience: Example
"Even though I haven't had the opportunity to work in the field independently, I did complete an internship during my last year of undergraduate studies. I worked with a real estate agency to develop content-focused LinkedIn posts and contributed to the kick-off of their new blog. I researched the real estate industry and the different markets the agency was targeting and gained a lot of experience writing engaging copy for different marketing challenges."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
13. Are you comfortable giving presentations? What was the most challenging presentation you have been a part of?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants know if you are comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations. Depending on your marketing expertise and level of experience, you may be asked to present ideas and results to company executives, your team, clients, or other stakeholders.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your confidence level when making presentations, and be honest about your comfort level with speaking to an audience. Talk about any formal training you have in public speaking, if applicable. If you have delivered a challenging presentations recently, this question is a great opportunity to give a brief story-based example. Discuss what made the presentation challenging and how you ensured your ideas were understood and well-received. If you don't have much experience but feel confident, that's okay! Express your confidence and eagerness to give presentations when needed. If you are uncomfortable speaking in front of a group, let the interviewer know that while giving presentations isn't a strength of yours, you're willing to practice and learn.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
If you are comfortable giving presentations: Example
"I like giving presentations and think I am fairly good at it. I also think public speaking is an area where there's always room for improvement! The most challenging presentation I recall was my very first one. I was incredibly nervous, had technical difficulties, and some tough questions came my way. Due to the technical challenges, I had to forego the PowerPoint I had prepared and present from memory alone. Overall, I conveyed all the ideas I wanted to, but the delivery could have been smoother. Since then, I've taken some free courses online to improve in this area and delivered a few presentations I'm proud of."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
If you are not very comfortable giving presentations: Example
"I haven't had many opportunities to give presentations in a professional setting, but I would be open to practicing in small groups and working toward developing better skills in this area."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
14. Have you researched our competitors' marketing campaigns? If so, what were your most significant findings?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you've taken the time to review the competitions' marketing strategies. This isn't a requirement for a job interview, but doing so and being able to answer this question with a confident, solid answer, is likely to make you a top candidate for the position. If you take the time to do this research and are not asked about it in the interview, you can work it in when the interviewer asks if you have any questions for them.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
As you prepare for your interview, do some research to gain insight into the competitions' marketing strategies. Take notice of the most prominent differences and the most substantial similarities between marketing approaches. Discuss the details of what you see in your research during the interview, being careful not to insult the hiring company or pay too many compliments to the competition.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have researched your competitors' marketing campaigns and noticed that they rely more heavily on traditional media such as broadcast, print marketing, and billboard advertising. Although these marketing methods could be effective for the target audience, I think there are more impactful strategies that focus on digital channels. I would love to do a deeper dive into a variety of metrics. Do you have specific information regarding your competitors' marketing strategies and how they stack up against your own?"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
15. In your opinion, which aspects of content marketing are the most important?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question to hear about your specific approach to content marketing. This type of question can be challenging to answer since you don't want to minimize any aspect of the role, but the interviewer is likely asking simply to better understand the type of work you produce.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Answer the question honestly, first emphasizing that there really aren't any "unimportant" aspects of content marketing. Let the interviewer know what your highest priorities are when developing content and what you see as the defining elements contributing to the success of the content you develop.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I take all aspects of my work very seriously, but I have to say that defining the target audience and structuring content so it's appealing and accessible are two of the most important aspects. Defining the target audience is the root of creating relevant content that consumers actually want to read and engage with. Structuring content is so important because even great content can perform poorly if it's not visually appealing."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
16. Can you name a company that you think is currently doing an excellent job with their content marketing and tell me why you chose them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to determine if you spend time learning from what others in your industry are doing. They hope you'll share the name of a company that inspires you with its content marketing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss a company whose content marketing you admire. If you don't have an answer in mind, spend time reading and researching before the interview. It's best to avoid obvious answers like Coca-Cola and Microsoft (i.e., don't just search for "companies with best content marketing). Try to answer with the name of a local company, or, if you're interviewing with an online company, one that's in a similar industry (but not a direct competitor of the company you're interviewing with).
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"Last year a new daycare center opened up in my neighborhood. A friend was impressed by their website and encouraged me to check it out. I was impressed too! They'd done an excellent job including content about child safety, age-appropriate family activities and exercises, and healthy snack choices for toddlers. There was a lot of value on the site even for those who weren't currently interested in daycare services. This was a great strategy because parents just might use the site as a resource, and then, if the need for daycare arose, they'd be more likely to think of this location."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
17. Are you familiar with heatmap tools?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Heatmap tools are an important analytical tool that helps marketers see how people interact with content. The interviewer is asking about your experience with such tools to gauge your scope of knowledge when it comes to assessing the results of your work.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
If you aren't familiar with heatmap tools, spend time researching the topic, and at least one specific tool, before the interview. When you answer the question, explain what heatmap tools are to show your knowledge, but be honest about not having used them. If you have used them in your work, share an example of your experience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am familiar with heatmap tools and use Hotjar at my current job. I'm a visual person, so I find heatmapping to be one of the most effective ways to analyze the content I create."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
18. What's your approach for writing about a topic you don't know a lot about?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a content marketer, you will likely be asked to develop content for topics you aren't an expert in. The interviewer wants to know how you familiarize yourself with a new topic. They hope to hear that you have a well-developed approach with researching and understanding new topics and that you welcome doing so.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
If you have experience writing about a topic you're not familiar with, share an example with the interviewer. If you don't have experience doing this, make sure to think about the approach you'd take before the interview, so you can explain it with confidence.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've written about many topics that were new to me. My first step is to do some online research and review several informative articles, blogs, and videos. I take notes and write down questions about aspects of the topic I'll need to further explore. Once I feel I have a good enough understanding to start writing, I'll develop an outline or draft and go from there. Most of the time, I can find everything I need online. Sometimes, however, I will go back to the client or subject matter expert to clarify some points."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
19. What is the most creative content marketing project you completed? What made it unique?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know more about your creative portfolio, and they also want to hear the passion in your voice regarding some of your favorite projects. Walk the interviewer through a project that you are proud of, highlighting the efforts you put in and any big wins and proud accomplishments along the way. Express any new skills that you learned while completing this unique project.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Don't hold back--this is your chance to shine! Before the interview, spend time thinking about your past/current projects. Choose one that lets you share skills and talents that are aligned with the company's job ad.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I recently completed a content marketing project for a custom furniture store. Their customers frequently asked about the woodworking process and how they were able to craft such detailed designs into their custom pieces. With this in mind, they wanted to give insight into the process through a series of videos and their blog. They provided us with videos of several employees working as well as some interview clips where employees discussed the details of their craft. I developed a "Day in the Life of a Woodworker" series for their blog that included embedded videos of the work done in the shop. It was really well-received and gained a lot of traction. So much so, in fact, that the business started hosting workshops for existing and potential customers to learn some techniques themselves. We continued building the blog series using videos of customers at the workshops. After three months, the business reported a 5% increase in sales."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
20. What mediums do you have the most experience using?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know the types of marketing mediums you are most experienced with. This will give them insight into your experience level and let them know if you'd require training in any mediums currently being utilized by the company.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss the mediums and channels where you have the most experience and, if you can, rate yourself as a beginner, intermediate, or expert-level user in each of the mediums you mention. Be sure to refer to the job description and discuss those must-have and nice-to-have skills, assuring the interviewer that you are the right fit!
Some mediums that you could mention:
- Traditional marketing, including direct mail, print advertising, broadcasting, billboard, and outdoor advertising, or point of sale.
- Online marketing, including web ads, banner ads, SEO, SEM, email marketing, website optimization, blogging, content creation, Google Ads, or social media avenues such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and more.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"Most of my experience is in digital platforms, though I did spend some time working on print advertising early in my career and wouldn't mind revising that medium to learn more. I consider myself advanced when it comes to developing content marketing strategies for social media platforms, blogs, and webpages."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
21. What was your least effective content marketing project? What went wrong?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear about a project that didn't produce the intended results. Marketing involves some trial and error, and the company hopes to confirm that you are proactive about learning from mistakes.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Give an overview of the problem while focusing primarily on the action you took to make corrections. Be sure to express what you learned from the situation.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"My least effective content marketing project was during a college internship before I'd learned all the nuances of the field. I was given a surprising amount of independence that I really wasn't ready for and assigned to a client who ran an online consulting business. They were adding new services to their offerings and wanted to raise awareness about them to expand their client base. The content I developed was on point in terms of being highly relevant to the target audience, but it lacked a lot in terms of visual presentation. Instead of breaking the information into chunks and including images, which I now know is crucial for webpage engagement, I presented it in a way that looked more like a formal business report. Analytics showed that people weren't interacting with the content or spending very much time on the page. Fortunately, I had a mentor on-site who quickly identified the problem and worked with me to correct it before the client became upset."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
22. In your opinion, what makes an effective marketing team?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know what you think is important when it comes to having an effective marketing team. Perhaps you believe it's teamwork or a diverse range of skills and abilities. Your answer will let the interviewer know how well your thoughts align with the company's, helping them determine if you'll be a good fit.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
First, acknowledge that there are many ways for a marketing team to work effectively and succeed. If you have been part of a talented marketing team, explain what made your experience so enjoyable and what made the team effective as a whole. If you haven't been part of a great team, you can simply share your opinion on what makes a team successful. Hint: Look to the job ad for clues about what the company's marketing team is like, and craft your answer based on that.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my opinion, an effective marketing team is made up of individuals with unique skill sets and varying levels of experience. I like to know that I can learn from those around me and that I will also have the opportunity to teach my skills to someone else. When this diversity is present, very creative ideas flow and effective marketing campaigns can be executed with excitement."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
23. What are the top performing products at our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The way you respond to this question will show your interviewer how much research you've done on their company before your interview. Your answer will indicate how important the position is to you.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Show the interviewer that you are well-prepared for your meeting by discussing the products/services offered at their company in as much detail as possible. Talk about your personal experience with these products if applicable.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"From my understanding, your top products are A, B, and C. I have tried all three of these products and enjoy them all; however, Product A is the one I enjoy the most because I find (describe your reason). I also have a friend who uses Product B and absolutely loves it. Would you tell me which products are your favorite, from an insiders' perspective?"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Discovery
24. Have you created content marketing campaigns specifically for social media platforms?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There is no way around it--if you want a career in content marketing, you need to understand and embrace social media. The interviewer wants to know about your experience utilizing social media platforms for content marketing. Your answer will provide insight into whether or not you'll need training on any platforms the company uses.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your experience with the social media platforms you are comfortable with, keeping in mind that the interviewer has reviewed your resume, and your answer should consist of more than just a list of social media platforms. Expand on the experiences listed in your resume, ideally using a story-based example.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes. I have created content marketing campaigns for Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. I'm also currently researching Tiktok's algorithm. When I first took over my company's Instagram account, we had just 345 followers. We are now at over 8,000 due to my engaging content and visual strategies. One of the most important things I've learned about using content marketing across different social media platforms is the significance of being consistent in the way the brand is presented."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
General
25. What is SEO, and how will you utilize it in your content marketing strategy for our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
SEO (search engine optimization) is relevant to all online marketing, and it's highly likely the content marketing position you're interviewing for will involve creating content for the web. The interviewer wants to know if you're familiar with SEO and how it works so you'll be able to integrate it into the content you develop.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
This question combines knowledge assessment with the application, so you'll want to start with a brief description of what SEO is and then delve into how you will use it in your content marketing work.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"SEO is an online marketing strategy that aims to increase the visibility of a website or blog in search results on search engines like Google. It's obviously very important to make sure your site is ranked high in the results so you get more traffic - that is, customers - to your website. I actually have direct experience with SEO and helped my current company optimize its website by assisting the SEO specialist. I learned a lot from that experience, including how to develop content that uses relevant keywords without keyword stuffing. Good content writing involves creating engaging, accessible content that also ranks high. It's a bit of an art form, and while there's always room to learn, I do feel confident in how I incorporate SEO into my work."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
General
26. How is content marketing different from product marketing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a basic question asked to ensure your knowledge base is consistent with the needs of the position. The interviewer wants to make sure you are well-versed in different types of marketing. This is important because the role you're interviewing for is specific to content marketing, not product marketing, so you need to be able to clearly explain how they differ.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
If you're applying for content marketing jobs, you should be confident in your understanding of what content marketing entails. At its core, content marketing differs from product marketing because its goal is to build brand loyalty and earn consumers' trust--not sell products. Of course, any type of marketing is ultimately aimed at increasing sales, but content marketing does this indirectly. When answering this question, be concise and clear, giving the interviewer confidence that you know your stuff!
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"The biggest difference between content and product marketing is, of course, the content itself. While product marketing is product or service-focused and encourages purchases, content marketing aims to deliver helpful, relevant, and/or entertaining content to consumers without directly suggesting they make a purchase. The underlying purpose of content marketing is to build brand loyalty and trust."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
General
27. How do you identify and define a target audience?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Knowing your target audience for a marketing campaign is a crucial aspect of producing effective content. The interviewer wants to hear your strategies for identifying, defining, and understanding your target audience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your strategies for identifying and defining a target audience. If you don't have much experience in this area, you'll want to spend time researching the topic so you can speak about it with confidence during the interview. Avoid saying anything along the lines of "most of my content is so good it appeals to all audiences" or "defining a target audience isn't that complicated."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"Identifying and defining my target audience is always one of my first steps when working on new content ideas. I start by outlining the purpose of the content I want to develop. For example, at my current company, I recently created content to raise awareness of a new fuel additive we'll be releasing next quarter. I know the product is aimed at people who drive SUVs and trucks and typically put more than 15,000 miles on their vehicles annually. With that in mind, I researched demographics for people who own SUVs and trucks and then further refined my research by looking into consumer reports for specific makes and models. I was able to develop a very targeted audience profile that I used to guide my content creation."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
General
28. How do PPC and content marketing work together as a joint strategy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
PPC (pay-per-click) is based on a completely different foundation than content marketing, but they can work together. The interviewer wants to know if your skillset is limited to content marketing or if you have a broader scope of knowledge about how different types of marketing work together.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
If your knowledge base is limited to content marketing, be honest about that, and express a desire to learn about new marketing strategies. If you're familiar with PPC and it can be connected to content marketing, answer the question directly, giving an example if relevant.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"Even though PPC and content marketing seems like opposite strategies, PPC actually relies on content marketing to drive purchases. For example, PPC steers consumers to a company's website, but if the content on the site is overly "salesy," of poor quality, or doesn't offer anything helpful, it's unlikely visitors will stay on the site for any length of time, much less be motivated to make a purchase."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Operational
29. How do you determine the right style and tone for the content you develop?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to understand your approach to developing content. As a content marketer, it's crucial that you can adapt your style and tone for the purposes and audiences of different marketing pieces.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your approach for determining the style and tone you'll use when developing content. Your answer should be confident and convey your skill in this area, as it is one of the most important aspects of content marketing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"I determine the style and tone for the content I develop by thinking like my target audience and aligning my approach with the brand's voice. Obviously, it's paramount for style and tone to stay consistent with the overall brand, and within those parameters, I adjust my phrasing, sentence structure, and word choice to best reach the desired audience."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Operational
30. What steps do you take to ensure marketing efforts are consistent across all channels?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Ensuring an integrated marketing strategy is key to effective content marketing. The interviewer wants to know what steps you take to deliver a consistent message and brand image in your marketing work. Discuss your process, assuring the interviewer that you understand the importance of consistent messaging and branding across all channels and platforms.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
How to Answer
Let the interviewer know you understand the foundation of effective marketing is consistency. Ensure them that your content writing, advertising, promotions, and social media posts will deliver a cohesive message.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"A strong marketing campaign conveys the same message everywhere, from traditional advertising efforts all the way to social media messaging. I ensure a cohesive message by identifying the core message the brand wishes to share along with the correct tone. Next, I map out a rough communication plan, including a brand voice document for all parties to refer to. This way, all members of the marketing team are on the same page regarding the messages we put out. Finally, it's important to regularly touch base with everyone contributing to marketing campaigns, sharing ideas, drafts, and mock-ups."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 11th, 2022