30 Email Marketing Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Email 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.
Availability
1. Would you be available to work overtime during our busy season?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you're open to working overtime when needed. Most companies have a busy season (or several busy seasons) and rely on staff to meet tight deadlines during those times.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Be honest with the interviewer. Maybe you have few personal obligations and welcome overtime. On the other hand, perhaps you have children or a second job. If the latter is true, let the interviewer know that, while you do have some obligations outside of work, you can work extra hours, as long as you have advance notice. If that's not the case, and you absolutely cannot work any hours outside of your regular schedule, say so. If you don't, and you refuse to work overtime a few months after being hired, it's likely to create an issue.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I prefer sticking with my regular schedule, but I understand there are times when everyone needs to pitch in to meet a deadline. As long as I have a few days' notice, I can work extra hours during the busy season."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I'm happy to work as many hours as needed! At the moment, I don't have many obligations outside of work, so it's not a problem."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
3rd Answer Example
"I have several family obligations and a second job, so it would be difficult to work outside of my regular schedule. If asked, I would try to accommodate the request, but it may not always be possible to do so."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Behavioral
2. 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 March 30th, 2022
What to Avoid
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 March 30th, 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 March 30th, 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 March 30th, 2022
Behavioral
3. We have an in-house editor who reviews all marketing emails and offers feedback. How do you respond to constructive criticism about your writing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know how you handle constructive criticism. Some writers have a hard time receiving critiques about their work, while others welcome it. If you struggle to receive and incorporate feedback into your writing, 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 March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
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 in your work.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm open to feedback on my work. I know that writing is dynamic, and that's especially true in email 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 March 30th, 2022
Behavioral
4. How do you incorporate feedback into your writing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know your approach to incorporating feedback into your writing. Some writers 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 March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
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 writing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a lot of experience incorporating feedback into my writing. In my current job, we work in teams and frequently take turns reviewing each others' work. A few weeks ago, a colleague suggested I improve the call to action in an email I wrote. She mentioned that it seemed to fall flat and might not drive traffic to the website as intended. I thought my CTA was pretty good, but I spent time brainstorming ways to make it stand out even more. I made a few changes to the body of the email and wrote an entirely new call to action. When I showed my colleague the changes, she was impressed!"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Behavioral
5. 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 March 30th, 2022
What to Avoid
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 March 30th, 2022
1st Answer 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 March 30th, 2022
2nd 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 March 30th, 2022
Dicovery
6. Can you tell me about your background in email marketing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer has already seen your resume. Now they want to hear about your professional background in more detail. They ask this question to get a feel for how knowledgeable you are and to determine if you'll need any additional training.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on making connections between your background and the skills listed in the job description. It's not necessary to go through your resume step by step. Instead, choose three or four different aspects of your background and elaborate on each with two to three sentences. It usually makes the most sense to approach this question from a chronological or reverse chronological perspective (don't jump all over the place).
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"My current position as an email marketer has sharpened my skill set. I've learned how to write effective CTAs and hone in on my target audience. Before that, I worked for a smaller company where I handled the email and social media marketing campaigns. My first job in the field was a real learning experience because I was mentored by the senior marketing manager, who taught me a lot about the fundamentals of email marketing strategies. That was where I learned how to write good subject lines, analyze my target audience, and effectively segment emails."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"My first position in marketing was the one that taught me the most. I was mentored by the senior marketing manager, who taught me a lot of the fundamentals of email marketing strategies. I learned how to write good subject lines, analyze my target audience, and effectively segment emails. After that, I worked for a smaller company where I handled the email and social media marketing campaigns. The company I work for now has given me a lot of opportunities to learn, and I've become really strong in writing CTAs and honing in on my target audience."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Discovery
7. What is your favorite aspect of email marketing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know what you like most about the position you're applying for. Perhaps you enjoy the creative thinking aspect of the job, or maybe you love strategizing the best approach for a multi-series email campaign. Your answer will tell the interviewer a little about your personality and how your skills might benefit the company.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on giving an enthusiastic, detailed answer. Think about questions like this before your interview. If you struggle to respond, the interviewer may think you don't enjoy email marketing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I enjoy most aspects of the job, but my favorite part is being creative with the ways I get people's attention. I work hard to make sure every email I write is unique and crafted to catch attention right from the first line. Sometimes I like starting with a question; other times it's better to make a bold statement. It all depends on the audience I'm writing for and the purpose of the email."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Discovery
8. Why do you believe you'll be successful in this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer has reviewed your resume and has seen that you have the qualifications needed for the position. Now, they want you to highlight the skills and attributes you believe will help you succeed and elaborate on them. This is a good time to impress the interviewer and show them you are the best choice for the position.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
When answering this question, focus on making connections between the job description and your resume and personal attributes. Do this subtlety by reviewing the job description ahead of time and picking out keywords that you can weave into your answer. This is a question that lets you shine, and you should strive to sell yourself.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I will be successful in this position because I am passionate about what your organization stands for and highly skilled at writing engaging email copy. I understand the company's vision and have already drafted some great ideas to share with you. My organizational skills will also be a major asset, and I have a strong track record of increasing consumer responses to email campaigns."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 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 or the company. It is also a way to gauge your interest in the job.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
What to Avoid
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 March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
Aim to have 2-3 questions prepared. Below are several examples:
- 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 this industry over the past three years?
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 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 March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
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 March 30th, 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 March 30th, 2022
Discovery
11. We want to hire an email marketer with a sincere interest in marketing and advertising. Tell me about your favorite marketing project at the moment.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to confirm your interest in writing marketing content. Briefly discuss a current project that reflects your skills and interests in this area, offering some details about why it's your favorite project. If you're not currently working on anything notable, let the interviewer know that your favorite project was something you recently finished and discuss that. Either way, make comparisons between the project you discuss and the type of work you'd be doing for the company if hired.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
When answering this question, use the project you're discussing as a way to highlight your interest in marketing and emphasize any relevant skills. For example, mentioning that you have a long history of "favorite projects" indicates this is a career path you're serious about and have a genuine interest in.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"At the moment, I am working on an email campaign for a nonprofit organization. This project is exciting because it blends my two passions: marketing and volunteerism. I most enjoy creating content when I'm passionate about the topic or product and find that my creativity is sparked in those instances. As a long-time customer of your company, I believe in your product line and feel confident my enthusiasm will carry over into the emails I develop."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Discovery
12. What are your career goals for the next five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to find out if you are the type of person who sets goals. They also want to know if you plan to stay and grow within the company or if this job is a stepping stone on your way to a different company or career.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Describe a brief outline of your five-year plan. A good approach is to start by saying, "In five years, I see myself..." and then describe the steps you plan to take to reach that goal. If your five-year plan doesn't include marketing or working for the company you're interviewing with, it's best not to point that out.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"Five years from now, I hope I'm managing a team of marketing professionals. I already have a few years of marketing experience in different industries, and I feel confident I'll continue growing professionally as an email marketer with Company ABC."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Discovery
13. Are you interested in helping brainstorm new campaign ideas, or would you like to stick with writing email copy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know the scope of your interest in the company and the marketing department. It's common for marketing departments to have a team that comes up with ideas that are then conveyed (with guidelines) to writers, graphic designers, and other members of the department. If they ask this question, they likely hope to hear that you're enthusiastic about contributing to the team in meaningful ways and have a diverse skill set to bring to the table, but if you prefer to focus on the position you're interviewing for, it's okay to let them know that.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
When answering this question, be honest about the scope of work you want to perform. They are hiring an email marketer, which means they have an active need for someone who can focus on writing high-quality emails to support marketing campaigns. That said, the interviewer will consider it a bonus if you are interested in growing within the department and contributing to higher-level projects.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I'd love to contribute to the team and be part of any brainstorming meetings. Sometimes fresh eyes can bring new perspectives to light, and I'd be excited to have that opportunity."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"At the moment, I'm focused on my writing and continuing to polish my audience analysis and call to action skills. I would like to focus on delivering high-quality email copy for the moment, but I might be interested in helping develop new ideas for email campaigns down the road."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Discovery
14. Why did you choose a career in marketing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know what initially drove 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. You could also be a writer by trade who just happens to love writing marketing copy. Show the interviewer where your strengths lie and how they will make you an asset to the company. Give an honest answer that showcases your passions. Avoid cliche responses like, "I have wanted to work in marketing since I was a small child."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
This should be one of the easiest questions in your interview. Just be honest! Discuss what led you to your field, who or what influenced you, and how your career lines up with your attributes and professional strengths. If your path to marketing was indirect or non-traditional, that's okay!
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I initially chose a career path in sales and landed 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 at my local university and earned my degree in Digital Marketing and Communications. My first job out of college focused on email marketing, and I excelled in that area, so it's what I've continued to pursue."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
15. 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 is in email marketing, you will be expected to understand the general principles and foundations of marketing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
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 an email marketer.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 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 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 March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
16. What was the least effective marketing campaign you've been part of? What went wrong?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear about your bad experiences along with the good. This interview question is not necessarily meant to highlight something you did wrong but rather to see how you react when you're part of a project that doesn't go as expected.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
When answering this question, give an overview of the campaign and describe the reason it was not effective. If possible, focus on the actions you took to make improvements. Be sure to express what you learned from the situation.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"My least effective marketing campaign was a social media hashtag campaign that initially flopped. The tagline wasn't catchy enough, and the follow-up email copy was too wordy. I have solid skills in data analysis, so I caught the issue early on. I worked with my team to change the campaign's course, and we re-executed it. Although the campaign's performance improved, we never gained the momentum we had hoped for. After that situation, I took additional coursework in social media campaigns and am much stronger in that area now."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
17. Tell me about the best metrics you've achieved from an email marketing campaign.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know that you are more than just an email marketer. They hope to hear about your creative thinking skills and want you to confirm you understand the importance of tracking and analyzing a campaign's performance. Most of the time, marketers are expected to know how to perform specific marketing tasks while carefully tracking their work metrics.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on discussing one of your most successful marketing campaigns, and provide the interviewer with specific numbers and results that you found impressive.
Things to consider when discussing the metrics of a campaign:
- The traffic increase to the company's website
- The cost per lead
- The average customer value
- The traffic-to-lead ratio or lead-to-customer ratio
- The percentage of traffic that came from email marketing campaigns
- The open and click-through rates
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"The best metrics I've achieved were for a makeup brush campaign targeting Instagram users. We created an email campaign that aimed to drive consumers to the web page and sign up for the company's newsletter. We achieved a bounce rate of 26%, which was great compared to our previous 70% bounce rate. I believe we were successful because we created clearer calls to action and more engaging content."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
18. In your opinion, what makes an effective marketing team?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to confirm that your vision of an effective marketing team aligns with theirs. Perhaps you believe collaboration is most important, or maybe you think a clear hierarchy is what keeps things running smoothly. There are many ways for a marketing team to work effectively and succeed, but everyone on the team must share a similar vision of what leads to success.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you have been part of a talented marketing team, focus on explaining what made that team effective. Emphasize that you believe there are other effective approaches too. If you don't have a good example to draw from, be prepared to describe what you think the ideal marketing team looks like while acknowledging that there are many effective approaches.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"An effective marketing team is made up of individuals with unique skill sets and varying levels of experience, from beginner to expert. I like to know 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, creative ideas flow, and effective marketing campaigns are executed with excitement. That said, a team of well-versed marketers who have targeted experience in one industry can be very effective too."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
19. We have a new product coming out in three months. What would you suggest to ensure a successful launch?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As an email marketer, you should attend interviews with a clear strategy for a specific product or service launch. A great marketer knows the virtue of "show, don't tell." This means that you have to do more than give a hypothetical example. Study the company and any products or services they have recently launched, are testing, or are teasing so you can talk specifics.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Walk the interviewer through your own unique strategy for ensuring a successful launch of a new product. Focus on concrete examples of the type of content you'd include in an email campaign, including calls to action and subject lines. You'll get bonus points if you correctly identify the company's target audience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"Your website shows that you're going to release Product ABC soon. The hype for the release seems strong so far! If I was contributing to the launch of this product, I would utilize existing efforts, create a custom hashtag, and include short teaser videos embedded in the email campaign to encourage more social sharing."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
20. What steps do you take to ensure marketing communications are consistent across all channels?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
An integrated marketing communications strategy means that content writing, advertising, email campaigns, promotions, and social media posts convey a cohesive message and work together to tell a story. The interviewer wants to know what steps you take to ensure your work is aligned with the overall strategy for a particular project.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Email marketing is just one piece of the puzzle. With that in mind, it's important to let the interviewer know you seek out confirmation and feedback to ensure your work is aligned with other marketing efforts. Focus on explaining how you typically communicate with your team and supervisors, emphasizing your ability to adapt to changes. Reassure the interviewer that you understand the importance of consistent messaging across all channels and platforms.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"A strong marketing campaign tells the same story everywhere, from traditional advertising efforts to social media messaging and email marketing. I first ensure my work contributes to a cohesive message by identifying the core message and confirming it with my team. Next, I map out a rough outline of a series of emails that correlates with other platforms and share it. This way, my marketing team and I are sure that we are all on the same page regarding the content we develop."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
21. 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 an email 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 March 30th, 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 March 30th, 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 read a variety of publications, but I read those daily. Do you have any recommendations for staying on top of industry trends?"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
22. What is the most creative marketing campaign or project you completed? What made it unique?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know more about your creative portfolio and to hear you speak passionately about some of your favorite projects. Walk the interviewer through the project you are most proud of, highlighting your effort and any big wins or accomplishments along the way. Express any new skills you learned while completing this unique project. While it's good to choose an email marketing project, the goal is to highlight your knowledge of the marketing field and demonstrate your understanding of marketing principles, so discuss the project that best meets that goal.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on the strengths you can bring to the company that are relevant to the job ad. Review the job description thoroughly and discuss a project that best highlights the key skills the company is looking for.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I just wrapped up a campaign for a non-profit organization. This project was a unique challenge because the client was incredibly open to fresh marketing ideas, but they had a tight budget. We focused on social sharing and email marketing to gain organic momentum without the use of paid ads. We also engaged micro-influencers. I loved this particular project because it helped me elevate my creativity without leaning on extensive paid efforts."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
23. Do you know the difference between A/B and multivariate testing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While not all email marketing positions require data analysis, many companies expect their email marketers to review and analyze data that speaks to the effectiveness of email campaigns. The interviewer asks this question to determine if you are familiar with testing key performance indicators (KPIs).
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Your answer should focus on describing the difference between A/B and multivariate testing. Whether or not you've used this type of performance testing before, you should go into the interview with knowledge about how it works.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"Testing the effectiveness of email campaigns is an essential part of marketing. A/B testing looks at one component of the email, while multivariate testing looks at several variables at once. For example, an A/B test could be set up to send out two versions of an email to two separate groups of customers with the only difference being the subject line. The open rates of the emails would show which subject line was more effective. In multivariant testing, one version of the email would have several varied components. One could have a simple template and a single call to action. The other would use a busier template and two calls to action."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
24. Are you familiar with email segmenting?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Email segmenting is one of the best strategies to keep customers engaged and avoid having your emails deleted without being opened. The interviewer wants to know you understand this component of email marketing and know how to use it to your advantage when creating content.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing any experience you have with email segmenting. Demonstrate that you understand best practices for using consumer behavior and data to drive segmentation decisions. If you aren't familiar with this topic, research it before the interview.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am familiar with email segmenting; sending out mass emails to consumers without segmenting is a mistake. No one wants to read emails about topics or products they aren't interested in. Segmenting emails based on demographics like gender and age is one way to maintain low "unsubscribe" rates and boost open and click-through rates. I know there are more targeted ways to segment emails too, and I'm excited to learn more about them."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
25. Do you have any experience with email newsletters?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Email newsletters are one of the best ways to build relationships with existing consumers, so the interviewer wants to know if this is an area of email marketing you're familiar with. A lot goes into creating an effective email newsletter, from compelling subject lines and calls to action to sharp images and an accessible design. If you have experience in this area, the interviewer will be glad to hear it. If you don't, make sure you know enough about it to convey confidence that you'd be able to quickly learn.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Whether or not you have experience in creating email newsletters, focus on letting the interviewer know you'd be happy to work on this type of project. If you have experience, describe it. If you don't, focus on demonstrating that you know the key components of creating effective email newsletters.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"My current company uses email newsletters for two audience segments, and I'm a key contributor to one of them. The newsletter I'm involved with is emailed monthly to our "active" customers, which is determined by how often they log in to the website. I focus on conveying the message 'You're important to us!' throughout the entire newsletter. Sometimes I do that in an obvious way, for example, 'We're sharing this new product/promotion/freebie with you first.' Other times it's more subtle, like when I include a section asking for feedback via a poll. I enjoy working on email newsletters because of the continuity. They are sort of like a never-ending campaign!"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I haven't worked on any email newsletters, but I'm familiar with how to develop copy for one. The best email newsletters aim to build relationships with consumers by focusing on their needs and interests, and this is an area I consider a strength. I'd welcome the chance to be involved with an email newsletter project!"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
26. Can you explain the difference between commercial and transactional emails?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know how familiar you are with common email marketing terms and strategies. Demonstrating that you're familiar with these terms shows that you have the background needed to be hired as an email marketer.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Use this question as an opportunity to highlight your foundational knowledge of email marketing. Focus on clearly defining each type of email and give an example of each. If you aren't familiar with the differences between commercial and transactional emails, research these topics before the interview.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"A commercial email contains primarily promotional content aimed at getting the receiver to make a purchase or download something. They are sent out in large batches to large audiences. A transactional email is different because it's usually triggered by an action on the user's end and contains information that's unique to the individual recipient."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
27. What are your strategies for building brand loyalty through email marketing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to determine if you understand the significance of building brand loyalty and how you approach this important aspect of email marketing. Brand loyalty is rooted in delivering content that consumers find relevant, helpful, and reliable, so the interviewer needs to know that your work will do more than push products.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Your answer to this question should focus on your knowledge of building brand loyalty through content marketing. Highlight your knowledge of creating engaging and appealing content based on audience analysis. If you aren't familiar with content marketing, you should research this topic thoroughly so you can discuss it with confidence during your interview.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"Building brand loyalty is a key part of my approach when I'm developing marketing emails. I'm well-versed in content marketing and strive to create a genuinely helpful copy. I've found the most effective way of doing this is to think like my audience. I'll spend time creating a "reader profile" and then step into their shoes as I'm drafting copy and once again when I review my work. I even look at my inbox and evaluate the emails I receive. It's easy to tell when a company has taken the time to carefully develop content I look forward to receiving as compared to the emails that do little more than beg me to buy their product."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
28. What types of email marketing campaigns have you been involved with?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to gauge your experience level in email marketing. They want to know if you have worked on anything more than standard promotional campaigns and hope to learn if your skill set will add value to the marketing team.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Highlight the range of email marketing campaigns you've been involved with and offer some detail about a specific campaign. For instance, if you have experience in seasonal, drip, welcome, and newsletter campaigns, let the interviewer know that. Then, choose one specific campaign and offer some details about it. If you don't have a lot of experience with different types of email marketing campaigns, do some research before the interview. This way, you can be honest about not having experience but still impress the interviewer with your knowledge and desire to gain experience in those areas.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I've worked on several types of email marketing campaigns, including post-purchase drip and social campaigns. The last drip campaign I worked on was effective because it focused on content marketing. After a customer purchased a set of makeup brushes, we designed the campaign to provide them with information on caring for the brushes, techniques for using them, and subtle advertisements to promote related products. I worked closely with the graphics team for this campaign, and I think the imagery we used also contributed to the effectiveness of the campaign."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"Most of my experience is in promotional campaigns, but I am familiar with other types. I'm excited to work on social campaigns that drive customers to the company's social media pages. I also think I'd be good at strategizing re-engagement campaigns that target the inactive segment of the company's target audience."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Qualifications
29. What email marketing software are you familiar with?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you have experience using the email marketing software used by the company. Even if you don't but are familiar with other, similar programs, that indicates you are familiar with how such programs work and will likely be able to adapt to the software being utilized.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
As you discuss the email marketing software you're familiar with, focus on its core features and how you use them in your work. This way, if the programs you're familiar with are different from the ones being used by the company, the interviewer will see that you have experience in this area and feel confident you can learn their system.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm most familiar with HubSpot but also have some experience with Mailchimp. I prefer HubSpot because it easily allows me to personalize my email campaigns based on criteria like device type, country, and list membership. It also gives detailed performance analytics that let me know how to improve my strategies."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Situational
30. Tell me about a mistake you made because of a breakdown in communication between you and one of your team members.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know that you can acknowledge your mistakes and understand why they happened. They do not want to hire someone who insists they've never made a mistake.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Talk to the interviewer about a time you made a mistake due to miscommunication. Provide enough detail so they can understand the nature of the mistake and focus on how you resolved the situation.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022
Answer Example
"I once asked my manager to confirm the deadline for an upcoming project. He responded, "I think the bosses needed that, like, yesterday." I assumed he meant the project needed to be completed "asap," just like several other projects on my plate. When I sat down at my desk the next morning, he walked over and asked if I'd stayed up all night getting the project done. Of course, I hadn't. I told him it wasn't done, but it was the next thing on my to-do list. He was upset and explained that the project was now three days late instead of two. We both realized that we'd miscommunicated. I never imagined he was being literal in his response, but he thought what he said communicated the project was already a day late. We both agreed to use concrete dates going forward to ensure it didn't happen again."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on March 30th, 2022