What is your greatest weakness?

"I know I can improve on some technical skills like using Excel and PowerPoint. Currently, I am somewhere between beginner to intermediate level in these programs. Being at a more advanced level would help me develop more effective reports and presentations. I have enrolled myself in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing how stellar my skills are after that course and how I will be able to apply my skills on the job!"

The interviewer wants to know that you are aware of your areas for improvement--and how you are addressing those areas. Your response will give them insight into how proactive you are about learning and overcoming challenges.

Your response can be school or work-related. Be candid in your answer, recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. However, pick weaknesses that are not core skills for this position, and be sure to discuss your action plan for improvement. Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest and greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center.

Tell me about a group project you struggled with.

"The final presentation for my economics class was a group project and there were quite a few obstacles in getting the project completed. First, the project itself was very complicated, and no one in my group fully understood all the deliverables. Everyone had a different perspective and two of my classmates argued about who was right. Once we finally got clarification from the professor, we thought it would be clear sailing, but the same group members who'd argued before disagreed about how we should start the presentation. Before I knew it, there was only one week left to complete the project, and we'd made very little progress. I stepped in as a sort of mediator, suggested a compromise, and we were finally able to move forward. We did give our presentation on time, but it wasn't as strong as it could have been. I learned that in a group setting, it's important to prioritize time and sometimes it can help to respectfully intervene when there's tension between others in the group."

The interviewer asks this question to determine how you deal with obstacles, conflicts, and stressful situations. Being an intern who is part of a marketing team will likely present moments of confusion, so your answer here gives insight into how you navigate difficult situations.

Think about a group project that was problematic. In your response, briefly describe the project, why you struggled, and what you did to solve the problem you faced.

Describe a time where you successfully changed someone's opinion. To what do you attribute your success?

"One time in an English class, we were talking about a controversial topic. I listened to my classmates' opinions and found most of them lacked logic. I remembered the research I'd done about the issue and waited for the right moment to interject. I pitched my idea and supported it with a couple of references. I really tried to not be confrontational while at the same time expressing confidence in my objections to their arguments. A classmate asked me a question about what I'd read and I offered more explanation. After class, that same classmate approached me and we had a productive conversation that ended with him telling me I'd made him think differently about the issue. My professor also complimented how I entered the conversation and input my ideas without being offensive."

Effective communication and persuasion skills are key attributes of a successful marketer. This question is aimed to assess your ability to affect change. The interviewer wants to know you're ambitious and ready to both learn and contribute to your role.

Respond with confidence! Think about a time you changed someone's mind using logic and creativity and share that example.

Describe your approach to learning new skills.

"Even though I am almost done with my degree, there is so much more I'm excited to learn about on the job. I'm curious about the brainstorming process involved in big campaigns and eager to learn from experienced marketers. When I'm learning something new, I really like to allow time for new concepts to sink in and then talk through them with a friend. I've found that explaining something to another person strengthens my understanding."

Employers are usually looking to hire lifelong learners who are open to expanding their skill set, and this is especially true of an internship position.

Your response should demonstrate your willingness to learn new skills and include details about how you take in new information. It's a smart idea to convey that you're curious about the field of marketing and excited about the prospect of learning new skills as an intern with the company.

How do you respond to negative feedback?

"Although I strive to work hard so I don't receive negative feedback, I know that there is always room to grow and I view constructive criticism as something that can help me. I'd rather be given negative feedback so I know which areas I need to improve instead of not knowing where I'm falling short."

Whether it is a permanent role or internship, you will receive feedback on the job formally and/or informally. The interviewer wants to know how you respond to negative feedback to ensure that you are mature enough to handle constructive criticism.

When you answer, confirm that you are receptive to all feedback--even when it's negative--and that you strive to learn from it. Try to show the interviewer that you can be professional even when something is hard to hear or you don't agree with it.

How would your classmates or teachers describe you?

"My classmates and teachers would definitely say I'm helpful and a team player. On group projects, I often take the lead to make sure we finish on time and I am always willing to help others if they are struggling in class. I think my classmates might also say that I'm a bit direct. I do usually say what's on my mind and I'm working on thinking more about how what I say affects others before I say it."

Before an interviewer or hiring manager decides to bring you on board, they want to know what type of person you are to see if you'll be a good fit for the team. They ask about how others would describe you--instead of asking you to describe yourself--to see if you're able to reflect on the feedback you've received.

Be honest in your response and think about what others might say about you if asked. Try to align your answers with the type of employee they are looking for based on the internship advertisement. It's okay to mention an area for improvement in your response as well.

What do you do to manage your time efficiently?

"I would like to think that I'm a great planner. My calendar is time-boxed. This means that instead of working on one task until it's done, I deliberately schedule it and decide just how much time I have to spend on it. I tend to get anxious looking at a full calendar, so I make sure to also keep certain blocks of time open. I keep track of how much time it takes me to complete repeatable tasks so that I can easily estimate how long they will take in the future. For example, several of my classes have a required number of discussion responses. It usually takes me 20 minutes to review the question, look at my notes from the lecture, and create a solid response. Of course, there are variations, so I like to allow some extra time in my planning."

Because there are so many moving pieces in the day-to-day operations of a marketing team, the interviewer wants to know you'll be able to keep up. They want to learn about how you allocate time toward your tasks effectively.

Your response should focus on the different tools you leverage to keep yourself on track. As a college student balancing multiple classes and deadlines, you should be able to answer this question with a concrete example.

How will this internship prepare you for your career goals?

"As a marketing major, I've dreamed of working for a company that will allow me to improve my graphic design skills. I love designing and know learning more about different design tools and strategies will strengthen my resume. I know that your company has a strong graphic design team and I would really value learning from them."

The interviewer wants to know why you are applying for this particular internship. Your response allows them to determine if you've done your research about the company and if your career goals align with the internship opportunity.

Share how you think the role will strengthen specific skills (and thereby your resume) give you exposure to other career options and/or professionals, provide you with on-the-job experience, and/or allow you to get your foot in the door at your dream company. Whatever your reason is, share it with enthusiasm!

How would your peers describe your communication style?

"I think my peers would describe me as a well-rounded communicator. They'd say I am assertive and direct, but also empathetic and a good listener. I always give others enough time to express themselves, and I'm confident that I can "read a room." On top of all that, my peers would likely say I'm very receptive to feedback. In fact, I welcome it, whether it comes from friends, family, professors, or my boss at work."

Strong communication skills are important in a team setting, and as an intern, you'll certainly work as part of a team. The interviewer hopes to hear that you have strong communication skills and enjoy interpersonal communication.

Describe your communication style and discuss how it has facilitated productive collaboration at school or work. It's best if you can provide at least one concrete example.

This internship opportunity is 6 weeks long. What would you do if you felt disappointed after the first week?

"If I felt disappointed after the first week, I would speak to my direct supervisor and let them know my thoughts. For example, if I felt I wasn't being given enough hands-on work, I'd let them know that I was hoping for more direct experience and am willing to dive into any project they can think of."

The interviewer wants to ensure you have a positive learning experience as an intern. This reflects well on the company and is obviously good for you. They ask this question to see if you'd be assertive enough to speak up about any concerns.

Tell the interviewer who you would talk to and what you would say if you felt disappointed after the first week. Your answer should make it clear that you would approach this situation respectfully while also advocating for yourself.

What excites you the most about this internship?

"Working for your company has been a goal of mine since I started pursuing my degree. Company ABC is a leader in the industry, so I would love to learn from the best and hopefully earn a permanent role if possible. I'm also really impressed with how involved in the community you are; I volunteer often so it seems like our values are aligned."

The interviewer wants to know that you are excited about an internship with their company. The more specific your answer, the better, as it will show them your interest is genuine.

Make sure you have a good answer prepared for this question before the interview. Research the company online so you can share relevant aspects of the company/position. Whatever your response is, deliver it with enthusiasm!

What are your strengths in marketing?

"I've received my highest grades in my global marketing course which I think reflects my strong analytical skills. I loved analyzing how marketing strategies vary in different parts of the world and found that I easily understood the principles of determining a global marketing mix. I know your company has a multinational presence and am excited to gain some hands-on experience in this area. I also use my analytical skills when thinking about target audiences, and I would say that developing a buyer persona is another strength of mine."

The interviewer wants to know where your strengths lie so they can determine if you'll be a good fit for the position. They also want to see how confident you are in your skillset.

Before responding, think about the qualities and requirements mentioned in the job announcement for this internship. Be honest in your response but focus on sharing your strengths in the subjects most closely related to the job.

What is one area that you would love to learn more about professionally or personally?

"While finishing up my marketing degree, I've found myself interested in coding. I know that understanding how to work with some basic languages could help me in my career, so I'm planning to start with a free online course a friend told me about."

As you are pursuing your degree, you have probably discovered other areas of interest that you would love to learn about. Share your thoughts in full detail; your response to this question allows the interviewer to align your desires with opportunities within the company.

Speak enthusiastically about any additional areas of interest. Perhaps you've taken an interest in web design or coding, or developed a curiosity about history. If you are unsure what other areas you might want to learn about, you can also mention soft skills such as:-Leadership skills -Communication -Conflict resolution -Planning

Do you have any volunteer or community service experience?

"I think it is important for everyone to give back to the community when they can, so I'm always on the lookout for community service activities. I have participated in clothing and food drives and in cleaning up the neighborhood. I believe all of these efforts have a significant impact on our community."

Many companies take pride in giving back to the communities they serve. You may even notice articles and photos on the company's website that show its presence in the community. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience volunteering as well.

Tell the interviewer about any volunteer or community service you've been a part of and why it's meaningful to you. If you haven't done any volunteer work or community service, explain what obligations have prevented you from doing so (perhaps you care for younger siblings or a disabled family member or you hold several jobs to support your family).

Tell me about yourself.

"I am a graduate student at ABC University and I also work at a small pub in my town to help pay tuition costs. I'm a very creative person who loves taking pictures and using photoshop to create whimsical designs. Studying marketing has been great because it lets me use creativity to learn and grow professionally. Before graduate school, I used to train for triathlons, but I've put that on hold for the moment--although I do still run several times a week. Being outside helps me release stress and stay focused."

When an interviewer asks an open-ended question like this, it can be difficult to know where to begin...and end! The interviewer is simply hoping to learn a little bit about you, and they will be able to hone in on your communication style based on your answer too.

This question often elicits silence followed by a large number of personal details. Keep these facts in mind when answering:The interview doesn't want to know: What your childhood was like How many people are in your family Bad things that have happened to youThe interviewer does want to know: What you are really good at in relation to marketing A few descriptive words you think paint a good picture of you A few of your hobbiesHere's a quick formula to help you come up with an answer you can practice before the interview. What are you? (i.e. a student, a graduate student, a barista, a volunteer fireperson, etc.) What do you love about marketing? (i.e. being creative, problem-solving, analysis, etc.) What hobbies do you enjoy? (i.e. playing basketball, singing at church, trying new restaurants, etc.) Keep in mind that this question is an excellent opportunity to describe yourself by discussing the strengths and qualities you have that align with the company's needs.

What is your definition of hard work?

"My definition of hard work means going above and beyond to achieve a goal. This might mean working extra hours, staying focused on tasks, or helping others on the team."

The interviewer asks this question to gain insight into your work ethic. Your answer will let them know if you'll be a productive member of the team or not.

Focus your answer on keywords like: -Dedication -Follow-through -Teamwork -Results-driven -Focused -CommitmentYour response will tell the interviewer if you are a good fit.

What would make this internship successful for you?

"Gaining confidence in my content marketing skills would make this opportunity successful for me. It will be the first time I am working alongside marketing professionals who can give me feedback in a professional setting and I'm really looking forward to earning everyone's respect. Earning a permanent role in this organization would also be incredible! I definitely hope to learn what it takes to get hired and be a valuable employee for the team."

Understanding your expectations and goals is important for both you and the interviewer. The interviewer wants to make sure your expectations are aligned with theirs. After you respond, it's likely the interviewer will give you feedback about whether or not your goals are attainable and maybe even advice on how to ensure your internship is successful.

Don't be afraid to express what you'd like to gain from this experience even if you are unsure if it is possible. Tell the interviewer about your hope to earn a permanent position, experience, exposure, or knowledge if these are the things that would deem the internship successful for you.

Why did you choose your career path?

"I've always been good at understanding what gets people excited, so deciding to get a degree in marketing made a lot of sense. I figured this out in high school when I worked at a local auto repair shop. When customers inquired about new products, I always seemed to know the right thing to say to sell the item. Whether the customer was an older man or a middle-aged woman, I just had a knack for knowing what they wanted and needed to hear."

The interviewer wants to understand why you chose to pursue a career in marketing. The information you share will help the interviewer understand what motivates you and what your innate strengths might be.

Whatever your reason, share how you decided on your career path, the purpose you hope to fulfill, and the impact you hope to make. There are no wrong answers here--other than saying "I'm not sure why I chose to pursue a career in marketing."

What do you consider your most rewarding accomplishment?

"My greatest accomplishment so far has been getting into the college of my dreams. I knew it was a hard school to get into, so I worked really hard in high school to maintain a high GPA and also participated in activities that would prepare me for a future career. It was stressful at times, but I was so proud when I received my acceptance letter."

The interviewer wants to hear about something you are proud of. Your response will give them insight into your personality and what you value the most.

Share the details of an accomplishment and why it was rewarding. If you can think of an accomplishment related to marketing or your coursework, it's a great idea to share that. In your response, be sure to mention how the accomplishments relate to the intern position or how it has prepared you for it. It's also okay to share a personal accomplishment as long as it reflects positively on you.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

"In five years, I hope I'm working for a company that encourages professional growth and values my skills. I would like to be in a management position, so I plan to pay close attention to the managers I have in the next few years and ideally find a mentor who can help me achieve that goal. I will definitely focus on gaining as much diverse experience as possible so I am a top contender for a supervisory role in the next five years."

This question is used to determine if you have set any goals for yourself. The interviewer hopes to hear that you're thinking about the future and how you plan to progress over the next five years.

Describe the career goals you have set for yourself and how you plan to achieve them. Some examples include: -Attending graduate school to gain deeper knowledge in your career field -Working to move into a management position at this company -Developing a strong network of professionals in similar roles You can also share your personal goals such as starting a family or buying a house, but if you do this, connect the personal goals back to your professional plans (i.e. "I hope to buy my first home in City ABC. Since I want to work in City ABC, this will make my commute much shorter.")

What marketing topic have you struggled with the most?

"I initially had a difficult time developing content marketing ideas. At first, I was very locked into the idea that every piece of marketing material had to try to sell something. I'd create an informative blog, for example, and just feel compelled to end it with a strong product pitch. After talking with some of my classmates, however, I gained a full understanding of how content marketing works. It's all about building consumer loyalty and earning their trust."

The interviewer wants to see if you're able to identify gaps in your knowledge. They also hope to hear about what you're doing/have done to rectify that.

Think about any difficult courses or assignments you've had. The ideal response will explain the topic and then show how you overcame your struggles with it. This shows that you meet challenges head-on.

What do you know about email marketing campaigns?

"In one of my courses last year we completed a group project that involved a mock email campaign. Our mock client was a wedding coordinator. We decided to start the campaign off with a promotional contest for fall and winter weddings. The winners would win different tiers of wedding packages, including venue design, photography, and the like. I developed most of the written content for the email, while another group member designed the layout and images. We had to come up with a total of five emails, a schedule, and write about how we'd segment our audience. It was a fun experience and our work was well-received by the class when we tested the campaign."

Email marketing continues to be a major medium in digital marketing. The interviewer wants to know how much you've learned about email marketing and if you have any experience with them.

Discuss your knowledge of email marketing campaigns, drawing from what you've learned in your coursework and any first-hand experience you might have. If by chance you're not very familiar with email marketing campaigns, you'll want to do some research before the interview.

What is your experience in making minor changes to websites?

"One of my marketing courses did include a unit about web design, but it focused on the layout and user experience rather than the behind-the-scenes work. I do have some experience using Wix and would be comfortable making changes to a website that don't involve coding."

The interviewer wants to know how comfortable you are working "behind the scenes." This isn't a requirement for most intern positions, so it's okay if you don't have experience in this area.

If you have worked with website design/website building programs, discuss your experience level and comfort with this type of work. If you don't have experience working with websites, let the interviewer know that you're eager to learn.

Describe your experience with social media.

"Several of my courses have focused on social media marketing, so I'm familiar with all the main platforms. In fact, last semester I completed a project analyzing a local bank's presence across four different platforms: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. It was a great way to understand how to maintain brand consistency and engage with followers. I've also used Instagram at a previous job to post daily specials and weekly quizzes."

In-depth knowledge of social media is a requirement for any marketing position. The interviewer wants to know how familiar you are with different social media platforms. Keep in mind that they are not asking about your personal social media experience; they're hoping to hear about it in a professional context (i.e. what you've learned in your coursework and any professional experience you have).

Focus your answer on marketing-related information--show off what you've learned in your classes! Talk about the demographics of users on different platforms and what type of content is best for each platform. You can also mention companies that use social media for marketing and do a great job. Avoid talking about your personal experience or personal profiles.

Do you have event planning experience? What did you learn from this experience?

"Over the years, I've been involved in numerous events through different clubs at school. The most memorable one for me was an interview workshop event through the business college. I volunteered to help so I could learn more about doing well in interviews! I reached out to several local businesses to see if they were interested in giving short presentations to attendees. I also helped plan the layout of the space, figuring out the best way to set up the different booths. My favorite part was helping design the flyers we hung up around campus."

Whether in-person or virtual, event planning could be something you'll be involved with as an intern. This isn't usually a requirement for the position, so the interviewer is simply looking to ascertain if you have experience in event planning or not.

If you've planned an event, share all the details including its purpose, size, and how and why it was successful. If you haven't planned an event, that's okay. Let the interviewer know that while you haven't planned a formal event, you do have excellent organizational skills and would be happy to learn more about event planning as an intern.

Do you think you'd be interested in working here after graduating?

"I've always been impressed with company ABC and really would love the chance to work for you on a permanent basis! There is a chance I'll be moving to Florida after graduation, however, so I'm not able to make any type of commitment at this time."

The interviewer wants to know what your interest level in the company is. Your answer might guide the experiences they set up for you during the internship, so answer carefully.

Be honest. If you'd love to work for the company, tell them. If you're not sure where your career path will take you after graduation, that's ok too. Simply let the interviewer know you'd certainly like to consider a job with them should you decide to stay in the area after graduating.

What do you know about our company?

"From my research, I understand you provide services and products to customers in the XYX industry. Your range of services is broad, which was one of the reasons I'd love to intern here. I would be able to contribute to the team across service sectors and get exposure to handling a variety of service areas and customers."

The interviewer wants to know that you have put some effort into learning about their company. Doing so, and responding to this question with confidence, will make a positive impression on the interviewer.

Before the interview, spend time online looking for details about the company. Choose two or three things that stand out to you and discuss them in your answer. It is okay to ask the interviewer for more information about the company as well.

Do you have any questions for me?

"I do have a few questions! Can you tell me about the other team members I will be working with? What are their roles? Also, will there be an opportunity for me to be exposed to other areas in the organization? I'm willing to help out wherever I can."

The interviewer asks this question to make sure you feel confident about your understanding of the internship position. They are also hoping you've prepared a few questions for them, which indicates a strong interest in the position.

You should always have questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Before your interview, do some research on the company and write down any questions that you'd like to ask. This is a good opportunity for you to learn about the internship, the company, the team, and anything else you'd like to know.

What kind of feedback do you expect from us at the end of this experience?

"My school does have a specific form for evaluating my performance, and I'm happy to send that to you right away. However, I'm personally hoping to receive constructive criticism that addresses my areas for improvement. While I'm very confident in my communication and writing skills, I have less experience with developing strong calls to action, so I'd love to be mentored in that area and then receive feedback about my growth."

This question might already be addressed in the internship job posting or the internship guidelines from your school, but the interviewer wants to hear about your expectations directly from you.

If your school has a protocol for receiving performance feedback, let the interviewer know that and offer to provide it to them. You should also provide specifics about the kind of feedback you personally hope to receive. For example, you might be seeking feedback on your communication and writing skills as well as your ability to execute complex tasks.

How would you ensure all marketing deliverables are aligned with branding? Talk about what ensuring a consistent voice means to you.

"When all marketing efforts are presented with a similar message through language, colors, and style across channels, the audience will have a much easier time recognizing the brand and understanding what it offers. One way to ensure a consistent approach is to have a content calendar that outlines what type of content is scheduled for release on specific platforms. To me, ensuring a consistent voice has a lot to do with the tone of the messages delivered. Obviously, many people contribute to marketing campaigns, so it's crucial to have a common understanding of how the voice should sound and how it should make the target audience feel."

Marketing professionals understand the importance of brand consistency across all deliverables. The interviewer wants to know that you're aware of this important concept and hear about your ideas.

Consistency in branding and voice is a key tenant of marketing, so it's smart to impress the interviewer with your knowledge of this concept. Prepare ahead of time to ensure you can speak with confidence.

Marketing Intern Interview Questions

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1. What is your greatest weakness?
2. Tell me about a group project you struggled with.
3. Describe a time where you successfully changed someone's opinion. To what do you attribute your success?
4. Describe your approach to learning new skills.
5. How do you respond to negative feedback?
6. How would your classmates or teachers describe you?
7. What do you do to manage your time efficiently?
8. How will this internship prepare you for your career goals?
9. How would your peers describe your communication style?
10. This internship opportunity is 6 weeks long. What would you do if you felt disappointed after the first week?
11. What excites you the most about this internship?
12. What are your strengths in marketing?
13. What is one area that you would love to learn more about professionally or personally?
14. Do you have any volunteer or community service experience?
15. Tell me about yourself.
16. What is your definition of hard work?
17. What would make this internship successful for you?
18. Why did you choose your career path?
19. What do you consider your most rewarding accomplishment?
20. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
21. What marketing topic have you struggled with the most?
22. What do you know about email marketing campaigns?
23. What is your experience in making minor changes to websites?
24. Describe your experience with social media.
25. Do you have event planning experience? What did you learn from this experience?
26. Do you think you'd be interested in working here after graduating?
27. What do you know about our company?
28. Do you have any questions for me?
29. What kind of feedback do you expect from us at the end of this experience?
30. How would you ensure all marketing deliverables are aligned with branding? Talk about what ensuring a consistent voice means to you.

Marketing Intern Interview Questions

1. What is your greatest weakness?

2. Tell me about a group project you struggled with.

3. Describe a time where you successfully changed someone's opinion. To what do you attribute your success?

4. Describe your approach to learning new skills.

5. How do you respond to negative feedback?

6. How would your classmates or teachers describe you?

7. What do you do to manage your time efficiently?

8. How will this internship prepare you for your career goals?

9. How would your peers describe your communication style?

10. This internship opportunity is 6 weeks long. What would you do if you felt disappointed after the first week?

11. What excites you the most about this internship?

12. What are your strengths in marketing?

13. What is one area that you would love to learn more about professionally or personally?

14. Do you have any volunteer or community service experience?

15. Tell me about yourself.

16. What is your definition of hard work?

17. What would make this internship successful for you?

18. Why did you choose your career path?

19. What do you consider your most rewarding accomplishment?

20. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

21. What marketing topic have you struggled with the most?

22. What do you know about email marketing campaigns?

23. What is your experience in making minor changes to websites?

24. Describe your experience with social media.

25. Do you have event planning experience? What did you learn from this experience?

26. Do you think you'd be interested in working here after graduating?

27. What do you know about our company?

28. Do you have any questions for me?

29. What kind of feedback do you expect from us at the end of this experience?

30. How would you ensure all marketing deliverables are aligned with branding? Talk about what ensuring a consistent voice means to you.