30 Product Marketing Interview Questions & 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
There are two reasons an interviewer asks this question. The first is to ascertain what type of environment you thrive in, which can help the interviewer determine which manager or team you would fit best with based on your answer. The other reason an interviewer asks this question is 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 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear just to make a good impression. If you aren't honest, 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 19th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I like working in a predictable environment with a regular routine because it helps me stay organized and on task. With that said, I can certainly adapt to an unpredictable environment from time to time."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I love it when no two workdays are the same--it 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 19th, 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 this job depends on more than just your product marketing skills; fitting into the company's culture is important too. The interviewer wants to learn about your work pace and style to see if you'll work well with other staff and be open to team projects.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear just to make a good impression. If you aren't honest, 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 19th, 2022
1st Answer Example
If you would enjoy working in a high-energy, collaborative environment:
"Your company has great energy! I've enjoyed that during this interview process. I do tend to work at a fast pace and like being surrounded by like-minded people. I'm also always happy to work as part of a team. The best ideas come from collaboration."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
If you're not sure you would enjoy working in a high-energy, collaborative environment:
"It takes a lot of energy and resilience to work in a fast-paced and team-based environment. I admire people who have that approach. My style is fairly laid-back and calm. I always meet deadlines and achieve my goals, but I'm most productive when I approach my work at an even pace and set my own schedule."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Behavioral
3. 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 common--especially in the marketing field. The interviewer wants to gain insight about how you handle changes to produce release dates, 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 or something to be avoided.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Acknowledge that change can be challenging but emphasize that it usually offers room to grow. Ideally, you'll 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 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Change can definitely be challenging, especially when it involves a product release date. That being said, I try to embrace change because it gives me a chance to learn something new. For instance, my current employer recently modified several features of a new product set to be released in three weeks. Most of the marketing content has already been developed and is in review stage, so this is a bit of a set back. However, figuring out how to utilize as much of the existing material as possible while blending in the new content needed to account for the modifications has been challenging in a good way. I've learned a lot about teamwork, group think, and adapting quickly, which will certainly serve me well in my next opportunity."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Communication
4. What is your strategy for communicating complex information?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Depending on the type of product(s) or service(s) offered by the company, you may find that you have to explain a complex or technical topic as part of your marketing efforts. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience doing this.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
If you have experience communicating complex information, give a specific example that clearly outlines your approach. If you don't have experience in this area, take some time to research strategies for communicating complex ideas. This way, you'll be able to assure the interviewer that you do have this skill set.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"The most important part of explaining a complex topic is understanding the audience you're explaining it to. This helps prevent over or under-explaining. If the audience has some basic knowledge of the topic, I usually start by offering a reminder of those key points, and then I build on to the key ideas. Scaffolding concepts in this way works really well. If the audience isn't expected to have any background knowledge at all, then I'll start from the ground up, using comparisons with widely known concepts to build a foundation that I can then elaborate on."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
5. Are you interested in taking courses to expand your skillset?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Willingness to learn is important in marketing because new trends and strategies are always emerging. The interviewer wants to know if you're motivated to expand your skillset and continue growing professionally.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Confirm that you welcome any opportunity to improve or expand your skillset. The company is likely looking to hire someone who can adapt, grow, and continue learning, so suggesting that you're not interested in those activities is likely to be a red flag.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm definitely interested in taking any courses the company thinks I'd benefit from. In fact, I regularly seek out free online courses to enhance my knowledge of product marketing. In fact, I just completed a course called "Marketing Strategies and Case Analysis" though an online learning platform called 'Alison.'"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
6. Do you have any questions for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Near the end of your interview, you'll likely be asked if you have any questions. The interviewer simply wants to know 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 April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Do not ask questions just for the sake of asking questions. While it is 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 19th, 2022
Answer Example
Aim to have 2-3 questions prepared. Below are several examples:
- Is the company's current marketing strategy focused on product marketing, content marketing, or a blend of both?
- Do you have any product 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 19th, 2022
Discovery
7. Why did you choose a career in marketing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is curious about what initially drew you into the marketing field. Perhaps you love making a sales pitch, closing deals, or have a significant interest in consumer behavior. Your answer will give the interviewer insight into your motivations and desired career trajectory.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Don't give a 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 advert.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I started my career in car sales because I love talking to people and coming up with clever ways to pitch products. I ended up in marketing after working on a social media marketing campaign at the company I was doing sales for. There were a lot of similarities between product marketing and making sales pitches, but I loved that as a product marketer I'd be able to reach so many more people. From there, I enrolled in online classes with ABC University and completed my degree in Marketing and Communications."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
8. What was your least effective product marketing project? What went wrong?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear about a project that wasn't as effective as expected. Of course, marketing involves some trial and error, and the company simply wants to confirm you are proactive about learning from experience and mistakes.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Give an overview of the problem encountered during your least effective product marketing project, focusing primarily on the action you took to make corrections. Be sure to share what you learned from the situation.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"My least effective product 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 I thought a logo redesign would help convey a fresh look with expanded services. The client was on board with this idea and excited to see what I came up with. However, the logo I developed wasn't well-received by the client because it was too different from the original, which meant it wouldn't be familiar enough to existing customers. Luckily, I had a mentor on-site who worked with me to make the appropriate adjustments and in the end, the client loved what we came up with. I learned a lot about how to introduce something fresh while staying within the scope of the existing branding."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
9. What CRM software are you familiar with?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you have experience using the CRM software already in place at their 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 April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
As you discuss the CRM 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 April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm most familiar with Insightly. I love it because it helps with project management and has a ton of integrations. It also has a great system for tracking leads and managing a large contact database. I also like Hubspot, which I used at my last job. Its visual dashboard lets me see a lot of data at a glance, and I used the live chat feature a lot."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
10. 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 is curious about how invested you are in your career. Keeping up with new marketing trends is a crucial aspect of a product 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 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss 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 19th, 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 Product Marketing Alliance. Do you have any recommendations for staying on top of industry trends?"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
11. Tell me about your experience in product 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 product marketing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid repeating your resume, and don't assume the interviewer hasn't read it just because they asked this question. 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 19th, 2022
1st Answer Example
If you have significant experience:
"My second marketing position role was with a medical supply company and focused on a print advertisement campaign. It was a team project, and I loved the collaboration with different departments. I immersed myself in understanding the products and how the target audience could benefit from them. After that, I landed a job with a fitness and nutrition startup company that wanted to introduce and define its brand. 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 effective campaigns. This position was an awesome learning experience, and I refined my cross-platform strategy quite a bit!"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
If you don't have much on-the-job experience:
"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 mortgage company to develop a new LinkedIn strategy and contributed to the kick-off of their print brochures. I researched the real estate industry and the different markets the agency was targeting and gained a lot of experience writing effective calls to action."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
12. Are you comfortable giving presentations? What was the most challenging presentation you have been a part of?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Depending on your marketing expertise and level of experience, you may be asked to present your ideas and campaign results to company executives, your team, clients, or other stakeholders. The interviewer wants to know if you are comfortable doing so.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your comfort level with giving presentations and share any formal training you have in public speaking, if applicable. If you have delivered a challenging presentation 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 19th, 2022
1st Answer Example
If you are comfortable giving presentations:
"I enjoy giving presentations and think I am fairly good at it, but of course there's always room for improvement! The most challenging presentation I recall was my very first one. I was nervous, had technical difficulties, and the audience asked some tough questions. Due to the technical challenges, I had to forego the PowerPoint I had prepared and present from memory alone. In the end, 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 19th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
If you are not very comfortable giving presentations:
"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 19th, 2022
Experience
13. Have you created product marketing campaigns specifically for social media platforms?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If you want to have a successful career in product marketing, you must understand and embrace social media. The interviewer wants to know about your experience developing product marketing campaigns for social media platforms. 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 19th, 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 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes. I have created product 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 985 followers. We are now at over 10,000 in large part because of my product marketing content. One of the most important things I've learned about using product 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 19th, 2022
Experience
14. How would you rate your project management skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are many moving pieces in most product marketing campaigns, which means strategic project management skills are a must. The interviewer wants to know if you excel in this area. If you're applying for an entry-level product marketing position, the interviewer doesn't necessarily expect that you have experience with project management. However, if you're applying for a higher-level position, the interviewer will expect that you're confident in this area.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your project management skills, using a specific example if possible. Focus on your time management and communication skills, as well as your ability to prioritize and delegate. If you're interviewing for a higher-level position and don't have experience in project management, you'll want to research this topic so you can discuss it with confidence. If you're interviewing for an entry-level position, let the interviewer know you don't have experience in this area but hope to learn more about it on the job, if hired.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
1st Answer Example
If you have experience in this area:
"I know from first-hand experience that a product launch usually involves different teams working together to coordinate activities and meet deadlines. I'm very experienced with organizing priorities based on a project's timeline and am good at visualizing how each aspect of a campaign fits into the big picture. I'm also effective at delegating tasks to make sure everyone's workload is manageable."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
If you don't have experience in this area:
"While I haven't been in charge of project management before, I do know how important it is. My current manager handles really complex projects in a way that's so efficient--we've never missed a deadline that I'm aware of. I admire her ability to keep everything organized and running on time. If hired, I hope to work under a manager who is an effective project manager so I can keep learning and eventually advance into a management role myself."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
15. What mediums do you have the most experience using?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know what types of marketing mediums you have the most experience with. This gives them insight into your experience level and lets them know if you'd require training in any mediums currently being utilized by the company.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 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. It's a good idea to refer to the job description and discuss the mediums listed there, 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.
- Online marketing, including social media platforms, web ads, banner ads, SEO, SEM, email marketing, website optimization, and blogging.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 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 revisiting that medium to learn more. I consider myself advanced when it comes to developing product marketing strategies for social media platforms, blogs, and webpages."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
16. What is the most creative product marketing project you completed? What made it unique?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know more about your product marketing experience, and they also want to hear the passion in your voice when speaking about your favorite projects.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 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. Walk the interviewer through the project, highlighting your contributions and any big wins along the way. Include any new skills you learned while completing this unique project.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I recently completed a product marketing project for a local furniture store. They were preparing to introduce a new line of office furniture that deviated quite a bit from the rest of their offerings, which are mostly dining tables, chairs, and beds. Once I identified the target audience and built out a buyer persona, I started brainstorming marketing strategies. The company wanted to focus on online marketing, so my first step was mapping out ideas for a new landing page within the company's website so they could highlight the new line. I incorporated the company's branding, but I also added new interactive design elements so the page would stand out and keep consumers there longer. I suggested adding an "in-home trial" option to entice buyers into the "risk-free" mindset, and the company agreed. Furniture visualization apps are also becoming more common, so I worked with a freelance app designer to create an easy-to-use app that consumers could download to see how the furniture they were interested in would look in their home. I also incorporated promotional discounts into the app. To drive traffic to the website, I created content for Instagram and Facebook, since the audience analysis pointed to these two platforms as the ones where our target demographics were most present. This project was unique because we added several interactive elements that the company has since started incorporating on other landing pages."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
17. What are your strategies for reducing customer churn?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product marketing is about more than just being creative and coming up with effective calls to action. You'll also need to think strategically about customer retention and how to prevent customer turnover. The interviewer is asking you about customer churn to gain insight into your experience level and see if you have any new strategies to bring to the table.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
If you're not familiar with the term customer churn, or don't have any strategies for improving customer retention, spend some time researching the topic before the interview. Regardless of your experience level, your answer should be confident and well-informed. If you have direct experience in this area and can cite impressive results, share those details!
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are several ways to reduce customer churn, but I like to prioritize analyzing it right when it happens. As soon as there's a drop in customer retention, I'll review the analytics to see what might not be working as well as intended and then make adjustments in those areas. Bringing in some effective content marketing can have a positive impact on reversing churn. I've also had success with offering incentives and sending proactive communication to the existing customer database."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
18. What major brand's product marketing approach do you admire, and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to gain insight into your style, and one of the best ways to do that is asking about product marketing campaigns you admire.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Prepare for this question ahead of time and think about the "big name" product marketing campaigns you've been impressed or inspired by in the past. When you answer, share details about why you admire the product marketing strategy you choose to discuss.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've always admired Red Bull's product marketing approach. In my 20s, everyone I knew was familiar with the slogan "Red Bull gives you wings." The strategy of sponsoring extreme sports and using that content in their television commercials was genius, given the message they wanted to send. They also drew humor into their advertising and have definitely been present and consistent across just about every marketing channel one you could think of."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
19. Can you describe a product you've previously marketed?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see how effectively you can describe a product to a stranger (which is essentially what a product marketer's job entails!). They want to know if you can provide a concise and well-organized answer. Your response will give them insight into your communication skills and your ability to convey information "on the spot."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Before the interview, spend time thinking about the products you've marketed and select one that you're very comfortable discussing. The goal here isn't to give a sales pitch, it's to prove that you can convey information to an audience who might not have any knowledge about the product you're discussing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Last year I marketed a new software program for medical students to help them keep track of their clinical rotations. Since they rotate through many different specialties, it can be difficult to remember the names of the physicians they meet, the diseases they encounter, and other specifics from each experience. The software was developed to organize the experiences in an efficient way, guiding the students through a series of questions. It even includes an option to export the relevant information from each experience into a resume. The main goal of the product was to offer a time-saving solution to medical students who are typically extremely busy and might otherwise not prioritize keeping good records and notes of their clinical experiences."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Experience
20. Tell me about your product launch process.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to gauge your experience with the product launch process to see if your strategies align with theirs and determine if you'll require training in this area.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Depending on your previous experience in product marketing, you may be an expert in the product launch process or you may still have a lot to learn. If you haven't been part of many (or any) product launches, spend some time researching different types of launches (soft, minimal, and full-scale, for example). When you answer, let the interviewer know that while you don't have much firsthand experience in product launches, you do understand best practices and are willing to learn more. If you do have experience with product launches, offer details about your process.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"My product launch process starts with market research. Whenever possible, I like to speak with a few people who represent the target audience to learn about their needs and what appeals to them. Next, I'll put together a positioning statement to make sure every possible aspect of the marketing strategy is covered in detail, which paves the way for cross-platform content creation. Once the content is created and approved by upper management and any stakeholders, everything goes live according to a predetermined schedule. The last part of my process is analyzing the effectiveness of the different components of the campaign."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Interest Level
21. What are the top performing products at our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know how serious you are about working for their company. Serious candidates will have taken the time to research the company and its products.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
The best way to impress the interviewer when answering this question is to know enough about the products to give a detailed answer. You can also talk about your personal experience with these products, if applicable.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Your top products are A, B, and C. I read several reviews about all three products, and it seems like they have an overwhelmingly positive reception with consumers. I have tried all three of these products myself 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 19th, 2022
Interest Level
22. 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 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 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to your interview, do some research to gain insight into the competitions' marketing strategies. Take notice of the notable 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 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have researched your competitors' marketing campaigns and noticed that they rely more heavily on traditional media and nearly ignore online channels. Although print marketing can be effective, there are more impactful strategies that focus on digital channels. I would love to analyze actual 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 19th, 2022
Interest Level
23. Why do you want to work for us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Recruiters and hiring managers often receive an overwhelming number of applications per job. During interviews, they can 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 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Research the company before your interview. Review 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 19th, 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 19th, 2022
Interest Level
24. What do you think about our current product marketing strategies?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to determine both your experience level and your interest in the position with their company. If you can't answer, it shows that you haven't invested much time in preparing for the interview. A well-informed answer, on the other hand, shows that you're serious about the position.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Get familiar with the company's product marketing strategies prior to your interview. Take some notes about what they're doing really well and any areas of improvement you identify. Be careful not to insult the company when answering. It's great to offer suggestions for improvement, but your answer should not be offensive.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think Company ABC is doing a good job with product marketing at the moment. I really love the branding and integration across Facebook and YouTube. One thing I think could improve the overall product marketing is increasing the number of tutorials available for different features."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Scope Of Knowledge
25. In your opinion, what makes an effective marketing team?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know what qualities you think are important within 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 19th, 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 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 develop your answer based on that.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my opinion, an effective marketing team is made up of people with diverse skillsets and varying levels of experience. I like to know that I can learn from my colleagues and that I will also have the opportunity to teach my skills to someone else. I think this encourages an organic flow of ideas."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Scope Of Knowledge
26. How do you determine the right style and tone for the marketing content you develop?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to understand your approach to developing content for specific audiences. As a product marketer, it's crucial that you can adapt your style and tone for different purposes, mediums, and audiences.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 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 product marketing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 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 calls to action and design elements to meet specific campaigns' goals."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Scope Of Knowledge
27. What KPI do you think is most important?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a broad question. As long as you give an answer that demonstrates you have a solid understanding of KPIs (key performance indicators), the interviewer will most likely be satisfied.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
It's best to give an answer that emphasizes your experience using KPIs to measure your success. If possible, answer with a specific example. Otherwise, make sure your answer reflects your understanding of a variety of KPIs.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Revenue is obviously one of the most effective KPIs, but I think that measuring product usage gives a lot of insight and should be considered an important KPI. This is especially true in terms of measuring specific feature usage, as the data can feed back into product development as well as influence future marketing campaigns."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Scope Of Knowledge
28. 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 engaging consumers. The interviewer wants to hear your strategies for identifying, defining, and understanding your target audience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your strategies for identifying and defining a target audience. If you don't have much experience in this area, 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 work is so good it appeals to all audiences" or "defining a target audience isn't that complicated."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Identifying and defining my target audience is always one of my first steps when working on new marketing ideas. I start by outlining the purpose of the product and how it will appeal to consumers. For example, at my current company, I recently worked on a product marketing campaign to advertise 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 75,000 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 marketing strategy."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Scope Of Knowledge
29. Why is empathy such an important part of a product marketing position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Creativity and data may be two important driving forces behind marketing, but empathy underlies the most effective campaigns. The interviewer wants to confirm that you understand the importance of empathy-driven marketing.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your understanding of empathy-driven marketing, emphasizing your ability to "think like the customer." Highlight the importance of personalization and relationship building in marketing strategies.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Empathy is important because even the best products can be overlooked if the marketing message isn't connecting with the audience. It's one thing to understand demographics and consumer behavior, but it's important to go beyond that and dedicate time to understanding what's important to the target audience and how to connect with them beyond simply highlighting product features. Asking questions like "Is this the right time to market the product?" and "Is there anything happening in the world/a particular industry that might influence the audience's perception of this campaign?" can provide much needed insight."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Scope Of Knowledge
30. What is your approach for price increases on popular products?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Price increases on existing products are not uncommon. The interviewer wants to know how you handle this in your marketing approach and hopes to hear that you have strategies for maintaining customer loyalty through price increases.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss your strategy for navigating price increases. Your response should focus on understanding the reason for the price increase and communicating it in a positive way, either explaining why the same product now costs more (increasing material/labor costs, for example) or focusing on positive improvements that justify a higher price. Share a specific example if you have one.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"No one likes to hear that their favorite product just got more expensive, but the right delivery can soften the blow. My first step is making sure I fully understand the reason(s) for the price increase so I can brainstorm ways to communicate it. I think the best approach is a personalized one that includes direct emails."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on April 19th, 2022