30 Senior Brand Strategist Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Senior Brand Strategist interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. How do you determine or evaluate the success of your strategy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are so many ways that you can measure success. The interviewer mainly wants to discover how you self-evaluate your success to see if it's in line with theirs.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
When the interviewer is asking this question they are typically looking for an answer evolved around metrics. I would focus on two metrics to keep it short and ask what tools they have in place to assist with measuring success.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
You want to avoid coming off as arrogant or that all of your strategies have been successful. This is simply not true, even if all have had a positive ROI there is an area that you could learn and improve upon.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I like to keep it simple when evaluating if my strategy was successful or not. I first start off by viewing what the client thinks is successful in their eyes because this is the most important part for me. If it's that they wanted to increase more customers who are in the age range of 30-40 then that's an area I would use to evaluate my success. I like to look at how the team worked together to learn new methods and continue to deliver the best service while providing the best experience which leads to client retention."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
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Discovery
2. How do you stay up to date on the latest market trends?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this to get inside your head and figure out your thoughts behind approaching strategy. They want to know what interests you because they are trying to visualize you on their team. This question allows them to see what types of clients you would align with and to get to learn more about you.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would definitely focus your answer on one to two methods you use to stay on top of the latest trends. It could even be as simple as articles or blogs that you're subscribed to. Also, focus on why you think it's important to stay on top of market trends as a brand strategist. I recommend mentioning a trend that also stands out to you now and how you discovered that trend then used it with a previous client.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
As long as you're focusing on what you do to stay up to date then there isn't too much to avoid. I would stay away from discussing that you don't stay up on market trends as that won't be in your favor. Try to avoid answering it with, I don't see any significance in staying up to date on market trends.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I stay up to date on the latest market trends by listening to podcasts and starting my day by reviewing articles that I am subscribed to. One main podcast called, ABC actually helped me with my approach to a strategy with a recent client. Then proceed with sharing how that strategy assisted you in the process and was successful for the client."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
3. What brand or podcast can you not get enough of right now?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Knowing what you are interested in helps them determine how you think about strategy. The things that you are listening to or watching can help you come up with strategies.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on how you spend your spare time. Maybe you don't listen to podcasts but you listen to audiobooks or read articles. Share whatever you enjoy that sparks your creativity or motivates you.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid sharing things that don't pertain to you becoming a brand strategist. There might be a podcast out there, but if it doesn't relate to how you would perform your job try to stay away from mentioning it.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"A podcast that I am obsessed with right now is (insert podcast name). I listen to it on a weekly basis and really enjoy how they deliver their insights about (insert topics). Ever since I started listening to it, I noticed that I am able to relate to a variety of clients and execute my sessions easier."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
4. What is a question that you have asked when performing research that gave you a surprising response?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If the interviewer is asking this question then research is probably at least 20% of what you are going to be doing in your role. They are curious about how you approach coming up with survey or interview questions.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus your answer on the top two questions that you have had the most success with. Share what they were and why you thought they were successful. Perhaps you thought that their answers would lean towards a certain area due to the demographic but were shocked once you received the results.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
If you have never performed research before or gotten a surprising response then don't make something up. Be honest and state that you don't have anything that is surprising. Maybe you have a question that has always been impactful or is your go-to when encountering a challenge.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a question that I used in my recent research trying to understand demographic/population, and they were trying to figure out (question they wanted to be answered). A question that I asked on the survey was (insert question). We thought a majority would answer this way but found that they answered (say how they answered)."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
5. What are some of the key questions you ask a new client who is trying to rebrand?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are probably several clients they work with who have done a rebrand. The interviewer wants to know what kind of experience you have with rebranding.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on any past experience you have worked on rebranding for a client. Even if you didn't do the strategy and were a part of the team that did the rebrand.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid sharing that you asked the questions if you were a member of the team but didn't drive the rebranding. Be honest and share that you didn't lead it but you were a part of the team. Let the interviewer know that the person you worked with asked the majority of questions.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"In the most recent rebranding that I did for a client, there were quite a few things that I needed to gather before considering how to rebrand them. I started by asking questions on what they thought failed in their branding before. I like to inquire why they want to rebrand, and what they think their current brand says about them. Learning about what to avoid can give me a start in the right direction."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
6. What are you currently doing to improve your brand strategy skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Keeping up with platforms and ways to think about strategy can change rapidly. The interviewer wants to know what you do to personally enhance your skills and is probably looking for a team member who likes self-improvement.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would focus on something that you are working on currently to improve your skills. You can even share something that you just finished such as a class or program that has helped you improve your skills.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
Stating anything along the lines of that you have it all figured out or you have been around for so long that there isn't anything that you don't know are both things I would avoid. If you aren't doing anything right now to improve your skills then share what you are about to do or want to do in the near future.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are a few things that I have planned to do this year to improve my brand strategy skills. Right now, I am focusing on increasing my presentation skills, so I am taking a couple of courses that will help improve that. I will finish my first one in a couple of weeks. I am always looking for ways to improve because things change so quickly and I want to keep up with how the digital space plays a part in strategy."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
7. What is an industry you would like to do strategy for and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If the interviewer is asking this question then they probably work with a variety of clients in different industries. This will allow them to think about which clients might be ideal for you and they want to figure out what your interests are.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on one to two industries that have always interested you. Then share why they are of interest to you and how you think you would contribute to their strategy.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid discussing that you want to work with ALL industries. Although you might have fun doing this they really just want to get to learn more about you on a personal level.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would like to do strategy for a couple of industries. There are two that I haven't had the chance to work with but have always had a goal to do so. One of them is (industry name) and the reason why is (give reason). Another one is (second industry name) and some reasons why I want to work with them are (reasons why you want to work with them). "
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
8. Where do you think strategy is headed? How do you know?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Strategy is all about keeping up with the current market and cultural trends. They really want to know how you are keeping up with trends in the market.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Try to focus on what you read, watch, or listen to in order to keep up with market trends. Share why you listen to them and how you used them in a current strategy.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid discussing how it's unnecessary to be thinking about where strategy is headed.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"A strategy can have so many layers to it and so to keep up with where it is headed I always listen to podcasts and read articles. Some of my favorites are (insert name of your top two) because they like to give a viewpoint from a couple of directions. Recent trends that I have kept up with are (insert two types of trends). This has assisted me with a recent strategy for a client. I think overall the direction of strategy can be found among a variety of platforms and when discovered can provide a good foundation to build from."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
9. How do you feel you would make the most impact on our team?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A team atmosphere and culture are probably really important to the company if this question is getting asked. They want to know what your thoughts are about working with a team and how you value other team members.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Think about how you have worked with teams in the past and focus on what you enjoyed about working on them. Share the different internal teams you have worked with and how you made a contribution to the team.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid speaking negatively about a team experience in the past. Avoid discussing how you prefer to work alone, don't be dishonest. If you do prefer to work alone then share how that would benefit the team atmosphere.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I enjoy working with multiple teams and have experience working with both internal and external stakeholders. The teams can range depending on the client's needs but I work with the brand, research, and product teams. I enjoy sharing ideas and brainstorming on ideas as I believe this leads to the best strategy."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
10. Walk me through a typical week. How much time do you spend with clients, the team, strategy, and implementation/projects?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is hard to tell what a person actually does in their daily routine based on their resume. There is only so much information that you can list. The interviewer is trying to understand how you organize your day and what a typical day /week looks like for you.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus your answer on the average amount of time you spend on the tasks that take up a majority of your time. Walkthrough the top 5 things that you do throughout the week and how you stay on task.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid sharing every little detail about your week. They don't need to know that you wake up and brush your teeth or walk your dog during lunch. Share the main items that you work on within your strategic position.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"Although there isn't usually a typical week, there are five things that occur every week for me. Those five things are client meetings, internal team meetings, research, meeting preparation, and other miscellaneous strategy tasks. I make certain everything is placed on my calendar and usually schedule meetings for 50 minutes instead of an hour just to have a breather in between or account for any overage."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
11. How do you think social media plays into brand strategy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If the interviewer is asking this question then they want to know how you have used it in past strategies. They may even have a client where they need to use social media to plan out a strategy.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would focus on what you do know about social media and how it plays into strategy. If you haven't used social media before then focus on how you think it would play a part in strategy.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid making up anything about how you have used social media in the past if you haven't used it. If the interviewer is asking this then they actually have experience in this space.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think social media can play a part in certain types of brand strategy, especially in certain markets. It depends on the type of demographic or message that the client wants to showcase. It can definitely play a fundamental part in brand strategy."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
12. Tell me about one of your favorite brand strategies and the result.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They want to learn a little more about you on a personal level. Knowing what your favorite strategies or past clients have been let's them get to know your personality and interests. The interviewer knows that in order to be successful you need to have interest and passion in your career.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Only share one recent strategy even though you might have multiple. You can go overboard and go on a tangent discussing too many favorites. Keep the reasons simple and short.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid spending too much time on this answer. The point is to be memorable and if you go into a long story on why it was your favorite then you can lose the interest of the interviewer.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"One of my favorite strategies was working with a client who specialized in the (insert industry name). They were working on a strategy for their (product name). I enjoyed working on it because I learned so much about an area that I thought would be boring to me. It's still one that I bring up as an example when working with clients in a similar industry."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
13. What do you enjoy the most about being a brand strategist?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are so many parts to being a brand strategist. The interviewer is curious about why you enjoy it and is trying to see if you view it as a long-term position.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on why you became a strategist in the first place. Share what you enjoy the most about it and what keeps you coming back and wanting to do strategy for different brands. The more you can talk about what you love about everything that leads up to and after the strategy would be beneficial.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I recommend avoiding anything that you don't like about being a strategist. Of course, there are a few things that you may not enjoy but focus on everything you enjoy. It should be fairly easy with how the question is phrased.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I enjoy a lot about being a brand strategist. I like being able to work with a variety of different industries and doing some of the research. I love researching market trends and correlating them to how certain demographics will respond based on the client's goals. It's an exciting time to be a strategist with all that is going on with social media."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
14. Where do you get your inspiration for strategy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is probably going to be an easy one to answer but articulating your passion without going overboard might be hard to resist for some people. The interviewer wants to know what you're interested in. They are trying to understand your thoughts and what you enjoy about being a strategist.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would focus on why you became a strategist in the first place. Think about how you would answer the question, what inspired you to want to be a strategist.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
It's going to be hard to avoid this, but I would try to stick with only one to two areas of inspiration. There are so many ways to be inspired, but interviews are short and the key here is to leave a memorable impression of yourself. Giving more than two could make it seem like you're trying to come up with the right answer instead of what truly inspires you.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I really knew I wanted to become a strategist when (describe what inspired this, a position, perhaps a class you took in college, or even a job posting that you read). My first role at ABC company as a strategist confirmed that I made the right career decision. I enjoy all parts of being a strategist such as (list out your top three things that you love about your role). I think I would excel in this position because it would allow me to focus on (skill that you are really good at such as working with clients from start to finish)."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
15. Do you prefer working in an agency or client side?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is only going to ask you this if you have more experience in one side over the other. They really want to try to understand what you prefer because there are strategists who have worked on the agency side and really prefer to avoid that due to past experiences.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
The answer to this question is probably going to determine where you are going to spend the majority of the time in your role. If you say you like the agency side and don't really like it, they could hire you and give you mainly agency clients. Focus on answering what side you like and why you enjoy it.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid saying that you love both, the interviewer knows that you don't truly like both. There has to be one that if you had to choose that you would prefer over the other. It's not a bad thing if you don't like working on one side over the other. Each business is different and they would rather put you in a position you love in order to retain you on their team.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I prefer to work with agency clients because it allows me to strategize on a variety of different brands. I like expanding my mind and researching how different products impact culture. I enjoy learning how I can help understand who their ideal customer is and formulate a strategy to improve their branding."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
16. Have you been a part of designing a survey, focus group, or performing interviews?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Remember that part of being a strategist either involves being a part of the research process or doing it completely. This will all depend on the size and type of company that you are going into. Make certain to ask if you have a team behind you or how much research you are going to need to do as part of your role.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would focus on the types of research you use and when you use them. There are so many options when it comes to designing research, so it's important to share not only what experience you have but the reasons why you would use one type over the other.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid going too in-depth as to why you would use each. You have a limited time and you don't want to make it seem like you are giving an educational monologue on research.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have done all three but have the most experience in performing one-on-one interviews. They have been the most effective based on the type of clients I have worked with in the past. I do have experience in small focus groups and in designing surveys for a large audience."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
17. What experience do you have in consumer research?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is highly likely that the company does a lot of consumer research. This role might also involve times where you will need to perform your own research.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Share the types of consumer research you have done in the past. Discuss a recent project where you were a part of the research or even how you have performed it in a past project.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would not share too much information if you haven't done consumer research. You definitely want to be honest and share that you have little experience in consumer research if you do. Then share how your experience in research would contribute to this if it was a requirement.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"It has been a few years since I have been involved in doing the research myself. I have past experience performing research for a variety of clients. Is there a large amount of consumer research required for the position?"
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
18. What brand right now do you feel could use a rebrand?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Discovering how you think about other brands helps the interviewer gain some insight into your thought process. It's hard to gauge how you would approach rebranding without knowing why or why you think a rebrand is needed.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
This could be a long question to answer, so focus on only one brand that you would consider rebranding. Share why you think it needs to be rebranded and maybe even how you would begin that research or thought process.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid taking too much time to answer this question. You can easily focus too much on what is negative about a brand. Focus more on why you would rebrand and how you would approach it.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"What a great question! I think a brand that could use some rebranding is the XYZ brand. They haven't changed in years, I remember my mother purchasing this product while I was a child and they still use the same box. It could be refreshed and even include other ways to engage their desired audience."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
19. What is a market trend that interests you right now?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to get inside your brain and find out more about how you think about strategy. They want to know that you are keeping up with trends which is why they are asking this question.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
You could share a brand, social media trend, podcast, or even a personal brand that is trending right now that you find fascinating. Share why this interests you and why you think it has become a trend.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
Try to avoid trends that you don't have an interest in. If you share a trend that isn't interesting then you could come off as someone who doesn't think that market trends are important.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"A market trend that is so interesting right now is NFTs. The world is in this digital space, digital currency is trending, and having something like an NFT that you can design and own is such a trending topic right now. There are several people partnering up and business relationships forming due to this trend and it's exciting to see where this will be in the next 5-10 years."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
20. Is your experience mainly with B2C or B2B Clients?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question because they might work with either more B2B or B2C clients. They want to know what clients you have the most experience with and are the most comfortable working with.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would focus on the clients that you have the most experience with no matter which one it is. If you would prefer more experience in one over the other then make sure to share that as well.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid saying anything negative about past clients. You may have had a bad experience but sharing that information won't be something that is going to help you move forward to the next stage of the interview process.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have worked with more B2C than B2B clients in my past roles. I enjoy working with B2C clients because I am a huge consumer myself so it's easier for me to relate. I also like seeing how my strategy impacts so many people around me and can see the direct impact almost immediately."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
21. Who are the main team members you work with the most in your position/department?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are usually several team members that play a part in a strategy team. The interviewer wants to know you have experience working with both internally and externally.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would focus on the key team members you work with the most. Share who you work with both internally and externally.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid discussing anything negatively about working in a small or large team. Try to focus on who you work with the most and maybe even share who you would like to work with in the future.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
I mainly work with the research, marketing, and product teams to carry out the strategy from start to finish. I like to be involved in all parts because this helps me provide a clear picture of where we are in all parts of the process. I can deliver this message to the clients and am included in the progress.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
22. How do you approach research for a strategy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Research is a large part of how strategy is developed. The interviewer is asking this to see what types of different research you have performed in the past.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would focus on the research experience that you have the most experience in and a couple that you lack. If you have more experience in creating surveys for quantitative research and less on focus groups then make sure to share that.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid focusing too much on the research experience that you have the least experience in. Of course, you want to share where you have the least experience but focus more on what you DO have experience in versus what you don't.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have experience in both qualitative and quantitative research experience. Although I mainly work with researchers, I like to be a part of developing the different types of research we are going to focus on and which direction it is headed. Being a part of research helps me strategize and implement my plan to deliver the scope to the client."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Discovery
23. What experience do you have as a brand strategist?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Usually, the interview is opened up with this question. They want to have an overview of your experience and to know the progression.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus your answer on the top 2 or 3 positions that have had the most impact on your career as a strategist. Then end with what your career goals are as a brand strategist.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid any past experience that doesn't relate to what has added value to your experience as a strategist. You only have a limited amount of time so don't discuss a job that you had in high school if it doesn't relate to how you are going to contribute to the role that you're applying for.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"My interest in brand strategy started while I was working on my master's degree. I took a class and from there, then I was hooked. My first role working as a strategist at (company name), helped me form the foundation where I gained a majority of my research experience. I currently work at (company name) as a senior brand strategist at an agency, so I have experience working with both B2C and B2B clients. I have worked within multiple industries and enjoy working with different teams, both internally and externally."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Leadership
24. What is your experience facilitating complex sprints within executive teams?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Working within executive teams or stakeholders is sometimes part of being a strategist. This is typical in an agency model. The interviewer wants to know how you would communicate in these environments and your past experience with them.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would focus on how you have communicated with any level of executive leadership in the past from a meeting standpoint. It should be along the lines of where you had to make a persuasive argument.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
I would avoid oversharing. You definitely only want to give an overview of how you have facilitated any time of conversations or meetings with executive teams.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my recent role, I had to facilitate a couple of meetings that involved key stakeholders. I find that as long as I come prepared with a few options and an agenda, it makes it easier to facilitate them. Although you can never be exactly prepared for things that might come up, this has been the approach that has worked for me in the past. I enjoy working with executive teams and helping their game plan."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Operational
25. Walk me through how you prepare for a client meeting.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Client meetings are a typical part of being a strategist if you are working for an agency. They want to know that you come to meetings prepared and are interested in learning not only how but who you meet with to prepare for them.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Share everything you do for the preparation, such as documents or any research you perform prior to them. I would even share any pre-meetings that you schedule before the client meeting to help you prepare.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
You would never want to share that you don't prepare or you don't think it is important to prepare. The interviewer obviously thinks it is important if they are asking this question. Even if you don't do all of the preparation, share all the parts that you do take on.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a checklist that I follow in order to prepare for all my client meetings to make certain I don't miss anything. Of course, I may need to cater to that based on the type of client I am meeting with, but a majority of meetings follow similar agendas. I prepare an agenda, meeting materials, and even schedule a couple of pre-meetings with other departments to make certain I have the best foundation for the meeting."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Operational
26. What are key things you do when preparing for a new strategy? How do you prepare for a strategy session with a new client?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Client meetings are a huge part of being a strategist. The interviewer wants to know how you prepare in order to determine your success in the execution of the meetings. It is likely that you are probably going to be leading client meetings if this question is asked.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
All things preparation is where you should focus your answer. Share who you meet with, your agenda, research, decks, and the communication plan that you have in place before heading into a strategy session.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
You would want to avoid stating that preparation isn't needed because you have done this so many times. Although it may be true that you are a natural leader of strategy, there are always a few things that you must do to prepare for it.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I start by gathering as much information about the client as I can. I then make a timeline of who I need to meet with prior to the strategy session based on the client's goals. I even set up a few pre-meetings with different members of the team if needed. I create an agenda and email that over prior to the session so that everyone is on the same page and it allows the meeting to run in an organized and timely manner. I will then prepare all the materials for the session including any handouts that may be necessary."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Operational
27. How have your incorporated data into brand strategy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A large part of being a senior brand strategist is using research to back up the reasons for your strategy. At times companies have hybrid roles for a strategist/researcher or may just simply want to know how you think about data in general.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I would focus on a success story of how you have used data with a past client or past project. Remember the interviewer is trying to get into your brain and wants to know how you process and use the data to showcase the strategies that you have suggested.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
As a strategist, you would definitely want to avoid suggesting that you don't need to use data to back up your strategy. If the interviewer is asking this question they probably think it's an important part of the role that you applied for.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"Data has always played a large part in developing my brand strategy. I like to work closely with the research team to help them consider the best research data to gather so we can provide the clients with the best options. Once the data is gathered then I meet with the research team to review all of the information and formulate a couple of strategy options. In my recent project (explain a recent project where research was used successfully)."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Operational
28. What happens with your agency clients after your brand strategy proposal has been approved?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They want to know if you are involved in other processes outside of strategy. Sometimes the client takes over and gives it to their internal team to execute the strategy.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Provide all parts of the process that you are involved in after you have submitted your proposal. You may have been a part of the process afterward with some and not others and that's fine.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
There isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. I would avoid sharing what you do or don't like about being involved in the process after approval.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"The process typically ends once the proposal has been approved, but I like to follow up with the clients every few weeks to see how things are progressing on their end. I touch base on if there are any obstacles that have arisen, or perhaps if there is any way that I can be of assistance to them."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Situational
29. Tell me about a time you proposed a strategy that a client didn't agree on? How did you persuade their decision?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Conflict can come up from time to time when working with different personalities. The interviewer wants to know how you handle conflict and what your approach has been in the past.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
I recommend focusing on a client who didn't want to go in your direction. Provide an example of when you were successful in persuading them to use your strategy.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
You never want to share specific client names or give any emotional reason behind their thoughts. You always want to share your experience with the client in a good light and focus on you. The interview is about learning more about you, not your past clients.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"There have been a couple of times when a client wasn't too certain about how my strategy would work. I always like to address their concerns and probe more into why they are hesitant. I then share with them how it has worked in the past if I have used something similar. In the end, I summarize a couple of options that have addressed their concern and usually come up with a strategy that we both can agree on."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Situational
30. Tell me about a time where you had to learn a new industry for a client that you were assigned.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If you are working in an agency then you have had the opportunity to work among different industries. The interviewer wants to know how you approach a new industry that you have no experience with. It is important for them to learn how adaptable you are.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Share what you love about learning about new industries. I would even share why you think it makes you a better strategist. Give an example of a recent client that was given to you where you had no prior knowledge of their industry or product.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
It's completely fine if you have never stepped outside of a new industry lately but at some point in time, you had a new client where you had little knowledge. Maybe you knew about the space but didn't know much. Even if you haven't had to learn a new industry lately then share something new that helped improve your skills as a strategist.
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I love learning about new industries because it always challenges me to increase my skills. I was unfamiliar with a certain industry recently in the (share the industry space). I knew that I had to perform additional research on my own to learn about this space. One of the things I did was sought a mentor from someone who had previous industry knowledge. This really helped me become more comfortable when heading into my discovery call."
Written by Judy Smith on March 27th, 2022