5 Interview Questions That Will Make You Stand Out in Your Marketing Career

After checking your email last Friday, you eagerly accepted an invitation to a virtual interview with the HR and marketing manager of a company you recently applied to. You tend to get anxious, so you reviewed the job description but struggled to write questions conveying your enthusiasm about joining the company. If you need help, The Muse published an article called 57 Smart Questions to Ask in an Interview in 2024. Here are our top 5 questions to ask to get a better idea of the job you're competing for. 

 How has the organization overcome challenges with remote work?

Remote work undoubtedly has challenges that are different from those of a traditional work model. You won't work alongside colleagues with your manager sitting close by if you have questions or concerns. Whether it's remote first or hybrid, many companies have implemented a work-from-home model. This question shows that you know the challenges a remote work model brings and are still interested in competing for the role. Regardless of how they respond, this question shows you've put some thought into the work environment and whether you would thrive in it.

 How has the company changed since you joined?

This question lets you get the perspective of someone who has worked in the company for a while. For a company to remain competitive, it must evolve with the times. Your interviewers might discuss how the teams, leadership or mission objectives have changed – but don't let them stop there. For example, if you're curious about generative AI, ask if they already use or intend to implement it. Questions like the one above will reveal whether the company is heading down a path that will allow you to continue to grow and develop professionally to suit your ambitions.

 Can you tell me about the team I'll work with?

You will need to understand who you will be working with and their qualifications to know where and how you'll fit in. Knowing the talents of your potential teammates will also help you determine who to go to for help in certain situations and who you might need to support. Asking questions about your team, supervisor, and the team dynamic shows you tend to plan ahead.

 What learning and professional development opportunities are available to your employees?

To advance in your career, professional development isn't just necessary – it's essential. Asking this type of question will show the interviewers that you are hardworking and ambitious. It may also show that you want more than a job; you're interested in building a career and value lifelong learning. A career can be comprised of multiple roles, working alongside other departments and performing different functions to help benefit the company. Your career could also see you making lateral moves within the same department, taking on various roles and responsibilities.

Ask if the company is a member of the CMA, this could reveal they value having their marketing department being up to date with the marketing industry and that they invest in the team’s professional development. You may also want to ask if anyone on the team has their Chartered Marketer (CM) designation which is also another signal that they are committed to marketing excellence and continued professional development. Above all, this type of question may demonstrate that you're willing to learn and go where you are most needed, which will benefit the company and your professional development. 

 What are the biggest challenges someone in this position would face?

It's good to know what you're getting yourself into, so why not let your interviewers tell you? Be upfront and ask them what you should expect. They'll be familiar with the role's challenges based on the previous employee who held it. Don't be intimidated or discouraged; knowing the role's challenges allows you time to prepare. For example, if the role you’re interviewing for is a takes place in a fast-moving environment, if you’re up to the challenge, you should focus on multitasking and time management.

Seize the Opportunity

The examples above were just a handful of the questions you could ask at the end of an interview. Sometimes, you will only have a little time, so make sure the questions you ask count, and you learn something from them. When you get to your interview, remember to breathe deeply, make eye contact, speak clearly, and listen carefully before answering. Once the interview is over, seize the opportunity to get inside information about what it's like working for the company. Remember, as Amy Dickinson once said, "Not every relationship can be altered to fit."