You Landed The Interview, But Now What?: How To Nail Your Marketing Interview For That Dream Job

After countless revisions to your resume and writing cover letter after cover letter, the moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived– you received an email asking to set up an interview for the marketing role you’ve been eyeing. With only 20 percent of job applicants making it to the interview round, take time to celebrate this achievement, then shift your focus to prepare to ace the interview.

From the moment you receive that initial calendar invite to the post-interview thank you note, there are strategic steps to ensure you tick every box throughout the interview process and leave a lasting impression. 

Here are our tips to help you navigate every aspect of the interview process and ensure you nail your marketing interview.

Customize your resume, cover letter, and work samples for the job

Ensure that your resume is tailored specifically to the position you’re applying for by formatting and updating it accordingly. Don’t overcomplicate your application materials– keep it clean, simple, and professional, avoiding unnecessary complexities. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems and catch the recruiter or interviewer’s eye.

Make sure you lead from the top. Don’t leave your most relevant experience at the bottom of your resume. The hiring manager may not get that far. Pull it to the top, so it’s front and center, and remove any small or unnecessary roles. 

Don’t be afraid to show off a little

If you are interviewing for a marketing position, brand yourself. A portfolio with relevant examples, no matter your experience level, is the perfect place to showcase your skills and abilities. 

If you are a new graduate, have little experience, or have none, use material from your college courses or personal projects that can help showcase your breadth of skills and knowledge. The importance of a portfolio lies more in its ability to help you break into the industry to prove your worth.

Yes, show off and be proud of your work, but always remember to stay humble and professional!

Use Canva or Adobe

If you are applying for a marketing or creative role, do not, whatever the weather, send a resume as a Word or Google Doc. Use Canva and their 100 amazing resume templates or Adobe, to show you have a good creative eye. 

At Bodhi and Co., if your resume isn’t ‘designed’ – it goes straight into the no pile, sadly, so do let that happen. 

Do your homework

We hate breaking it to you, but homework doesn’t stop after graduating. Before any marketing interview, research the company and employer who is interviewing you. 47 percent of candidates who interview with companies are rejected because they don’t understand the role or details about the company they are interviewing with.

Dress the part, make an impression, and stand out

Pay attention to how you present yourself in your interview. Dress to impress; we promise your comfy sweatshirt will be waiting for you at home.

If you have a video interview, ensure the background is not distracting, maintain respectable eye contact as much as possible, and keep a positive, welcoming, and go-getter attitude throughout your interview. And if you need a ring light, go and get one. 

Be a storyteller

Crafting compelling narratives is essential in nailing your interview. When responding to questions, weave your experiences into engaging stories. Begin with setting the scene, walk through the challenges you faced, elaborate on your actions taken, and conclude with the result achieved. This structured approach, often called the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), ensures clarity and organization in your responses, leaving a lasting impression of your skills and competence.

Ask questions

Even though the interviewer is using the interview to get to know you, it is the perfect time to ask all your questions about the company and role.

It is recommended to have at least 5 questions prepared beforehand. 

Always say thank you

After every interview, send a thank you note to your interviewer. A handwritten note is personable and speaks volumes, but employers understand this isn’t always possible. Either way, you should send an email within 24 hours of your interview. 

In your thank you note, include specific points discussed in the interview that validate your interest in the position and your ability to meet or exceed the expectations of the open role.   

Whether you are a new graduate entering the job market or a seasoned professional looking for your next marketing role, remember that great things will come your way with patience, hard work, and consistency.

Are you interested in job opportunities, an internship, or a mentor? The Bodhi & Co. team would love to hear from you. If you are interested in an internship, you can get in touch with the team via the Bodhi & Co website. For mentorship opportunities, please contact Dani, Founder of Bodhi & Co., directly through LinkedIn.