13 thoughtful questions to ask in a marketing interview

Updated 5 June 2023

During a marketing interview, hiring managers may ask if you have any questions. This is a chance to ask anything you'd like to know about the company and the marketing position. Having some effective questions to ask can show a potential employer your enthusiasm and help you decide if the role is right for you. In this article, we share some questions you could ask in a marketing interview and provide tips on asking questions that can help you make a positive impression.

Questions to ask in a marketing interview

There are various questions to ask in a marketing interview to help you learn more about the position and the company. Prepare at least two questions to show your interest in the position and that you've researched the company. Here are some questions to ask your potential employer in a marketing interview, divided by category:

Questions to ask about the company

Consider asking these questions to learn more about the organisation:

1. How would you describe the company's culture?

Asking this question shows that you care about respecting the organisation's culture and are a candidate who values teamwork. The interviewer's answer can give you an in-depth and broad overview of the company's values and philosophy. It can also help you determine if the company's culture aligns with your values and personality.

2. What are some challenges the company has faced recently?

Asking about the organisation's challenges can help you understand some industry concerns and trends, which allows you to identify how your skills can benefit the company. It also informs you about the company's future and how it can impact your career. Try to highlight any research you've done on the current trends to show your motivation for the role.

3. What makes someone successful at this company?

Every company has its own way of measuring success. Asking this question can encourage the interviewer to share their expectations of their employees. For example, they may prefer a candidate who's proactive, creative and self-motivated. This information may not have been in the job advertisement so their answer can help you understand how to succeed and if the role is right for you.

4. What career development opportunities does the company provide?

If you value career growth, ask this question to learn how you can improve your skills within the company. Ask if the company offers education reimbursements or training opportunities. With this information, you can determine if the marketing position aligns with your career goals.

5. What's the best thing about working for this company?

This question is open-ended and the answer will vary from one organisation to another. Knowing why someone enjoys working for a company gives you insight into the positive aspects of the role and company culture. This allows you to evaluate the benefits of the position. It also gives you more information about the role, such as how the company rewards its employees when they meet their targets.

6. Who do you consider the company's biggest competitor?

While preparing for the interview, research some of the company's competitors. Then, when asking this question, you can share what you've researched and how the organisation differs from its competitors. You can highlight the advantages the business has over its competitors and possible strategies for improvement. Learning about the company's competitors is also a helpful starting point for developing marketing strategies should you secure the job.

Questions to ask about the marketing role

Here are some questions to ask to help you learn more about the position:

1. How do you ensure that your employees stay updated with emerging marketing industry trends?

This question demonstrates your willingness to continue learning and stay updated with trends in your field. Your desire to remain competitive shows that you can be a valuable long-term employee. This information can also help you ascertain the company's willingness to support its employees' development. Companies sometimes do this by allocating a budget for courses and conferences or providing regular training.

2. What are some of the projects I would be working on?

This question can help you learn about your duties and the scope of the role. It communicates that you're proactive and want to add value to the company. Learning more about the position can also help you determine if you have the right skills and develop strategies to improve your abilities.

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3. What kind of challenges can I expect in this role?

Understanding potential challenges teaches you more about the company and what the employer expects you to overcome. It can also show the interviewer that you're ready to undertake a challenging role. For example, the company may be marketing new products, with the challenge of identifying a target group and competing with already established brands.

4. How does the company see this role evolving over the next five years?

Asking this question shows the hiring manager that you intend to work with them long term and want to make an impact. It shows you appreciate a challenge and enjoy a role that offers growth. The answer can also help you determine if the company's objectives align with your goals and interests.

5. What marketing tools does the company use?

Businesses use various tools for different tasks. This question reveals the software and equipment the company would expect you to use in the role. You may discover further details about the job, such as which analytical tools or ad platforms you're likely to use. Use this question as a chance to recommend tools that you think can align with the company's marketing strategies. If you're not familiar with some of their tools, express your willingness to learn.

6. How does my role as a marketer align with other departments in the company?

Acknowledging other departments within the company can portray your teamwork and collaboration skills. These are qualities employers often seek in marketing role candidates. Asking this can highlight your enthusiasm to work for the company and your desire to see it succeed. The response to your question can also help you determine the resources available to perform your job. For example, if your work involves digital marketing, knowing that you have access to the information technology or design team can give you more confidence in achieving your goals.

7. How do you measure performance in this position?

Organisations use different performance metrics for their marketing teams. They may use website traffic, customer acquisition, brand awareness or customer retention. Asking about performance measurement can help you learn the organisation's methods and teach you what to expect during future reviews.

Tips for asking questions during an interview

Here are some tips you can use to ask thoughtful questions in your interview:

Refer to your research: Hiring managers prefer to hire candidates who are enthusiastic about the role and have a genuine interest in the company. Referring to your research when asking questions can show that you've taken the initiative to learn more about the company and indicate your interest in the role.
Ask relevant questions: Use the interview to ask questions that can give you insight into the role or the company. Focus on relevant questions and avoid asking about individual preferences or questions with obvious answers.
Avoid asking questions that start with a why: The interviewer may interpret these questions as confrontational. Consider rephrasing the question to make it more relatable and friendly.
Ask questions naturally: Though most hiring managers allow you to ask questions at the end of the interview, it's not necessary to wait until the end to ask yours. Ask them naturally as the interview progresses, as this is a sign of confidence.