Interview Tactics That Work
Why It Matters
Interviews can feel daunting, especially in today’s competitive marketing and digital job market, where more candidates are applying for fewer roles. The good news? Preparation and presence give you the edge.
Whether you’re meeting face-to-face or over Teams or Zoom, interviews aren’t just about experience; they’re about connection, confidence and curiosity.
Tactics to Try
Do your homework
Go beyond the company website. Research their campaigns, tone of voice, social presence and competitors. Look at their recent press releases, client wins or brand updates, this gives you insight into their priorities and shows genuine engagement.
Understand the interview process
Before the day, ask your recruiter how many stages there are and who you’ll be meeting. It’s key to know whether this is a one-stage decision or the first of several rounds. If it’s a single-stage interview,
don’t hold anything back, make sure you bring your strongest examples, demonstrate results and cover everything you’d want them to know.
Use your recruiter
Your recruiter knows the business, the people and how interviews tend to play out. They can guide you on what the hiring manager values most, which examples will resonate and how to navigate tricky questions. A quick prep chat can make all the difference.
Tailor your examples
Use the STAR method — Situation, Task, Action, Result — to keep answers focused and outcome-driven. Marketing and creative roles are about impact, so use data, engagement metrics or campaign results to back up your story.
Show adaptability
Digital, creative and marketing landscapes evolve constantly. Be ready to share how you’ve adapted — new tools, changing trends or shifting business goals. Agility is a key selling point.
The Power of Tone, Energy and Body Language
Whether it’s in-person or via Teams, how you communicate matters as much as what you say.
- Energy counts: Match the interviewer’s pace and enthusiasm, but don’t overdo it. Show natural warmth and interest.
- Body language: Sit upright, maintain good eye contact (or camera contact), smile, and use open gestures. Avoid crossing your arms or looking distracted.
- Tone: Keep it conversational and confident. Marketing and creative roles value personality, so let yours come through.
Video Call Etiquette
Online interviews are now the norm but they come with their own challenges.
- Test your tech, lighting and sound beforehand.
- Find a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background.
- Keep notes nearby but don’t read from them, glance if needed, but stay engaged.
- Look into the camera when speaking, not at your own image.
- Don’t be afraid to show personality, warmth and energy still translate digitally.
Asking Smart, Impactful Questions
One of the biggest missed opportunities in interviews is how candidates handle the “Do you have any questions for us?” moment.
Saying, “I think you’ve covered everything” might sound polite but it can come across as disengaged. This is your chance to demonstrate how much thought and research you’ve done.
Prepare a list of 3–5 well-researched questions in advance. Write them down and bring them with you. That way, even if most are answered naturally during the conversation, you can show the interviewer that you’d prepared thoroughly.
Examples of strong questions:
- “How do you measure success for this role over the first six months?”
- “How does marketing work with other teams, such as sales or product?”
- “What’s next for the brand’s digital strategy?”
- “What are the biggest challenges the team is focusing on right now?”
If by some miracle every question is answered, thank them for being so thorough and mention that you’d prepared several questions that have now been covered. It shows curiosity and effort, two qualities every employer values.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overusing jargon or buzzwords.
🚫 Focusing only on “we”, remember to highlight your individual contribution.
🚫 Not preparing questions, it signals lack of curiosity.
🚫 Monotone delivery, energy and engagement go a long way.
Final Thought
Remember: interviews are a two-way conversation, not an interrogation. You’re assessing them as much as they’re assessing you.
Lean on your recruiter as they’re your inside guide to the business, the culture and the people you’ll be meeting. They’ll help you prepare, build confidence and show the best version of you on the day.
Book an interview prep session — we’ll help you feel ready, relevant and genuinely yourself.
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