3 Killer Entry-Level Digital Marketing Interview Tips

Let’s face it. The digital marketing industry is much more competitive now than it was fifty years ago. (If you don’t understand why, I suggest looking up some information on the history of the internet).  

Suffice it to say, the competition is fierce in the digital marketing job hunt. People looking to make names for themselves in an agency or on an in-house team are vying for far fewer spots than there are applicants. Plus, applicants just trying to get their foot in the digital marketing door may have a hard time getting the requisite experience needed to advance in the industry.  

The 3 digital marketing interview tips below are useful for both people looking to enter the industry and for recruiting and human resource teams who are hiring entry-level candidates. Win-win!

 

But first, some words of wisdom

While it is probably a little more obvious why a job seeker should embody the following traits, it is also important for companies to look for these traits and strongly consider taking on inexperienced yet qualified talent.

After all, because digital marketing is a relatively new and rapidly changing industry, inexperience isn’t necessarily a drawback. People from diverse academic backgrounds and work experiences can thrive in digital marketing.

This is important to keep in mind for interviewers and interviewees alike. Now, without further ado, here are the three things I look for in any interviewee. In my experience, these qualities can be found in any experience level and are the basic building blocks that people in the digital marketing industry need in order to be successful.

 

1) Quantitative/analytical ability

If you do not have the directly-related experience needed to enter the field, make sure you are building your analytical chops. Optimizations and changes to accounts need to be backed up with cold, hard evidence, so quantitative acumen will be a good predictor for future potential.

 

2) Understanding of and genuine interest in digital marketing

Again, without related experience to ‘prove yourself’ when looking for a new job, be sure that you are able to express why you are interested in the field in general as well as your specific position. It’s very important to show interviewers that you know why you want to be there. Do your research on the industry, the specific field, and the company.

Bonus tip: interviewers should ask about long-term goals in every interview in order to make sure the person you bring on board is in it for the long haul. Oftentimes, when employees leave after a few months, it is because the role they had was not what they thought it would be. It is best for both sides of the interview table to know exactly what the other will expect of them.

 

3) Living up to the core values of the company you are interested in

Having core values is more than just a trend for hip and modern workplaces. (Yes, Perfect Search is hip and modern apart from having core values. Just look at our ping-pong table.)  

Companies take their values seriously, and so should you. For example, if a company’s values show that continual improvement is important to them, make sure you demonstrate how you’ve expanded your horizons in the interview. Bring concrete examples of ways that you work to become the best you that you can be.

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Speaking of digital marketing careers, check out our openings and apply today! Reading this post before applying is a fantastic first step. Give yourself a pat on the back.  

Any questions on acing a digital marketing interview? Tweet us at @Perfect_Search.