Why this matters:
SEO is a top priority for digital marketing professionals: it determines the results customers see first, and often the brand they choose. Candidates who are familiar with popular SEO tools and tactics, as well as the corresponding data analytics process, will be better able to drive website engagement.
What to listen for:
- Experience with leading SEO tools, such as Ahrefs, Google Search Console, and Semrush
- A plan for keeping up with SEO best practices
- Any relevant certifications
Why this matters:
Digital marketing managers help drive and oversee marketing strategies and campaigns. The best candidates are equipped with a thorough understanding of the brand, ensuring its unique voice shines through all content and marketing materials. They should be ready to optimize content and help new hires uphold the company’s desired image.
What to listen for:
- A clear, in-depth understanding of brand image and digital content strategy
- Strong editorial skills
- Willingness to assist less experienced team members
Why this matters:
Digital marketing managers harness a variety of tools to drive email campaign performance. Your candidate may mention engagement and analysis tools, design software, or customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. Strong candidates should be able to develop a plan that follows industry best practices and accounts for unique audience characteristics.
What to listen for:
- A step-by-step approach to optimizing email campaigns
- Experience with popular email marketing tools, such as Mailchimp and HubSpot
- A desire to keep up with the industry’s newest software developments
Why this matters:
Digital marketing managers should be driven and creative. Oftentimes, they will have to devise solutions to problems that have long affected a company. Your candidate’s response will provide insight into their ability to tackle critical challenges, whether they concern marketing strategy, client communications, or internal culture.
What to listen for:
- Willingness to take initiative
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Willingness to ask for help when necessary
Why this matters:
The best digital marketing managers view challenges as learning opportunities instead of roadblocks. How a candidate answers this question will provide insight into their work ethic, teamwork and leadership skills, and ability to work effectively under pressure. Their response may also demonstrate how they give and respond to feedback.
What to listen for:
- Ability to work productively in stressful situations
- Ability to devise creative solutions to complex challenges
- An excellent work ethic
Why this matters:
Digital marketing managers are often tasked with implementing new technology and workflows. However, team members comfortable with existing practices may be resistant to major change. A strong candidate will be able to motivate their team by developing an organized onboarding plan, as well as laying out the advantages the new approach may offer.
What to listen for:
- Strong leadership skills
- Insight into the strengths of new practices
- Willingness to assist team members with implementation
Why this matters:
Some marketing efforts require a more demanding decision-making process. Strong candidates should be able to work effectively with other team members to develop and implement solutions that incorporate the best aspects of every potential option. How a candidate answers this question will provide insight into their problem-solving and teamwork skills.
What to listen for:
- A patient, considerate communication style
- Excellent teamwork skills
- Ability to devise solutions informed by multiple viewpoints
Why this matters:
Digital marketing managers often act as liaisons between the marketing team and clients. A strong candidate will be able to use the same skills they use to solve marketing problems to communicate productively with those outside of the marketing fold, ensuring everyone is on the same page. By doing so, they can cultivate stronger client relationships.
What to listen for:
- Ability to communicate with clients confidently and effectively
- A professional, enthusiastic attitude
- Ability to break down marketing jargon into digestible language
Why this matters:
Marketing is a team effort. Because many projects require multitasking, motivation is especially important: an employee who wears multiple hats needs a clear goal to stay on track. A strong candidate isn’t just motivated themselves: they also bring out that motivation in others, making sure the entire team stays focused.
What to listen for:
- Strong internal drive
- A genuine passion for the field
- Willingness to assist less motivated team members
Contact a sales consultant.