Why this matters:
Audience research forms the foundation of any marketing strategy. Marketing interns help collect this information through opinion polls, questionnaires, and surveys and process it for stakeholders to review. Candidates who can handle this data with confidence will be best poised to unlock crucial audience insights and guide ad decisions across channels.
What to listen for:
- The ability to turn audience data into graphs and charts for easy analysis
- A strategy for removing invalid survey entries and quantifying qualitative data
- Knowledge of statistical techniques is a plus
Why this matters:
One of the keys to success as a marketing intern is passion for the industry and the work involved. The ability to name an inspiring marketing campaign is a good indicator of this enthusiasm — demonstrating that the candidate notices trendsetters, understands their goals, and considers how they accomplish them.
What to listen for:
- The description of a recent marketing strategy, including the audience, marketing channel, and goal
- An explanation of why the strategy worked
- Confident speaking style and ability to break down reasoning into digestible points
Why this matters:
From audience targets to timing, every component of a marketing campaign is the product of deep deliberation and research. This question gives candidates an opportunity to display their knowledge of one of these integral advertising decisions. Candidates who can speak to the advantages of different marketing channels will be well-prepared to participate in the planning process and provide insights into industry trends.
What to listen for:
- References to diverse marketing channels such as digital advertising and direct mail
- An explanation of the increasing importance of social media platforms for marketers
- Mentions of both the benefits and drawbacks of different channels
Why this matters:
As the targets of marketing campaigns, customers are the subject of constant scrutiny by marketing managers and interns alike. Experience interacting with and relating to customers will prove invaluable for candidates in the marketing intern role, helping them view campaigns from the audience’s perspective and craft thoughtful customer inquiries, polls, and surveys.
What to listen for:
- A focus on customers’ wants and an eagerness to meet them
- A tendency to react to customer unhappiness with openness and empathy
- A resilient approach to improving even poor customer relationships
Why this matters:
Marketing interns assist employees in a number of ways, including collecting and analyzing audience data. Once they have mined data for useful takeaways, marketing interns must be able to share their findings with other team members, managers, or departments. This question will spotlight candidates with the experience and communication skills to present market-research discoveries with clarity and discernment.
What to listen for:
- A situation that involved the candidate delivering information to a superior or mentor is ideal
- Strong public-speaking skills and methodical explanations
- Demonstrated growth mindset and desire to improve weaknesses
Why this matters:
On the whole, marketing campaigns and strategies run on a regimented schedule. However, sometimes timelines and goals change in response to market shocks or new trends. When unexpected events shift schedules and timelines, marketing interns must have the flexibility to adapt to a new direction and quickly changing strategy.
What to listen for:
- Experience shifting to new duties and reprioritizing long- and short-term tasks
- Understanding of the fluid nature of customer needs and business objectives
- The ability to balance a detailed approach with big-picture priorities
Why this matters:
The candidate will not only work with other members of the marketing team — from entry-level professionals to account managers — but also interact with other marketing interns. In this setting, the ability to collaborate effectively and resolve conflicts in a group setting is crucial. Candidates who possess this skill will be well-suited to adapt to a free-flowing environment of ideas.
What to listen for:
- A collaborative working style and ability to smooth tensions
- Readiness to step into a leading role on a project or task if needed
- Willingness to reach out and support team members with research and other tasks
Why this matters:
As an intern, the candidate will support marketing professionals in different roles with a range of priorities. This dynamic position demands that candidates manage research and administrative tasks with varying timelines simultaneously. Whether marketing-related or not, multitasking expertise will be an effective predictor of success in this position.
What to listen for:
- Experience shifting between tasks in a fast-paced environment
- The ability to take on new duties and seek help when necessary
- A method of scheduling tasks for completion based on the due date or urgency
Why this matters:
Marketing interns are thrown into the day-to-day workflows of the marketing world, placing them in the perfect position to enhance their skills and learn more about the industry. Candidates who jump at the chance to build their knowledge base will be able to contribute meaningfully to the workplace and eventually step into a role with more responsibilities.
What to listen for:
- Openness to learning new research techniques and marketing strategies
- Eagerness to take advantage of marketing seminars and development courses
- Aspirations of moving to a senior position within the department
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