After partnering with some of New York City’s leading technology startups to hire top talent, Betts Recruiting has found many clients aren’t sure who or what experience they’re looking for in their first Director of Marketing hires. What marketing interview questions can you ask to determine if the person you’re interviewing is a rockstar or a dud?
What does a go-to-market marketer look like? Find out in our guide.
This high-exposure and critical role is a huge commitment for one person that is most likely creating their brand from scratch. Hiring managers need to make sure they’re adding the right person to their team. This is a high-stakes decision that is integral to any marketing strategy. This blog post offers five marketing interview questions you can ask to help determine if a candidate has the ability to succeed in the role:
5 marketing interview questions to ask candidates for a Director role
1. Tell me about a time where you thought outside the box on a strategic initiative?
This question is going to show you how this marketer stands out amongst others in his or her field. How do they react under pressure? What methods or approaches did they use to think creatively and execute strategically?
After all, marketing campaigns, especially in the SaaS world, are all about optimization. When traditional methods don’t work, you need a leader who’s capable of thinking of creative alternatives to get your team where it needs to be.
2. How are you measured for success in your current role, and how have you exceeded these expectations?
Asking this question is important. Find out what type of Key Performance Indicator (KPI)’s he or she has been held to. For example, most marketing teams are held to some kind of lead quota – AQLs, MQLs, etc. But if the person you’re interviewing has not only been responsible for leads, but also been on the hook for marketing-sourced pipeline and closed-won revenue, you know you’re dealing with someone who has been through the ringer and been held to high standards.
3. How have you been hands-on in your current role?
The last thing your startup needs is a Director of Marketing who thinks they’re only responsible for strategy, and not execution. This person needs to be a “roll-up your sleeves” kind of marketer, and this question can help you dig into that personality trait. Be careful, however, of micromanagers – the key is striking a balance.
4. What do you think is the number one marketing channel our company should use?
Their answer to this question will show you how prepared they were for your interview. Do they know your ideal clientele or customers? How would they reach out to them (email marketing, SEO, SEM, etc)? If they respond with a detailed outline of their 30-60-90 day plan, then you’re on the right path for hiring a strategic director of marketing.
5. Why do you love marketing?
This question is by no means limited to Director-level roles. And honestly, it feels a little “Interview 101.” But it’s an important chance for the candidate to really show you their passion for this field – and that’s not always the layup it sounds like it is. Especially at the Director level, professionals can be jaded and lose sight of the passion that brought them to this field in the first place. You want someone who still holds that passion front and center, and can articulate it.
Most of all, this person should live and breathe lead gen – they should have a strong passion for finding strategic ways to generate and nurture interest in your company and feed the Sales team. Try to get a feel for their “grit” as they tell you their journey in this industry.
Marketing Director interview questions are just one piece of a successful marketing strategy. Want to learn about great marketing interview questions for other roles in the field, so you can make sure you’re hiring top talent? Get in touch with Betts Recruiting today and tell us what you’re looking for.