How to Prep for a Content Marketing Interview: 19 Tips from Business Leaders
Landing a job in content marketing can be a game-changer, but how does nineteen stand out in the interview process? Insights from a Director and a VP of Marketing reveal strategies that can make a difference. Starting with the foundational step of reading key books on content strategy to flexing creativity and innovation, this article compiles 19 expert pieces of advice. Prepare to transform your job search with these invaluable tips.
- Read Foundational Books on Content Strategy
- Create and Control Your Own Content
- Showcase Learning from Industry Leaders
- Prepare Examples of Successful Content
- Tie Content to Business Metrics
- Understand and Reflect Brand Voice
- Showcase Your Best Work
- Demonstrate Eagerness to Learn
- Explain Your Content Marketing Process
- Highlight AI Marketing Skills
- Curate a Storytelling Portfolio
- Discuss Metrics and Methods
- Challenge the Status Quo
- Connect Experience to Company Goals
- Showcase Storytelling Abilities
- Identify and Connect Your Expertise
- Flex Creativity and Innovate
- Focus on Presentation and Personal Branding
- Understand Company Inside and Out
Read Foundational Books on Content Strategy
I have interviewed dozens of candidates for this type of role. Read some books about the state-of-the-art. A good foundational book to read is “Content Strategy for the Web.” Don’t rely on reading blog posts and regurgitating Neil Patel garbage. You’d be amazed at how far ahead of your peers you would be if you did the reading.
Be ready to share stories about the results of what your previous content contributed to. If you don’t have previous professional experience, consider showing initiative by volunteering content services for a non-profit and learning about how your work is contributing to their mission.
Chris Peters, Director, Digital Experience, FMX
Create and Control Your Own Content
Create your own content so that you can control its online availability when the recruiter wants to see your skills in action! I am baffled by all these résumés, especially by recent graduates, that claim to be “passionate” about content marketing but have no published content to show for it. Publishing your writing (or other forms of content) is easier than ever.
Create your own website or blog or YouTube channel or social media account on a topic that you are truly passionate about. Create an account on Medium or comparable platforms, publish articles on LinkedIn—all these options are free of charge (or almost). All it takes is your time, but that shouldn’t be a problem as you are passionate about this, aren’t you?
Controlling your content also gives you the opportunity to show off different writing styles or prove that you can create content in different languages (as I run an agency for international SEO, and SEO that’s a frequent issue). The same is true for job seekers with some experience.
Please don’t hide behind confidentiality regulations by your current employer or its clients or complain that “unfortunately” the content you created is not online anymore or has been modified and, therefore, doesn’t reflect your skills anymore! Content is king, but content you control is emperor in the recruitment game!
Frank Seidel, CEO, Adieu-Ark-B Marketing
Showcase Learning from Industry Leaders
One piece of advice you may not already be thinking about when preparing for an entry- or mid-level content marketing job interview is to come ready to talk about what you’re learning and who you’re learning from. Content marketing is constantly evolving, so it’s important to demonstrate that you’re keeping up with the latest trends, tools, and strategies. Whether it’s following industry leaders on LinkedIn, attending webinars, or reading the latest blogs and case studies, showing that you know where to go for up-to-date insights proves that you’re proactive and adaptable in an ever-changing field.
This also shows that you have a growth mindset—something every employer values, especially in a dynamic industry like content marketing.
Alyssa DiCrasto, Brand Manager, Rate Retriever
Prepare Examples of Successful Content
One specific tip for a job seeker preparing for an entry- or mid-level content marketing job interview is to come prepared with examples of how you’ve successfully created or managed content that drives engagement or results. Even if you don’t have formal work experience, think of relevant projects, internships, or personal blogs where you’ve applied content marketing strategies.
Show that you understand the importance of not just creating content but also analyzing its performance—mention any experience with tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, or SEO strategies. Being able to demonstrate that you can create engaging content and also understand the data behind its success will set you apart.
Additionally, be ready to discuss your creative process, how you approach different types of content (blog posts, social media, email marketing), and how you tailor messaging to different audiences. This shows you’re versatile and strategic in your approach to content marketing.
Lisa Benson, Marketing Strategist, DeBella DeBall Designs
Tie Content to Business Metrics
As a content marketer, you must understand how your work ties into business metrics. It’s not enough to be a great writer or creative thinker—you need to show that your content drives measurable business results. Whether it’s increasing user engagement, driving lead generation, or improving conversion rates, the value of your content should be clear. In your interview, highlight examples where your content strategy aligned with business goals and delivered tangible outcomes. If you can demonstrate that your content isn’t just noise but actively contributes to the bottom line, you’ll stand out from the crowd.
Vivian Chen, Founder & CEO, Rise
Understand and Reflect Brand Voice
If you are interviewing for an entry- or mid-level content marketing job, my top recommendation is this: know your audience and show that you understand the brand voice of the company. Content marketing is built on the alignment of messaging to a targeted audience, so you want to research the tone, recent campaigns, and the kind of content they create. Beyond the “About Us” section, read their blog posts, their social media accounts, and case studies.
Be prepared to discuss examples of content you admire and why you like them. If you have authored some content, bring those examples and walk through the thought process that went into them: how you adjusted them for a specific audience, how you measured success, or how you improved engagement. In the absence of that direct experience, be sure to show at least an awareness of the basics: SEO, content strategy, and analytics.
Finally, mention malleability. Best practices of content marketing evolve rapidly, and new employers look to hire people who are skilled in learning rapidly. Be sure to mention any tools you have used—like WordPress, Canva, or Google Analytics—and be open to adding to your skills. The secret is to prove that you don’t just know about the job but can also come with positive actions, curiosity, and a desire to make meaningful contributions.
Emma Sansom, Managing Director, Flamingo Marketing Strategies
Showcase Your Best Work
Showcase your best work: Pull together a portfolio that really shows off your skills, whether it’s blog posts, social media campaigns, or multimedia projects. Make sure it highlights your unique writing style, creativity, and how well you engage your audience.
Darian Kovacs, Founder, Jelly Digital Marketing & PR
Demonstrate Eagerness to Learn
For job seekers preparing for an entry-level or mid-level content marketing interview, one key tip is to demonstrate your eagerness to learn and your creative approach to problem-solving.
Even when faced with routine questions, try to bring a fresh perspective. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and convince the interviewer that you are genuinely passionate about the field.
Focus on discussing recent trends in content marketing and share examples of how you’ve been exploring and experimenting with these concepts. This showcases your commitment to continuous learning and your proactive attitude in keeping your skills relevant, allowing you to present yourself as an adaptable and forward-thinking candidate.
During a recent interview, I met a candidate who truly stood out. When we discussed recent trends in digital marketing, she didn’t just recite information but shared insights from her experiments with different content formats.
She had taken the initiative to create a blog where she tested various strategies and was excited to discuss the outcomes. This kind of enthusiasm and proactiveness is what employers seek, especially in entry-level candidates.
Sapna Jayaram, Head of content
Explain Your Content Marketing Process
One of the best skills a content marketer can have is a solid process. Prepare to explain your approach to growing their content marketing program and doing it efficiently.
Ashley Cummings, Content Agency Owner, Searchlight Content
Highlight AI Marketing Skills
Highlight your AI marketing skills in your résumé. Nowadays, marketing organizations and agencies use AI-powered content-marketing tools to craft campaigns and accelerate their efforts. They want their employees to be well-equipped with the latest marketing trends and technologies. Hence, entry- or mid-level content marketing job seekers have a better chance if they showcase their AI marketing skills.
For example, when recruiting any content marketing professional for my organization, I look for their AI and machine-learning skills. Since AI-powered marketing tools have eased our efforts by providing real-time analytics and quick suggestions, we prefer professionals who are skilled in using these metrics to craft successful marketing campaigns and measure their success through testing methodologies.
Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO, Canada Hustle
Curate a Storytelling Portfolio
One piece of advice I’d give to a job seeker preparing for an entry- or mid-level content marketing job interview is to come armed with a portfolio that tells a story. Instead of just showcasing your best writing samples, curate a selection of content that highlights your thought process and the impact of your work.
For example, include a brief case study for each piece: Describe the challenge you faced, the strategy you employed, and the results you achieved. This approach not only demonstrates your writing skills but also showcases your strategic thinking and ability to drive results—qualities that hiring managers value highly.
Additionally, be prepared to discuss the metrics behind your content. Show how you’ve used data to inform your decisions and optimize your content strategy. This blend of creativity and analytical thinking will set you apart and show that you understand the full scope of content marketing.
Ayush K, Digital Marketing Strategist, Tecknotrove
Discuss Metrics and Methods
Talk metrics and methods, not creativity. While creativity is crucial, companies can’t rely on something as fickle as inspiration and creative integrity. They want to understand the methods you’ve used in the past to deliver consistent and scalable results.
For example, if you have a research method that allows you to identify the best content strategies, elaborate on it. Explain how you’ve used it in the past and what results it has driven.
Lana Rafaela Cindric, Content Marketer, SiteGuru
Challenge the Status Quo
My tip for job seekers preparing for an entry- or mid-level content marketing interview is: Forget about just selling your skills—challenge the status quo of the industry. Content marketing is not just about producing content; it’s about disrupting and setting trends.
Instead of showcasing how you fit into the existing market, demonstrate how you can turn it on its head. Present ideas that might seem too bold or unconventional. This approach will not only make you memorable but also position you as a visionary, which is exactly what the evolving field of content marketing needs.
Dionne Jayne Ricafort, Marketing Manager, CSO Yemen
Connect Experience to Company Goals
One tip I’d give is to do your homework on the company and connect your experience to what they’re doing. Before the interview, spend some time on their website, social media, and maybe check out any case studies or blogs they’ve published. Then, when you’re in the interview, you can say something like, “I saw that you guys are working in health tech, and I’ve done content for a wellness brand, so I totally get the need to be speaking to that audience in a way that resonates with them.”
It demonstrates that you are prepared and willing to jump in and help at a moment’s notice. Plus, it makes your answers sound far more personal than simply giving a cookie-cutter response.
Katarina Mirković Arsić, Content Marketing Manager, Recharge Health
Showcase Storytelling Abilities
One thing that often stands out in interviews for a content-marketing position is a candidate’s approach to storytelling. Short, dry answers should be a red flag for hiring managers—and believe me, this happens more often than you’d expect, even with experienced candidates. Candidates should view every question, especially probing ones, as an opportunity to showcase their storytelling abilities. Storytelling begins right in the interview, revealing a candidate’s thought process and creativity.
Vahag Aydinyan, Senior Content Marketing Manager, 7shifts
Identify and Connect Your Expertise
Identify what expertise you’ve developed, and connect it to what the brand needs. Have a specialty in a specific type of content? Reaching a specific type of audience? Own it and communicate it.
Isabel Hoffman, Content Marketing Manager
Flex Creativity and Innovate
Flex your creativity and don’t play it safe. You are not there to replicate what’s been done before you. Come up with traditional, slightly-pushed, and reimagined, elevated options to give your team a chance to see your vision and what “could be.” Your eye coupled with your talent can be leveraged to attract new attention, delight existing customers, and educate your audiences in a fresh way.
Dominick Luciano, VP Marketing
Focus on Presentation and Personal Branding
Presentation is everything in a creative field. When I was job-searching after a big layoff at my old job, I recall vividly getting someone reaching out to me, asking for my real resume after I had just printed out the variation that came out of LinkedIn to submit. As a creative, every touchpoint is selling yourself as a brand. Your resume, your personal business card, and your portfolio are all touchpoints to share your skills and leave a reminder with your interviewer.
And in that interview—whether it be in person, on the phone, or over a webcam—be yourself. I had enough bad jobs to start asking about company culture and to make sure that would fit before I’d commit to a new role somewhere, especially in person. My big stand-out when I interviewed for HEVI was telling them I like to cosplay in my free time, which turned out to be a passion project for one of the other managers that I’d be spending a lot of time with.
Dana Toff-Vega, Content Marketing Manager, HEVI
Understand Company Inside and Out
Get to know the company by visiting its website to see its offerings, checking out its social channels to familiarize yourself with the brand personality and tone, and looking at LinkedIn to see the marketing department’s structure.
Besides presenting yourself as a hard worker because you’re prepared, you’ll subconsciously make the interviewer feel like they’re having an internal conversation with a current team member instead of a formal interview.
Perryn Olson, Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, AltCMO
