Marketing Consultant Interview Questions And Answers

Since companies hire consultants from outside the organization, pricing always enters the discussion. Consultants, especially self-employed ones, should understand how much to charge and be skilled at negotiating rates. Look for an answer that shows the applicant understands a consultant's work is all about the value being brought to the company. What to look for in an answer:

☛ Applicant's understanding of the consultancy industry and what drives pricing
☛ Ability to calculate and track work expenses and profitably price a project
☛ Negotiation and communication skills

Like anything, the market sets the price in consultancy. I believe rates shouldn't be calculated according to hours worked. Instead, consultants should sell value. For instance, a consultant could price a project based on how much-added revenue it will bring the company. Consultants also have a responsibility to clearly communicate their rates to the client, being sure to take into account the client's budget. Negotiation should be carried out openly and honestly. There is some room for compromise on rates, but consultants must be careful to not go too low just to get the job.

The ability to negotiate and sell products may be an important part of the job. If so, mention any experience with selling, telemarketing and promotions.

Both are extremely important. A good product is essential but without the customer service to back it up, there is no reason for someone to buy it here as opposed to somewhere else or on line.

Applicant should appear to have the skills to build a healthy, professional relationship with customers and co-workers; should be enthusiastic to build a larger customer base.

Whether their previous role was in customer service or not, it's important to understand how they viewed success. You're looking for whether this person cares more about their individual success or their team's success.

This is particularly useful when interviewing a customer service rep, where being able to explain step-by-step processes is an essential part of the job. Look for answers that you can understand and follow yourself, as well as steps are detailed and contextualized enough to be helpful for even a brand-new user of your product or service.

Listen for an answer that speaks to the candidate's empathy and appreciation for customers, demonstrates their ability to teach without patronizing, and shows their commitment to contributing to a company's mission by helping and advocating for others.

If you have first-hand experience talk about this, otherwise say that you have not had to deal with angry customers but if it did arise you would remain calm and professional and listen to the complaint and try to provide a response that addresses their problems. It is important to not take it personally and to always apologise to the customer.

Say that it depends on the structure of the team and how long the co-worker has been at the company. If somebody new, you might speak to them to suggest that they maintain a more professional attitude. If you feel that this might cause confrontation, inform the team leader of your concerns.

Good answers will include a concrete example that goes beyond simply apologizing to a customer -- it should demonstrate how they used understanding and rapport-building to build a strong relationship with a customer -- and help solve their problem effectively.

This is similar to the previous question in that it helps assess whether a candidate cares about the team or themselves. However, it also gives you a sense of how well they understand your business.

Applicant should be able to manage customer complaints without being dominated; should not be over-whelmed by a disapproving customer.

We also take cash and checks, and there is an ATM on the corner. I am sorry for the inconvenience but if you would like, I can hold the merchandise while you go to the ATM.

Clarify that you recognize the necessity of creating a friendly yet professional phone relationship with clients.

You can relate success stories and any interesting interactions you had with clients, especially if it portrays good customer service skills. Explain how you have solved problems and created positive relationships with customers.

This question tests critical thinking skills and knowledge of your industry. The answer also enables you to see whether the candidate has researched your business before the interview. Applicants should address key issues your company or industry may be facing. What to look for in an answer:

☛ Applicant's willingness to critique company decisions and processes
☛ Logic, reasoning and problem-solving skills
☛ Knowledge of your company and its mission

I think the company has been incredibly successful within a highly competitive space. The future looks bright, but I think it can be even brighter if the business focuses entirely on the products and services that are delivering the most revenue and highest margins. By shedding products and services with low margins and revenues, you can become a more agile company and achieve greater profits.

In consultancy, market sizing is a vital skill. It's how consultants calculate growth potential. The question is also a good way to see applicants' thought processes and how they use various tools to reach an accurate number. Since this question can be difficult, especially without data and research tools, more attention should be given to the approach used, rather than the actual number. Look for answers that demonstrate quantitative and reasoning skills. What to look for in an answer:

☛ Applicant's critical thinking skills
☛ Commitment to research and data-driven approaches
☛ Ability to identify market opportunities

Within a certain market, I examine population size and the percentage of people that use the product or service. By using surveys, analyzing data and identifying key issues customers are having with the industry, I can also estimate the number of customers we could serve but simply haven't yet.

I would call my supervisor to let her/him know and would stay until I was sure the selling floor was covered or I would try calling him to see when he would be coming and I would make arrangements to stay until he arrived.

Candidate should want to put in the extra effort to provide better and more complete service to customers.

☛ What is your experience in marketing?
☛ Are you familiar with market analysis and market segmentation?
☛ How familiar are you with statistical analysis software? Name any relevant tools you have used before.
☛ Describe the relationship between content marketing and SEO.
☛ Talk about your experience with mobile marketing.
☛ Between blogs, ebooks, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, what medium would you choose to engage more customers?
☛ Describe the process of positioning.
☛ What steps would you follow to launch a new product within three months?

☛ Describe a marketing campaign you worked on that failed. What happened and what did you learn from the experience?
☛ Have you ever suggested a new marketing strategy that the company didn’t want to follow? What happened?
☛ What has been your most significant achievement so far?

☛ How has your previous experience prepared you for this position?
☛ How do you prioritize when you have to meet different clients under strict deadlines?
☛ How do you prepare your presentations?
☛ What brand or sector would you most want to work for and why?
☛ Describe your previous experience as part of a team. What was your role?
☛ Are you familiar with / Have you ever used our products?
☛ Who do you think our customers are?
☛ How would you advise us to increase our market share?

Answer that if you cannot personally resolve a problem you always inform the customer that you will investigate and get back to them. Then ask the team leader or other experienced co-workers for advice on how to deal with this specific issue before calling back.

This question helps assess coachability and honesty. Everybody has failed, but the important part is did the candidate learn from it -- or do they blame someone else for it?

Applicant should show that they are able to keep balance between company policy and interest of customers; is cautious enough not to be trapped in the future because of any communication made by him/her with customers.