A digitalmediajobs.co.uk guide to interview questions

Monday, September 2, 2024

Applying for a new job can be hugely competive.  After submitting your CV (and always, a tailored covering letter),  the next stage is normwally an interview.  This is the chance for interviewers to find out more about you, understand whether you are a good fit for the position they're hiring for and to meet you. A successful interview isn't just about answering questions though, it's about asking the right ones too. Demonstrating your interest and curiosity, knowledge of the hiring company and the role and preparation for the interview by asking insightful questions can set you apart from other candidates.

We've come up with a list of the top five questions you should consider asking in your next digital media interview:

1. Can you tell me more about you company's culture and values?

Understanding the company culture is key to ensuring a good fit. It's not all about the salary on offer!  Ask about the company's values, work environment, and team dynamics to show you're looking for a workplace that aligns with your own values and working style. This question also lets you ask and understand more about the company's mission and long-term goals snd hopefully shows that you can demonstrate an interest that goes beyond just the job itself.

2. How does the company support professional development?

The digital media sector is dynamic and changing all the time.  Continuous and professional learning is essential.  Asking about professional development opportunities shows you're committed to growth and that you value a company that supports its employees  In the interview, you might ask about training programmes, skills development and potential opportunities to develop within the compan.

3. What challenges and opportunities is the team currently facing?

This question allows you to demonstrate your strategic thinking.  Asking about the team's current challenges shows a genuine interest in the real issues the company is tackling, while also providing an opportunity to suggest or demonstrate how your skills and experience can help address those challenges.  Understanding the opportunities the team is exploring gives insight into the company's growth plans and how you might be a key part of the future of the business.

4. How is success measured in this role?

Having clear expectations is vital for your success and job satisfaction. Ask about the specific metrics used to measure success in the role, so you can understand the method used such as KPIs or OKRs and goals associated with the position. This will help you tailor your responses to highlight your relevant skills and achievements. It also provides insights into the company's priorities and what it values in its employees.  If the post has an incentive or bonus scheme, ask how this is related to performance too. 

5. What is the typical career path for someone in this role?

Showing an interest in your potential career path within the company demonstrates commitment and ambition and intent on being a key person. within the organisation. Ask about the typical career path joining at your level to see if there are opportunities for advancement and if the company promotes from within. This can help you assess if the company invests in the development of its employees and if the role aligns with your long-term career goals.

Remember

Asking insightful questions is a powerful way to make a lasting impression and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role. By actively participating in the interview process and seeking a deeper understanding of the company's culture, values, and expectations, you'll increase your chances of landing that dream digital media job.  The above questions are meant to illustrative and a guideline and you may wish to use your own questions in your interview!

Remember, you can set alerts on digitalmediajobs.co.uk to be among the first to hear about positions that you might be interested in applying for. 

(Photo courtesy of Scott Graham - unsplash.com)