Career change - interview help please!

[RamonaFlowers1]

Hi everyone, I've seen some really good interview advice being given on here so I'm hoping that I can get some help with mine!

I have an interview next week for a Retentions Executive position at a local media company, which produces magazines, newspapers etc and also has online products. I would basically be working in subscriptions. As part of the interview I have to prepare a 5min presentation about an idea for a hypothetical campaign to retain subscribers to one of the newspaper websites who are at risk of cancelling. I have to select a particular segment of users, consider what resources I can use and how we can use them and the metrics we will consider to know that our campaign was successful (I assume this means numbers of some kind but I'm not sure).

I don't have any background in marketing at all, so this would be a bit of a career change for me (I'm currently in a customer service role). If anyone can give me some pointers or ideas that would be amazing!

Thanks in advance!

So basically you want us to prepare your interview for you

No, I'm looking for some help and advice. As I've said this isn't something I have any previous experience in so I thought there might be some here that do have experience and they might have some suggestions.

No advice OP but best of luck. Honesty is best so look at your transferable skills and show an eagerness to learn.

When I was younger I was offered a job which was way above what I was used to doing. I never expected to be offered it. When I started I asked why and my boss was honest and said you had the least technical skills however you showed a real willingness to learn and to progress your career and you came across really good and likeable in the interview.

My point is unless criteria on the job spec is absolutely essential, don't go in feeling at a disadvantage as sometimes it's so much more than just meeting the job spec.

Good luck

So what are your thoughts about it?

So far I'm thinking something along the lines of contacting the local football club to see if they'd be willing to offer discount codes for merchandise or drinks/snacks at matches. Also surveys about why subscribers are thinking of cancelling and what would make them reconsider, and then working with that data. That's probably quite basic though.

It sounds too me like this isn't the job for you, sorry OP. But it that's all you can think of, you won't be any good at the job.

They said they were welcoming applications from people looking for a career change, which I am, and I told them at the start I don't have any previous marketing experience. I still made the shortlist.

They've said the presentation can be verbal, which is fine with me. I only received the email a few hours ago and I've been working this evening so forgive me if I haven't come up with very much yet.

@MrsFin why are you being negative? She has come on here for advice. Not to be told she wont be good enough for the role.

Well done for making the decision to change career, that takes balls! And well done for making the shortlist

Bump.

And thank you @

Tell them you’re saving your best ideas for when you’re in post as you don’t want them nicked!!

Hi OP

Interviews are all about research, research and more research! The company, the role, the industry.

I suggest you do a lot of research into the segments etc, plus what tech is available out there. Think bit.ly and unsubscribe responses for monitoring results. Maybe ask them what they currently use, suggest alternatives. Get some tech know how tips online on how companies use existing software, and what new tech is coming out for marketing.

Research the company too. Maybe you can identify current clients, look at performance on companies house, check out everything on them as an organisation and the staff. It will help the interview flow if you understand them and can ask relevant questions.

Also, if it’s negotiating with existing clients, focus on your transferable skills from your current role. Use examples of how you can sell. Can you build relationships, can you demonstrate this through offering better service packages, discounts, metrics to support them etc.

Your campaign idea of collaborating between a customer and another firm is good, and maybe think of an alternative angle - like use of discounts for green initiatives (think biodegrable cups) for beverages at football games to encourage sales. That sort of thing.

Marketing is all about getting the right product in the right place, set the right price and make sure it’s well promoted. Bit text book, but I’m sure you can show initiative through how to apply the principals.

Good luck!

Definitely research the interview question and get some answers off Google but at the same time, you shouldn't be going for something if you don't know how to do it.

Welcoming career changers doesn't necessary mean they will train you to do the job.

And 5 mins doesn't sound a lot of time to answer that question either!

Well I did tell them in the initial interview that I've no experience in marketing as my background is in customer service, but I was able to answer the questions they asked and I've made it to the next stage, so it doesn't seem to be a problem. If they're willing to shortlist someone with no experience then surely they'd be willing to train them up? I'm more than happy to do whatever's needed to address any knowledge gaps and I'll make sure they know that.

Hello

Research the company first. Find out as much as possible from their website in addition. You can prepare for the interview by reading books, and making notes etc. Another brilliant and really easy way to prepare yourself for it is to actually actively practice a mock interview with a close friend or family member in advance and then ask for some useful tailored post interview feedback.

Good luck to you and hopefully you ace the interview and get the job as well. Pay attention to your skills and qualities, it helps to make a list of them to refer to during the interview. Smile and breathe, this is not a impossible exam however. Stay positive. Remember you can do this.

Consider things like:

• finding out why they want to leave - is it financial? Is there not enough content? Did they find an alternative? Do they just not engage with it?
• you could use newsletters/PPC remarketing/other remarketing strategies to keep them interested/stay top of mind

Finally, you could also offer them a discounted membership or the option to freeze instead of cancelling.

Metrics useful would likely be: retention rate, active user rate, pages viewed and time spent on site (are they engaging now). Things along these lines.

Good luck!

@Sunflowers095

Consider things like:

• finding out why they want to leave - is it financial? Is there not enough content? Did they find an alternative? Do they just not engage with it?
• you could use newsletters/PPC remarketing/other remarketing strategies to keep them interested/stay top of mind

Finally, you could also offer them a discounted membership or the option to freeze instead of cancelling.

Metrics useful would likely be: retention rate, active user rate, pages viewed and time spent on site (are they engaging now). Things along these lines.

Good luck!

Thank you! I wasn't too sure what they meant by metrics but now you've explained that makes a lot of sense! Really helpful, thank you