does anyone work in marketing advice greatly appreciated!

[onehackedoffmuma]

Helloooo

I've got a second interview for a job this week and I am feeling slightly nervous.
The job title is Marketing Executive within CRM (customer relationships management).
Obviously I am pleased that I have been shortlisted, it's between me and another candidate however, I am feeling apprehensive as to what they may ask me.
In the first interview they went through my resume and asked me plenty of questions on how I would/ or have coped with particular situations.

I am aware they will ask me about direct marketing - ie emailing clients/customers and what makes a good email.
Does anyone have any tips or experience of working in this field? I come from a journalistic/press background and would really value any tips/ preparation.

I am also nervous about the interview iteself - I am usually a confident person, but somehow fall to pieces in interviews - its one thing that always frightens me!

TIA xx

... I'm journalist too...., but I would make sure you mention a particular marketing campaign you think has been successful. Like if you got a direct mail and acted on it because of some particular reason. Or maybe you could mention a TV ad that you think worked well. What about that gorilla one for dairy milk for example. that was all over utube? That way you can go on about the real example and you'll know what you're talking about. Rather than spouting off theory stuff that you might not be quite correct on. Also, if you are nervous, I would actually tell them. "Sorry, I'm a bit nervous in interviews, so you'll have to excuse me." Just saying it will prob calm you down and they won't mind, they're human beings who have been to interviews themselves. Good luck chuck!

you are interviewing them too, remember. if you keep that in mind, you may feel less nervous.

I doubt they will expect you to have had years of experience in marketing campaigns. If you have, great, use as many stats as you can.

your journo background is a great help: emphasise great copy-writing skills, ability to dig out stories of interest to clients (people only sign up to e-mails for as long as there's information or news stories of interest to them) and your ability to match the 'tone' of the audience in your copy-writing. think of other areas this could be of use: white papers, customer case studies, blogs...

if they've gone through your CV in depth, they may be looking more at your personality at this stage to see if you'll fit in. so smile a lot, and get them talking.

if you haven't already done so, ask loads of questions about their product, their client base. research their competitors and major developments in their industry. people love talking about themselves and their company. it also shows an interest.

personally, I wouldn't worry too much about the 'technical' aspects of the job, just show a keen interest in their market and that you'll be a positive, enthusiastic member of their team.