Whether it’s via Zoom or in-person, interviews are a common stressor for many job seekers. One of the best methods for lessening that stress is to be prepared. If you’re looking to land a job in marketing, you’ll have to really impress your interviewers in order to stand apart from your competition. Here’s how to do it.

1. Do your research

Regardless of the industry, you need to show up to your interview having already done your research on the type of work environment, the average pay, size of the industry, industry tools, etc. Feeling well-informed as you head into the interview will help lessen your stress and help you better prepare your questions for later.

Here are 5 interview tips you must know if you’re in marketing.

2. Come prepared with samples

Whatever your desired job role, you probably have samples from your previous work experience. In fact, many of you may even already have a portfolio. Your resume outlined for your potential employers what you can do and how you were able to do it. Providing samples will help you to prove it. When asked about certain accomplishments outlined on your resume, bring in your samples to help paint your interviewer an even better picture.

3. Have your references ready

Interviewers will sometimes ask for references. If asked in your interview for a list of contacts, being able to provide a printed out list on the spot not only makes both your life and their life easier, it also makes you seem prepared. If providing references, be sure to have contacted those references first and let them know they’re on your contact list.

4. Quantify your success

You probably used quantifiable data on your resume to help strengthen your bullet points and verify your success. If you didn’t include any numbers on your resume, you may want to check out this article here. While your interviewers most likely have your resume with these numbers in front of them, it is also helpful to be aware of these numbers yourself and any other successes you may have not outlined on your resume.

5. Ask your interviewer questions

You should be making mental notes of what your interviewer is discussing with you throughout the entirety of your interview. Once the interviewer is done asking you questions, they’ll give you the option to ask questions as well. ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS.

Ideally, you’ll have done a good job of listening to your interviewer and be able to ask them questions based on the information they’ve provided in the interviewer. However, we understand that that can be easier said than done. If you need some standard questions to ask, check out this article.

Bonus: Send a thank-you note after your interview

One last tip, always send your interviewer a thank-you note after the interview. Sending a thank-you note is not only polite, but it also helps to ensure your name sticks in the interviewer’s mind and helps to develop a friendly relationship with someone within your industry. Be sure to thank them for their time and include a detail from your interview. You’ll be thankful you did.

Interviews are an important part of the hiring process, and a lot of thought and effort goes into preparing for them. If you’re looking for further help, consider interview coaching and keep checking out more articles like this one. Good luck!