10 Social Media Interview Questions: [With Sample Answers]

Confidence is always the key to acing your interview and impressing the employer.

No matter how competent you are, some questions might easily catch you off-guard and stress you out, especially in a unique field like social media and digital marketing.

To make sure that you’ve ticked all the boxes, you have to prepare yourself for all the expected social media interview questions.

So keep on reading for the 10 most popular ones!

10 Common Social Media Interview Questions

1. How Can You Describe Social Media Marketing?
2. What Is Your Favorite Social Media Network?
3. What Do You Think About Our Social Media Presence?
4. What Is Your Most Significant Achievement in Your Previous Role?
5. Describe One Marketing Strategy That Will Help You Succeed with Us
6. Have You Collaborated with Other Teams on a Digital Marketing Campaign Before?
7. How Do SEO and Social Media Combine in a Successful Marketing Campaign?
8. How Would You Handle Negative Comments and Reviews?
9. What Are the Most Critical Metrics to Track Your Marketing Campaign?
10. How Can You Utilize A/B Testing to Target Audience?

Preparing yourself for these common questions as well as other entry-level interview questions is your key to securing your first job in the marketing field.

For that reason, we’ll be discussing these questions and related digital marketing interview questions in more detail in the following sections.

What Should I Say in a Social Media Interview?

When an interviewer asks questions, they’re usually scanning not only your response but also the way you present it along with other traits that help them see through you in such a short time.

When it comes to social media and product marketing, here are some of the most critical characteristics that you should present or avoid:

What Skills Are Social Media Interviewers Looking For in a Candidate?

• Social Media Savvy: Since most of your work will be based on social media, interviewees must have deep knowledge of social media concepts and platforms along with the capability to work with all of them.
• Brand Awareness: A social media specialist must be capable of recognizing and recalling a huge variety of brands in different fields.
• Community Engagement: Most customers seek social media for customer support, so being capable of providing a pleasant customer service experience is essential.
• Eagerness to Learn and Improve: Trends are going at a fast pace nowadays, and social media managers must always keep up with the newest ones to keep their content engaging and interesting to the audience.
• Analytical: Social media managers also need to have an analytical eye with a deeper understanding of behavioral psychology to help them interpret all kinds of data that get from experiences and tools like Google Analytics.

What Traits Are Social Media Interviewers Looking to Avoid in a Candidate?

• Aggression: As the first line of contact with clients, an aggressive social media specialist can lose the company a lot of customers.
• Negligence: Since most of your work will be directly addressed to the general public, even the slightest mistakes can cause huge PR problems, so you always have to stay sharp
• Laziness: Being unimaginative and dull won’t get you far in the social media business, as having an active and enthusiastic personality is critical for this line of work.

Sample Social Media Interview Questions and Answers

Here’s an in-depth look at some of the most common questions you’re going to hear in a social media interview along with brief explanations and answers:

1. How Can You Describe Social Media Marketing?

Why This Question is Asked

This is a simple screening question to let the interviewer assess your basic knowledge of social media marketing as well as your understanding of the responsibilities of a social media specialist.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

While answering, try to focus on the company’s mission and core job responsibilities, which shows that you align with the company’s requirements.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid diving into too many unnecessary details about social media or using an overly prepared answer.

Remember that this question is usually asked earlier in interviews as a bridge question, so keep it clear and to the point.

Example Answer

“Social media marketing is the promotion of products and services using mainstream social media platforms.

It also involves the use of these platforms to connect with customers on a deeper level, which allows us to improve customer service, build our company’s brand, generate leads, and gain authority traffic.”

2. What Is Your Favorite Social Media Network?

Why This Question is Asked

As simple as it seems, this loaded question is one of the common interviewing techniques to help employers learn more about your personality, understanding of different platforms, and capability to separate between casual and professional networks.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Since the answer to this question varies from one person to another. The answer must be honest, direct, and simplified.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

This is not a question to name as many social networks as you can, so avoid throwing in dozens of platforms that make your answer seem unrealistic and lack sincerity.

Example Answer

“I mainly use Instagram and Twitter daily with casual use of Tiktok and Facebook.

I like Instagram because it has a little of everything, as it’s great for connecting with friends as well as getting inspiration and ideas at personal and professional levels.

For daily communication, I use Messenger for texts and Whatsapp for group chats.”

3. What Do You Think About Our Social Media Presence?

Why This Question is Asked

This is one of the smartest questions to ask interviewees, as it gauges their current knowledge of the company’s current social media presence and whether they’ve researched it before the interview.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Make sure that you check out the company’s social media and see where they’re most and least active, the tone they use to address the audience, and the level of engagement they get on their content.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

You simply need to avoid two things: being overly critical of the current presence and trying to paint an inaccurate picture that is “too generalized”, which shows that you haven’t done your homework.

Example Answer

“I like that you engage with customers on various social media networks, which gives you a broader range of audience to engage with. It’s also impressive how you adjust the tone and style depending on the platform”.

Tip: It’s also great to casually include specific cases and examples with a dash of professional opinion and how you’d be happy to keep things up or improve things as you take the role.

4. What Is Your Most Significant Achievement in Your Previous Role?

Why This Question is Asked

This is a chance for the employer to find out more about your career highlights and moments where you made huge success or “saved the day”.

Additionally, it tests your story-telling skills for content marketing.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Make sure that you hand-pick some of your greatest moments of achievement and focus on showcasing how you combine your skills and experience to get it done.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Unless the interviewer asks you to elaborate, don’t go into too many details.

Also, never be rude about it or say that you’ve already mentioned it in your resume.

Avoid criticizing or bad-mouthing your previous employees while telling the story, and don’t mention a negative situation that you’ve already put yourself in, such as procrastination.

Example Answer

“One of my greatest achievements was actually during my first days as an intern. It was a busy day at the office and I was handed various full-time assignments that needed to be completed ASAP. (you can mention a rough outline of the objectives here).

Although it was overwhelming at first, getting the job done showed me that I’m really passionate about this field and ready to learn much more to excel at it.

This may not compare to some achievements I had as a full-timer, but It holds a very special spot in my mind”

5. Describe One Marketing Strategy That Will Help You Succeed with Us

Why This Question is Asked

In addition to testing your professional knowledge of critical marketing strategies, this question allows the interviewer to learn more about your plans to improve the company’s social media presence.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Since this question is often given to experienced social media marketers, you should keep your answer technical, evidence-based, and briefly explained.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

As previously established, this one is a technical question that needs a satisfying answer. So avoid saying “it depends” or beating around the bush while answering it.

Example Answer

“My best social media marketing strategy is to treat every platform as a unique entity and set specific goals and expectations from each one to match the company’s requirements.

I’m also a big believer in technology and using advanced tools to monitor our social media performance as well as paid advertising with high ROI such as Facebook ad campaigns”

6. Have You Collaborated with Other Teams on a Digital Marketing Campaign Before?

Why This Question is Asked

The main purpose of this question is to assess your ability to work and operate in a team-based environment as well as a brief look at your work history and experiences.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

If you’ve worked on a team before, you should concentrate on starting your role and how it adds to the project as a whole.

Make sure that you also mention other coworkers’ contributions to your work and how they helped the campaign go smoothly and successfully.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Although this question is mainly to see if you’re a good fit in the team, you shouldn’t claim that you’re a “team player” or that you’re all about teamwork.

Instead, let your actions and past experiences speak for you to show you’re honest about it.

Also, never mention that you’re a lone wolf who likes to do work on your own or that you hate working under group stress.

Example Answer

“I’ve worked with various teams on social media campaigns before. We always started by setting a common goal and clarifying clear channels for communication.

Everyone knew their roles in the project and how it contributes to other members of the team.

Luckily, the project went smoothly and we all learned a lot from such an enriching and educational experience!”

7. How Do SEO and Social Media Combine in a Successful Marketing Campaign?

Why This Question is Asked

In addition to social media, digital marketing encompasses various aspects and factors of success, most importantly, search engine optimization.

In other words, this one is also a technical question that aims at learning more about your familiarity with the SEO role and how it’s integral for the overall marketing goals.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

You should mainly focus on the impact of SEO on social media and vice versa, mentioning that despite the lack of direct connection, both of them eventually contribute greatly towards establishing authority and authenticity.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Like most technical questions, you shouldn’t dive into unnecessary details or have a generalized answer that doesn’t deliver or satisfy the interviewer.

Example Answer

“Although Social media itself doesn’t have a direct impact on our online SEO ranking, it still influences our brand’s exposure through shared links across platforms.

By directing social media traffic toward our high-quality content on our website, the company’s SEO ranking will eventually get a boost, which is how they combine in a successful campaign.”

8. How Would You Handle Negative Comments and Reviews?

Why This Question is Asked

This loaded question is commonly used to gauge your customer service abilities, composure, and how you can handle sensitive responsibilities like brand reputation.

Sometimes, the question is phrased in the form of a case that the interviewer would ask you to solve.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

The most important thing while answering this question is to show your confidence in handling these situations. So make sure that you prepare yourself for various scenarios that are similar at the core.

Your best course of action here is to walk the interviewer through your methodology for handling these issues.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Of course, customers’ expectations are something you can’t control, so don’t assume the outcome and only focus on how you handle things.

Additionally, while walking the interview through your handling method, make sure that you don’t end up putting the blame on your co-workers.

Example Answer

“I will try to address the problem as soon as possible by asking them to politely check their inbox or DMs.

After that, I’ll send the customer a private message to find out more details about their problem to ensure its legitimacy.

I’ll make sure that my language and tone remain nice and absorb the client’s anger, then I’ll assure them that I’ll take the actions necessary to satisfy them.”

9. What Are the Most Critical Metrics to Track Your Marketing Campaign?

Why This Question is Asked

The marketing campaign strategy varies by company.

That’s why employers ask this question to see if you’ve researched the company and social media presence before the interview.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on showing what you’ve learned about the company but also try to show that you’re flexible and ready to learn new things depending on market changes.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

The answer to this question should be direct and succinct, so avoid changing the topic, giving an unnecessarily long answer, or mentioning metrics that the company wouldn’t use.

Example Answer

“Engagement, reach, and click-through rates are the most critical metrics for a social media marketing campaign, but return on ad spent (ROAS) and audience growth are also necessary important to keep the business growing.”

10. How Can You Utilize A/B Testing to Target Audience?

Why This Question is Asked

This one is a technical interview question to measure your knowledge, especially if you are a social media manager candidate.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on the technical aspect of the question and how it can improve the company’s ability to reach more customers and generate leads.

You may also try to incorporate a quick success story that you previously had with A/B testing if you have one.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Interviewers ask about the marketing techniques that they commonly use in their campaigns, so avoid saying that you don’t rely on A/B testing or rambling about unwanted details while answering.

Example Answer

“A/B (split) testing is a great way to utilize the behavioral data of current and potential audiences. By providing different variations of the same ads and strategies, we can learn more about the best ways to approach our customers and gain better responses to our campaigns.”

Other Common Interview Questions You Could Be Asked

In addition to social media marketing interview questions, you’ll also be asked other general interview questions to help employers learn more about you and your motivations.

Why Should We Hire You?

Why This Question is Asked

The classic “why should we hire you” question is the best way for an employer to have a glimpse at you from your own perspective and what you think you can bring to the table.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Try to align your answer with the job specifications and core responsibilities mentioned in the job description, which show that you’re a good fit for the role.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

The interviewer wants to hear something that makes you stand out, so avoid reiterating any skills and experiences you already mentioned in the interview or in your resume.

Instead, you should expand on them.

Example Answer

“I think I’m a good fit for this role because social media marketing is a changing industry that requires an eager learner, which is one of my best attributes.

I also enjoy my job, which helps me bring out my best performance while on the job!”

Tell Me About Yourself

Why This Question is Asked

Interviewers like to start with questions like  “Tell me about yourself” or “How would you describe yourself” in order to break the ice and test out your soft skills, such as communication, confidence, etc.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Try to be honest and comfortable while answering by having a loose introductory outline to follow.

Make sure that you stay on topic and align your description of yourself with the requirement of the job whenever possible.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid answers that are too “cliche” or too memorized because interviewers can easily catch that and it’s usually a sign of your lack of confidence.

Example Answer

“I’m an easygoing person that likes to connect with others and enjoys working with all kinds of people on short and long-term social media management projects.

I am also a huge believer that the social media section has a remarkable potential to achieve prolific results when it comes to customer service and fostering market growth!”

Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

Why This Question is Asked

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” is another common question that is meant to test out your ambition and willingness to learn and improve yourself, especially for companies that invest in their employees by training and educating them.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

In addition to providing an honest answer about your ambitions in social media marketing, you should also try to show your commitment to the company’s long-term goals.

For instance, if you’re an entry-level associate, you should be focusing on becoming a social media manager.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid alarming answers that reveal your intentions to leave the company or personally target the interviewer’s position.

Example Answer

“In five years, I believe I’d have gathered enough knowledge, skills and leadership experience to be promoted to a social media marketing manager.”

What Motivates You To Do a Good Job?

Why This Question is Asked

The “what motivates you to do a good job?” question helps the employer learn about your true ambitions and what helps you bring out your best qualities.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

While you should be true to yourself while answering, you should try to keep the answer relevant and on topic.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid rambling about unnecessary details, being too negative about job motivation, or mentioning money as your only motivation.

Example Answer

“I think that being in a healthy company culture that encourages me to learn and evolve as a social media marketer would be an excellent motivation.”

What Does Customer Service Mean To You?

Why This Question is Asked

You should expect the interviewer to ask you “what does customer service mean to you?” if your job responsibilities as social media manager involve a lot of client handling.

It also helps the company learn about your general attitude toward customers and problem-solving skills.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on how customer service is essential for both current and future customers. It’s also a good time to mention some of your customer service highlights.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid answers that involve a negative tone or complaining about needy or rude customers.

Example Answer

“For me, customer service means going above and beyond to ensure client’s satisfaction, which is critical to maintain a loyal, returning customer.”

Additional Tips for Social Media Interviews

Here are some extra tips to help you stand out in the best way possible on your social media interview day:

How Do You Prepare for a Social Media Interview?

Start by studying the market you’re applying to and learn more about the company and how it operates its social media.

It’s also helpful to train yourself to be more confident and active while answering interview questions. The examples above will be a great way to get started!

What Should You Wear to a Social Media Interview?

In most cases, dressing smart or business casual would be the best fit for the interview, but you should check the company’s dress code as well as interview etiquette, and adjust accordingly.

The important part is to keep your dress style neat and well-fitted without being flashy or out of place.

How Should You Introduce Yourself In a Social Media Interview?

Introduce yourself by greeting, shaking hands, and stating your name as well as any notable experience or highlight achievement/title you had before.

Keeping it short and relevant is a great way to show that you mean business!

What Questions Should You Ask at the End of a Social Media Interview?

When you’re asked if you have any questions at the end of the interview, you might want to ask some of the following questions:

1. Is There a Chance for Training and Career Advancement?

Asking this question will give the interviewer the right impression of your enthusiasm, ambition, and willingness to learn, which is a critical attribute of a social media specialist.

2. How Does the Company Celebrate Its Employees’ Success?

This question shows your interest in finding out more about the company and your motivation to become a top employee. It should also give you an idea of the nature of company culture.

3. When Should I Expect Your Reply?

This can help you have a rough estimation of how long the hiring process takes, although you should still send a follow-up email after the interview.

However, employers may take longer than they say, so you should expect up to double the time they tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we’ve covered all the necessary aspects and expected questions in social media interviews, here are some quick FAQs to keep in mind:

Wrapping Up

There you have it!

A brief guide that walks you through 10 social media interview questions that you should expect as well as guide answers to help you out with each one of them.

Since social media interviews are somewhat new, most interviewers use similar questions to the ones mentioned above, so make sure that you complete your interview prep by studying them to reply with admirable confidence on the big day!