Media sales is a competitive and rewarding field that requires strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills. If you want to land your dream job in media sales, you need to impress your potential employer with your knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a media sales interview and ace it.
Before you go to the interview, do some homework on the company you are applying to. Find out what kind of media they sell, who their target audience is, what their unique selling proposition is , and what their goals and challenges are. This will help you tailor your answers to show how you can add value to their business and solve their problems.
In my experience, it is important to understand the company's history, mission, and recent news to align your answers with their goals. It is valuable to review the job description thoroughly to emphasize how your skills match the role's requirements. It is also important to learn about the interviewer's background to build rapport and tailor your responses effectively.
Your resume is your first impression, so make sure it highlights your relevant skills, achievements, and experience in media sales. Use specific numbers and examples to demonstrate your impact and results. Also, be ready to explain any gaps, changes, or challenges in your career history. Be honest and positive about your past roles and responsibilities.
As a media sales professional, you need to be able to sell yourself as well as your product or service. Prepare a short and compelling pitch that summarizes who you are, what you do, and why you are the best candidate for the job. Focus on your strengths, skills, and value proposition. Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to structure your pitch and provide evidence of your achievements.
The prep is key. Craft a concise pitch highlighting how your background uniquely qualifies you to make a significant impact in the role and aligns with the opportunities presented by the position. In my experience, show the how and the impact of what you did to solve a problem(s).
Your pitch should be different based on your experience level, but either way, you want to get across two important points. 1) I really want to be here. 2) I will work my butt off to be the best at this job. As an experienced rep, you can speak to these points based on your experience and work ethic. If you are newer to the field, focus on how you will work really hard and how coachable you will be.
Media sales interviews often involve both behavioral and situational questions that test your knowledge, skills, and personality. It is important to anticipate some of the common questions you might face, such as why you want to work in media sales, what the current trends and challenges in the industry are, how you prospect, qualify, and close new clients, and how you handle objections. Additionally, questions about managing time, territory, and pipeline as well as measuring and improving performance may be asked. To prepare for these questions, use the STAR method to craft your answers and practice them out loud. Additionally, come up with some questions of your own to ask the interviewer such as expectations for the role, how success is measured and rewarded in media sales, the best and worst aspects of working in media sales, company culture and values, and the next steps in the hiring process.
One thing that I've found helpful is to prepare in advance by compiling a list of both typical interview inquiries and crucial questions you must remember to ask during the interview.
Your appearance matters in media sales, as it reflects your professionalism and confidence. Dress for the role you want, not the role you have. Choose an outfit that is appropriate, comfortable, and fits well. Avoid anything too flashy, casual, or revealing. Also, pay attention to your grooming, hygiene, and accessories. Make sure you look neat, clean, and polished.
In the age of virtual interviews, dressing professionally remains important—it can significantly impact your impression of the interviewer(s).
Your attitude and energy can make or break your media sales interview. Be positive and enthusiastic about the opportunity, the company, and the industry. Show your passion and interest in media sales and how you can help the company grow and succeed. Smile, make eye contact, and use a friendly and confident tone of voice. Avoid negative or critical comments about your previous employers, colleagues, or clients. Thank the interviewer for their time and follow up with a polite and personalized email.
In interviews, exude positivity and genuine enthusiasm while staying true to yourself—it's key to making a memorable and impactful impression.
I thoroughly research the client's industry before media sales sessions, ensuring they deal with an informed consultant. I examine competitors, providing necessary awareness of their media presence. Researching successful examples globally, I help clients envision future advertising outcomes. Lastly, considering budgeting, target audience, goals, competitors, and market conditions, I propose the optimal media plan.
Any good sales interview should end with you trying to close the deal. Whether it is asking for the next step in the interview process or asking for the job, don't forget that step. I've seen many sales candidates with otherwise good interview get scratched off the list because they didn't ask for the "sale" at the end.