You’re preparing for a content strategy interview. What are the common mistakes you should avoid?

1 Mistake 1: Not researching the company

Before you walk into the interview, you should have a clear idea of what the company does, who their target audience is, what their content goals are, and what their current content challenges are. You can find this information by browsing their website, social media, blog, newsletter, and other content channels. You can also look for their competitors, industry trends, and customer feedback. This will help you tailor your answers, show your interest, and demonstrate your strategic thinking.

3 Mistake 3: Not asking relevant questions

An interview is a two-way conversation, not a one-way interrogation. You should not only answer the interviewer's questions, but also ask your own questions to show your curiosity, enthusiasm, and fit for the role. However, you should avoid asking generic or irrelevant questions that don't reflect your understanding of the company and the position. Instead, you should ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the company's content strategy, such as their content vision, content challenges, content metrics, content tools, content team, and content expectations.

4 Mistake 4: Not communicating clearly

Content strategy is all about communication. You need to communicate effectively with your audience, your stakeholders, your team, and your interviewer. You should avoid using vague, jargon-filled, or rambling language that can confuse or bore your listener. Instead, you should use clear, concise, and engaging language that can convey your ideas and insights. You should also structure your answers with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, and use examples and stories to illustrate your points.

6 Mistake 6: Not following up

The interview is not over when you leave the room. You need to follow up with your interviewer to thank them for their time, restate your interest, and reinforce your value. You should avoid sending a generic or delayed email that can make you seem indifferent or forgetful. Instead, you should send a personalized and timely email that can remind them of your conversation, highlight your strengths, and address any concerns. You should also include a relevant piece of content or a content idea that can show your initiative and expertise.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?