Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. It’s easy to build up stress and anxiety before a marketing job interview. You want to perform well and you want to get the job. You also need to learn how to control your nerves and prepare yourself to put your best foot forward.

You need to break the ice to calm yourself and get the interview started.

One of the best ways to do this is through small talk. Some people love it, others hate it, but it can actually be one of the most effective ways for you to break the ice.

Not only will it help you get out of your own head, but it can also help you focus. Most importantly, it can help you build a connection with the interviewer or hiring manager. First impressions matter. A good ice breaker can help you make a good impression and ease your anxiety at the same time.

But what should you say?

Our Toronto marketing recruiters have put together a list of some easy and effective ice breakers you can use on your next marketing job interview:

Toronto marketing recruiters explain how to break the ice in a job interview

Ice Breakers to Get the Conversation Started

  1. So, what do you do here? Ask about the interviewer’s role in the company if you don’t already know.
  2. Reference a social media post: If you have connected with the interviewer on social media, mentioning one of their recent posts can be effective. Try to use a topic that they are passionate about. For example, if the interviewer is a big movie fan, reference a post they did about it.
  3. Comment on the office: If the company has a particularly impressive office, great art, or something unique about it, make a mention. It’s a great way to get more information about company culture.
  4. Recent company news: If the company or individual has recently been recognized for an award or they have positive news, make a mention. It’s a good opportunity for the interviewer to speak about the company, and it shows you’ve done your homework.
  5. Interesting industry news: New developments in marketing are always a hot topic. Mention you read an article about the interesting developments related to your role. This shows you are up to date on industry trends.

Ice breakers are often situational. Read the situation, gauge the interviewer, and do your best to choose a topic or ask a question that naturally makes sense in the moment. Most importantly, be yourself.

Get More Marketing Industry Tips From Toronto Marketing Recruiters

How to Answer These 4 Difficult Marketing Interview Questions

4 Innovative Ways to Recruit Top Marketing Talent

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IQ PARTNERS is an Executive Search & Recruitment firm supporting clients across the country. We help companies hire better, hire less & retain more. We have specialist teams of recruiters in Executive Search / Board & C-Suite, Technology, Media, Digital & Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Financial Services & Insurance, Cannabis, Startup, Data Science, Consumer, eCommerce & Retail, Operations & HR, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Engineering, Legal & Professional Services, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, Non-Profit & Sustainability, and Sales. IQ PARTNERS has its head office in Toronto and operates internationally via Aravati Global Search Network. Click here to view current job openings and to register with us.

Elaine Bellio Marketing Recruiter

Elaine Bellio

Elaine is a Director, Client Services with IQ PARTNERS with a specialty focus in recruiting for B2B & B2C Marketing and Sales across a number of industries. She has amassed a total of 18 years in sales, sales management, and recruiting at the agency level – selling both contingent and retained search – and has a deep understanding of the sales and marketing processes and what it takes to build a successful team.

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