Applying MBM Problem Solving
Market-Based Management (MBM®) is a management philosophy that empowers individuals and organizations to succeed long-term by applying the principles of mutual benefit.
History demonstrates that peaceful and prosperous societies tend to practice certain common principles, such as guaranteeing free speech, protecting private property rights, and ensuring that the inherent dignity and rights of all are equally protected. We’ve found that these principles can be analogously applied within organizations to help employees fulfill their potential, and in doing so help the organization grow and succeed as it creates value for others.
By applying these principles of human progress to Koch Industries through this management philosophy, Charles G. Koch was able to transform what was a small engineering firm into the country’s second-largest private company. Since the 1960s, Koch Industries has grown to have a presence in over 70 countries and currently employs about 130,000 people worldwide (about 65,000 in the U.S.). But MBM isn’t a business philosophy. It’s a management philosophy. Because it’s based in principles, its proven success is seen not only across industries and countries at Koch Industries, but also among many of the organizations within the Stand Together philanthropic community, including think tanks, grassroots organizations, impact funds, and community-based nonprofits.
There are two main components to MBM: the five dimensions and the eight MBM Guiding Principles.
Interviews for Top Jobs at Koch Industries
Tell us a time that you made a mistake, and what did you learn from that mistake?
What is your general knowledge of what Koch Supply and Trading does?
What value do you believe you can add to our team? In what areas can you improve?
In what ways do you use statistical analysis outside of the office and in your personal life?
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 or 10 years?
Marketing Manager Interview Questions
General background interview questions
Most interviewers will start by asking a series of high-level questions. The purpose is to learn more about your background, goals, and why you applied for the position. Although seemingly general, these background questions are a great opportunity to show your experience as well as any research you have done into the company and its target market.
Here are some questions you might hear:
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- What is the goal of marketing?
- What makes you passionate about this work?
- What do you do in your current role?
- Why are you applying for this role?
- Why do you want to work at this company?
- What have you learned about our company so far?
- What are your long-term career goals?
Marketing skills and experience interview questions
Besides answering questions about your background, you will also need to demonstrate your marketing expertise and how you will apply your skills to the role. Be prepared to discuss common marketing topics such as setting strategy, gathering ideas and requests, planning programs and campaigns, and building marketing roadmaps.
Here are some questions aimed at uncovering your marketing knowledge and experience:
- What do you think distinguishes good marketing managers from great ones?
- How do you ensure that your marketing activities are aligned with the overall marketing strategy and goals?
- How do you become an expert on the products or services you are marketing?
- How do you gain a deep understanding of your target audience?
- What channels and platforms do you use to reach potential customers?
- How do you collect and evaluate requests and feedback?
- What does a typical workflow look like for you? How do you automate workflows or standardize review processes?
- What marketing tools and technology do you typically use?
- Tell me about a recent program or campaign you planned. What was the outcome?
- How do you report on progress? How do you measure the success of a campaign?
Specific marketing functions interview questions
While many marketing managers are generalists, some people have particular areas of focus such as communications, content, digital, email, product, or social media. Or, you may be applying to a role at a larger organization that has a marketing team broken out by discipline.
Depending on the focus of the role you are interviewing for, here are some specific questions you can expect:
| Communications |
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| Content marketing |
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| Digital marketing |
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| Email marketing |
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| Product marketing |
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| Social media marketing |
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Leadership skills interview questions
Interviewers will also want to make sure you can make decisions, unite a marketing team, and influence cross-functional groups.
The following questions explore your ability to lead others:
- How would you describe your leadership style?
- What types of people do you work best with?
- How do you motivate people?
- How do you handle disagreements with a teammate?
- Describe a time when you influenced people who did not directly report to you.
- How often do you meet with cross-functional teams? How do you communicate the marketing team’s goals and progress to these groups?
- How do you communicate with senior leadership?
Questions for you to ask during your marketing interview
The best interviews are a conversation. You want to demonstrate your skills, but also to determine if you would truly enjoy the role and thrive at the company. Come prepared with thoughtful questions you can ask your interviewer, and jot down any follow-up questions that come to mind during the meeting itself.
Consider asking these questions to learn more about the company and the role you are applying for:
- What are the marketing team’s current goals?
- How often do you set new goals? How do you report progress and to whom?
- How do the marketing activities support the overall company strategy?
- Is there a marketing roadmap? Is it accessible to everyone on the team?
- What types of new customers are you hoping to reach?
- How does the marketing team work with senior leadership?
- What is the best thing about being a marketing manager here? What about the biggest challenge?
- What is the process for onboarding new marketing managers?
Final tips for your marketing interview
You will likely get a curveball question or two that you did not prepare for. If this happens, first pause to make sure you understand the question. You can always ask for clarification if necessary. Then think through your answer in a logical way. Even if you are not sure exactly how to respond, interviewers will want to see that you are able to be analytical, creative, and flexible under pressure — important traits for any marketing manager.
FAQ
What are the marketing questions asked in interview?
- Tell me about yourself. …
- Why are you interested in a career in marketing? …
- What is a marketing trend or campaign you liked? …
- What do you think of our recent marketing campaign? …
- How do you manage the launch of a new product? …
- What motivates you? …
- What are your hobbies and interests?
How do I prepare for a marketing manager interview?
- Tip #1: Do Your Research.
- Tip #2: Leverage Your Experience.
- Tip #3: Quantify Your Success.
- Tip #4: Stay Up-to-Date with Current Trends.
- Tip #5: Take Advantage of Certifications.
- Tip #6: Ask Thoughtful Questions.
- Tip #7: Get Your Social Media in Check.
- Tip #8: Look the Part.
What questions should you ask in a management interview?
- What does a typical day look like in this role?
- What types of projects would I be working on?
- Can you describe some current ongoing projects and initiatives that I would help address in this role?
- Is this a new position or an established role?
What is an MBM interview?
