Marketing Research Analyst Interview Questions

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A marketing research analyst, or market research analyst, investigates the demand for a product or service and devises appropriate marketing and advertising strategies to promote it. Their duties include conducting market research, preparing and presenting detailed market reports on their findings, and creating compelling marketing materials.

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Marketing Research Analyst interview questions and answers.

  1. Which marketing research methods have you previously used? See answer
  2. Tell me about a product that you think is marketed particularly well. See answer
  3. What do you think it takes to become a successful marketing research analyst? See answer
  4. How would you adjust the marketing strategy for our product/service if a competitor released a similar product/service at a lower price? See answer
  5. How do you stay informed about new opportunities and changes in the marketing industry? See answer
  6. What has your experience been with working with cross-functional teams? See answer
  7. How do you prioritise tasks if presented with multiple requests at once? See answer
  8. How do you prefer to communicate complex data to colleagues and business leaders? See answer
  9. What do you find most exciting about this position? See answer
  10. What do you think are the biggest challenges this company is facing at the moment? See answer
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Hire your next Marketing Research Analyst today.

Post a job

Hire your next Marketing Research Analyst today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

10 Marketing Research Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Which marketing research methods have you previously used?

This question will help you identify the technical skills and level of experience that the candidate possesses. It will also reveal whether they have prior experience in the particular techniques that your organisation may currently use. What to look for in an answer:

  • prior experience and knowledge of research methods
  • confidence in using relevant research methods
  • naming specific tools that may be relevant
Example:

“I use several marketing methodologies in my work to provide a comprehensive view of the market. For example, I use statistical analysis to outline historical trends and behaviours, while I have found digital surveys are useful to uncover emerging trends. In my current role, I have undertaken and compiled this research myself, as well as worked with external agencies to source this information.”

Tell me about a product that you think is marketed particularly well.

This question may give you insight into the candidate’s field of expertise and interest, and whether this aligns with your organisation’s products and services. It may also reveal whether they have the marketing skills relevant to your role. What to look for in an answer:

  • enthusiasm and detail around the marketing campaign they have highlighted
  • ability to analyse successful marketing strategies
  • suggestion of how it could work similarly at your organisation
Example:

“I think your competitor’s product X is marketed particularly well. The social media campaign permeated into their key demographic, while the print advertising campaign complemented this by reaching their parents and grandparents. I think a similar campaign could be structured around your product, Z, to get wider recognition in the market.”

What do you think it takes to become a successful marketing research analyst?

When answering this question, candidates can show their understanding of the role and the key soft and hard skills required to be successful at your organisation. It may also reveal the level of their experience and passion for the role. Consider the following in an answer:

  • ability to define the position and the role it plays within any business
  • examples of skills required
  • alignment with your requirements for the role
Example:

“In my opinion, a successful marketing research analyst requires solid analytical skills as well as marketing nous, as one is just as important as the other to ensure products such as yours reach their customers. Personally, I think a marketing research analyst requires a high level of digital prowess to work productively, such as being able to code to interpret data.”

How would you adjust the marketing strategy for our product/service if a competitor released a similar product/service at a lower price?

This situational question requires the candidate to use their knowledge and experience to answer a hypothetical problem and can help you assess their capability for the role’s everyday demands. What to look out for in an answer:

  • referencing research as a key component to informing the marketing strategy
  • a specific example of an action they would take
  • active listening and problem-solving skills
Example:

“Given the challenge you have outlined is cost-oriented, I would recommend adjusting the marketing strategy to highlight the value your product/service has for consumers. I would also research whether there are other benefits the competitor offers beyond cost to determine whether it is, in fact, the key purchasing driver.”

How do you stay informed about new opportunities and changes in the marketing industry?

Up-to-date skills and knowledge are common requirements for marketing research analysts, so asking this question can outline how the candidate upskills and remains abreast of trends and new tools. It can also illustrate their commitment to professional development, such as whether they regularly participate in upskilling opportunities. What to look for:

  • examples of methods they use to learn new skills
  • commitment to upskilling, either formally or ad hoc
  • enthusiasm for marketing analytics
Example:

“As market research is a passion of mine, I subscribe to industry association newsletters and publications and read them in my spare time to learn about new technologies and marketing methods as they arise. I have found short online courses to be highly effective for learning how to use these technologies, and I also listen to podcasts by marketing industry influencers for other tips.”

What has your experience been with working with cross-functional teams?

The goal of this question is to identify if the candidate holds relevant soft skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership. As marketing research analysts often need to present or collaborate in cross-functional teams, these will be important skills for successful candidates to hold. Look out for:

  • prior examples of working with other departments and teams
  • a positive attitude about collaborating with others
  • honesty if that experience has not always been positive
Example:

“I have generally had good experiences of working with cross-functional teams, however, I did have a bad experience once when I felt my ideas were not being listened to by a key decision-maker in another department. Therefore, I adapted my presentation style and ensured I paid more attention to listening actively in meetings, and I felt that I improved this relationship.”

How do you prioritise tasks if presented with multiple requests at once?

As well as identifying a candidate’s time management skills, this question can help you to determine their analytical ability for the marketing research analyst role. It may reveal the experience the candidate has and how comfortable they are with handling a demanding workload. What to look for in an answer:

  • examples of previous experience
  • appropriate methods used to prioritise
  • organisational and communication skills
Example:

“I have found organisational skills are key when presented with multiple requests. I would determine the deadline and urgency of each task by communicating with each requestor and briefly analyse what is involved with each project, I may be able to run requests concurrently. In fact, I had this situation recently, so I ...”

How do you prefer to communicate complex data to colleagues and business leaders?

This question aims to identify the candidate’s proficiency in preparing and presenting reports that are easy to understand. It may also reveal whether they are a cultural fit and will be able to present their findings effectively to key personnel. What to look for:

  • confidence in being able to present data effectively
  • examples of how they have previously achieved this task
  • alignment with your requirements in the methods used to present data
Example:

“I can adapt to suit the needs of your business, but when presenting information in person or in reports, I believe I use data visualisation very effectively. I often deal with complex data in my current role, such as …”

What do you find most exciting about this position?

Asking the candidate about what piqued their interest in the role and working for your company may help you to determine if they are a good cultural fit for your organisation. It may also reveal how much research the candidate has undertaken about the company, such as whether they refer to information outlined in the job description or highlight something from another source. What to look for in an answer:

  • accurate information about the role and/or the company
  • alignment to company culture
  • a focus on professional interests rather than remuneration or perks
Example:

“I’m most excited about this opportunity because I can be part of growing a company that has a solid history of benefitting the community. Not only do I think I can help you increase sales of your fabulous product, but I noticed on your website that you have a volunteering program that, I think, does a lot of good in this area …”

What do you think are the biggest challenges this company is facing at the moment?

This question reveals how much the candidate understands the company such as challenges faced by the industry as well as its own unique operating conditions. Candidates can show their relevant soft skills to tackle problems as well as whether they have researched the company when answering this question. What to look for:

  • positive attitude about addressing challenges
  • knowledge of current business or industry developments
  • ability to outline the role they can play in meeting these challenges
Example:

“I think one of the biggest challenges all businesses in this industry have at this point in time is a need to address declining sales, and this company is not immune. I can help this organisation overcome this challenge by devising specific marketing campaigns for key products such as …”

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