17 Field Marketing Representative Interview Questions and Answers

A field marketing representative (FMR) is a key cog in any company’s marketing machine. FMRs are the ones who go out into the field to collect customer data, conduct market research, and promote and sell products and services. In other words, they’re the face of the company, and they need to be able to think on their feet and adapt to any situation.

If you’re looking to become an FMR, you’ll need to be able to answer some tough questions in your job interview. The interviewer will want to know if you have the necessary skills for the job, as well as how you would handle some common situations you might encounter as an FMR.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common field marketing representative interview questions, along with sample answers.

Are you comfortable talking to strangers?

Field marketing representatives often need to talk to strangers about their company’s products or services. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with this aspect of the job. In your answer, explain that you are willing to do so if it helps you achieve your goals. Explain how you plan to overcome any discomfort you have talking to people you don’t know.

Example: “I am definitely not afraid to approach strangers and start a conversation. I find that most people are friendly and open to having a brief conversation. However, I understand that some people may be in a rush or just want to get through their day without being bothered. To avoid making anyone uncomfortable, I always try to smile and greet them warmly. If they seem like they aren’t interested in talking, I will quickly move on to someone else.”

What are some of the products or services you have sold in the past?

This question can help the interviewer get an idea of your sales experience and how you might fit in with their company. Use examples from previous jobs to highlight your skills, such as communication abilities, problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “In my last position, I sold a variety of products and services to small businesses. One of my favorite clients was a local restaurant that needed marketing materials for its grand opening. We created colorful posters and brochures that helped draw attention to the business. The client was so pleased with our work that they hired us again when they opened another location.”

How do you convince people to buy something they may not need?

Field marketing representatives often need to sell their products or services to people who may not be in the market for them. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience selling and can convince others to buy something they don’t necessarily want. In your answer, explain how you would approach this situation and what strategies you use to help customers understand why they should purchase a product or service.

Example: “I believe that everyone needs something, even if it’s just information. I try to find out what the customer is looking for and then show them how my company’s product or service meets those needs. If they still aren’t convinced, I offer them more information about our product or service so they can learn more about it.”

What is your greatest success as a field marketing representative?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your accomplishments and how you view yourself. They want someone who is confident in their abilities, but also humble enough to recognize when they’ve done something great. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific time that you exceeded expectations or helped achieve a major goal for your company.

Example: “My greatest success as a field marketing representative was during my first month on the job at my previous employer. I had just started working there, so I didn’t know many people yet. One day, our sales manager called me into her office because she noticed I hadn’t been out canvassing neighborhoods like I usually did. She asked if everything was okay, and I told her that I was feeling overwhelmed with all of my responsibilities.

She gave me some advice and reassurance, and then let me go back to work. The next week, I went out and met with 10 new clients. It felt good to prove myself to my coworkers and show them that I could do the job well.”

Provide an example of a time you failed as a field marketing representative and what you learned from the experience.

Field marketing representatives often have to make decisions quickly, so it’s important that you can learn from your mistakes. When answering this question, focus on a time when you made a mistake but learned something valuable as a result.

Example: “In my first field marketing role, I was tasked with finding new clients for the company. I found several businesses in the area and called them to introduce myself and our services. One business owner seemed very interested in what we had to offer, so I scheduled an appointment to meet with him later that week. However, he never showed up for the meeting. After talking with my manager, I realized I should have confirmed his interest before scheduling the appointment. From then on, I always followed up with potential clients after reaching out.”

If a customer is not satisfied with a product or service, how do you handle the situation?

Field marketing representatives often interact with customers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience handling customer complaints and can resolve them in a professional manner. In your answer, share an example of how you handled a difficult situation with a customer. Explain what steps you took to ensure the customer was satisfied with the outcome.

Example: “I once had a customer who purchased our product online but wanted to return it at one of our retail locations. The customer said they didn’t like the product because it wasn’t as good as other products on the market. I asked the customer why they thought that was the case. They told me they used the product for two weeks before deciding it wasn’t right for them.

I explained to the customer that we stand behind all of our products and encouraged them to use the product longer if they felt more comfortable with it. After another week, the customer returned the product and thanked us for being so understanding.”

What would you do if you were assigned to sell products or services that you knew nothing about?

This question is a great way to test your adaptability and willingness to learn. Field marketing representatives often have to sell products or services that they’re unfamiliar with, so it’s important for employers to know that you can quickly research the product or service and become an expert in no time.

Example: “I would first ask my manager about the company’s goals for this particular product or service. I’d then do some research on the product or service itself and find out what makes it unique from other similar products or services. Finally, I’d read up on any information about the target audience and how best to reach them.”

How well do you understand the target market you will be working with?

Field marketing representatives need to understand their target market well enough to create effective campaigns. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary knowledge and experience to succeed in this role. In your answer, share two or three ways you’ve gained an understanding of your target market. Explain how these methods helped you learn about your audience’s needs and wants.

Example: “I am passionate about my target market because I used to be a part of it. Before working as a field marketing representative, I worked at a local coffee shop. During that time, I got to know many customers on a personal level. I learned what they liked about our coffee shop and what we could do better. This experience taught me how important it is to understand who your customers are.”

Do you have any experience using social media to promote products or services?

Social media is a popular way to reach consumers, and many companies use it as part of their marketing strategy. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. They want to make sure that you know how to create an effective social media campaign. In your answer, share which social media platforms you are comfortable with and explain why they’re important for reaching customers.

Example: “I’ve used all the major social media platforms in my previous positions. I find them to be very useful tools for connecting with potential customers. For example, I recently worked on a campaign where we wanted to target millennials. We decided to focus our efforts on Instagram because it’s one of the most popular social media sites among millennials. By focusing on these platforms, we were able to successfully reach our target audience.”

When selling a product, what is your process for determining a customer’s needs and wants?

Field marketing representatives must be able to understand their customers’ needs and wants. This question allows the interviewer to assess your ability to do so, as well as how you plan to achieve these goals. In your answer, explain what steps you take when determining a customer’s needs and wants.

Example: “I first ask questions about the product or service they are currently using. I then ask them why they use this product or service. From there, I ask if they have ever considered our company before. If not, I try to determine why they haven’t. I also ask what they would like to see in a similar product or service. By asking these questions, I can better understand my potential client and find ways to convince them that our products and services are right for them.”

We want to increase brand awareness. How would you implement a marketing campaign to do this?

Field marketing representatives need to be able to create effective campaigns that increase brand awareness. This question allows the interviewer to assess your ability to plan and implement a successful campaign. In your answer, explain how you would develop an integrated marketing strategy for this company’s products or services.

Example: “I would first research the target audience of the brand I’m working with. Then, I would determine what channels are most effective for reaching these consumers. For example, if the brand is selling athletic shoes, I may decide to focus on social media platforms where athletes tend to congregate. Next, I would create content that appeals to this demographic. Finally, I would promote the content through the appropriate channels.”

Describe your experience with cold calling.

Cold calling is a common practice in field marketing. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with it and have experience doing it. In your answer, explain that cold calling can be challenging but also rewarding. Share an example of how you’ve overcome challenges while making cold calls.

Example: “Cold calling can be difficult at first, but I find that the more I do it, the easier it becomes. When I started my previous job, I was nervous about cold calling because I didn’t know what to expect. However, after a few weeks, I became more confident in my abilities. Now, I’m able to confidently approach anyone and start a conversation. I believe that if you are willing to put in the work, cold calling will become easy.”

What makes you stand out from other field marketing representatives?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your unique skills and abilities. They want to know what makes you a valuable candidate for their company. When answering this question, think of two or three things that make you stand out from other field marketing representatives. These can be specific skills, certifications or experiences.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented. I have always been good at staying on top of my work, but when I started working as a field marketing representative, I learned how important organization is in the workplace. I developed an organizational system that helps me stay productive and meet deadlines. My attention to detail also helps me ensure all of my work is accurate.”

Which industries do you have the most experience in?

This question can help the interviewer understand your background and experience. It can also show them what industries you’re familiar with, which may be beneficial if they are looking to hire someone who is already knowledgeable about their company’s industry. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few of the industries you’ve worked in and why you enjoy working in those fields.

Example: “I have mostly worked in the technology field, but I am open to new opportunities. In my last role, I was responsible for marketing software that helped businesses manage their finances more efficiently. My favorite part of that job was helping clients learn how to use our software to make their lives easier.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a field marketing representative to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine what skills you value most in your own work. Your answer can also tell them about how you view your role as a field marketing representative and which skills you use to be successful. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about the skills that are most important for you personally and those that are most important for someone in this position.

Example: “I believe the most important skill for a field marketing representative is communication. I find that being able to communicate effectively with others is essential when working on a team or speaking with customers. It’s also important to have strong problem-solving skills because there may be challenges that arise during the day. Having these skills can help me solve issues quickly so I can continue my work.”

How often do you think you should update your sales pitch?

Field marketing representatives need to be able to adapt their sales pitches as they meet new prospects. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of updating your pitch regularly and how often you should do it. In your answer, explain that you would update your pitch every time you met a new prospect or client. Explain that doing so helps you tailor your pitch to each individual person’s needs.

Example: “I think it is important to always have an updated sales pitch because I want to ensure I am meeting my prospect’s needs. If I were to meet someone for the first time, I would introduce myself and give them a brief overview of what our company does. Then, I would ask questions about their business and find out if there are any specific services we offer that they might benefit from.”

There is a miscommunication between the sales team and the production team. How do you handle this situation?

Field marketing representatives must be able to work with other departments within a company. This question helps employers understand how you will collaborate with others in the workplace. Use your answer to show that you can communicate effectively and solve problems.

Example: “I would first meet with both teams to discuss what happened. I would ask each team for their side of the story, then try to find out why there was miscommunication. If it’s because one department didn’t inform the other about something, I would make sure they understood the importance of communication. If it’s due to a misunderstanding, I would help them resolve it so it doesn’t happen again.”