Love them or loathe them, interview tasks are a great way to see how a strategist approaches problems.

However, a significant number of creative agencies I work with don't ask for a task stage. Instead, they are relying on rigorous interview questions to probe around skills and approaches - so it's super important to prepare thoroughly for what can seemingly be a nice "get-to-know-you chat"

With this in mind, here's a breakdown of some common interview questions you might encounter as a strategist, and how to prepare for them.

1. "Describe a campaign strategy that didn't go as planned and how you adapted." They're not just probing for failure here; they're interested in your resilience and problem-solving skills. Share a candid example and focus on the learning outcomes and the strategic pivot you executed.

2. "How do you balance creativity with data-driven decisions?" This is your moment to shine as a hybrid thinker. Discuss how you blend creative intuition with analytics to inform strategies that resonate on both an emotional and empirical level.

3. "Can you walk us through your process for understanding and segmenting target audiences?" Here, detail is your ally. Outline your approach to market research, and persona development, and how you translate these insights into actionable strategies.

Remember, it's not just what you say; it's how you say it.

Keep your responses concise, packed with value, and reflective of your strategic approach.

Don't forget to weave in those personal stories that showcase your unique approach and be clear about the value you added vs the broader agency team.

if you are interested in exploring Strategy jobs in London, please get in touch. As a specialist in strategy and planning recruitment I always have a number of Strategy jobs and Planning roles across Advertising, Production and Media Agencies in London and beyond.