Prepare for your Senior Account Executive interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
This question can help the interviewer determine if you’re comfortable with a sales technique that’s often seen as challenging. If you are, share how you overcame any discomfort and how you plan to continue doing so in your new role.
Answer Example: "Absolutely. Cold calling is a great way to reach out to potential clients and introduce myself and my company. I’ve found that most people are happy to take a call from a salesperson, especially if they haven’t been contacted by one in awhile. I also use cold calling as an opportunity to learn more about potential clients and what they’re looking for in an account executive. This helps me create personalized pitches that are more likely to resonate with them."
Closing a sale is an important part of being an account executive. Employers ask this question to learn more about your sales techniques and how you plan to use them in their organization. Before your interview, think of a few strategies you’ve used in the past to help clients make a purchase.
Answer Example: "I find that the most effective method for closing a sale is to build a strong relationship with the client. I like to meet with them in person whenever possible so they can get to know me and trust me as their account executive. This has helped me close many deals because the client feels more comfortable working with me. In addition to in-person meetings, I also like to use messaging apps like Skype or WhatsApp to stay in touch with clients."
Account executives often have to deal with rejection from clients. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills needed to handle difficult situations. In your answer, show the interviewer that you can remain professional even when faced with rejection.
Answer Example: "I understand that it can be frustrating when a client doesn’t want to work with us. However, I always try to approach these situations in a positive way. I believe that if we work hard enough, we can convince the client to change their mind. In my previous role, I had a client who refused to work with us for months. I kept in contact with them and eventually got them to change their mind."
This question is an opportunity to show your expertise in the field of marketing and advertising. Use examples from previous roles where you helped develop and execute successful marketing plans for clients.
Answer Example: "In my last role as a senior account executive, I was responsible for developing and executing all aspects of the company’s marketing plan. I worked closely with the marketing team to create effective campaigns that met our client’s needs and goals. We would then monitor the progress of each campaign to make sure we were meeting expectations. If there were any changes or updates needed, I would work with the team to ensure we were providing the best possible service."
Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you handle challenges. When answering, it can be helpful to choose a example that highlights your ability to solve problems, collaborate with others and achieve success.
Answer Example: "In my previous role as a senior account executive, I had a client who was looking to expand their business into new markets. They wanted to do so by creating an online presence, but they had concerns about the cost of doing so. After discussing their concerns with them, I suggested a few different strategies they could use to create a website without having to spend a lot of money."
This question can help interviewers understand how you interact with clients and ensure they’re satisfied with your work. Use examples from previous roles where you helped clients understand products or services they were unfamiliar with, or explained details about a service they were using.
Answer Example: "I always make sure to provide clients with as much information as they need about our products and services. If they have questions about something, I will answer them thoroughly and in a way that makes sense to them. In my last position, I had a client who was new to our company and didn’t know much about our services. They had several questions about what we offered and how we could help them. I met with them in person so we could discuss their concerns in depth."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and collaborate with others. Your answer should show that you are willing to speak up when necessary and willing to help your team members improve their work habits.
Answer Example: "If I were working with a team member who was consistently late or failed to complete their tasks, I would first try to have a conversation with them about it. If they were late, I would ask them why and offer to help them find solutions to ensure they are on time in the future. If they were failing to complete tasks, I would help them develop an action plan for how to get things done."
Account executives often have multiple clients and projects to manage at once. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the organizational skills and time management skills necessary to handle a busy schedule. In your answer, explain how you plan your days to avoid feeling overwhelmed by your workload. Share some strategies that have helped you manage stress in the past.
Answer Example: "I am a very organized person, which helps me stay on track with my deadlines and goals. I also use calendar apps like Google Calendar or Trello to keep track of my tasks and meetings. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I am able to meet all of my deadlines. In addition, I try to avoid taking on too many projects at once. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take on multiple projects at once, but I make sure to prioritize each project so that they all get done."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience working with a variety of clients and how you adapt to different industries. Use examples from your past to show that you are willing to learn new things, adapt to different cultures and work with people from different backgrounds.
Answer Example: "In my previous role as an account executive, I worked with clients from a variety of industries, including retail, hospitality and healthcare. Each industry has its own unique challenges when it comes to advertising, so I make sure to learn as much as I can about each industry so I can provide the best possible service. In one instance, I was working with a retail client who wanted to increase their online sales. After researching their target audience, I suggested we focus on social media advertising since most of their customers were millennials. We implemented a social media advertising plan and saw an increase in online sales."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your knowledge of a company’s products or services to help clients see their value. Use examples from past experiences where you helped clients understand why they need a product or service, how it can benefit them and how it improves their business.
Answer Example: "When selling a product or service, I believe in demonstrating its value by first understanding what the client needs. I ask questions to gain insight into their goals and objectives, then use that information to provide solutions that meet their needs. Next, I explain the benefits of the product or service and how it can help them achieve their goals. Finally, I provide proof of success stories from other clients who have used the product or service in similar ways. By taking this step-by-step approach, I am able to effectively sell products and services while ensuring that the client gets what they need."
Social media is an important tool for marketing, and the interviewer wants to make sure you have experience using these tools. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of social media marketing and how it has helped your previous clients.
Answer Example: "I’m very familiar with using social media marketing tools. In my current role as a Senior Account Executive, I manage all of our company’s social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I also create content for these platforms on a regular basis. For example, I recently created a series of videos for our YouTube channel that have received thousands of views."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach writing and what your style is. Your answer should include an example of a marketing piece you wrote, including the purpose of the piece and what style you used.
Answer Example: "I have a very clear and concise writing style that helps my clients understand the message I’m trying to convey. When writing marketing materials, I always make sure to use simple language that anyone can understand. I also try to use vivid imagery and metaphors to help the reader visualize what we’re offering. For example, in one recent project, I wrote an email newsletter for a client where I described their product as being like a ‘bright light in a dark room.’ This helped the customer identify with the product and feel like they were getting something special."
Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any transferable skills or knowledge you have.
Answer Example: "I am an ideal candidate for a senior account executive position because I have extensive experience in the advertising industry. I’ve been working as an account executive for five years now, so I know all the ins and outs of the job. I also have a strong work ethic that has helped me develop strong relationships with clients. My goal is always to provide them with excellent service and results."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how it may relate to their company. Use this opportunity to highlight any unique skills or abilities you have that would be beneficial to their organization.
Answer Example: "I’ve worked in both consumer and business-to-business marketing for my entire career, which has given me a wide range of skills. I’m comfortable writing copy for both print and digital media, as well as creating graphics for social media. I also have experience managing accounts with multiple stakeholders, which is important in a team environment like this."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and traits needed for success in this role. Use your answer to highlight a few of the most important traits, and explain why they are so important.
Answer Example: "I think the most important trait for a successful senior account executive is being able to work well with others. A successful account executive needs to be able to collaborate with clients, other departments and teams, and other account executives. I have experience doing this in my previous roles, and I find it helps me create better campaigns and solutions for my clients."
This question can help the interviewer understand your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. It’s important to be honest about your ambitions, but also realistic about what you can achieve in this role.
Answer Example: "I see myself growing within this role quite often. I am an ambitious person who is always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn. I have an extensive network of contacts within the industry, so I plan on using those connections to help me rise through the ranks at this company. My ultimate goal is to become an Account Director, but I am willing to start at the bottom and work my way up."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and whether you have experience handling it. Use examples from past experiences where you helped resolve a conflict between team members or worked with them to find a solution.
Answer Example: "I would first try to get both sides of the story, then I would meet with each person separately to understand their perspective. After I’ve gathered all the information, I would bring them together to discuss the issue and help them come up with a solution. In my experience, it’s best to allow team members to work out their own problems rather than stepping in immediately."
