Blog Name:
Notes From Jasmine
Blog Topic and Description:
This blog shares personal experiences, career advice, and creative insights from the perspective of a student-turned-marketing-professional. My goal is to offer helpful, real-world tips for others looking to break into marketing and communications, especially through internships and early career opportunities.
Target Audience and Frequency:
This blog is written for college students, recent graduates, and young professionals interested in marketing, advertising, and career development. I will be posting once a week, every Wednesday.
When I was interviewing for my marketing internship, I was beyond nervous. I wanted the role badly and it was my first interview after over 100 applications, but I also knew I had to find a way to stand out among other candidates.
During my internship, the Director of Marketing told me I actually gave the best interview they had seen among all the intern candidates. Hearing that was both surprising and incredibly rewarding. It made me realize there were a few key things that helped me make a strong impression, and today I want to share those with you.
Here is what helped me succeed:
- I did real research, not just a quick Google search.
Before the interview, I spent time learning about the company’s mission, recent marketing campaigns, and even the people I might be working with. I did not just memorize facts. I thought about how my skills could connect to the work they were already doing. - I came prepared with examples.
For every skill they might ask about, such as communication, creativity, or teamwork, I had a real story ready to share. Instead of just saying “I am a good communicator,” I explained, “In a recent project, I led our group meetings and helped organize everyone’s tasks to keep us on schedule.” - I focused on showing my mindset, not just my resume.
They already had my resume in front of them. What mattered more was showing how I think, how I learn, and how I approach challenges. I made sure to talk about times when I adapted to new situations, solved problems creatively, and stayed motivated even when things got tough. - I practiced answering common questions out loud.
Some of the questions I prepared for included:
“Why do you want to work here?”
“Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work or school.”
“How do you prioritize when you have multiple deadlines?”
“What marketing campaign has recently caught your eye and why?”
Practicing my answers helped me sound more natural and confident. I was able to think clearly without sounding scripted or getting stuck in the moment.
- I asked thoughtful questions that opened up real conversations.
One of the best ways to leave a strong final impression is to ask good questions. During my interview, I asked questions like:
“What is something you have accomplished recently that you are proud of?”
“Can you describe a project the team has recently worked on and how someone in my role might have contributed?”
“Is there anything on my resume that you are curious about?”
That last question made a huge difference. It gave the interviewers a chance to bring up something they wanted to know more about or possibly even had doubts about. In my case, it led to a fun conversation about my experience working at a preschool. What could have been just a random line on my resume turned into a way to show my personality, my communication skills, and my ability to adapt to different environments.
Asking thoughtful questions shows that you are engaged. Asking personal, open-ended questions can also help you leave a lasting impression.
Final advice:
Take the interview seriously, but do not be afraid. Do your research, know your stories, and show them who you are.
You do not need to have every single answer prepared. You just need to show that you are someone worth investing in.
Jasmine Castillo Portfolio 