Nidhi Sarda

Social listening is crucial for brand perception as it acts like a digital ear to the ground. It's not just about tracking mentions; it's a way to deeply understand customer sentiments and reactions. By analyzing conversations, comments, and feedback across social platforms, businesses can pinpoint customer pain points, preferences, and overall sentiment towards their brand. This real-time insight is invaluable for adapting marketing strategies, improving products or services, and ultimately shaping a brand that resonates positively with its audience. In essence, social listening offers a dynamic lens through which a brand can see and improve itself from the customer's perspective.

Brand perception is a holistic view of what people feel and think about a brand. It encompasses every interaction and experience that customers and the general public have with the brand. A brand that consistently communicates in an authentic, relatable manner and delivers on its promises creates a positive perception. On the other hand, inconsistent messaging or failure to uphold brand values can lead to a negative public image. For ex: Facing criticism in 2009, Domino's in the U.S. openly admitted the issues and revamped their recipe. This honest approach, combined with transparent marketing, positively transformed their brand perception, leading to improved customer reviews and increased sales.

Leverage Transferable Skills: Highlight skills from previous experiences that are applicable to brand strategy. For example, if you have a background in graphic design, emphasize how this has honed your understanding of visual branding elements. Discuss Related Achievements: Mention any achievements in other fields that demonstrate relevant skills. Provide Fresh Perspectives: Emphasize the advantage of your fresh outlook. Share unique ideas or insights about the industry or the company’s brand, illustrating how your new perspective can contribute positively.

Confidence in your abilities, even if not directly related to brand strategy, can be compelling. At the same time, honesty about your experience level shows integrity and a willingness to learn and grow. If asked about direct experience you don't have, confidently redirect to related experiences you do have. For instance, if you haven't worked in brand strategy, but have experience in market research, discuss how those skills are transferable. All you need to show is a willingness to learn. Many companies appreciate that more than anything!

Asking smart questions not only shows your interest but also your ability to think strategically about brand management. Questions could be about the company's brand positioning challenges, recent successful campaigns, or how they measure brand equity. For instance, you might ask, "How does the company measure the success of its brand positioning in its primary market?"

Focus on the skills and knowledge you do have that are relevant to brand strategy. This can include skills like critical thinking, creativity, market analysis, or any past experiences that required similar competencies. If you've taken a course in marketing or have experience with data analysis, discuss how these skills can be beneficial in understanding market trends and consumer behavior, which are crucial in brand strategy. My first switch was from software development to account management in digital ads company! In the interview I consistently gave examples of brand strategy and share my thoughts on what's working for which brand. And yes, it worked - I got the job!