Instacart Off-Platform Data Media Planning Strategist Interview Guide

The Off-Platform Data Media Planning Strategist role at Instacart is responsible for driving strategic media planning, leveraging Instacart’s data and measurement solutions, and collaborating with key internal and external stakeholders such as sales teams, agencies, and platform partners. Below is a comprehensive overview of the interview process for this role, based on experiences shared by candidates.

Interview Process Overview

1. Recruiter Screening:

Initial Call:

The first step in the interview process typically involves an introductory call with a recruiter. During this conversation, the recruiter will assess your background, discuss the role’s responsibilities, and evaluate your fit for the team. Expect questions related to your experience in media planning, data analytics, and client relationship management.

• Example Question: “Can you describe a time when you developed a media strategy using data-driven insights? How did you measure its success?”

The recruiter may also explain the role’s logistics, including compensation, expectations, and the next steps in the process.

2. Technical and Analytical Interview:

Media Planning and Data Insights:

In this round, you’ll likely be asked about your media planning experience, particularly in the context of off-platform strategies. The interviewer will assess your ability to leverage first-party transaction data, audience segmentation, and measurement solutions. You may also be asked to analyze case studies or datasets to understand how to optimize media strategies.

• Example Question: “How would you use Instacart’s data to build a targeted media plan for a brand that wants to increase product awareness among high-value customers?”

Expect to demonstrate your understanding of media activation, data taxonomy, and audience targeting. The interview may also involve a practical case or scenario where you need to provide a strategic response to a Request for Proposal (RFP).

3. Strategy and Problem-Solving Case:

Business Strategy Application:

This interview round typically focuses on your ability to apply strategic thinking and data insights to real-world business problems. You may be given a business case related to how Instacart can better serve its clients with data-driven media strategies.

• Example Case: “Instacart wants to launch a new product targeting millennial shoppers. How would you design a media plan to activate this demographic using Instacart’s data?”

The interviewer will want to assess how you structure your approach, how you prioritize different types of media, and how you would track and measure success.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration Interview:

Collaboration with Internal Teams:

This round assesses your ability to work with internal stakeholders such as the sales team, product marketing, and engineering. You will likely be asked how you collaborate with others to align media plans with broader business goals.

• Example Question: “How would you collaborate with the sales team to create a media plan that aligns with both brand objectives and data capabilities?”

You may also be asked to describe a time when you successfully managed relationships with external agencies or platform partners to achieve shared objectives.

5. Final Round with Leadership:

Vision and Strategic Fit:

In the final round, you will meet with senior leadership to discuss your vision for the team and the broader product design strategy. Expect to be asked about your long-term goals for the customer-facing design experience and how you align your work with the company’s mission and values.

• Example Question: “How do you see the future of data-driven media planning evolving, and how would you lead Instacart’s efforts in this area?”

Be prepared to discuss how your past experiences align with Instacart’s mission, especially in data-driven media and client engagement.

Key Skills Instacart Looks For

1. Media Planning Expertise:

A strong understanding of media planning is essential, including experience with programmatic buying, audience segmentation, and measurement solutions. You should be comfortable working with complex datasets to create media strategies that drive business results.

• Example Question: “What factors do you consider when building a media plan for a new product launch?“

2. Data Analytics and Measurement:

Experience with data measurement tools and the ability to interpret data trends to drive media strategies is crucial. Instacart looks for candidates who can leverage first-party data to craft highly effective media plans.

• Example Question: “How do you use first-party transaction data to create media strategies for advertisers?“

3. Client Relationship Management:

This role requires excellent client-facing skills. Instacart values candidates who can effectively manage relationships with brands, platform partners, and agencies, ensuring that media plans align with client goals.

• Example Question: “Describe a situation where you had to manage a complex relationship with a brand or agency. How did you handle expectations and deliver results?“

4. Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving:

Strong strategic thinking is necessary for this role, particularly when it comes to designing data-driven media plans and understanding how they align with broader business objectives. You should be able to quickly assess complex problems and come up with creative solutions.

• Example Question: “How do you prioritize competing media strategies and decide where to focus your efforts?“

5. Communication and Presentation Skills:

The ability to present and communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders is key. Instacart seeks candidates who are skilled in storytelling and can make data insights actionable for clients and internal teams.

• Example Question: “Tell me about a time when you had to present a complex media strategy to a senior client. How did you structure your message?”

Example Interview Questions

Data and Media Strategy:

• “How would you use data to develop a media plan that maximizes brand exposure across multiple platforms?”
• “Describe how you would build a strategy to target a specific demographic using both Instacart’s data and third-party tools.”

Client and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• “Tell me about a time when you worked with multiple stakeholders to deliver a media campaign. How did you ensure alignment across teams?”
• “How would you handle a situation where a client requests a media plan that is outside the scope of available data?”

Behavioral and Leadership:

• “How do you approach managing a team that is responsible for complex data-driven media plans?”
• “Can you describe a time when you disagreed with a client or a partner on a media strategy? How did you handle the disagreement?”

Tips for Preparation

1. Understand Instacart’s Data:

Familiarize yourself with Instacart’s first-party transaction data and measurement solutions. Understanding how data-driven insights can be applied to media planning is essential for this role.

2. Brush Up on Media Planning:

Review the principles of media buying, audience segmentation, and programmatic advertising. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used these methods in previous roles.

3. Prepare for Case Studies:

Practice solving media strategy case studies, focusing on how you would use data to make decisions and measure success.

4. Know the CPG Landscape:

Given Instacart’s focus on grocery delivery, having an understanding of the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry and how media planning applies to it will be helpful.

5. Showcase Client Management Experience:

Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed client relationships, including how you’ve handled challenging situations and met client expectations.