mastering the product interview
TRANSCRIPT
Part-time Product Management Courses in Silicon Valley, New York and Los Angeles
www.productschool.com
MASTERING THE PRODUCT INTERVIEW
June 22, 2017Dan CorbinSr. Director of Product ManagementReturn Path
Dan CorbinSr. Director of Product ManagementReturn [email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcorbin
LEARNING OBJECTIVES‣The types of questions to expect‣Best ways to prep for a Product Manager interview ‣Do's and Don'ts for the actual interview ‣Additional Resources
MASTERING THE PRODUCT INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
MASTERING THE PRODUCT INTERVIEW
PRODUCT VISION QUESTIONS
PRODUCT VISION QUESTIONS
● What’s your favorite product? ● What’s your favorite app?Sample Questions Include:
● How would design a bookcase for children?● How would you improve Microsoft PowerPoint?
PRODUCT VISION QUESTIONSUSING THE CIRCLES METHOD
THE CIRCLES METHOD
Comprehend the situationRemember the 3 W’s and the H:1. What is it?2. Who is it for?3. Why do they need it?4. How does it work?
Identify the customer
THE CIRCLES METHOD
Report the customer’s needsAs a <user> I want <goal/desire> so that <benefit>.
THE CIRCLES METHOD
Cut, through prioritization● Review the customer needs you identified and then narrow
the list done to just one● Explain the prioritization process● Be data driven
THE CIRCLES METHOD
List solutions● Now you can discuss solutions…● Think Big● Have at least three ideas
THE CIRCLES METHOD
Evaluate trade-offs● Define your trade-off criteria● Analyze, criticize, and critique your solutions
THE CIRCLES METHOD
Summarize your recommendation● Choose which product or service you’d recommend.● Recap why your solution is the most beneficial● Show your product vision
THE CIRCLES METHODComprehend the situationIdentify the customer
Cut, through prioritizationReport the customer’s needs
List solutionsEvaluate trade-offsSummarize your recommendation
MASTERING THE PRODUCT INTERVIEW
BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS
BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONSSample Questions Include:
● Describe a technical problem you had and how you solved it.● Describe a time you had to motivate employees or
co-workers● Tell me about a time you showed initiative● Tell me about a time you built a team
BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONSAnswer behavioral questions with a story!
How to tell a great story:● Be specific● Talk about how your role in the story● Paint a picture with vivid details
Credit: Charles Du - Mastering The Product Interview
ALERT!!!Right before you answer a behavioral question is the
perfect time to ask:
“What are the top three qualities you look for in an ideal candidate?”
Credit: Charles Du - Mastering The Product Interview
MASTERING THE PRODUCT INTERVIEW
INSTRUCTIONAL QUESTIONS
INSTRUCTIONAL QUESTIONS
Sample Questions Include:
● How do you make a cup of coffee?● How would you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?● How do you iron a shirt?● How would you teach someone to brush their teeth?
INSTRUCTIONAL QUESTIONSINGREDIENTS OF THE PERFECT INSTRUCTIONAL ANSWER:
● STRUCTURE○ Demonstrates you’re organized and can devise a plan to your goal
● DETAIL○ Include specific metrics to show you are clear with directions and also data driven
● FEEDBACK○ Continue to gather info as you iterate○ Ask interviewer if they need any clarifications
MASTERING THE PRODUCT INTERVIEW
ESTIMATION QUESTIONS
ESTIMATION QUESTIONS
Sample Questions Include:
● How many bottles of shampoo are produced in the world a year?
● How much should you charge to wash all the windows in Seattle?
● How many square feet of pizza are eaten everyday in the US?
ESTIMATION QUESTIONSTHREE TIPS FOR ANSWERING ESTIMATION QUESTIONS:
● ASK CLARIFYING QUESTIONS○ Demonstrates you’re organized and can devise a plan to your goal
● ESTIMATION○ Write down assumptions and variables○ Then create your formula
● OPTIMIZATION○ Brainstorm edge cases and adjust formula accordingly
MASTERING THE PRODUCT INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Step 1: Interview Prep● Understand the product
● Review the full product suite of the company
● Know the competitors● Customers and Market● Revenue● Love and Hate● Metrics
RECOMMENDED READING
RECOMMENDED TRAININGMaster the Product Manager Interview
by Charles Du
ADDITIONAL RESOURCESInterview PrepChecklist: Prepare for the Product Manager InterviewAnswering The Metrics Interview QuestionHow To Ace Your Product Management InterviewThe Ultimate Product Manager Interview Cheat SheetHow to Hire a Product ManagerSample QuestionsThe PM InterviewUltimate List of PM Interview Questions70 Product Manager Interview Questions10 Of The Hardest Product Management Question Microsoft Will Ask In A Job Interview4 Common Questions Asked in a Product Management InterviewFive Stellar Questions for an Interviewee to Ask in a Product Management InterviewThe Ultimate Guide to PM Interview Questions
Strategies and Advice for Landing the InterviewHow I got my first Valley-based Product Management job in 5 WeeksWhat kind of side projects could I do to become a product manager?Find, Vet and Close the Best Product ManagersLooking for a Product Management Job? Start HereWhere to find Product Manager Jobs● Indeed● ZipRecruiter● LinkedIn● The Ladders● Careerbuilder● ProductHired
● The Product Jobs● Austin Product Manager
Startup Jobs● Remote PM Jobs● Monster.com
SUMMARY● Do your research and be prepared● Understand the different types of questions you’ll be asked● PRACTICE
● PRACTICE●PRACTICE!
www.productschool.com