PM interview: where to start your preparation and is there a shortcut?
We have a cozy channel FAANG Product for the Russian-Ukrainian-speaking audience where we share what type of questions are asked during the PM interviews. And as a group, we’re trying to keep up the list of questions spread by topics.
However, the question list is enormous and definitely can be overwhelming. I bet if you will answer and work on every each of them, you’ll make it through the interview with good chances. I also know that long lists are intimidating, and it’s hard to go through them.
That’s why I propose to those who like to cut corners more straightforward solution rather than going through the list:
- To understand the type of questions asked, read the Cracking PMs Interview book.
- Suppose you’re looking for an entry position / junior position focus on product design questions. It would help if you answered those the best.
- The following topics are basic technical knowledge and execution (=running sprints and executing the product feature’s delivery).
So please read the book; it’s pretty simple, will give you an idea about what PM world is all about and how to present yourself during the first phone screen interview.
Then practice, practice, practice: everywhere, try to find any object around you and think how you can make it better and for what purpose. I’m sitting in front of my window with this ‘architectural mess’ in front of me (see pic below).
As you can see, my ‘thingy,’ which carries all of the pens and paper crap, is not fixed to the table. 😤 Agony. This is because you need to buy the fixator things separately, which I, of course, didn’t do (as probably 80% of people who are buying it).
SO what could be better? Maybe a ready-made preset of organizers which customers can order? Perhaps some specific organizers to target bundle sales (table + chair + get your organizer)? I mean, seriously, I would even be happy with email follow-up (=upsell of secondary products) to buy this thing with fixator elements. Anything actually to help me buy them: it’s tough to find on the vast IKEA site this item (and to be honest, I know no word for it in any language). Find an item, mobile app, website, milk — any product and try to think in the CIRCLE method or Lean/Business Model canvas method.
It gets better with practice. The first you will do it may take a lot of time, but the next iterations will be faster and faster.
Don’t be afraid to do mocks (= mock-up interviews). The more times you fail, the more you learn.
Practice your product design questions and then read and try to practice basic tech knowledge and execution. Those skills are easier learned while working on a specific project (i.e., while working on products with a lot of integration, you will understand APIs). But in case you have no experience, learn how the interview works, browsers, the network protocols, why and what is the hell the cookies 🍪🍪🍪 etc.
During the execution interview, be ready to explain delivery from end-to-end: how would you kick-off the project, how would you deliver to the theme, what is the desired result, how would you build requirements from it, would you do concept testing, would you not do it, designs, iterations, backlog sessions, demos, user feedback, launch readiness, KPIs, data gathering, improvements…and so on. You need to explain the entire cycle of product development and how you would participate in it. Note here: make sure you’re not making all the decisions by yourself; remember that collaboration and enabling your team to make good decisions are vital to being a great PM and leader 😉.
While you’re answering questions about tech and execution, don’t be afraid to use ELI5 (“Explain Like I’m 5.” The five refers to a five-year-old child, the implication being that the person requesting the explanation has a limited or naive understanding of the issue). The smartest things can be explained in very simple words and metaphors when you know the subject well.
So, in a nutshell, if you want a shortcut for preparation or at least a way to start:
- read cracking PMs interview book
- do mock-up interviews on product design questions
- work on your basic tech knowledge and execution
Focus on these top three before going further in strategy, interview math (unit economics, income statement, etc.). Good luck to you!
🚀 Remember, all is possible, and limits are just in our heads.
