Chapter 1: The Interview Challenge

Regardless of your experience level, job interviews can trigger significant anxiety. Here’s how to secure that coveted offer.

Photo by Van Tay Media on Unsplash

It’s a March evening in 2020, and I find myself facing five product interviews in the coming week. Despite having three years of experience in product management, I’m feeling unusually anxious due to the uncertainty surrounding what to anticipate during the interviews.

One company requested that I "prepare for a case study" without offering further details. Another expected a sample roadmap, but I felt underprepared due to my unfamiliarity with their specific industry. The remaining companies only provided the names of my interviewers. In my search for product manager interview advice, I mostly stumbled upon niche articles focused solely on interviewing for tech giants like Facebook or Google.

Why Do Product Manager Interviews Cause Anxiety?

I’m not alone in feeling this way; my most frequently asked request is for a guide on interviewing for product roles. Regardless of whether you’re an experienced professional or a newcomer, product manager interviews—particularly at renowned tech firms—can be daunting. I’ve hesitated to create this guide because each company has its unique interview approach, making it difficult to offer generalized advice. So, how does one prepare for interviews when the expectations remain unclear?

Throughout my career, there have been phases where I interviewed extensively for product roles. Most recently, in spring 2020, I participated in 32 interviews across 16 different companies over a span of 10 weeks. This repetitive practice revealed several effective strategies for preparing for product interviews, even amidst uncertainty.

#### 1. Master Your Frameworks

Exceptional product managers are not solely defined by their project execution skills. They set themselves apart by their problem-solving approaches, creativity, and decision-making capabilities. During my interviews, I seek to understand candidates’ thought processes. How do they tackle challenges with limited data? What informs their decision-making? While expertise in the specific industry is not a prerequisite, I value the ability to navigate through problems and justify their decisions.

There are numerous product management frameworks available. Instead of trying to memorize every one of them, focus on two or three that resonate with you and practice applying them to past challenges or potential scenarios within the company you’re interviewing for.

When I was interviewing in 2020, I developed two personal frameworks that helped clarify my product management approach, leading to my first articles: "The Three Most Important Questions in Product Management" and "The Three Principles for Product Success."

#### 2. Understand the Four Mindsets of Product Management

Product management is a multifaceted role requiring a diverse skill set. A few years ago, I came across Ken Sandy’s Four Mindsets model, which helped me categorize product management into four distinct personas: Explorer, Analyst, Challenger, and Evangelist.

In preparation for my interviews, I sought examples from my past experiences that illustrated each mindset, enabling me to effectively demonstrate the range of my skills to interviewers. This framework also highlighted areas for improvement, guiding my study plan.

#### 3. Immerse Yourself in Product Management

There’s no shortage of resources—books, articles, podcasts, and courses—dedicated to product management. I’m often surprised by how few product managers actively engage with these materials. During interviews, I frequently ask candidates about their favorite product management resources. There’s no right or wrong answer; I’m simply assessing their curiosity and commitment to learning.

Admittedly, I only began studying product management in depth three years ago, and now it’s integrated into my daily routine. I read articles on platforms like Built In and Medium, listen to "The Product Podcast" and "This Is Product Management," and participate in local events hosted by organizations like the Boston Product Management Association. Dedicating at least half an hour each day to research can solidify your foundational knowledge and boost your confidence.

#### 4. Leverage Your Network

After being laid off, I stepped out of my comfort zone and reached out to seven former PM colleagues for interview advice. Their insights were invaluable; one even provided me with a worksheet that remains a staple in my preparation.

These PMs shared how they evaluate candidates and what qualities they prioritize, shaping my overall interview strategy and focus.

#### 5. Dig Deeper into the Company’s Challenges

While it’s essential to research the companies where you’re interviewing, I encourage you to take it a step further. Consider these questions:

• Who is the product’s target customer?
• Why would they choose this product?
• What might deter them from using a competitor’s offering?
• How do customers define success?
• How does the product team measure success?

Take time to reflect on these questions and jot down your thoughts. It’s perfectly fine if your assumptions turn out to be incorrect; the goal is to adopt the mindset of the product’s PM before your interview begins.

#### 6. Know Your Values and Be Prepared to Walk Away

A significant challenge in pursuing a product management role is understanding your core values and being willing to decline opportunities that don’t align with them. The allure of product roles, especially at major tech firms, can lead candidates to accept offers simply to gain entry into the industry.

From personal experience, working on products or within organizations that don’t resonate with your values can be draining. Use this guide to assess whether the product and company you’re considering align with your principles.

The Takeaway

Incorporating these six strategies into my interview preparation transformed my experience. Instead of feeling anxious about having the perfect responses, I engaged in meaningful conversations with interviewers and gained insights into the role and company culture. When faced with tough questions, I drew upon my experiences, research, and practice to respond thoughtfully.

Most importantly, this thorough preparation instilled confidence in my ability to articulate my product management skills. With diligent preparation, I believe you can achieve similar results as well.

This article was originally published on Built In.

Chapter 2: Interview Preparation Videos

To further assist you in your preparation, here are two helpful videos.

This video titled "How to get a Product Manager offer! - How I prepare for Product Management interviews" offers valuable insights on securing product management positions.

In "How to prepare for product manager interviews," you’ll find practical tips and strategies to enhance your interview readiness.