« Week 02 » Prep for Product Management Interviews!
Earlier, I planned to write this week about different metrics and frameworks or models for decision making. But then I realised two things:
There are PLENTY of models, albeit they cannot be covered in a single letter. So, I have restructured this weekly newsletter! (More on this, at the end.)
There is a closely related topic to cover, the PM interviews!
So, let's talk about Product Management interviews!
PM interviews are very similar to analyst interviews, in a sense that they also test candidater’ ability to think and communicate. But, PM interviews can have various questions like analytical, behavioural, product strategy, product design, estimation, and technical. Not only are there a variety of question types, but PM interviews can also take many forms, with some of those being take-home case studies, in-person interviews, and whiteboard coding assessments.
For the last few days, I searched and researched about the PM Interviews. Specifically, I learned about the product interview in FAANG. These are the following categories of questions which are asked in the PM interviews or in general, any interviews:
HR Questions
In this category of questions, the interviewer asks about candidates experience or give a hypothetical organisational scenario to test leadership and behavioural traits. Everyone has unique personality traits, and every role requires unique skillsets. Moreover, organisations tend to have a diverse workforce. So, the answers to these questions are very subjective. One should be genuine and honest about the experiences.
PM Questions
These questions revolve around the product. The product is often a digital application, but the candidate may be asked about a physical product too. There is a range of questions in this category, ranging from designing a product to identifying the metric for measuring a specific product feature. Apart from knowledge of the "product management" world, the candidate is also tested for their creative approach and logical thinking.
Case Studies
As discussed in the previous editions, case studies give a defined business setup and ask the candidate for the desired solution. Here, the candidate is tested for their knowledge of the "business and market" world. The interviewer mainly focuses on the structured approach to solving the case and presenting the solution.
Estimation
In these kinds of questions, the candidate is required to guess a certain quantity. For example, think the number of ping pong balls which would fit inside the sun; or, guess the number of active credit cards users in India. This tests the candidate's ability to perform under pressure. Also, it requires the candidate to think in a structured way, make necessary assumptions, and do quick arithmetic to get to the solution. However, the candidate is NEVER judged for the accuracy of the calculated value.
Puzzle
These are brain teaser questions, which test the candidate's wit and creative approach to problem-solving. One must not panic if they don't find the solution at one go, as they can try multiple approaches to solving the problem. Candidate should always communicate their thinking approach with the interviewer.
Depending upon the position of the job, there can be other types of questions as well. However, any interview gravitates towards one core idea - structured thinking. One should approach the problem with an open mind, to enhance creative thinking. Also, while solving the problem, communicate your logical approach with the interviewer. Finally, conclude with presenting the solution encapsulating the main highlights of the journey.
Now, coming back to the decision making models! From the next edition of the newsletter, we will have two sections, viz. Learning and Practicing
Learn
Concepts
Decision-making model
Metrics for product
Improving soft skills
Articles
An article around analyst preparation
An industry overview
A piece of biz-tech news
Practice
Analytical
Quantitative Test
Estimation Guess
Puzzle
Critical Analysis Based
Case Study
PM Question
HR Question
I would suggest you follow the method of "make slight changes while practising". Changes can be done on Distribution Model (B2B vs B2C), Industry (Fintech, Agriculture, Ed-tech, Textile, etc.), Time (15 mins, 30 mins, 45 mins). Also, I would like you to have a small group (2-5 members) who would keep the check on progress.
Feel free to drop me a mail for any suggestions or ideas!
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