Preparing for the Interview

Embarking on the journey of preparing for product manager interviews can be both exciting and daunting. To set yourself up for success, follow these essential tips:

1. Strategize Your Applications: Pace yourself and avoid interviewing at too many companies simultaneously. Limit your focus to 2-3 companies at a time to ensure you give each opportunity the attention it deserves.

2. Allocate Ample Preparation Time: As you progress to the final rounds, be ready for full-day onsite interviews. Dedicate several hours of preparation for each onsite session to build confidence and familiarity with the process.

3. Practice Makes Perfect: Regardless of your experience, taking the time to practice and rehearse your stories beforehand is vital. It significantly enhances your performance during interviews.

4. Diversify Practice Opportunities: Initiate your preparation by practicing with a few companies that you are not overly invested in. It will serve as valuable practice for interviews you care deeply about.

5. Engage in Mock Interviews: Conduct practice interviews with friends who hold product manager roles. Their feedback and insights can be invaluable in refining your interview skills. You can practice mock interview on Refer Me with our Mock Interviewing Tool (opens in a new tab).

The Product Manager Interview Structure

Understanding the typical product manager interview structure helps you prepare for the different stages of the process:

1. Recruiter Phone Screen: This initial phase involves discussing your experience and getting you ready for the subsequent stages of the interview process.

2. Initial Phone Screen: Depending on the company, you will undergo 1-2 interviews, usually conducted over phone or video. Expect questions related to product sense or execution.

3. Final Onsite (Virtual During COVID-19): For this stage, there will be 3-5 interviews conducted in person (or virtually, as per pandemic guidelines). These interviews typically cover three main areas:

   • Product Sense: Assessing your ability to think strategically about products, their market impact and your product creativity.
   • Execution: Evaluating how you approach the practical implementation of product initiatives and prioritize goals/metrics.
   • Behavioral/Leadership: Understanding your interpersonal skills and leadership qualities.

4. Additional Areas of Focus: While most companies prioritize the above three areas, some, like Roblox, Google, or Cruise, may include technical questions. Also be prepared for potential "product strategy" questions, which align closely with product sense inquiries.

5. Cross-Functional Interviews: As you progress in your career, expect interviews that involve interactions with various teams, such as engineering, design, and operations. Demonstrating your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams is essential for senior roles and one of the most underrated skills in product management (or any career).

By following these preparation strategies and understanding the interview structure, you'll enhance your chances of acing product manager interviews and landing your dream role. Remember, preparation and practice are the keys to success!