Snapchat Product Manager Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Snapchat interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. What are some of the most important factors you consider when prioritizing product development work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Snapchat product managers work to develop product roadmaps and prioritization of specific features for their products. Interviewers ask this question to gain insight into a candidate's thought process during this crucial function of the product manager role.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to indicate that the level of importance of each of the criteria you mention in your answer is relative to the situation involved. For example, the marketing needs of the product of an internal operation may not be as important as the prioritization of marketing-related features of a customer-facing Snapchat app feature.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are several factors to consider when prioritizing product development work. This essential aspect of a product manager's role requires experience, skill, and situational awareness.
Per the Kano Model, I consider the impact of the feature set on customer delight and product function. For example, a particularly exciting feature that is not available in any competitor product is likely to cause a significant jump in usage and satisfaction for Snapchat.
The performance and usability of the solution can be equally important factors to consider. Customers respond poorly when features are slow or too complex to use. Therefore, it is important to balance new features with the technology needed to support them properly. Likewise, teams often need to prioritize the user interaction design features necessary to make their products easy to use.
Also, it is important to understand the market the features expected by the personas within the customer community. A product can fail if the basic features are sacrificed for other complex functionality. Conversely, a product like Snapchat can fail if it does not continually offer innovative features. A balance between the two is necessary.
Finally, some features are necessary to keep a product going. That could include technical debt work, customer support features, operations features, marketing features, etc.
All of these areas are important to consider when prioritizing work. The relative importance of each depends on the history of the product, the strategic plan, the competition, and the technology available. The right answer relies on a product manager's ability to accurately define the value stream and the cost of delay for the features that are not a top priority."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Behavioral
2. What do you consider optimal qualities for members of your teams?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers at Snapchat play critical roles within the cross-functional teams they work in to develop, implement, and support products on behalf of their customers. Interviewers ask this question to determine if a candidate's perspective on optimal team member qualities aligns with the culture of the teams they will be working on.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include examples of qualities you value that align with the culture of Snapchat. Offering your perspective on one or more of their valued employee attributes will contribute to a successful interview.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Flexibility is one of the most important qualities I hope to experience with any member of a team I work on. The rate of change in product development is high, and opportunities are often missed when individuals lack an open mind.
I also appreciate humility and understanding that great ideas can flow from anywhere, regardless of role or title. I respect authority, but I enjoy working on teams where we see each other as equals at a core level and appreciate the diverse and unique backgrounds we all have to contribute. Fostering a comfortable environment where everyone feels safe and inspired to share equally leads to better solutions.
Finally, I appreciate team players who are willing to use their creativity to tackle difficult problems. I have heard that teams at Snapchat are known for this, and I am excited about the possibility of working with talented individuals who understand healthy teamwork dynamics."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Behavioral
3. What is your typical communication style when working with engineers?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Snapchat product managers partner closely with engineers to transform the vision for a solution into a working asset. This process requires a shared understanding of customer needs and technology concepts. Interviewers ask this question to determine if a candidate's communication style matches the teams they will be assigned to.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to discuss your approach to selecting your communication tools and style. Some engineering teams have a culture of communicating mostly through technology, and candidates who can approach communication with understanding and flexibility are valued.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am direct, use active listening skills, and approach all conversations with empathy and humility. I find it helps to foster authenticity. I also lean on metaphors a lot when conversing with engineers. I use them to communicate complex business and customer scenarios, and I use them to demonstrate I am tracking well when we discuss difficult-to-understand technical concepts.
Finally, I like to leverage several tools and am open to shifting depending on the individual. Some engineers are averse to email or the phone and prefer to converse over Slack or other collaboration tools. Others prefer a quick meeting to drive out a plan. I am flexible and roll with whatever works as long as it is a match for the situation at hand and moves us toward our collective goals."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Behavioral
4. If I were to ask one of your current co-workers to describe you in three words, what would they say?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Snapchat works hard to create and maintain a healthy collaborative culture within the cross-functional teams their product managers work in. An interviewer may ask this question to determine if a candidate is a personality fit for the teams they will work with directly.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to scan the posting for the job you are interested in for the personality traits they are seeking in a candidate. Align your response with one or more of those traits if they describe you well. For example, if a company values adaptable individuals, answering with 'agile' or 'flexible' would demonstrate your alignment with their values.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"It might depend on who you ask, but I think all of my coworkers would agree with 'tenacious' because I chase whatever I am assigned with determination. They would also say I am 'direct' because it is my natural communication style. Finally, I think they would say that I am 'light-hearted.' I like to work hard, and I try to inspire others to do the same. However, I enjoy a positive and vulnerable environment in which my teams and I laugh often and do not take ourselves too seriously."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Behavioral
5. What qualities do you seek in mentors?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This behavioral question seeks to understand your learning preferences. Snapchat thrives on teamwork, and interviewers are interested to know that a candidate is concerned with professional growth and understands the value of learning from others.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include a mix of domain-specific and soft skill qualities in your response. Also, consider that the people you instruct or mentor can also be a mentor to you as they can help you become a better teacher.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I seek out a variety of mentors based on their strengths and weaknesses. I first look for mentors who are strong in the specific areas in which I need to grow.
I also seek out mentors who are experts in my field. Sometimes I have the good fortune of working with them directly. I follow others online. I look to them for trend information and I try to better understand their thought processes so that I can grow my strategic and critical thinking skills.
I learn a great deal from the mistakes of my mentors. I enjoy working with mentors who are honest and vulnerable and willing to teach what they have learned through trial and error.
Finally, I consider many of the people I teach or mentor as mentors as well. They offer me the ability to improve upon my teaching style and leadership skills as I grow professionally."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Behavioral
6. What do you dislike about being a product manager?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers play a role in a wide array of processes and have responsibility for the success of products that are critical to their employers. Interviewers ask this question to determine the areas of the product management process that may require additional support. Also, this question allows a candidate to demonstrate vulnerability and honesty during an interview.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include a strategy for coping with any negative aspects you share about working in the product management role. The ability to self-manage expectations is an asset companies value in the candidates they seek to hire.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I love working as a product manager, but two aspects of the role require extra effort to stay balanced and happy. First, product managers sometimes stick with a product or a feature set for a long time. Bringing a new set of features to life is always exciting, but the work can feel monotonous after a while. I enjoy working at companies that embrace cross-training opportunities and moving around regularly. I also like to introduce change with fun and new activities in my personal life to address this potential issue.
The other main thing I struggle with is an imbalance in the accountability structure of some of the companies I have worked for. Product managers are sometimes held wholly accountable for the success or failure of a launch. While we are responsible for many of the aspects that contribute to the success of a product, the development and support of a product require work from many individuals that product managers do not have direct influence over. I realize my best strategy is to lead through influence and example while proactively motivating others to adopt our customer's perspective while they work."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Behavioral
7. What qualities or behavioral patterns do you have that contribute to excellence in your work as a product manager?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Snapchat seeks product managers with skills and behavioral patterns that support their company's mission and culture. This question determines if a candidate's vision for the ideal qualities of a product manager is in alignment with the specific needs of Snapchat.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include qualities that would be advantageous from a business and cultural perspective. Snap Inc. offers information on the soft skills they seek, and interviewers value candidates who demonstrate an understanding of these qualities in their response.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"There is a mix of qualities and behaviors that contribute directly to excellence in my work as a product manager. First, I have solid product development experience. I know how to drive product delivery from the inception phase to the end of a product's lifecycle. I understand how product development relates to engineering, marketing, finance, accounting, customer service, legal, etcetera, and how to collaborate with each group.
Second, I am creative and can develop and socialize the vision for the solutions I am responsible for. These responsibilities rely heavily on my intuition and creative thinking abilities. I can think from the customer's perspective and advocate for their needs.
Third, I have strong analytical skills and know how to develop a strategy based on metrics. I have experience performing competitor analysis, market analysis, product performance analysis, and customer experience analysis. I use this information to develop strategies to create optimal customer experiences.
Finally, I understand the importance of collaboration and leadership through influence. I work to align my teams with a shared vision, help to resolve conflicts, and remove roadblocks to success. I have a positive energy that serves to motivate others to be successful. While I recognize I am still growing in the role, these skills and behaviors are a foundation for excellence as a product manager."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Behavioral
8. Product releases are often chaotic and stressful. How do you help your teams get through these difficult phases of the product life cycle?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers play a significant role in assisting their teams during difficult phases of product development. They are often asked to lead by example and support others who may be experiencing burnout or difficulty due to the stress they are under. Interviewers ask this question to determine if a candidate has the leadership qualities necessary for success as a Snapchat product manager.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include the behaviors or techniques you leverage during stressful product releases. Product managers often lead by example, and candidates who display self-management skills are valued.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Product releases can be difficult on everyone involved. I always do my best to use my experience to help myself and others find perspective and balance during potentially stressful times. There are several techniques I have found to be helpful over the years.
First, I try to keep a balanced mindset in myself and my teams. I stay focused on the goal and not the little things that tend to throw people off track. I remind everyone that releases are stressful, and we need to make sure that we practice self-care in whatever way is appropriate.
Secondly, I remind myself and my team that customer feedback can be brutal. I encourage my teams to listen to what the customers say about what we have built so that we can improve and remind them not to take things too personally.
Finally, I like to work with the project manager or program manager to properly reward our teams for their hard work. I take time to call out stellar customer service or recognize someone who went above and beyond. Everyone must know how much their contributions are valued."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Competency
9. What are the phases of the product life cycle?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a general knowledge question. Interviewers ask this to ensure the candidate they select can demonstrate an understanding of basic industry terminology.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to provide a simple definition of each phase. Product managers sometimes play a role in describing these phases to their customers or stakeholders, and this question is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to educate others.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are four phases of the product lifecycle. The first is 'introduction.' The goals of this phase are to create a buzz and develop awareness within the market of the product. The second phase is 'growth.' The goal of this phase is to develop brand preference for your product. The third stage is 'maturity,' and the goal is to maximize your profit and market share. The final phase is 'decline.' The goals of this phase are to reduce costs, add the final features, and eventually discontinue your product."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Competency
10. What are three of the main products of Snapchat?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers are expected to know the products offered by the companies they want to work for. Interviewers ask this question to ensure you have basic knowledge of their product line.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to mention at least one of the products outside of the more commonly known products in your response. That demonstrates that you have done your research and are familiar with the product line you will be working to develop as a Snapchat product manager.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Snapchat, Spectacles, and Bitmoji are three of the main products. They allow users to connect, chat, and share what they see, experience, think, and feel.
Snap Inc. has an impressive line of products. I learned about several new offerings I was not previously aware of as a Snapchat user when I researched the company, like the flying Pixy camera."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Competency
11. How would you describe the Snapchat demographic?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers are responsible for understanding the audience of the products they work to deliver. This question is asked in an interview to test a candidate's knowledge of the demographic for Snapchat.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to research this topic before an interview. The information you gather will likely improve your answers to several questions you may be asked.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I researched the Snapchat demographic before this interview, and the stats differ depending on the source. Generally speaking, I would say that most of Snapchat's users are between the ages of 15 and 35. I saw one source that stated almost eighty percent of the users fall within that age range. There are more female users than male users, and the majority of users live in India, the US, and France."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Competency
12. What are the major components of a product roadmap, and why are they important?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers are responsible for developing or contributing to roadmaps for the products they manage. This question ensures a candidate fully understands the key components they need to represent and communicate regularly in roadmap format.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to discuss all the product phases that might be represented in a product roadmap. That includes product ideation activities, as well as those needed to support the end-of-life of a product.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Product roadmaps are used to communicate the phases of product development and the progress toward them. They are important because they help leaders understand dependencies, the importance of timing, and the downstream effect of any delays that occur.
Product roadmaps communicate the activities and the timelines for product planning, sales, development, marketing, implementation, support, and end-of-life. Roadmaps demonstrate milestones and the groups that are responsible for achieving them."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Competency
13. Can you name some of the verticals within the app development industry?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Understanding market verticals and the differences between them is a primary function of a product manager's role. Snapchat interviewers may ask this question to determine if the candidate understands the market vertical for Snapchat, its competitors, and others within the app industry.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include a statement that demonstrates your understanding of the verticals Snapchat represents in your response. Offering this additional information shows that you understand how the question applies to the product manager role at Snapchat.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Some app development verticals are personalization, education, news, productivity, social media, online shopping, health and fitness, gaming, lifestyle, and entertainment.
What I appreciate most about Snapchat is the Minis platform that bridges apps from several verticals all in one place. Snapchat excels within the social media and personalization verticals, but the Minis platform allows for all of the others to be a part of the user's experience without Snapchat owning the details of those experiences."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Competency
14. What is a feature backlog?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The features of Snapchat and the other products of Snap Inc. are planned and managed using feature backlogs. Interviewers ask this question to test a candidate's knowledge of this product development artifact that product managers typically own.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include the types of features typically in a backlog. Maintenance efforts, bug fixes, and other technical features are often tracked alongside new features and changes to existing features.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"A feature backlog is a prioritized list of work items that represent the upcoming work for a product. The list typically includes backlog items for new features, changes to existing features, bug fixes, maintenance items, and other technical work such as infrastructure changes. The items in the backlog usually have a basic scope description and a high-level estimate of the work involved. I have experience authoring and maintaining feature backlogs and feel confident I could effectively manage any backlog-related duties required for the product manager role at Snapchat."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Competency
15. What is a Bitmoji? Do you have one?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A product manager candidate may be asked questions like this in a Snapchat interview to test their basic knowledge of Snapchat products. Interviewers use questions like these to identify candidates who either use their products or have invested time in researching them properly before their interview.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to research Snapchat's products before your interview. That includes learning more about the products mentioned in the job description for the role you are interviewing for and the entire product line of Snapchat. Interviewers seek candidates that want to work for their company. Demonstrating you know and use their products is a great way to make a good impression.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"A Bitmoji is essentially a personal avatar you can create and then use in messaging, similar to how emojis are used. They are more complex than simple emojis and can contain text and other supporting images. The technology was acquired by Snap Inc. in 2016.
I have a Bitmoji. I have used one for years. I find it is a fun and playful way to communicate with my friends and family."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Customer Service
16. What do you feel a delightful user experience would be like for a Snapchat user?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers at Snapchat are directly responsible for ensuring that the delight of Snapchat users is a primary consideration in the features they work to implement. Interviewers ask this question to gain insight into a candidate's perspective on what a delightful experience would entail.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission within your response. Interviewers value candidates who can directly align their vision for a product with the mission and goals of their business.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"A delightful experience for a Snapchat user might look and feel a little different for each user. At a holistic level, I would be invested in working to offer fun and unexpected ways to connect with other users, offering ways to fully express user creativity within the pictures and Bitmojis they use, integrating features from partner services they enjoy, and finding ways to make the experience as intuitive and easy as possible."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Discovery
17. Why do you want to work at Snap Inc.?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employees with goals and passions that align with their company's mission or products tend to be happier and more successful in their work. Interviewers at Snapchat ask questions like these to identify candidates that will be properly fulfilled in the product manager role.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include more than one reason in your response and offer an example of how you are motivated personally and professionally by the opportunity you are interviewing for. Interviewers at Snapchat are more likely to hire candidates who discuss how working at Snapchat would help them achieve their professional growth goals and align with their interests.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I started using Snapchat shortly after it was released. I am a creative person and have always enjoyed using photography to tell great stories. I also love gaming and appreciate the direction Snapchat has taken in that space. Working to create products with such a potential for enjoyment would be a fulfilling way to spend my time professionally.
On a professional level, I am seeking an opportunity to work as a product manager for a product with a wider reach than what I am currently working on. Snapchat has an impressive user base and continues to extend into new verticals through platforms such as Snapchat Minis. This opportunity would allow me to immediately leverage my skills while growing professionally."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Discovery
18. What is your level of expertise with data-driven analysis activities such as writing queries?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product development strategies are often supported by metrics and other data-backed methods, so Snapchat product managers are expected to have strong data analysis skills. Interviewers ask this question to determine if a candidate has the technical skills and experience necessary to perform this aspect of the product manager role.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include experience using business intelligence software in addition to your experience writing queries. Candidates who have well-rounded analytical skills in this area are valued.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am skilled at writing queries and working with large datasets and datasets with multiple sources. I usually work on my own to draft queries and then ask an engineer to validate my query before communicating the results.
I am working to improve my skills in retrieving valid data sets from non-relational databases. I worked with a few solutions that relied on them recently, and it was an excellent opportunity to learn something new. I look forward to working with it more in the future.
I also have experience working with data analytic tools such as Tableau and Power BI. I have been able to provide a lot of value to the process of setup and understanding the business importance of the data we can analyze. Overall, I would say I have a well-rounded background in data-driven analytics."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Discovery
19. What is your experience with user interaction design techniques?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Designers play a crucial role in helping Snapchat deliver its mission. Product managers collaborate with designers closely to develop quality features that delight Snapchat users. Interviewers ask this question to determine a candidate's level of design expertise.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to demonstrate your willingness and excitement to partner with designers if hired for the product manager role. While some product managers have experience designing their own features, design experts play a critical role at Snapchat, and product managers will be expected to work closely with them to develop and deliver quality products.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am not a user experience or user interaction design expert, but I have taken several classes in this space to improve my ability to make some of the same considerations an interaction designer would make. We do not have UX designers on staff at my current company, but I like to ensure the solutions we develop are in line with the basic standards. I have experience developing mock-ups and wireframes and using them to gather user feedback before major features are developed. I realize user interaction design is critically important to Snapchat, and I look forward to working with experts in the field if hired for the product manager role."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Discovery
20. Describe your experience working in a cross-functional team environment.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Snapchat product managers work across several cross-functional teams. Interviewers ask this question to ensure a candidate has experience participating in end-to-end product development while collaborating in a cross-functional team setting.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include the roles you have experience with in your answer (engineer, project manager, program manager, analyst, user interaction designer, etc.). Also, include examples of the roles you worked with that supported specific phases of product ownership, such as support, legal, and marketing.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was an analyst and a technical project manager for a healthcare solutions company early in my career. I was responsible for coordinating the work of a cross-functional team of analysts, engineers, and testers. Additionally, we worked with several shared services groups, including our architecture, database, release management, and support teams.
I transitioned into product management three years ago and am a product manager at my current company. We develop SaaS project management solutions. I am responsible for a series of app-based dashboard features that communicate high-level assignment, milestone, budget, and capacity data. I work with several cross-functional engineering teams on projects that touch on these features. I also partner with architects, senior analysts, designers, and various people within our sales, marketing, billing, and support teams."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Discovery
21. Our product management team works closely with scientists, designers, and engineers. Please describe your experience collaborating with individuals working in similar roles.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Snapchat product teams are composed of various complimentary roles that all play a vital part in the development of the Snap Inc. family of products. Interviewers ask this question to identify candidates that would thrive working in the team formats leveraged at Snapchat.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to indicate your willingness to jump in and learn whatever is necessary to be an effective teammate in a role you have not worked with directly in the past. Interviewers will often consider hiring candidates who lack in one area or another if they present a humble and collaborative spirit in their response.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am currently a product owner for a series of products at an entertainment company. I manage the product backlogs and the delivery of new content to our website and gaming app. I work directly with engineers, UX designers, and architects.
I have not worked directly with any specifically designated scientists, but we leverage the knowledge of behavioral and data science best practices regularly to improve our work. I would love the opportunity to partner with the individuals in those roles and learn more about their area of expertise if extended an offer to work at Snapchat."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Discovery
22. What certifications do you have that would be applicable to the role of a Snap Inc. product manager?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to determine if your educational background is in alignment with the standards used at Snap Inc. The product manager role of Snapchat does not require specific certifications, but interviewers may value analysis, project management, product owner, product manager, UX, and development certifications.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to mention any active work you are doing toward gaining specific certifications that apply to the role. Interviewers value candidates who continue their education and seek certification in current standards. You may also include expired certifications in your response as long as you make it clear they have expired.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am a certified business analyst, a certified product owner, and a certified scrum master. I am also formally trained in meeting facilitation techniques and strategic planning methods."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
EQ
23. What do you think it means to have user empathy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers rely on their ability to understand their stakeholders' and customers' needs. Interviewers ask this question to ensure a candidate understands this product management skill.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to go beyond stating that user empathy includes the ability to understand the user's feelings. In a product management sense, user empathy should include a more holistic approach. Your response should demonstrate that proper user empathy involves attempting to think from the user's perspective and understand their world as it applies to your product.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"User empathy is the ability to understand and operate from the users' perspective. For example, as a Snapchat product manager, I would need to understand the feelings, thoughts, environment, past, and future of my users to have proper empathy. I would need to understand their likes and dislikes. I would need to know their successes and struggles. All this knowledge would allow me to properly consider their needs and advocate for features that would delight them and add value to their lives."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Operational
24. How would you measure the level of user satisfaction with Snapchat?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Snapchat seeks product managers who are passionate about creating and maintaining an optimal customer experience. Interviewers ask this question to assess a candidate's knowledge of monitoring customer satisfaction and its effect on the health of a product.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include a variety of internal and external data sources in your response. For example, it would be important to continually read online reviews of your product and monitor customer support ticket metrics.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are several methods I use to analyze the level of user satisfaction of Snapchat features. Usage numbers that increase or decrease shortly after a launch are very telling. I would monitor new and returning accounts very closely. I would also monitor time spent using the features as this also indicates user satisfaction levels.
Additionally, I would work with internal support teams to assess themes in user satisfaction related to the product. An increase or decrease in reports of bugs, support requests, or performance issues would also help me evaluate the level of customer satisfaction.
Finally, I would research user satisfaction online. I would read blogs, forums, and articles to learn how users feel about the product. This information helps identify the features that users are the happiest with and changes they wish to see in the future. This research also provides context for the metrics I monitor internally."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Situational
25. As a member of the Snapchat Minis team, we work directly with partners such as Poshmark and Headspace and provide support for their development teams. How would you be able to contribute to that aspect of the role?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Understanding the needs of any customer base is a primary responsibility of a product manager. This question is asked to learn more about how a candidate approaches customer service with business partners in a technical setting.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to describe a multifaceted approach in your response. Product managers work cross-functionally to ensure the needs of their customers are met. In this scenario, an interviewer may expect to hear a candidate discuss providing partner app development support, partnering on future feature development, and leveraging the data gathered through the partnership to inform the strategy for future releases.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel I could add value to the process of supporting Snapchat Minis partners in many ways. First, I would work with my teams to ensure that we have proper educational and support materials for the partner engineering teams. That may include the delivery of classes, training videos, technical reference guides, sample code, FAQs, etcetera. It would also include partnering with management to ensure we have engineering and support staff available to answer questions and provide real-time support as appropriate.
Secondly, I would work to meet with representatives with the partner companies regularly to understand their challenges and their ideas for future opportunities. I would market any newly available features and highlight upcoming initiatives. I would inquire about their roadmaps and learn about their vision for extending their business through Snapchat integration. This information would help me understand when they might need additional support and how I could align the Snapchat roadmap to complement their ideas.
Finally, I feel I could work to review the data captured through integration with their mini apps. I would want to analyze the impact of the inclusion of their apps and any related support trends that arise. I would then use this information to address any immediate needs and inform the strategic plan for future Snapchat Minis releases. Holistically, I feel these three aspects of my work as a product manager would add value to the Snapchat Minis partner experience."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Situational
26. Imagine a Snapchat feature you championed was released and met with poor customer reviews. What steps would you take to resolve the issue?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every professional experiences failure at some point in their career. A Snapchat interviewer may ask this question to determine how a candidate would develop a strategy to address customer feedback that reflects poorly on the products they are responsible for.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include examples of both strategic and tactical actions within your response. Feature issues often take time to resolve, and it is important to demonstrate you are prepared and willing to develop whatever type of action plan is necessary to resolve the issue.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"The first thing I would do is gather as much data as needed to determine the root cause of the poor reviews. I would review the internal data from our customer service and sales teams and any performance data available through technical monitoring solutions. Additionally, I would look at articles, videos, and forum posts for customer reviews and comments. I would document any recurring themes and discuss them with my teams. If possible, I would also reach out directly to customers who were struggling with the product to let them know I care and am working to address their concerns.
I would then develop a tactical plan to address any quick-hit items that had the potential to improve customer satisfaction. I would also coordinate with our marketing team to inform our customers of the work we were doing to address their concerns.
I would also take steps to develop a strategic plan to address long-term issues. That might include holding reflection meetings to discuss the process or design flaws. It might require competitor analysis or the development of replacement solutions.
I would ensure that our product roadmap was updated to reflect whatever changes we agree are necessary to improve the customer experience. I would also reach out to my peers and superiors for guidance and feedback to ensure the changes I suggest are sound and that we work collectively to incorporate any lessons learned across all our products."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Situational
27. What is your method for gathering domain knowledge in areas where you are not a subject matter expert, but that expertise is necessary for your project?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Some Snapchat product managers are assigned to work on new products or products they are not an expert on. In these cases, product managers are expected to quickly learn the level of information necessary to drive product development. Interviewers ask this question to ensure a candidate has a strategy for obtaining this information.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include activities you can do on your own or with limited support. Snapchat product manager job descriptions state they seek candidates that can thrive in ambiguous situations with limited information. Interviewers value individuals willing to dig in and self-manage their own learning process.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I use several methods to gather domain expertise. I typically start with meeting anyone within the company who is a current subject matter expert. I ask for a high-level overview and then set the stage for follow-ups as needed. I review any available documentation and gain access to any relevant systems to review them.
From there, I usually try to shadow end-users in the roles the product I am responsible for will serve. If that is not an option, I analyze the available market and demographic information. That helps me understand the user perspective so that I can design solutions that will best fit their needs and working style.
Finally, I would use whatever external information sources are available about the product we want to build or the technology we want to use. That might include testing competitor products, taking a class, reading journals, etcetera."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Situational
28. Describe a time you challenged members of your team to better serve the needs of your customer.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Snapchat product managers are expected to advocate for the features they feel the users of Snapchat want and need. Interviewers ask this question to learn how a candidate handles this potentially uncomfortable team scenario.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include any steps you took to help your teammates understand the customer's perspective. Customer advocacy goes beyond asserting authority as an expert on the customers' needs. Taking the time to help your teammates understand the value of your suggested plan demonstrates your ability to lead and teach.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I served as a product owner for a website that allowed external clients to search a large database of videos and other media products for download. I talked with several of my internal stakeholders responsible for customer interactions, and they described a common complaint about the usability of the search tool. Users reported missing results and a painful filtering experience. I began to develop a strategy to build something more user-friendly as a result.
The development team pushed back and suggested we could just better train the users to work with the current design. I helped the team understand the personas of the users who most frequently used this functionality. They were often junior team members, and their roles had a high turnover rate. Due to their demographic, they were used to search tools similar to those used in popular applications; making a more intuitive experience for them would add more value than continuous training on an outdated tool. I demonstrated how improvement would lead to increased sales that would quickly offer the ROI needed to justify the time and resources the effort would take.
We embedded a new search tool that followed the users throughout the site. It was more intuitive, it was faster, and the results were better. Our sales increased, the customer experience was improved, and our stakeholders responsible for customer support were thrilled with the results."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Situational
29. How do you feel you could contribute to the mission of Snapchat as a product manager?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
An interviewer will ask this question for two main reasons. First, this question helps interviewers eliminate candidates that have not invested time researching Snapchat before their interview. Secondly, this question determines how a candidate understands the concept of value streams and how the work they do contributes to them.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to consider contributing to the company's mission by demonstrating the values within the mission of Snap Inc. within the teams you would be assigned to work with. Product managers contribute directly to a company's mission by developing valued products. However, candidates who understand how to contribute indirectly add an extra layer of value to the process that is appreciated by most interviewers.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am inspired by the mission to empower people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. I feel we live in a time where that approach to life is truly needed. I am excited about the possibility of living those values and contributing to that mission if hired.
As a product manager at Snapchat, I could contribute to that mission in several ways. First, I would work to understand the users of the products I am assigned to. That would include researching, reviewing the data available internally, and talking to users directly. I would seek to understand how they live and work with them to discover new ways to improve their lives. The results of this would help to drive the strategy for the features I would work with my teams to develop.
In addition to product development methods, I could indirectly contribute to the mission of Snap Inc. by leading by example. I would work with my teams to express our ideas, connect with the moment properly, learn about each other, and have fun at work."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Technical
30. What are some of the major data elements that should be included when analyzing market opportunity for a product?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers for customer apps such as Snapchat are expected to understand how to properly assess the market in which the products they are responsible will perform. Interviewers ask this question to ensure that the product manager they select understands the standard considerations they will be expected to make in their role.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include the assessment of the total market available in addition to the portion a specific product is expected to represent. Executives interested in market analysis details want to understand the size of the whole market as well as the market share a product manager anticipates their product will align with. This information is vital to understanding the growth potential and deciding how much to invest in development.
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"The first data element I work to understand is the TAM or the total addressable market. That represents the total dollar amount currently spent on the type of product I am analyzing. I also work to understand projections for growth within the product sector. The future TAM can be even more important when analyzing a product that will take time to develop and release.
I then estimate the portion of the total market share that the product I am working with will be able to represent. I typically offer a range that allows for unforeseen changes in the competitor market and shifts in my company's ability to quickly release value-add features.
The combination of these data elements helps me understand the space a product currently occupies within the market, the potential for growth, and the level of effort required to capture a portion of the market from competitors."
Written by Karrie Day on October 5th, 2022