What do you dislike about being a product manager?
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.
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.
"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."
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