What qualities do you have that will add value to your work if offered the principal product manager role here at XYZ company?
Principal product managers help set the bar for product management within an organization. They are senior team members that consult, work across teams, and drive product innovation. Interviewers ask this question to ensure the candidate they select can speak to the skills they possess that are desirable to have at the principal product manager level.
Remember to include qualities that are necessary at the principal level of product management. For example, you may describe your success as a leader, or your ability to raise capital for new products. Focusing your answer on skills that set you apart from more junior candidates can improve your chances of a successful interview.
"I have experience launching my own product as the CEO of a startup. That time in my career helped me to develop a deep understanding of what it means to have true end-to-end ownership for the success of a product. For example, I secured 1.5 million in funding for the development and release of my product. I know what it takes to properly socialize and prove the viability of an idea. I feel I can directly apply the lessons I learned while working in that role to the opportunity here at XYZ company."
