30 Product Manager Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
Common
1. Why do you want to work for our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you've done your homework. They are putting your product manager research and analysis skills to the test.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
You need to spend time researching the company before the interview. Review the company website, social media pages, employee testimonials, and any other materials you can find. You should know about the company (what challenges do they face, are there volunteer organizations they partner with, etc.), the role you are applying for, and the area you'll be working in.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I want to work for your company because your mission is about improving people's lives through affordable and accessible products that make their day-to-day activities easier. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with products that are not out of reach for the masses and I know at your company I would be able to develop and launch products that have a real impact. I also know you support volunteer work in the local community, offering your employees the opportunity to choose an organization each year to spend time working with, and I would love to be part of a team that treats their employees, customers, and local community like family."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
User-Submitted Answer
"I see this as an opportunity to contribute to one of the leading online real estate marketplace platforms. The company’s value clearly defines the commitment to deliver an exceptional product, services, and the best customer experience.
Also, I read articles and have seen that Zillow is consistently listed as one of the best places to work. Zillow provides an excellent condition to help their employee to achieve professional success. Having said that Zillow has an excellent human resource policy, and an extraordinary working environment in the various groups."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Marcie Wilmot Reviewed the Above Answer
Awesome! It definitely sounds like you've done your due diligence on the company. Can you talk more about what attracts you to the company culture and why you'll be a good fit from that aspect? Also, are you passionate about helping people find their dream homes? Try to show how your passions align with the company's vision. Emphasize why the company will benefit from hiring you versus only focusing on how the company will benefit you. Good job!
Common
2. Have you ever been terminated from a job?
The Goal
Unless you are interviewing for this role straight out of college or are currently in your first job, your CV shows you have left a company or job at some point. The interviewer is looking to learn the circumstances of any job you were terminated from, if there was cause, and how you took responsibility for any mistakes you made.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
What to Avoid
Being terminated from a job can be very confusing and emotional, even years later. Do not let emotions get in the way of your response in the interview. Whatever the reason for your past termination, remain diplomatic, keep a positive tone, and focus on the future. Most importantly, never speak negatively about an employer.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
If you have never been terminated from a job, your response should be clear and to the point. If you have been terminated in the past, be honest about the situation. State the situation that led to your termination, remaining diplomatic and neutral. Focus on what you learned and how you have grown from the experience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Manager Example
"Several years ago, I was let go from a company due to not meeting my sales goals. If I had taken more ownership of my performance, I could have asked for additional training when I saw I was off my projections. Since then, I've had the experience as a manager of terminating a few employees. Termination conversations are always tough, for both the manager and the employee being let go, but I have used my own experience being terminated to help me approach the conversations in an empathetic way."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Common
3. Would you be willing to work over 40 hours a week?
The Goal
This is a common interview question. The interviewer wants to know what your preferred work hours are and if they can count on you as a reliable and dedicated team member.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
What to Avoid
Do not give close-ended answers such as "No, I cannot work more than 40 hours a week." You also want to avoid sounding like a workaholic since employers know that path leads to employee burnout.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Pro Tip
Before interviewing for any job, you should know the laws in your state/province/region regarding if an employer can demand an employee work more than 40 hours a week. Know your rights as an employee. You also need to be clear about the daily time commitment you can make as far as starting and stopping times. If the employer expects you to start by 7:00 AM each day and you are not able to start until 8:00 AM due to personal commitments, it is best to discuss this in detail during the interview.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Let the interviewer know you are a reliable and hard worker and that you can finish your tasks in a reasonable amount of time. If you are willing to be flexible in situations that require extra hours, say so. This is also a great time to ask for clarification on the expected hours for the role if you have not discussed this already.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Manager Example
"I am willing to work overtime when needed, especially if I have advanced notice of the extra hours. Is overtime a standard expectation for this role? It would be great to know more details regarding the expected schedule and hours."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Common
4. What are your weaknesses?
The Goal
The interviewer is looking to see if you are aware of your shortcomings, something we all have. They want a candidate who sees them as an opportunity to learn and grow, not as something that holds you back.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Pro Tip
The interviewer may ask this question using different phrasing. The questions below are still asking you to discuss a weakness.
- What professional skill or skills do you most want to improve on this year
- If you could access training in any area, what would you choose to learn
- Are there skills listed in the job description that you need to refine
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Show the interviewer you have self-awareness and can identify areas for self-improvement. Be honest about your weaknesses, but choose one that is not a core skill for the position. Discuss your interest in professional growth and development, maintain a positive tone, and show confidence in your ability to improve.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Manager Example
"I believe my biggest professional weakness is delegating. If I know I am the most experienced person at a task or that I can do it the fastest, I will often jump in and do it myself instead of taking the time to train someone or risking re-work down the road. This can lead to me taking on too much, and it also inhibits my team's ability to grow and learn. I've been working to change this habit by looking at delegating as an opportunity to train my team on new skills as well as a chance for me to become a better manager. I will delegate the task or tasks to the team and instead of fixing their work, I spend time coaching them on the necessary changes and then I ask them to try and make the corrections themselves. I had once worried doing this would slow a project down. Instead, I am finding it frees up my time for other higher-level tasks that keep us on track, and my team has felt empowered with the new opportunities they are being given."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Common
5. Tell me about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is likely to be one of the very first questions the interviewer asks you. It helps them get to know your personality and can set the tone for the interview. Don't just repeat the bullets on your CV. Your answer should give them insight into who you are as a person beyond just your application and interest in the job.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Keep your answer somewhat brief. Share some personal details but don't go overboard. The interviewer may ask for more information and then you can do a deeper dive, but initially, you should aim to keep your answer short. It is okay to mention your current or past role(s) as a product manager or product specialist, but do so in the sense of why you have been driven to pursue the career to meet your personal aspirations or interests.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've spent most of my life in Indiana and had a pretty typical childhood. I did well in just about every subject in school but found what I loved most was the classes where I could come up with my own idea and bring it to life. Sometimes, that was in a physical class like shop, and other times it was in English class where I came up with a topic for a paper. I enjoyed the process of brainstorming and then setting a plan to bring something in my head into the real world. When college rolled around, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do but figured 'everything is a business' and enrolled in the business school. During a marketing 101 class, one of our projects was to come up with a new product and pitch it to the class, and I was hooked. I'm a little bit innovator, a little bit type-A list maker and follower, and a whole lot of guts. And I know I can use those traits to help your company bring some great products to market."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Common
6. Do you have any questions for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to see if you researched their company ahead of time. They also want to give you an opportunity to ask for clarification on any information they have shared during the interview.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
When you do your background research on the company, look for something that catches your interest and where you can ask for more details. You might see on their social media page that they partner with a volunteer organization and you can ask why they chose that organization or what type of work they do together. This is also your chance to show you were listening while the interviewer spoke to you. Bring up a detail they mentioned earlier in the interview and repeat it back to them, asking if you've understood the information correctly.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I actually have two questions for you. I noticed on your Facebook page that you partner with Meals on Wheels. I was curious to know if your employees are able to volunteer their time with the organization or if you are doing some type of internal fundraiser to donate to them. I also wanted to make sure I understood you correctly earlier when you mentioned onboarding. It sounded like I would spend my first three days with a group of fellow new hires learning about the company and doing some training, and then I would meet the team on day four. Is that correct?"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Common
7. Can you talk about a time when you had to deal with a conflict?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A key element of the product manager role is making sure your team stays on track, even when conflicts arise. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience handling conflicts and what method(s) you use to resolve them.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Whether your example has to do with someone missing deadlines or someone who did not agree with your vision, walk through the steps you took to resolve the issue without causing further conflict and without impacting the product launch or success. Show you are able to handle conflicts in a respectful and professional manner.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"At my current job, I just completed the successful launch of a new product. There were some bumps along the way with one of my team members though. Our deadline was tight, and he was coming in late on his assignments. When it became clear this was a recurrent issue and not a one-time miss, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with him. I made sure to approach the issue in a non-accusatory way, asking what I could do to help him be more successful in meeting deadlines. We worked together to create a performance improvement plan (PIP) and then met weekly to ensure he was meeting the deadlines and other terms we had set. This got him back on track and we were able to launch the product on time without any issues."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Common
8. How does this job fit into your overall career trajectory?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While most people don't stay at a single company for life anymore, the interviewer wants to make sure you don't view this job as a short-term stepping stone. They are looking to see if you have a vision for your future and how their company fits into it.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Most people have an idea of how they see their career going and where they want to be in five years. Assure the interviewer that you are looking to stay with their company for a long period of time.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I started off in this career as an entry-level associate and have gradually moved up to a mid-level position. My goal in the next five years is to continue strengthening my skills and building my knowledge base with the hope of moving into a senior-level product management role. Eventually, I would like to become a product leader. Your company and your products really excite me, and I believe there is potential for me to make an impact here. I'd like to stay with your company for the long-term and hope to advance within your organization over the course of several years."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Common
9. How did you hear about this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question for two reasons. One is to help them determine the usefulness of the different platforms they might be using, such as Indeed or Google. The other reason is to see what your connections might be with the company and how interested you truly are in the job.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Answer this question with more than just a one-word (Indeed, Google, etc.) answer. You want to let them know where you found the job, but also why you were looking for this type of job. Talk about how long had you been looking for a product manager job and why this position sounded like the right one for you. If you know someone who works there who recommended it to you, make sure to mention them by name. This is an opportunity for you to point out why they want to hire you.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I came across your job posting and applied for it through Indeed. I had been looking for an opportunity with an innovative company for the past several months, and while I had come across several product manager postings, none of them seemed like the right fit for me. My cousin's wife works in the Human Resources department at your company and she's always talked about how much she enjoys being a part of your organization, so when I saw the posting for this position, I immediately called her to ask some questions. She told me about the family-focused culture and fun atmosphere in the office, and I already knew about the innovative products you bring to the market. After talking with her, I knew this was an amazing opportunity to join a great company and I completed the application online."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Common
10. What are your salary expectations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If the interviewer has asked this question, it is a good sign. It means they are considering hiring you for the position.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
You want to state that your salary is not a deciding factor and that you are open to a wide range of compensation for the right job. If the interviewer pushes you for a specific number or range, be prepared with statistics on the average salary for the role in your market/region.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm really excited about this opportunity with your company and do not have a specific number in mind since I value the right job over a certain dollar amount. I have done some research though and in this area of the country, the average product manager's salary is $115,000."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Common
11. When can you start?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most companies are looking to fill their open positions as soon as they find the right candidate. The interviewer is also looking to learn if you are interviewing with other companies.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
If you can start immediately, say so. If you need to offer your current job a certain amount of notice or are waiting for other interviews, let the interviewer know how much time you would need. Bear in mind that if the company's need is immediate, a start date that is too far out may result in not getting a job you otherwise would have been selected for.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
If you can start immediately Example
"I am eager to start as soon as possible. I have applied for a couple of other positions with other companies but this is my first choice. If you need me tomorrow, I can be here tomorrow."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
If you need to give your employer notice Example
"While I would love to join your team tomorrow, I am working on a project with my current employer and I would like to wrap it up or get them to a good place with it. I feel it would be unprofessional for me to leave without notice. I would like to give them two weeks' notice, but I am ready to sign the contract today."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
12. How would you describe our product to someone who wants something similar but cheaper?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers need to be able to translate a product's overall vision into everyday language prospective customers will understand. The interviewer is putting your communication skills to the test and is looking to see if you've researched the company and its products.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Consider mentioning product features, cost/benefits, and user testimonials during your answer. Show the interviewer that you did your homework and have a solid understanding of their product.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"If I was speaking with a customer who wanted your product but at a lower cost point, I would point out the ways it is better than the alternative options available. I would mention the stock trading app is innovative and, unlike the other options they could consider, it is based on a superior smart algorithm technology. The apps with a lower price point can't offer up-to-the-minute live updates from multiple stock exchanges, and that feature makes it easier for the user to carry out not only well-informed but also profitable trades. It also offers personalized investing ideas and is extremely secure. The extra $25 our app might cost you is more than made up for in the $100 plus you'll get in extra benefits. If you don't believe me, look at customer testimonials. Our users tell us and everyone else they talk to that they are making more profitable trades with our app than on any other app they have ever tried."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
13. Do you have experience in helping to develop a new product? If so, talk about what your role was in the development of this product.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know more than just if you have experience--they know that already from your CV. They want to see if you understand the concept of a product roadmap and how you look at teamwork, timing, and tracking progress.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
If you do not have experience helping develop a new product: Acknowledge your lack of experience and then move on to why you are still a strong candidate for the position. Discuss a project you worked on where you had to work with a team, had a deadline to follow and a project outline to stick to, or had to convince stakeholders to buy into your concept.
If you do have experience helping develop a new product: Use an example of a successful product launch to organically weave in your strengths. Discuss the issue you were trying to solve and how you worked collaboratively with a team to come up with a solution. Discuss the development of the launch plan, your role in tracking progress, and how you kept the project on time.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my last job, I helped launch a new type of savings account at a bank. We had identified a need in our target market to help customers save money for the holidays and our new product would allow them to save the funds throughout the course of an entire year, little by little. As part of the development team, I met with key stakeholders to share our vision and get their buy-in and support. Once the project was approved, we developed a product roadmap with target dates and deadlines for marketing materials, technical developments, and customer and employee training. We reviewed our progress weekly to ensure we were still on track and began scheduling meetings at more frequent intervals as we approached the launch date. A soft launch to a test group of customers helped us refine the product before the full launch, and when the product did roll out it was well-received by the targeted customer base."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
14. How do you define market opportunity in a business plan?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
One of the main roles of a product manager is to analyze and identify market opportunities. The interviewer wants you to define what a market opportunity is and explain how you would go about locating one for the company.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Your answer should provide more than just the steps you would follow. It also needs to explain why the process is important for the success of the product. Start with a brief definition of a market opportunity, and then move into your own process for identifying one, making sure to discuss both internal and external factors.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"Market opportunity is the estimate of how many users are in the target market and the projected potential sales I could make. It is critical for product managers to know there is a customer base who will buy the product before the development and rollout processes are initiated. When I am defining a market opportunity, I look at its size, potential for profit, and market growth (the compound annual growth rate or CAGR). I also research our competitor's market share as well as if there is a subsegment of the market we should focus on. If there are businesses or professional contacts in the target market, I would also reach out to them for any insights they can share and begin lining up potential sales."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
15. When presented with alternative product proposals, how do you decide which one to proceed with?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a product manager, you may find yourself challenged with choosing one product to move forward with out of a selection of proposals. The interviewer wants to know how you will determine which is likely to be the most successful or how you would decide which one to move forward with.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Describe to the interviewer how you would evaluate each of the proposals and the criteria you would use to select the best one to move forward with. Keep your answer concise, but be prepared for follow-up questions.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"Choosing one product to move forward with is a challenging decision, especially if all of the proposals are strong contenders. In the end, I know I need to choose the product that has the greatest likelihood of achieving success and is in line with the company's business objectives. My first step is to evaluate the resources, including time and funding, required to develop and launch each product. Then I consider any similar products we've launched in the past to determine if the proposals are likely to follow similar trajectories. With that knowledge in mind, I select and recommend the product with the strongest chance of success."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
16. Please describe our product to someone who has never seen it before.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking to see if you have done your research on the company and on their products. They also want to test your communication skills and see if you are able to describe the features of their product in a concise and understandable way.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Do your homework before the interview so you are prepared for this type of question. You should know as much as possible about the company's products, markets, and competitors. You will want to consider the target audience (market) when describing the product's features, and mentioning a competitor shows the depth of your knowledge.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"After identifying they fit the target market, here is how I would describe your Swiss army knife to someone who has never seen it before. 'It sounds to me like you could benefit from a single tool that can tackle multiple different tasks, and the best tool on the market right now is our Swiss army knife. Its multiple features include knife blades, levers, pliers, screwdrivers, a corkscrew, and even a toothpick. Each component can be used for several different purposes, which doubles the knife's usefulness. And perhaps the best feature of all is that the Swiss army knife's tools all fold into a compact unit that fits right in your pants pocket so you'll have it with you wherever you go and whenever you need it. I know Company A and Company B both offer pocket knives at a similar price point, but Company A doesn't offer as many tools and Company B's is too bulky to fit in a pocket. Trust me, this Swiss army knife is the best pocket knife available and it's the only tool you'll ever need.'"
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
17. Our company makes products for both the general public and the B2B market. How would you market one product to both customer types?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is common for a business to have both consumer and business customers. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle developing a product that was meant for different types of customers.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Your answer should mention the product changes you would make as well as the differences required in the sales and marketing of the product. If you have experience doing this, make sure to mention that in your answer.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have experience developing products for both end-users and business customers. It is challenging to market a product to both customer types but it can be done; it just requires flexibility, creativity, and a well-outlined strategy. You might need to redesign a product to better fit the customer's requirements. Maybe you remove some purely aesthetic features and instead make the product more rugged for an industrial target market. You might change the packaging, or consider including extra replacement parts. And, of course, you would need to use different sales and marketing materials for each distinct market segment."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
18. What is the top technical skill that you possess?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer already knows from your CV what technical skills you have. They are looking to learn what skill you most enjoy and why.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about one specific skill you excel at and enjoy. Give an example of when using that skill resulted in a positive outcome.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"Coding is not only my top technical skill but it is also my favorite. I like to learn how to code in different coding languages like CSS, Javascript, and HTML in my spare time. I also enjoy thinking through and learning how various apps, databases, servers, and codes all come together to create the products I've imagined. Understanding coding helps me communicate better with the engineering team during the development stage, which is crucial to bringing a product to life. I look forward to seeing what types of opportunities my coding knowledge provides as my career progresses."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
19. Let's say we're rolling out the successor to our most popular product. How do you position the legacy product so it continues to sell?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a product manager, you will be expected to handle legacy products at some point. The interviewer wants to know if you have prior experience doing this and the steps you have or would use.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
If you've been through this before: Use the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to talk through what happened, the role you played, and the final outcome.
If you have not been through this before: Discuss how you would theoretically handle the scenario. Show a solid understanding of the company's products and target audience and offer ideas on how you would position the older product to still have a good appeal.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"It often makes sense to lower the price point of the legacy product, allowing it to appeal to a more money-conscious segment of the target audience. Just as there's always going to be a portion of the market who prefers the updated and newer features of a product and will pay extra money for it, there's also always going to be a group who are happy to forgo the new features and pay less for the legacy product they already like. Especially when it is a good product, as this is, since you mentioned it is your company's most popular product. This is the route we decided to take in a similar situation in my last job, and it was well received by our customers. By positioning the legacy product as a lower-cost alternative option that was still dependable, we were able to bring in a significant amount of revenue over the next several years we continued to offer it."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
20. How experienced are you in the end-of-life process for a product?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It's important that a product manager knows how to shut down a product or service. The interview wants to know if you have real-world experience with the end-of-life process or, if not, that you at least have a solid understanding of what the process looks like.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about the various elements you would take under consideration during this process. Focus on how important it is to not lose large clients or damage the company's image when going through this process. If possible, use personal examples.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"Shutting down a product line is not a simple process. There is a lot to think about. Once the decision is final, and you understand why the decision was made, you have to inform the sales team and prepare them to communicate the closure with customers. In my last experience with closing out a product, we had a lot of discussions around migrating customers to alternative products or the potential of upselling them, and how to best help customers make the change. We also had to consider the financial elements of the closure, such as offering any rebates or refunds. Then there were the scheduling decisions to make, such as when to stop product sales and discontinue availability and when to stop offering customer support. Lastly, we had to keep in mind how to fulfill our existing contractual obligations to large customers. There is a lot that goes into the end-of-life process for a product. It certainly isn't an easy process, but I have experience and am capable of successfully seeing the process through from beginning to end."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
21. What is the hardest decision you've ever made as a product manager?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers often have to make difficult decisions that impact many people or even their employers. The interviewer is looking to hire a candidate who is not intimidated by tough choices.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Give an example of a time when you made a challenging decision. Explain the research and analysis you did as part of your decision-making process. Also, discuss how you communicated the decision to your team and the impact it had on your employer.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've had to make a lot of tough decisions in my career. I do my due diligence, being thorough enough to be absolutely confident in the choice I make, and then I stand by it. In my last job, there was a person on the team who was not doing their fair share of the work. This happened consistently and I knew it needed to be addressed, so I scheduled a private meeting with the individual to discuss my concerns. We worked together to create a plan to get them back on track, but in the following weeks, they continued to take advantage of the rest of the team. It was disrupting the entire team and at one point almost derailed a large project we were working on. I continued weekly meetings with the individual, as well as issuing several written warnings and even consulting with my manager on how to best handle the situation. In the end, I made the decision to let the person go. It wasn't an easy decision to make, letting someone go never is, but it made our team stronger and more effective."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
22. What would you do if it looked like you were going to miss your deadline?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer knows there are times as a product manager when you cannot meet a deadline. They want to know how you would handle this type of situation. They are looking to discover if you perform well under pressure and what steps you would take.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss how you would handle this type of situation, including how you might recognize it in advance and the steps you would take to avoid it. If you have an example of when this happened to you in the past, tell the interviewer what steps you took and what the outcome was.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have certainly experienced times when a project veered off the timeline. Sometimes, testing takes longer than we estimated or web design hits a bump and goes over. To try and head off deadline issues, I continuously monitor all aspects of the project timeline. When I see signs we are going to fall behind schedule, I review all of the available options to get us back on track. This might include eliminating superfluous or redundant elements, but I would never do anything to impact the core of the product. The best path forward often involves either reducing product functionality to only the essential features for the first release, doing a soft release to a small group of customers while pushing back the full launch, skipping the minimum viable product (MVP) rollout, or re-prioritizing the product roadmap. Whatever changes are made, I always make sure to communicate clearly with all team members. It is key for everyone to understand the new plan and that we can still achieve our original goal by continuing to work together."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
23. Tell me the differences between a project manager and a product manager.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you understand the role of a product manager. Product managers are often confused with project managers, so they want to see if you know the difference.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
The bulk of your answer will be detailing the different roles the product manager and project manager play. You should close out your answer by acknowledging the important of the two working together collaboratively to ensure success.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"While people often confuse product managers and project managers, they are two very different roles. A project manager's job is to ensure the product stays on budget and that all deadlines, including the launch date, are met. They also handle meetings and keep track of which team is working on what elements of the project. While the product manager does oversee delivery of the product, the main focus is making sure the product is successful once it is launched. We create the product vision and gather and prioritize requirements. The project manager ensures the product manager's vision is brought to life on time and within the budget. The two roles are entwined, working together to ensure the overall success of the product, but they are two distinct positions."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
24. What KPIs do you typically use to track performance and success?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers use a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and measure performance. The interviewer wants to make sure you have a strong understanding of KPIs and how to best utilize them.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
You'll want to mention several different KPIs and explain how you have used them. Make sure to provide examples from various categories, including business, product development, product quality, and product usage metrics.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"KPIs are key to tracking and measuring product positioning, growth, and success, and there are so many that can be utilized. To monitor customer movement, I like to use retention, churn, attrition, and customer lifetime value. To calculate cost basis and profitability, I look at gross margins, cost of goods sold (COGS), and operational cost of goods sold (OCOGS). Then there are other metrics to monitor, such as on-time delivery, resource availability, team velocity, testing, and even support tickets. To see how the product is selling, I review revenues, customer counts, and the sales funnel. KPIs are vital to monitoring product success, and I rely on them in making many of my decisions."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
25. How will you gain credibility from the engineering and development teams when you are first hired?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While product managers are expected to lead, it's not always easy to jump right into an established team and immediately take on a leadership role. The interviewer wants to know how you will engage with your team as well as how you plan to listen and communicate with them.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Explain the steps you will take to get to know your own team as well as the teams you will be expected to collaborate with. Use this as an opportunity to list some of your strengths, such as being collaborative, fair, and hard-working. You should also make it clear you understand gaining trust and credibility will not happen immediately and that it will take time to establish the relationships you would like to form.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"The first step toward gaining credibility with a new team is to show them I am accessible, friendly, and enthusiastic. I would start out on my first day by going around the office and introducing myself to everyone, taking the time to learn their names and some important details about them. In the following days, I would set up a meeting with the team to let everyone really get to know me and vice versa. I'd make sure to ask for their thoughts and ideas and would give them my full attention and listen to what they had to say. It is also important to establish credibility with the other teams I would need to work with, such as engineering, development, marketing, and sales, so I would schedule meetings with them as well. My goal would be to show I am not only collaborative, but also fair, honest, and hardworking. As time goes on, I can prove this through my actions. When opportunities arise to make a timely decision, I make them without hesitation. I set reason reasonable and realistic deadlines and expectations and work with people instead of just handing out orders. Respect and credibility are earned over time as others see I am knowledgeable and experienced but also open to their thoughts and ideas. It is a process I am looking forward to starting."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
26. What processes and methods would you use to launch a new product?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A huge part of a product manager's role is launching new products. The interviewer wants to know if you are knowledgeable and experienced in this area.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss the processes you follow to develop a launch strategy and plan, as well as how you monitor and measure your progress. You'll want to show that you're a team player and collaborative, in addition to being a leader who is competent and in charge.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have successfully launched several new products in the past few years. As a product manager, I first determine if there is a market opportunity, then create the product vision, and finally, gather and prioritize requirements. Once those steps are complete, I put together a detailed launch plan based on collaborative discussions with teams such as sales, marketing, and engineering/development. From there, I consult with key stakeholders to develop a realistic timeline and work with the project manager to develop a schedule with deadlines and a budget for the launch. As we approach the launch date, I hold regular meetings to keep everyone on the same page. Throughout the design, development, and testing processes, I ensure everyone keeps the target audience in mind, and I monitor key KPIs to keep track of our progress and success."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
27. Tell me about the elements that comprise a competitive analysis.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking to see if you have a thorough understanding of all the elements of a competitive analysis. They also want to see if you understand why a competitive analysis is important.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
You will want to break your answer into two parts. First, discuss what a SWOT analysis is and how you perform one. Second, talk about how to conduct a technical feature-by-feature competitor comparison.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"My first step in conducting a competitive analysis is to do a SWOT analysis to determine our market positioning. From there, I can work with my team to create appropriate sales and marketing language. My next step is to create a report comparing our product to similar competitor products, allowing us to see where our competitors are falling short. Those are opportunities for us. In order to ensure a successful product launch, my team and I examine both the technical and business aspects of the product."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
28. How do you communicate your product vision?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It's important for a product manager to build a consensus around their product's vision and strategy among key stakeholders. The interviewer wants to know how you would go about doing this.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewer the techniques and tools you use to communicate your product vision. Emphasize how you go about bringing everyone on board instead of just announcing your idea and pushing it through without support.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"The strategy I use to explain my vision for the product varies based on the audience I am speaking to, but I always strive to ensure each person buys into the concept. Depending on how many people I am meeting with and the type of stakeholders they are, I might schedule a one-on-one meeting or hold a large meeting with a group of individuals. I use data and analytics to support my recommendations and clearly outline the timeline and goals. The key is to not only explain the vision but to do so in a way that ensures everyone understands why we are moving in that direction."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
29. Describe a time when you had trouble reaching a consensus and how you handled it.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers frequently have to persuade others to support their vision for a product. This can be a challenge, and the interviewer wants to know what methods you would use.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about how you would overcome objections and bring key stakeholders to a consensus. If possible, use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to describe how you've handled this before.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"Each project is unique, with different stakeholders, priorities, and expectations. As the product manager, it is my job to manage the various team and stakeholder personalities to bring them all into alignment. Clear communication about the product vision is the best way to do this. There is one past product that comes to mind, one I had spent a considerable amount of time developing a vision for. When I met with the various stakeholders, I found I had buy-in from everyone except for the engineering team. They foresaw some challenges in the development and were hesitant to get on board. After spending some time listening to their concerns, I realized I had jumped right into the granular details with them and had skipped explaining the overall strategic objectives of the product. I scheduled another team meeting and asked them to let me take a step back and show them the big picture. After that meeting, they saw the full vision for the product and were ready to tackle the technical challenges involved in the development process."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Product Manager
30. What methods do you use to determine what customers want and need?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Product managers must know how to conduct customer research in order to clarify what market opportunities exist. The interviewer wants to know what methods you would use to connect with customers to find out what they need and want.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
How to Answer
Provide examples of times in the past when you've performed this type of research. Share both the steps you took and what the outcomes were.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"The purpose of conducting customer research is to determine product positioning and to get a clear picture of the competitive landscape. The market research I have performed has helped to successfully launch several products over the past few years. I have administered surveys and questionnaires, and I am also experienced in evaluating data and analytics for quantitative results. Qualitative methods like focus groups, interviews, and customer observation have also been extremely useful tools for me in the past. Where appropriate, I have utilized secondary research tools as well, such as commercial and public sources."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 10th, 2022