Copy of A PM Interview Guide.

Hi there!

Welcome to a PM Interview Guide.

This isn't a detailed playbook on APM programs or their interview processes. Instead, it's a comprehensive list of real questions you might be asked, many of which I encountered during my interviews. I also share my preparation strategies and the answers that helped me succeed.

The best way to land the job is to train hard for the interview, primarily through extensive mock interviews. Practice with peers who are also preparing for PM roles. Here are some communities where you can find practice partners:

• Lewis Lin Slack Community
• StellarPeers

Many companies require you to complete a preliminary homework assignment before starting the interview process. Here are two examples from Avni Barman that you can use as inspiration:

• Lyft
• Yelp

This guide begins with a cheat sheet, includes a long list of behavioral questions, and outlines my interviews with major tech companies.

Let’s dive in ??

Interview Cheat Sheet / Study Guide

How to Improve a Product

CIRCLES Method:

1. Comprehend the Situation / Define Goals Understand the product and its goals.Identify specific aspects needing improvement. Determine relevant metrics.
2. Identify the CustomerDefine who the users are.Report their needs and pain points.Outline user goals and journeys.
3. Cut Through PrioritizationSelect users that align with goals.List and evaluate solutions.Prioritize based on impact vs. complexity.
4. SummarizeRestate the goal and chosen solutions.Discuss metrics for success.

How to Design a Product

CIRCLES Method:

1. Comprehend the Situation / Define Goals Identify business goals. Ask clarifying questions.
2. Identify the Customer Define user personas. Understand their needs and motivations.
3. Cut Through Prioritization Select relevant user needs. Brainstorm and prioritize solutions.
4. Evaluate Tradeoffs Assess solutions based on impact vs. effort. Consider risk and innovation.
5. Summarize State the design goal, target personas, and chosen solutions.

Metrics Questions

1. Acquisition User base growth, conversion rate, and growth rate. Active users and their sources.
2. Activity (User Journey)Feature usage and workflow completion rates. User feedback and sentiment.
3. Retention Conversion and churn rates.
4. Money Customer acquisition and support costs. Revenue per user and customer lifetime value

Metrics Drop Question

1. Clarify Problem and Goal Analyze changes in the 4Ps: Product, Price, Place, Promotion. Gather external and internal context information.
2. Evaluate High-Level Reasons Check for technical issues, new features, competitor actions, and user behavior changes. Summarize approach and identify most plausible causes.

Problem Solving

1. Clarify Scope Narrow down the problem. Restate it clearly.
2. Identify Components Isolate causes and provide hypotheses.
3. Test Hypotheses Suggest methods for confirmation or denial.
4. Wrap Up Summarize findings and propose solutions.

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