There is no fixed path of cracking a PM interview but instead multiple things that can be done to make yourself better & to add that structure to the vast knowledge you have gained. After being in conversation with product managers from companies like Paytm & amazon, I have come down to a conclusion regarding what does it take to crack a Prodman interview
It entails an understanding of software development, project management. Such an understanding if developed by having experiences in this field helps one to create a preference amongst candidates. An understanding of tools of product management like product roadmaps, funnel analysis & the product management process is a prerequisite. Additionally, case preparation for product management cases wherein your technical approach & your attitude is checked if it deems fit to be a product manager. So, the question here is what the attitude of a product manager is, every successful product comes after years of research & testing therefore patience is the key. Additionally, a manager who is stuck to is idea can never grow as a product manager. To launch successful features & products in markets one must be open to criticism, therefore a flexible approach is necessary. A product manager who is willing to correct his course of actions is the one that can bring in revolutionary products in the marketing. Additionally, to gain a tactical understanding of product management, product management exercises are imperative
Jeff Bezos has developed a fantastic business. Amazon has developed from selling books online in the early days of the Internet to being a retail behemoth, a leader in cloud computing, and a leader in digital products (Kindle, Echo etc.).
Without a robust Product Management discipline, this is impossible to achieve. Amazon places a strong emphasis on customer service. They have a process for defining new products that is known as Working Backwards.
- The goal here is to start from the end — i.e., write a press release FIRST — so that you (and anyone else who will review and provide comments on the proposal) may think about it from the customer’s/perspective.
- Customer benefits, not features or technology, are the focus of the PR. Once that’s done, start working on a FAQ.
- The customer experience should then be defined and validated. Create UI mockups, define use cases, and so on. Finally, draught the user guide. This is where the actual product definition begins, although it’s still from the standpoint of “What does it do?” rather than “How is it built?”
- From here, product specifications, development plans, and so on can be derived. This technique keeps everyone focused on the end product (i.e., an outside-in perspective) and reduces a problem that many businesses’ problem: the navel-gazing “What can we build?” inside-out perspective.