Are you looking for product manager interview questions so that you can practice the answers before attending the selection process? If you are thinking too much about it, let's give you some fresh breath of air. Our tips and sample questionnaire will help you to release your stress and get an idea on the overall process.
Product management deals with the function of planning, developing, maintaining, evaluating, and marketing the product/s of an organization. A product manager is responsible for performing all such activities in order to deliver and release the quality product in the market on time. He/she aids in maximizing the business value and work towards achieving the business goals. A product manager may work in the IT, bank, FMCG, etc., sector. For instance, in the IT sector, he/she should have excellent technical knowledge and skills to develop and maintain the products, thereby spending much of his/her time with the team; while in the bank, they mostly deal with the banking products like credit card, loans, debit card, etc. Whatever is the case, he/she should necessarily be open to suggestion and be creative, have knowledge of latest technologies and trends, have good communication and leadership skills, and have the ability to collaborate and work within cross-functional teams.
Please keep in mind that the questions will differ according to each field of job and responsibilities. In these type of managerial interviews, it is always not about answering correctly, rather more emphasis is given on your attitude and personality.
Your communication skills and personality traits will be judged at the very beginning to make an impression about you. Give your background details in brief. Be confident and communicate each detail clearly. Don't give confusing statements. Put more emphasis on the experience and give as much information as you can on your previous work profile.
Get your basics clear. Read everything about the company. Research information from the Internet, website, social networking sites, or any friends you know. You can write a small note, 2-3 times to remember completely. Then, you can convey how you like the company and what you can contribute from your side. Also, talk about the matching job responsibilities, vis-a-vis your preference.
Give a tactful answer to this question. You must not talk about any bad incidents, employees or company. Talk about the better chance you are getting in terms of your growth in career and learning. You can also cite some other reasons, which you feel is important to state like - relocation, change of work field, proximity, etc.
State the technical education you have gained from your academic life. Mention about the courses (diploma or certifications) you have done. Specify each qualification and how it has been/will be useful to the organization.
Most of the candidates who studied engineering and have some experience in the field will be asked this question. Relate how your study and the current profession is somehow related. You have to communicate that it is your interest which had led you to join this field.
"I have specialized in engineering and do have a bit of product engineering background. It was during that phase when I realized that I was taking good interest in product based job. Thus, after completing my MBA, I shifted to this field...."
You have to research on all the recent product inventions or releases in the market. Google the topics and read thoroughly about them. List out the two most prominent products. Understand and remember all its features to answer why did you like them, as that is the next expected question. Try to talk about the products in the same industry and where you have applied for job. If there are any extraordinary invention in any other field, you can surely talk about it as well.
"I think that the new Microsoft product - Windows 8 is absolutely unique and great...."
Again this requires a good study in advance. You must know the names, its features, and where all it is being used in the industry. This will give a good impression about you and your interest in the field of job.
State how important it is to keep a close check on all aspects of the product development stage. Tell him/her that you start with gathering of information on product requirements and type. Then you sit with the development team to help them develop the product, according to the specifics. Expand your answer with examples from your career.
Here, you have to be very specific. If you have business development experience or are interested in doing so, then only say that you can. Business development is a challenging task and if you have this additional experience, you will undoubtedly create an edge for yourself. However, if you are not convinced, be prepared to say that it will not be your preference.
You have to convince the recruiter about your abilities. Hence, do not miss any opportunity of highlighting some of your successful project details.
Research and study about the recent advancements minutely. It is important to know all these details in any job. Analyze the technologies and apply them in one of the key products of the company.
We suggest you to start prepare on these product manager interview questions at least one to two weeks before the actual session. This will not only help you to frame your answer in advance, but will also increase your confidence.
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