Top Product Manager Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Product Manager interview by going through these most asked Product Manager interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

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  • Question: Why should we hire you over other candidates?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how the candidate thinks on his or her feet. It's also a good way to see how the candidate will sell your product to others.

    Sample Answer: I'm a great fit for this position because I have a proven track record of working with teams to develop products that are both innovative and profitable. I've also worked with a variety of different companies, so I know how to adapt my approach to fit with different cultures and work styles.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specifics
    • - Confidence
    • - Passion

  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that gives you a chance to see how the candidate thinks on his or her feet.

    Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist, which can be a strength and a weakness. I want to do things right the first time, so I spend extra time on tasks and I'm not always as fast as I'd like to be. On the other hand, I'm very thorough and I don't leave anything to chance.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-aware
    • - Honest
    • - No "I don't have any weaknesses"

  • Question: What's your favorite product and how would you improve it?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the candidate's creativity and ability to think outside the box.

    Sample Answer: I love the Kindle because it's so light and easy to read. I'd improve it by making it waterproof and adding a backlight so that it's easier to read in the dark.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Originality
    • - Practicality
    • - Thoughtfulness

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out if the candidate is really interested in your company.

    Sample Answer: I'm interested in working for your company because I love the products you make. I've been using them for years, and I think they're the best on the market. I also love the company culture, which is very friendly and collaborative.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Genuine interest
    • - Specifics
    • - Cultural fit

  • Question: How much budget do you think is required to maintain Facebook Photos?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate has researched your products and knows enough to speak about them with familiarity. It also gives you real-time insight into the candidate's communication and prioritization skills.

    Sample Answer: I would say at least $10 million per year. For example, Facebook Photos is used by more than 500 million people, and they upload more than 300 million photos every day. The site is also available in more than 50 languages.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - User testimonials
    • - Specific product features
    • - Cost-benefit overvie

  • Question: How will you output a tree in column sequence from left to right?
  • Question Overview: This question is a test of the candidate's logic and problem-solving skills.

    Sample Answer: I would first output the leftmost column, then the rightmost column. I would then output the leftmost column again, but this time from right to left.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Logical answer
    • - Explanation of the why
    • - Algorithm

  • Question: What is your favorite product and why?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how your candidate thinks about products. It also gives you insight into what they value and how they make decisions.

    Sample Answer: My favorite product is the iPhone. I love that it's simple and easy to use. I also love that it's made with high-quality materials and that it's easy to use. I also love the fact that it's a top-of-the-line product but still affordable for most people.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A favorite product
    • - A favorite product category
    • - A favorite brand

  • Question: What was a challenging situation you faced?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how the candidate reacts to stressful situations. It also gives you insight into how the candidate thinks and makes decisions.

    Sample Answer: I was working on a project that was running over budget and behind schedule. I had to work with my team to find ways to cut costs and get the project back on track. We had to make some tough decisions, but we were able to finish the project on time and under budget.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Logical thinking
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Communication skills

  • Question: How would you find the number of times 1 appears on a digital clock in a 24 hour period?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the candidate's ability to work with numbers and to think creatively.

    Sample Answer: I would use a formula that multiplies the hours by the minutes, then divides by 60.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Creative solution
    • - Knowledge of basic math
    • - Knowledge of time

  • Question: What would you change about the product?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate is a good listener and can think critically.

    Sample Answer: I'd change the color of the packaging. I know that sounds superficial, but it's a proven way to increase sales. Consumers are more likely to buy a product if it's in a color they like.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Logical answer
    • - Reasoning
    • - No "I wouldn't change anything"

  • Question: Tell me about a process you learned or developed at your previous job which you feel is valuable enough to take with you to your future position.
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate is a team player and has a track record of working with others.

    Sample Answer: I learned how to create a product roadmap from my boss. He taught me how to prioritize features and set clear goals for the team. I also developed a process for testing new features with customers before we release them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Team effort
    • - A process the candidate developed
    • - A process the candidate learned

  • Question: How will you fit in with the team?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the candidate's personality and how he or she will fit in with your team.

    Sample Answer: I'm a team player who works well with others. I'm also a quick learner who can adapt to different situations. I've been told that I'm easy to get along with and that I'm a good listener.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Team player
    • - Personality fit
    • - Personal strengths

  • Question: How do you resolve conflicts?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate handles disagreements.

    Sample Answer: I always try to see both sides of an issue. I'm a good listener and I don't jump to conclusions. I also know that there's always more than one way to solve a problem. My goal is to find the best solution for everyone involved.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to compromise
    • - Ability to listen
    • - Ability to negotiate

  • Question: How do you feel working with data scientists?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate has a good working relationship with data scientists.

    Sample Answer: I enjoy working with data scientists because they're always coming up with new ways to improve our products. I'm always open to their suggestions, and we work together to make sure that we're all on the same page.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive answer
    • - Explanation of the relationship
    • - How the relationship is managed

  • Question: How will you get along with their current employees?
  • Question Overview: You want to know if the candidate will be a good fit with your team.

    Sample Answer: I'm a team player who's always willing to learn new things. I'm also a good communicator who can work well with others. I've worked with people from many different backgrounds, so I know how to communicate with people from different cultures.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Team player
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Willingness to learn

  • Question: How would you design a travel app?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the candidate's ability to think through a problem and come up with a solution.

    Sample Answer: I would design the app to be simple and easy to use. I would make it available on all major platforms so that it's accessible to everyone. I would also make it easy to find deals and compare prices.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Logical solution
    • - Practical
    • - Creative

  • Question: How will you handle a situation when there is conflict and need to work with this person who has a conflict with you?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate will handle a sticky situation.

    Sample Answer: I would first try to understand the other person's point of view. I would then try to find a solution that works for both of us. If that doesn't work, I would try to find a compromise.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Handling of conflict
    • - Communication skills
    • - Ability to work with others

  • Question: If you are hosting a celebrity website and suddenly notice a drop in traffic to your site/clicks on ads, how do you root cause the issue?
  • Question Overview: You want to see how the candidate thinks and approaches problems.

    Sample Answer: I would first look at the website's analytics to see if there's been a drop in traffic. I would then check for any changes in the site's content or layout. If I still couldn't find anything, I would check the website's backlinks to see if there were any changes that could have affected the traffic.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Logical approach
    • - Attention to detail
    • - Ability to prioritize

  • Question: Design something and prioritize it.
  • Question Overview: This question gives you a chance to see how your candidate thinks. It also gives you insight into how they prioritize tasks and how they work with others.

    Sample Answer: I would design a product that's easy to use and has a sleek design. I would prioritize it over a product that's more advanced but harder to use.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A practical solution
    • - A good design
    • - A good prioritization

  • Question: How would you improve the performance of a theoretical Web app?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate has a good understanding of the Web app's strengths and weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: I would improve the performance by optimizing the database and server. I would also add a caching layer to reduce load times.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specifics
    • - Practicality
    • - Detailed analysis