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.

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  • 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 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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'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: How would you manage a difficult boss?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate can handle a difficult situation with grace and professionalism.

    Sample Answer: I would approach my boss and ask for a private meeting. I would explain the situation and ask for his or her advice on how to handle it. I would also ask for his or her support in the matter.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Communication skills
    • - Ability to work with others

  • Question: What product should Google build next?
  • Question Overview: This question is a fun way to see how creative your candidate is. It also shows how well they know Google and its products.

    Sample Answer: I think Google should build a new version of its mobile operating system. The current version is a little dated, and it would be great to have a more efficient and user-friendly interface.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Creativity
    • - Knowledge of Google products
    • - Ability to prioritize

  • Question: What do you want to tell me about yourself?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate is able to sell himself or herself.

    Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's passionate about product management. I love to learn new things and have a knack for finding solutions to problems. I'm also a team player who's able to work with people from all walks of life.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Personal brand
    • - Confidence
    • - Honesty

  • Question: How would you find out if a web site or online posting for a business is spam?
  • Question Overview: The question checks that the candidate is aware of the issue of spam and how it can affect your business.

    Sample Answer: I would look at the site's backlinks and see if they're from spammy sites. I'd also check the site's content for spammy keywords and phrases. If the site is a blog, I'd check to see if it's updated regularly and if the author is a real person.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical knowledge
    • - Practical solution
    • - Knowledge of consumer pr

  • Question: What is your experience with SQL?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate has experience with the kind of databases you use.

    Sample Answer: I've worked with SQL databases since I was a junior developer. I'm comfortable writing queries and creating tables. I also know how to use the database to store and retrieve data.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience with SQL
    • - Knowledge of SQL
    • - Knowledge of SQL

  • Question: How would you write a product specification?
  • Question Overview: This question tests your candidate's ability to write a specification that's clear, concise and complete.

    Sample Answer: I would start with a clear statement of the product's purpose. Then I would describe the product's features and how they work together to achieve the purpose. Finally, I would list the product's requirements and limitations.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Clear
    • - Concise
    • - Complete

  • Question: How would you estimate the bandwidth required for a college campus?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the candidate's ability to apply knowledge to a new situation.

    Sample Answer: I would start by looking at the number of students and faculty members on campus. I would also consider the number of devices each person uses, such as a desktop computer, laptop and smartphone. I would also look at the number of devices each student uses, such as a desktop computer and laptop. I would then use this data to estimate the bandwidth required.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the subject
    • - Ability to apply knowledge
    • - Communication abilit

  • Question: How would you design elevators for a building?
  • Question Overview: This question is a classic brainteaser. You want to see how the candidate thinks on their feet and how they approach a problem with a limited amount of information.

    Sample Answer: I would first look at the building's purpose. If it's a hotel, I'd want to make sure that the elevators were fast enough to transport guests to their rooms quickly. If it's an office building, I'd want to make sure that the elevators were large enough to fit multiple people and their belongings. I'd also want to make sure that the elevators were accessible for people with disabilities.

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

  • Question: What is a Virtual Private Network?
  • Question Overview: This question checks the candidate's knowledge of basic computer terminology.

    Sample Answer: A Virtual Private Network is a service that allows you to connect to a private network over a public network. It's often used to connect remote offices and employees to a central office. It's also used to provide secure connections to remote users.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Correct answer
    • - Knowledge of related terms
    • - Explanation of the wh

  • Question: How would you verify the hours of operation for all business listings on Google maps?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate knows how to use Google Maps and can think creatively to solve a problem.

    Sample Answer: I would use Google Maps' API to get the business listings and then check each one individually. I would also check the hours of operation for each listing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Creative solution
    • - Knowledge of Google Maps
    • - Logical approach