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 do you prioritize your backlog?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to tell you how he prioritizes his backlog.

    Sample Answer: I prioritize my backlog by urgency and importance. Urgency is based on the date a feature will be needed. Importance is based on the impact a feature will have on the business. I also consider the cost of implementing a feature and the ease of implementation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Prioritization criteria
    • - How backlog is organized
    • - How backlog is tracke

  • Question: What is the meaning of loss ratio?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the candidate's knowledge of basic marketing concepts.

    Sample Answer: Loss ratio is the percentage of customers who stop using a product or service. It's calculated by dividing the number of customers who stop using it by the total number of customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Correct definition
    • - Knowledge of basic marketing concepts

  • Question: What do you think about this website? How would you improve it?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the candidate's ability to analyze a product. It also gives you insight into the candidate's design skills.

    Sample Answer: I would make the navigation bar larger and more visible. I would also add a search box so that users can find what they're looking for more easily.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Logical analysis
    • - Design suggestions
    • - Ability to prioritize

  • Question: How will you handle a URL in browser?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the candidate's knowledge of the product and their ability to think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would type it in and press enter.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Logical answer
    • - Knowledge of product
    • - Knowledge of browser

  • Question: How would you estimate the number of piano tuners in a city?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the candidate's quantitative skills. The answer should be based on research and data.

    Sample Answer: I would look at the number of pianos in the city, the number of piano teachers and the number of piano students. I would also consider the number of pianos that need tuning and the frequency with which they need tuning.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Research
    • - Data analysis
    • - Quantitative reasoning

  • Question: Can you give an example of where you took a product from cradle to grave?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate is familiar with the product development process and has experience in it.

    Sample Answer: I took a product from concept to launch in just four months. We had to do some serious prioritizing to make it happen, but we were able to get it out the door on time and on budget.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific example
    • - Knowledge of process
    • - Knowledge of your company's pr

  • Question: How would you drive long term value from customers?
  • Question Overview: This question checks that the candidate has a plan for customer retention.

    Sample Answer: I would focus on customer retention by offering them incentives to keep using the product. For example, I would offer a discount on the next purchase if they refer a friend.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Customer-centric
    • - Long term value
    • - Specifics

  • Question: What product (Google or other) has blown you away when you first saw it?
  • Question Overview: You want a candidate who is passionate about products and knows what's out there.

    Sample Answer: I was blown away by the Google Maps app when I first saw it. I love how easy it is to use and how it's always up to date. I also love the fact that it's free.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A real answer
    • - A specific product
    • - A specific feature

  • Question: How much revenue does Youtube make in a year?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic brainteaser that's designed to see how well the candidate thinks on his or her feet.

    Sample Answer: Youtube's revenue is estimated at $4 billion a year.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Correct answer
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Ability to do quick math

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the candidate's career goals and how they align with your company's goals.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to be a product manager at a company that's growing quickly. I'd like to be part of a team that's helping to make that happen. I'm looking for a company that values teamwork and collaboration.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career goals
    • - Career path
    • - Company goals