Lifetime Hack: Powerful Questions for Your Product Management Interview

Questions to ask your interviewer and identify red flags in the process.

Are you preparing for your next product management interview, but wondering if the job is a good fit for you? Here's some good news: you have the power to take control of the situation by asking the right questions to your interviewer.

Why asking questions helps in the interview process?

First of all, it shows the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the company, the role, and the team. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates who may not ask questions.

Second, asking questions allows you to gather valuable information about the company, the team, and the role. This information can help you assess if the job is a good fit for your skills, career goals, and values. If you really want the job, then you need to be comfortable working in that organization, isn't it?

As a Product Manager, you play a critical role in ensuring products are developed and delivered successfully. It's imperative that you find a company that aligns with your values and expectations. To help you make the best decision possible, I have compiled a list of important questions to ask during the interviews so you can detect red flags in time and to determine if the job is the right match for you.

Common red flags to look out for

1. Lack of Clear Product Strategy:

   • 🚩 If the company can't articulate a clear product strategy or vision during the interview, it might indicate a lack of direction.

   • 💡 Ask about the company's long-term product vision and how your role fits into it.

2. Output-Centric Focus:

   • 🚩 If the interviewers emphasize meeting product shipment deadlines but don't mention customer impact or outcomes, it may signal an output-centric culture.

   • 💡 Inquire about how success is measured and whether the company values customer satisfaction and problem-solving.

3. Limited Cross-Functional Collaboration:

   • 🚩 If there's little mention of collaboration with engineering, design, or marketing teams, it may suggest siloed operations.

   • 💡 Ask about the level of cross-functional collaboration in product development and how teams work together.

4. Insufficient Customer-Centricity:

   • 🚩 If the company doesn't prioritize gathering and acting on customer feedback, it might not be truly customer-centric.

   • 💡 Inquire about how the company collects customer feedback and uses it to drive product improvements.

5. Opaque Communication:

   • 🚩 If the interviewers aren't transparent about the company's goals, challenges, or product development process, it could lead to misunderstandings later on.

   • 💡 Ask about the company's communication practices and how they keep teams informed about product updates.

My top 5 questions to ask and how they help

These questions help me to understand the dynamics between the company culture and the product team in general. With these questions, you’ll start to have a better picture of how it is to work here even if the company’s website says different!

1. What, in your opinion, are the biggest challenges facing the product team right now?

Asking this question gets to the heart of the company's challenges and helps you to determine if you have the necessary skills to overcome them. If the answer is something you've dealt with before and are confident in your abilities to address, you're in a good position to tackle the job. On the other hand, if the challenges seem too numerous or outside your range of expertise, it's worth considering if this is the right place for you.

2. Can you walk me through how decisions are made on the product team?

Understanding the decision-making process can help you understand the company culture and how decisions are made. If the process seems opaque, or if strategies are changed on a whim, it could be a sign of disorganization or a lack of focus. As a product manager, you want to work with a team that is transparent and strategic about decision-making.

3. How does the company handle conflicts between different departments or teams?

In any company, disagreements and miscommunication can occur. However, it's important to understand how the company approaches these conflicts. If the answer seems dismissive or indifferent, it could be a red flag. Look out for companies that value employee feedback, mediation, and problem-solving approaches that prioritize the interests of all parties involved.

4. What metrics are used to measure product success, and how often are these metrics reviewed?

Understanding what metrics are used to measure success is important in clarifying your own goals and expectations. If the company's metrics are unclear or don't align with your understanding of the product, consider if this is the right fit. Also, knowing how often review cycles occur gives you an idea of what your workflow and pace will be like in the company.

5. Can you tell me about a time when something went wrong with a product launch, and how the team responded?

This question helps you gauge the company's ability to handle stress and problems. If the interviewer shares a story where the team handled the situation gracefully, it could be a sign of strong leadership and collaboration. Conversely, if the response is something like "we swept it under the rug," or "it wasn't a big deal," it could be a red flag that the company doesn't take product issues seriously enough.

Your complete arsenal of questions to ask in your next job interview

Now, having your own arsenal of questions ready for each interviewer is essential. Not only makes you look interested in the job position in front of recruiters, but it demonstrates your high interest in the company.

Depending on who the interviewer is (HR, product manager peers, director or VP, stakeholders, executives, etc.), these questions will help you to understand throughly and deeply how the company perceives the role their looking for and if it matches what you want.

Wrapping up with a personal experience

In my career, I've encountered various job opportunities, some more promising than others. I've learned that assessing a potential employer is as critical as them assessing you. One particularly memorable experience was when I interviewed with a company that couldn't articulate its product strategy clearly.

I also noticed a strong emphasis on meeting deadlines without discussing the impact on customers. Actually, when I asked about having access to customer feedback and research, they told me those were not going to be necessary because the stakeholder new what he wanted to build. Ouch!

Recognizing these red flags, I decided to explore other opportunities that aligned better with my goals and values. Ultimately, I joined a company that prioritized customer outcomes, promoted cross-functional collaboration, and maintained open communication. Although it never gets easier, this decision has led to a more fulfilling career path.

Remember, your job as a Product Manager is not just about shipping products on time; it's about driving meaningful outcomes and solving customer problems. By asking the right questions and watching for red flags during the interview process, you can find a role and company that align with your vision and set yourself up for success in the world of product management. Good luck on your journey!