Curriculum - Design Product To Encourage Voting (with LinkedIn PM)

Summary

In this PM lesson live mock interview, Mitchell Kim, a former LinkedIn PM and current coach, discusses strategies for answering common PM interview questions. He emphasizes the importance of mock interviews and behavioral question preparation. The session delves into designing a digital product to boost youth voting rates in the US, exploring ideas like a LinkedIn-style platform for politicians and social voting apps. Mitchell outlines a structured approach to product management interviews, highlighting the need for clear communication of assumptions and goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 The mock interview focused on designing a product or experience to encourage voting, particularly among younger demographics.
• 🔍 Mitchell Kim, a former LinkedIn employee and PM lesson coach, shared his insights on common PM interview questions and strategies for success.
• 🎯 The importance of conducting numerous mock interviews was emphasized for interview preparation, as it builds confidence and familiarity with potential questions.
• 🗣 Behavioral questions were highlighted as crucial for showcasing cultural fit, especially at companies like LinkedIn.
• 🤔 The interview began with clarifying questions to define the scope of the product design challenge, focusing on a digital solution for the US market.
• 📊 Mitchell proposed a structured approach to identify user pain points, prioritize them, and brainstorm solutions to address the most impactful issues.
• 📝 He suggested that a lack of political awareness among younger people might be the primary barrier to voting, rather than logistical issues.
• 💡 Ideas generated included a social media-style story platform for political candidates, a subscription-based issue and policy discovery platform, a LinkedIn-like profile for politicians, and a social voting app.
• 📉 Mitchell prioritized the LinkedIn for politicians concept as potentially the most effective in bridging the gap between voters and political understanding.
• 👥 The interview concluded with feedback emphasizing the importance of structure, clear communication of assumptions, and the balance between qualitative and quantitative reasoning in product management interviews.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the live mock interview session with Mitchell Kim?

The main purpose of the live mock interview session is to discuss how to answer common PM interview questions and to explore the process of designing a product to encourage more people to vote, specifically targeting younger demographics.

What is Mitchell Kim's current professional status according to the transcript?

Mitchell Kim used to work at LinkedIn and is currently on flex due to visa situations. He is also serving as a coach for PM Lesson.

What advice does Mitchell give for someone preparing for a product management interview?

Mitchell advises doing a lot of mock interviews to become more comfortable and confident, and to prepare compelling stories for behavioral questions that align with the points listed on one's resume.

What is the primary focus of the product design discussion in the interview?

The primary focus is on designing a digital product experience that increases voter participation, particularly among younger people in the US, by addressing their lack of awareness and understanding of politics and the voting process.

What assumptions does Mitchell make about young people not voting in the US?

Mitchell assumes that young people might not vote because they don't understand the political system, find it inconvenient to get to voting locations, are not aware of the candidates and their policies, or feel that their voices aren't heard after voting.

How does Mitchell approach the problem of increasing voter awareness among young people?

Mitchell suggests creating a platform similar to LinkedIn for politicians, where candidates can provide information about their careers, policies, and public appearances, making it easier for voters to understand and engage with the political landscape.

What are the potential challenges in creating a 'LinkedIn for politicians' platform?

Challenges include ensuring the factuality and objectivity of the information, maintaining up-to-date content, and convincing politicians to actively use and promote the platform.

How does Mitchell address the issue of objectivity on the 'LinkedIn for politicians' platform?

Mitchell proposes a combination of politicians providing their own information, designated editors curating and validating the content, and allowing the public to request edits or provide support for the information presented.

What is the significance of integrating the voting awareness platform with existing social media channels like Instagram or Snapchat?

Integrating with existing social media channels can help meet young voters where they already spend their time, making the platform more accessible and engaging for the target demographic.

What feedback does Steven provide to Mitchell regarding his approach to the interview?

Steven commends Mitchell for his structured approach, summarizing, and checking in regularly. However, he suggests that Mitchell could have integrated more quantitative analysis or metrics into his reasoning and should ensure that his assumptions are clear and defended throughout the discussion.

What is the importance of structure in a PM interview according to the feedback given by Steven?

Structure is important as it helps keep the interview organized and on track. However, it should not make the interview feel robotic or rehearsed. The candidate should be able to adapt and respond naturally to the flow of the conversation.