Mock Behavioral Product Manager Interview for Candidates with NO Experience

Summary

Elisa conducts a mock interview for an Assistant Product Manager (APM) role, portraying a candidate without prior product experience. She emphasizes the importance of showcasing raw potential and understanding of product management. The video demonstrates how to effectively answer behavioral questions using the Nugget plus SAR methodology and discusses the value of research and self-study in preparing for a product role. Elisa also highlights the significance of aligning product solutions with company strategy and goals, and stresses the importance of communication and problem-solving skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is a mock interview for an ATM (Assistant Product Manager) role, featuring a candidate with no prior product experience.
• 🎓 The candidate's background includes a major in Management Information Systems and work in a consulting firm, which provided foundational skills for product management.
• 🏆 The candidate engaged in case competitions during college, which honed problem-solving and communication skills relevant to product management.
• 🔍 The candidate has been proactive in learning about product management through books, podcasts, newsletters, and certifications to compensate for the lack of direct experience.
• 💡 The interview includes a behavioral question using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) methodology, which is crucial for structuring responses effectively.
• 🤝 The candidate emphasizes teamwork and leadership in their past experiences, which are transferable skills for product management.
• 🍇 The candidate discusses a personal project related to wine selection, demonstrating an ability to identify user problems and consider solutions, a key product management skill.
• 📊 The candidate understands the importance of aligning product solutions with company strategy and considering the competitive landscape.
• 🗣️ The candidate highlights the need for strong communication and problem-solving skills in product management, skills they have developed through education and work.
• 🚀 The video concludes with advice on preparing for interviews, emphasizing the importance of research and practicing behavioral interview responses.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video presented in the script?

The main purpose of the video is to demonstrate a mock interview for an ATM (Assistant Product Manager) role, specifically for candidates with no prior product experience. It aims to help such candidates understand how to approach interviews for product roles.

Why does the candidate in the mock interview not have prior product experience?

The candidate is portrayed as someone in their first job out of college, working in a consulting firm, which is similar to the video creator's own experience when interviewing for their first product role.

What is the Nugget plus SAR methodology mentioned in the script?

The Nugget plus SAR methodology is an interview response technique where 'SAR' stands for Situation, Action, and Result. It helps candidates provide concise and structured answers to behavioral interview questions.

What does the interviewer look for in an inexperienced candidate during a product management interview?

The interviewer looks for a track record of successful delivery, teamwork skills, quick learning ability, understanding of product management, and evidence of self-driven learning and skill development in product management.

What is the significance of the case competition mentioned in the script?

The case competition is significant as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to lead a project, solve problems, and communicate effectively, which are valuable skills for a product management role.

Why does the candidate mention their experience with IT audits in the consulting firm?

The candidate mentions IT audit experience to highlight their ability to engage with clients, communicate with executives, and understand business processes, which are transferable skills for product management.

What does the candidate do to demonstrate their interest and preparation for a product management role?

The candidate demonstrates their interest and preparation by reading books, listening to podcasts, subscribing to newsletters, taking courses like Pragmatic Marketing and Scrum Master certification, and doing mock problem-solving exercises.

Why does the candidate choose Vivino as an example of a product they admire?

The candidate chooses Vivino because it effectively solves the problem of selecting good wine by providing customer reviews and information quickly and frictionlessly, which aligns with their interest in product management.

What does the candidate believe are the key skills a product manager should have?

The candidate believes that key skills for a product manager include understanding customer problems, working with cross-functional teams, having a strong grasp of company strategy, and being a strong communicator, problem solver, and leader without authority.

What advice does the video give to candidates preparing for a product management interview?

The video advises candidates to do thorough research, prepare stories for behavioral interviews, and use the Nugget plus SAR methodology for structured responses. It also emphasizes the importance of showcasing raw potential and understanding of product management.