Google Feedback: Creativity
3 months ago I did PM onsite @ Google MV and the only feedback I got was “Strong in many areas but creativity was a weakness”. Few days ago Google recruiter reached for a PM role. During the onsite - I would pitch ideas that were both iterative in nature and also “creative” ones which would change the business case of a google product hoping I’d hedge my bets but not sure if this sunk me. Thoughts on things I should consider because I’m going to do a 2nd run at Google PM interview? I’ve done all problems in the “Cracking The PM interview” and have my process down pat after doing product in many environments over 8 years. Ex developer so Big O stuff is fine and I made it through the technical interview just fine I think (it was the first interview out of 6 and they didn’t walk me out).
I wouldn't focus so much on being creative. In fact, given all your practice you may be over training and come off stiff or awkward. Go on a hike.
“Sorry, you’re not very creative, toodles. Hey wait - wanna be a PM?”
Yeah, I try to take feedback at face value but hearing back shortly after they want to interview me again does leave mixed messages. Was hoping to find out if “creative” means a buzz word that some of the people just didn’t like me OR they didn’t think that my style of solving problems was t creative enough for google?
Sounds like they had made a premature selection and grudgingly went through with the rest of the scheduled interviews. Not that all the interviews were for naught, but when you find the one you want within the first few candidates and have to proceed with the rest on your calendar. In this next go round, you’ll be the lucky duck. It’s your time, now. 🦆