PM prep and interviews - Ask Me Anything

Google
LifeHappen

Go to company page Google

LifeHappen
May 7, 2020 25 Comments

I wrote this post a while ago. Reposting it to make sure that Blinders looking for advice on PM prep can access it.

https://us.teamblind.com/s/pj56HMHQ

I coach PMs and teach PMing at Product School and General Assembly. Ask me anything.

TC: 405K

#google #productmanagement #interviewprep #facebook #amazon #microsoft #career #tech

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  • Should i prepare differently for a PMT position compared to PM position ? I guess this is bit specific to Amazon
    May 7, 2020 2
    • Google
      LifeHappen

      Go to company page Google

      LifeHappen
      OP
      PMT has a T bar round but everything else is same.
      May 7, 2020
    • Google
      LifeHappen

      Go to company page Google

      LifeHappen
      OP
      Leadership principles and stories will be same for either roles. For technical round get your fundamentals right. Amazon doesn't ask algorithms or questions on a lot of technical subjects. They may ask basic technical stuff like what would you do if someone comes and tell you that Amazon website is rendering slow.
      May 7, 2020
  • PLAYSTUDIOS / Data
    GGMU40

    Go to company page PLAYSTUDIOS Data

    PRE
    HSBC, Discover Financial Services, Zoom
     GGMU40
    Thanks for sharing earlier post. Great resource. I am currently working as Data Engineer and would like to switch to PM roles. Do PM roles require SWE experience and any recommendations for building side projects to move to PM world?
    May 7, 2020 1
    • Google
      LifeHappen

      Go to company page Google

      LifeHappen
      OP
      They don't require SWE experience. It is good to have though helps your earn trust with Engg. Side projects - it depends. You can get involved in local startup community. They are always looking for product help. If you know couple of good PMs in your company then ask them if you can shadow them. Offer to take their meeting notes, and learn how they deal with the pressure of feature request vs prioritization.
      May 7, 2020
  • AWIP
    wixiz

    AWIP

    wixiz
    How is the switch from analytics/business analyst to PM?

    How did you learn to communicate effectively with stakeholders?

    What are the most crucial skills for a PM to have according to you?
    May 7, 2020 3
  • Microsoft / Other
    vlnc33

    Go to company page Microsoft Other

     vlnc33
    How easy or difficult is it to move from sales to a PM role? What preparation tips will you give?
    May 7, 2020 1
    • Google
      LifeHappen

      Go to company page Google

      LifeHappen
      OP
      this one is tough. They are fundamentally different roles. However, you have to market your user obsession mindset from sales. Much easier transition would be to product marketing manager and from there switch to PM. Difficult to make a direct switch at large companies such as Microsoft. Maybe some smaller startups can provide you that opportunity with a hybrid business PM role.
      May 7, 2020
  • Oracle
    voin9

    Go to company page Oracle

    voin9
    How're you liking Google? How's it PMing there vs Amazon?
    Jun 3, 2020 1
    • Google
      GodFather!

      Go to company page Google

      GodFather!
      More collaborative, less stressful, and highly impactful. In Amazon PM is the lone warrior vs at Google it functions more like a Pride that work together.
      Jun 7, 2020