Interviewing Exercise

Background

Because the success of a product depends heavily on the decisions a product manager makes, it is vital to hire the right person for the important position of product manager.

Asking the right questions during an interview is important, but more important is analyzing the answers the candidate gives to determine if they are the right person for the job.

Objectives

• Simulate a product manager job interview;
• Analyze the responses;
• Determine what are the best answers to the interview questions.

Steps

1. Set Up
• Form teams of two.
• One person will be the interviewer; the other will be the interviewee.
• If indecisive as to who should play which role, let the younger person be the interviewee.
• Have the interviewer obtain the list of of questions.


2. Conduct The Interview
• The interviewer will ask each question in order.
• The interviewee will briefly answer each question in order.
• The interviewer will write down the responses in the space provided between questions.
• After each question has been answered, the interviewer will check the appropriate box for personal traits and skills the interviewee mentioned in their answer.
• After the last question has been answered, the interviewer will review the answers and choose the three best answers received.


3. In Larger Groups
• After the interviews have concluded, reconvene into larger groups of ten to sixteen people.
• Elect a moderator for the group.
• If indecisive as to who should be the moderator, choose the interviewer of the team that finished their interview first.
• Go through each question and answer.
• Write out only those answers that are marked as best.
• Discuss among the group which is the best answer for each question.
• For each question, explain why the answer is the best.
• Choose one best answer for each question.


4. Report Findings
• Elect two reporters for the group.
• Group reporters should be someone other than the group moderator.
• If indecisive as to who should report the findings, choose the interviewer and interviewee of the team that finished their interview last.
• Group reporters should be prepared to report their findings.
• Reporters will take turns reporting their findings to the class.
• Those who are not reporters should evaluate each answer against the list of skills and personal traits needed to a great product manager.


5. Compare Answers
• To compare the answers being reported with previous answers, download this document.
• If you have trouble opening the document, contact me.

Congratulations! You have learned what look for in hiring a product manager.

Bravo!

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© 2008 John Michael Pierobon

Notes