PM Case Interview Guide: Ace Like A Ceo!

You might also like

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 51

PM CASE INTERVIEW GUIDE

ACE LIKE A CEO!


TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Product Management 101
What Is Product Management?
Is The Product Manager The “mini-CEO”?
Core Skills That Are Assessed While Hiring An Entry-Level PM

Mastering Case Study Interviews


What are Case Study Interviews?
7 Types Of Case Study Interviews?
6 Steps To Solve Any Case Study Interviews
15 Practice Case Studies For Your PM Interview
Instagram
Google’s Neighbourly
Apple
Tesla Foods
Spotify
Bumble
Google Play
BookMyShow
Whatsapp
LinkedIn
Microsoft
Facebook
Groww
Netflix
Uber

Careers & Salaries


Typical Career Path
Salaries Of PM Careers

How To Break Into Product Management?


PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 101

WHAT IS PRODUCT MANAGEMENT?


Product management is like being the captain of a ship, navigating the
rough waters of the market to deliver a successful product to customers.
It's a dynamic role that requires a unique set of skills - you need to be a
master strategist, a skilled communicator, and a creative problem-solver.

You'll be responsible for everything from researching customer needs


and developing product roadmaps to collaborating with
cross-functional teams and ensuring that the product is delivered on
time and within budget.

In short, product management is like being the conductor of a symphony


- you bring all the different parts together to create a harmonious,
successful product that customers love.

ROLE OF A PRODUCT MANAGER


Think of a product manager as the ultimate multitasker, like a juggler who
keeps a variety of balls in the air at the same time. They're constantly
gathering feedback, brainstorming new ideas, and devising strategies to
keep the product ahead of the competition. It's a role that requires a
diverse skill set and a knack for communicating across different
departments and personalities.

The product manager is at the center of a complex web of interactions


with key stakeholders, from C-level executives to the development,
design, marketing, and sales teams.
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 101

UX Tech
PRODUCT
MANAGER

Business

IS THE PRODUCT MANAGER


THE “MINI-CEO”?
A McKinsey report suggests that product management is emerging as
the new training ground for future CEOs.

A CEO from a product management background can see the bigger


picture, has defined objectives, quickly understand the problems, and
empathizes with people. Moreover, This job is a great training ground for
chief executives, at least in technology companies. It is the single most
important individual contributor position in the company.

https:/ bit.ly/41BbX2R
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 101
CAREER PATHS FOLLOWED BY FAMOUS
CEOS WHO WERE ONCE PRODUCT MANAGERS

SATYA NADELL A SHANTANU


NARAYEN

ENGINEER AT
APPLE
SUN
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTS AT
ENGINEERING PRODUCT MANAGEMENT SILICON GRAPHICS
& EXECUTIVE ROLES AT

MICROSOFT
SOLD HIS STARTUP TO
ADOBE
CEO
CEO
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 101
CAREER PATHS FOLLOWED BY FAMOUS
CEOS WHO WERE ONCE PRODUCT MANAGERS

MARISSA MAYER SUSAN DIANE


WOJCICKI

ENGINEER AT MARKETING AT
GOOGLE GOOGLE
SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
ROLE AT PRODUCT MANAGER (ADSENSE) AT

GOOGLE GOOGLE

CEO CEO
YAHOO. YOUTUBE
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT 101

SKILLS THAT ARE ASSESSED WHILE HIRING


AN ENTRY-LEVEL PM

SOFT SKILLS HARD SKILLS

COMMUNICATION UNDERSTANDING OF
SKILLS WEB DEVELOPMENT
PRIORITIZATION WRITING TECHNICAL SPECS
SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS
STRATEGIC CONDUCTING MARKET
THINKING RESEARCH
ANALYTICAL KNOWLEDGE OF USER EXPERIENCE
SKILLS BEST PRACTICES
PROBLEM-
SOLVING BUSINESS BASICS

LEADERSHIP
SKILLS

FLEXIBILITY

https:/ bit.ly/41BbX2R
CASE STUDY
INTERVIEWS
WHAT ARE CASE STUDY INTERVIEWS?
Product management case study interviews are like brain teasers for
aspiring product managers! It typically involves a hypothetical business
problem or scenario that the candidate is asked to analyze and provide a
solution for, which goes on for about 30 minutes to an hour.

Common questions that might be asked include identifying customer


pain points, developing product roadmaps, analyzing product metrics,
prioritizing features, and assessing market competition. Companies
use them to test your problem-solving skills by presenting you with a
hypothetical scenario and asking you to analyze it and provide a solution.

These interviews are becoming more and more popular, with 56% of
product managers reporting that they've gone through one. So get
ready to put on your thinking cap and show off your product
management skills!

https://bit.ly/44ghain

https:/ bit.ly/4 ghain


CASE STUDY
INTERVIEWS
During case study interviews, your abilities will be evaluated
in five main areas:
Logical and structured thinking: Can you break down complicated issues into
a coherent and straightforward structure?
Analytical problem solving: Are you skilled in interpreting, analyzing, and
drawing conclusions from data?
Business acumen: Do you possess sound judgment and intuition when it
comes to business decisions?
Communication skills: Can you convey your thoughts and ideas effectively,
succinctly, and confidently?
Personality and cultural fit: Are you approachable and adaptable, and do you
easily collaborate with others?

7 TYPES OF CASE STUDY INTERVIEWS


There are several types of case interviews that you may
encounter in a product management interview, here are 7
common ones:

1. Product design case interviews: These focus on your ability to design a


product or feature from scratch, taking into account customer needs,
user experience, technical feasibility, and business objectives.

2. Strategy case interviews: These assess your strategic thinking and


problem-solving skills. You may be presented with a business challenge,
such as declining sales or a new market opportunity, and asked to
develop a plan to address it.

3. Market sizing case interviews: These test your ability to estimate the
size of a market or segment, and may involve breaking down the market
into different categories and using various data sources to arrive at a
conclusion.
CASE STUDY
INTERVIEWS
4. Competitive analysis case interviews: These evaluate your ability to
analyze and understand a company's competitive landscape, including
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

5. Pricing case interviews: These assess your understanding of pricing


strategies and your ability to set prices for products or services based on
various factors, such as costs, competition, and customer demand.

6. Metrics case interviews: These focus on your understanding of key


performance indicators (KPIs) and your ability to use data to drive
decision-making, such as determining which metrics to track and how to
measure success.

7. Innovation case interviews: These evaluate your creativity and ability to


come up with new and innovative ideas for products, features, or business
models.

It's important to note that the specific type of case interview you receive may
vary depending on the company and position you are applying for.
CASE STUDY
INTERVIEWS
6 STEPS TO SOLVE ANY CASE STUDY
INTERVIEWS
1. Understand the problem: Before you can begin solving the problem, you
need to have a clear understanding of what the problem is. Read the
case study carefully and take notes on important information such as
the company's goals, target market, and any constraints or challenges
they are facing.

2. Identify the key issues: Once you have a clear understanding of the
problem, identify the key issues that need to be addressed. These may
be related to product development, marketing, sales, or other areas of
the business.

3. Develop a hypothesis: Based on the information you have gathered,


develop a hypothesis about the best way to solve the problem. This
could involve introducing a new product feature, targeting a different
customer segment, or addressing a specific marketing challenge.

4. Gather supporting evidence: To support your hypothesis, gather


evidence from the case study and other sources such as market
research or customer feedback. This evidence should be used to
validate your hypothesis and make a compelling case for your solution.

5. Develop a plan: Based on your hypothesis and supporting evidence,


develop a plan for implementing your solution. This should include
details such as timelines, budgets, and resources needed to execute
your plan.

6. Communicate your solution: Finally, be prepared to communicate your


solution to the interviewer in a clear and concise manner. This may
involve creating a presentation or outlining your plan in a written
document. Be sure to highlight the key benefits of your solution and
address any potential objections or concerns the interviewer may have.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

INSTAGRAM
Question: How might Instagram create a new revenue stream for
influencers by introducing a direct payment feature, similar to Twitter's
"Tips" feature?

Skills Evaluated: Customer-centric thinking, Prioritization, Strategic


thinking, Revenue Modelling, GTM Strategy.

Approach:

1
Identify the target audience
Develop a customer profile
Consider behavior and demographics
Identify potential audience
Define audience size and reach

Understand the current revenue

2
streams for Instagram influencers
Sponsored Posts
Affiliate Marketing
Merchandise Sales
Direct Payment Feature
Overall Popularity of Instagram

3
Conduct user research
Define research objectives
Choose appropriate research methods
Recruit appropriate participants
Conduct the research

4
Determine the features & design of the
direct payment feature
User Stories
Features and Enablers
Market Readiness
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

5
Develop a pricing strategy
Types of pricing strategies
Customer behavior
Value proposition
Differentiators

6
Develop a launch plan
Define the product
Develop a marketing strategy
Create a user onboarding plan
Consider partnerships and integrations

Sample Answer:

To identify the target audience for the direct payment feature, the
candidate should first develop a customer profile of Instagram influencers
with a significant following and a track record of producing quality content.
They should also consider the behavior and demographics of the target
audience, such as the differences between female and male influencers.

The candidate should then identify the potential audience and create a
customer profile to get a better idea of the target audience. Finally, they
should define the audience size and reach, considering how many
Instagram influencers meet the criteria and how many of them would be
interested in a direct payment feature.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

GOOGLE’S NEIGHBOURLY
Question: How would you go about planning the 12-month product
roadmap?

https:/ bit.ly/4 ghain


Skills Evaluated: Problem-Solving, Market Analysis, Product Strategy,
Product Roadmap, Revenue Modelling
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Approach:

1
Understand the problem statement
Understand the target audience, the
product features, and business goals
Define objective

2
Conduct a market analysis
Identifying competition
Market size
Target audience
Revenue streams

3
Develop a product strategy
Define the market and specific needs
Identify key differentiators
Set business goals
Outline target audience

Create a 12-month product roadmap

4
Create a product strategy
Define the roadmap timeline
Determine milestones and features
Set release timelines
Add bars for each task

5
Choose metrics to track
Review available recruiting metrics
Categorize metrics
Tie metrics to objectives
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

6
Develop a revenue model
Choose a revenue model approach
Consider market opportunities and
user behavior
Evaluate sales funnels
Prioritize revenue metrics

Sample Answer:

To plan the 12-month product roadmap for the Neighbourly app launched
by Google, I would first conduct a market analysis to understand the
competition, market size, and potential user base. Based on the market
analysis, I would develop a product strategy that aligns with the overall
business goals.

This product strategy would include features such as personalized


recommendations, community events, and local deals. I would then create
a 12-month product roadmap that includes key features, milestones, and
release timelines.

To track the success of the Neighbourly app, I would choose metrics such as
user engagement, retention, and acquisition. These metrics would help to
monitor the overall user behavior and identify areas for improvement.

Lastly, to come up with a revenue model for the app, I would consider
multiple options such as charging a commission on local deals, sponsored
content, and premium subscriptions.

For instance, I would charge a commission on local deals since it aligns with
the app's overall goal of promoting local communities while generating
revenue.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

APPLE
Question: How would you estimate the cost of developing new features
for Apple Maps?

Skills Evaluated: Financial Acumen, Project Management, Risk


Management, Technical Knowledge, Communication, Analytical Thinking,
Attention To Detail

Approach:

1
Define the scope of the new feature
User requirements
Technical requirements
The timeline for development

2
Break down the feature into smaller
components
User interface
Backend services
Data storage
Third-party integrations, etc.

3
Estimate the effort required for each
component
Time to develop each component
Complexity of the task
Skills required
Any dependencies on other teams or
third-party services

4
Estimate the cost of development
Effort required for each component
Hourly rates of the engineers, designers,
& other team members involved
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

5
Consider other costs
Testing
Documentation
Project management

6
Factor in contingency
Estimate to account for unforeseen
events, delays, or changes in scope

7
Present the estimate
Discuss the assumptions & risks
involved
Sample Answer:

To estimate the cost of developing new features for Apple Maps, I would
follow the following steps:

1. Understand the scope of the new feature: Let's say we want to add a new
feature that allows users to search for nearby restaurants based on cuisine
type. I would ask questions to clarify the user requirements, such as how the
user interface should look like, what kind of data we need to collect, and
what kind of third-party APIs we need to integrate with.

2. Break down the feature into smaller components: Based on the scope, I
would identify the different components that need to be developed, such
as user interface design, backend services development, data storage, and
third-party integrations.

3. Estimate the effort required for each component: For the user interface
design, I would estimate it would take 2 weeks for a designer to create
wireframes and high-fidelity designs. For backend services development, I
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

would estimate it would take 6 weeks for two engineers to develop the
necessary APIs and database schema. For data storage, I would estimate
it would take 1 week for a data engineer to set up the necessary data
pipelines and storage. For third-party integrations, I would estimate it
would take 2 weeks for a backend engineer to integrate with Yelp and
other APIs.

4. Estimate the cost of development: Based on the hourly rates of the team
members involved, I would calculate the cost of development to be
$200,000.

5. Consider other costs: I would estimate the cost of testing to be $50,000,


documentation to be $20,000, and project management to be $30,000.

6. Factor in contingency: I would add a 20% contingency factor to the


estimate, which would bring the total cost to $360,000.

7. Present the estimate: I would present the estimate to the stakeholders,


discuss the assumptions and risks involved, and adjust the estimate as
necessary based on their feedback.

https:/ bit.ly/41BbX2R
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

TESLA FOODS
Question: How do you come up with product recommendations for Tesla
Foods?

Skills Evaluated: Research Skills, Analytical Skills, Prioritization, Strategic


Thinking, Decision-Making, Feasibility Study, & Business Acumen

Approach:

1
Understand the market
Understand Market landscape,
competition, target audience, customer
needs, & pain points
Identify opportunities & gaps in the market

2
Analyze profitability
Maximizing Profitability = Profitability of
the current product offerings Vs
potential profitability of new product
recommendations

3
Conduct a feasibility study
Technical feasibility
Market demand
Financial viability of each recommendation

4
Prioritize the recommendations
Feasibility
Potential profitability
Impact on the overall business strategy

5
Develop a product roadmap
Timeline & Milestones
Resources
Budget
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Sample Answer:

After conducting a thorough analysis, we have identified a gap in the


market for healthy, plant-based snacks that are convenient and affordable.
Our target audience is health-conscious individuals who are constantly on
the go and looking for quick and nutritious options.

Therefore, we recommend developing a line of plant-based protein bars


and bites that are made with high-quality, organic ingredients and offer a
variety of flavors to appeal to different taste preferences. We anticipate
that these products will be highly profitable due to the increasing demand
for plant-based options and the convenience factor.

To ensure the feasibility of this recommendation, we would conduct a


feasibility study that examines the technical feasibility of developing these
products, the market demand for plant-based snacks, and the financial
viability of production and distribution.

If the feasibility study shows that this product recommendation is viable, we


would prioritize it based on its potential profitability and alignment with our
overall business strategy. Finally, we would develop a product roadmap
that outlines the timeline and milestones for launching this product line,
including the resources and budget required to execute it successfully
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

SPOTIFY
Problem Statement:
Discover Weekly is a feature on Spotify that generates a weekly playlist for
each individual user, based on their listening history and behavior on the
platform. The goal of this feature is to help users discover new music and
increase their time spent listening on the platform.

As a product manager at Spotify, how can we measure the success of the


Discover Weekly feature and determine if it is achieving its intended
goals?

Skills Evaluated: Metrics, Data Analysis, User Testing, Decision-Making,


Communication

Approach:

1
Define the Metrics
User engagement
User retention
Discovery rate

2
Collect Data
User surveys
User behavior analysis
A/B testing

3
Analyze Data
Cohort analysis
Funnel analysis
Segmentation analysis
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

4
Use Insights to Improve the Feature
Personalization
User feedback
A/B testing to test different variations of
the featur

Sample Answer:

To measure the success of Spotify's Discover Weekly feature, we would start


by defining the metrics. These metrics would include user engagement,
user retention, and discovery rate.

I would then collect data on these metrics through user surveys, user
behavior analysis, and A/B testing. Once we have the data, we would
conduct cohort analysis, funnel analysis, and segmentation analysis to
draw insights and identify areas of improvement.

Based on these insights, I would improve the Discover Weekly feature


through personalization, user feedback, and A/B testing.

For example, I could use machine learning algorithms to recommend more


relevant songs to users and incorporate user feedback to address any pain
points. By following this approach, we can ensure that the Discover Weekly
feature continues to drive user engagement and retention while increasing
the discovery rate of new songs.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

BUMBLE
Problem Statement: Improve Bumble's subscription flow & usability for
working professionals, increasing session lengths & DAU, through redesign
& opportunity identification.

Skills Evaluated: Market Research And Analysis, Data Analysis, Design &
Test Potential Improvements, Performance Monitoring, Communication,
Problem-Solving

Approach:
Research and analyze the target market

1
Conduct user research
Analyze existing data
Identify pain points
Understand preferences
Identify opportunities

Analyze the current subscription flow

2
Map out the current subscription flow
Identify pain points
Analyze user data & metrics
Evaluate the current payment options
Assess limitations

3
Design and test potential improvements
Brainstorm potential improvements
Design and develop prototypes
Conduct usability testing
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

4
Monitor and analyze performance
Set up relevant metrics
Conduct A/B testing
Analyze user feedback

Iterate and optimize


5

https:/ bit.ly/44ghain
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Sample Answer:

To improve Bumble's subscription flow and usability for working


professionals, increasing session lengths and DAU, I would start by
conducting research to understand our target audience's preferences and
pain points. Based on this analysis, I would identify opportunities to improve
the subscription flow and usability.

Next, I would analyze the current subscription flow to identify areas of


improvement, such as reducing the number of steps required to complete
the purchase and improving the payment options. Then, I would design and
test potential improvements, such as a simplified subscription flow or a
more flexible payment plan, to determine which changes are most
effective.

Once the redesigned subscription flow and usability improvements are


implemented, I would monitor and analyze their performance to determine
their impact on session lengths and DAU. Based on the results of the testing
and analysis, I would iterate and optimize the subscription flow and usability
to continue improving user engagement and satisfaction.

By following this structured approach, we can ensure that Bumble's


subscription flow and usability are optimized for working professionals,
leading to increased session lengths and DAU, and ultimately driving
business growth.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

GOOGLE PAY
Problem statement: Improve the user experience of Google Pay for
Indian users by redesigning the app to increase retention rates and make
transactions faster and easier, ultimately increasing user awareness of
their payments.

Skills Evaluated: Research, UX Analysis, Testing & Optimizing Skills, Data


Analysis & Monitoring Skills

Approach:
Conduct research & analyze the target

1
market
Define the target audience
Conduct competitive analysis
Identify user pain points
Analyze user preferences

2
Analyze the current user experience
Evaluate the existing features of Google
Pay
Review user feedback and behavior
data

3
Design and test potential improvements
Brainstorm and ideate
Prototyping and testing
Iteration and optimization

4
Monitor and analyze performance
Set up tracking and analytics
Analyze performance data
Make data-driven improvements
Iterate and optimize
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Sample Answer:

To improve the user experience of Google Pay for Indian users, I would start
by conducting research to understand our target audience's preferences
and pain points. Based on this analysis, I would identify opportunities to
improve the user experience and retention rates.

Next, I would analyze the current user experience of Google Pay to identify
areas of improvement, such as making the QR code scanner more
accessible or simplifying the payment process. Then, I would design and
test potential improvements, such as a more intuitive user interface or a
more personalized experience, to determine which changes are most
effective.

Once the redesigned user experience is implemented, I would monitor and


analyze its performance to determine its impact on retention rates and
user awareness of their payments. Based on the results of the testing and
analysis, I would iterate and optimize the user experience to continue
improving retention rates and user awareness.

By following this structured approach, we can ensure that Google Pay's user
experience is optimized for Indian users, leading to increased retention
rates and user awareness of their payments, and ultimately driving
business growth.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

BOOKMYSHOW
Question: How might we reimagine the future of ticket booking?

Skills Evaluated: Research & Analysis, Identify Problems, Brainstorm


Solutions, Prototype & Testing

Approach:

1
Conduct Research and Analysis
Research on the current ticket booking
process
Analyze the target market's preferences &
pain points
Identify opportunities to improve the user
experience & retention rates

2
Identify Key Problems
Identify pain points
Such as long wait times, confusing
navigation, or limited seat availability

3
Brainstorm Solutions
Simplifying the booking process
Introducing new features
Providing a more personalized
experience

Prototype and Test

4
5 Monitor and Iterate
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Sample Answer:

To reimagine the future of ticket booking for BookMyShow, I would start by


conducting research on the current ticket booking process and analyzing
the target market's preferences and pain points. Based on this research, I
would identify key problems, such as long wait times and confusing
navigation, that need to be addressed to improve the user experience and
retention rates.

Next, I would brainstorm potential solutions, such as introducing a faster


checkout process or providing personalized recommendations based on
past ticket purchases. I would create prototypes of these solutions and test
them with a focus group or beta test group to see how users respond.

Once the redesigned ticket booking experience is implemented, I would


monitor its performance and iterate based on user feedback and data
analysis to optimize the user experience and retention rates. For example, if
we find that users are still experiencing long wait times, we could introduce
a virtual queue system to make the booking process more efficient.

By following this structured approach, we can reimagine the future of ticket


booking for BookMyShow, leading to increased user satisfaction and
business growth.

https:/ bit.ly/41BbX2R
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

WHATSAPP
Question: How would you improve user engagement on WhatsApp?

Skills Evaluated: Analytical skills, Customer-centric thinking, Prioritization,


Strategic thinking, Collaboration & team effort

1
Approach: Understand the current state of user
engagement
Daily & monthly active users
Time spent on the platform
Most popular features used by the users

2
Identify user needs and pain points
Users' communication preferences
Types of content they are interested in
The features they would like to see on
the platform

3
Analyze data to gain insights
Analyze user engagement metrics
Time spent on the platform
Identify other relevant metrics such as
retention rate, churn rate, & user
acquisition cost

4
Develop and prioritize solutions
Potential impact
Feasibility of implementationa

Create a plan for implementation and

5
measurement
Timelines
Resource requirements
Metrics
Address potential challenges & risks
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Sample Answer:

I would take a data-driven approach to improve user engagement on


WhatsApp. Firstly, I would analyze user engagement metrics such as daily
and monthly active users, time spent on the platform, and the most popular
features used by the users.

Based on this analysis, I would identify areas of improvement and prioritize


solutions accordingly.

For example, if I find that users are spending less time on the platform than
before, I would propose solutions such as adding new features or improving
existing ones that users find valuable.

Additionally, I would conduct user research to gain insights into user needs
and pain points related to WhatsApp usage.

This could include surveys or focus groups to understand users'


communication preferences, the types of content they are interested in,
and the features they would like to see on the platform. I would then develop
solutions that address these needs and pain points and prioritize them
based on their potential impact and feasibility of implementation.

Finally, I would create a plan for implementing these solutions, including


timelines, resource requirements, and the metrics that will be used to
measure success.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

LINKEDIN

https:/ bit.ly/4 ghain


Problem Statement: Enhance the LinkedIn platform to mitigate user
churn resulting from suboptimal content quality.

Skills Evaluated: Problem-solving, Analytical, Communication, User


Empathy, Technical Knowledge
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Approach:

Identify the metric we are looking to improve

1
Define the goal
Identify the key metric
Determine the baseline
Set a target
Establish a timeframe

Understand the type of content people

2
want to see on the platform
Conduct user research
Define user segments
Analyze user behavior
Look at industry trends

Understand the user personas


Use qualitative and quantitative data to

3
understand the behavior of the user
Identify the content preferences and
interests of each user persona
Prioritize user personas based on their
impact on the platform's success
Create user personas that accurately
represent the identified groups and their
preferences

4
Highlight the pain points
Analyze feedback and user complaints
Identify common pain points
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Understand the problem causing flow

5
Identify the factors leading to content
quality degradation
Understand the impact of these factors
Identify potential solutions

6
Solutions + Wireframes
Evaluate potential solutions
Develop wireframes
Consider the impact on other features
Prioritization

Sample Answer:

To improve LinkedIn's platform and reduce churn due to content quality


degradation, I would take a data-driven approach. Firstly, I would conduct
user research to understand the type of content that users want to see on
the platform.

Based on this research, I would develop a content curation algorithm that


would identify and remove low-quality content. Additionally, I would provide
users with tools to customize their content preferences, which would help to
improve the relevance and quality of content for each user.

I would prioritize these features using the R.I.C.E framework, which would
ensure that we focus on the features that have the greatest impact and
require the least effort.

For the 3-month plan, I would focus on implementing the algorithm and
custom content preferences tool, and for the 6-month plan, I would focus
on ongoing improvements and iterations to the platform based on user
feedback and usage data.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

MICROSOFT
Question: How would you redesign the Microsoft Developer Network?

Approach:

1
Understand the current state of the
Microsoft Developer Network
Current design & functionality
User feedback & pain points.

2
Define the goals of the redesign
Improving user experience
Increasing engagement
Better support & resources for
developers

3
Analyze the target audience
Level of expertise
Programming languages
Platforms used
Preferred learning style

Conduct a competitive analysis


Strengths and weaknesses
4
5
Develop a design strategy
Site map
Wireframes
User flows
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Create prototypes & test

6
Determine the design requirements
Create prototypes
Test prototypes with users
Analyze user feedback
Make necessary iterations

Develop the final design

7
Incorporate feedback
Finalize user interface design
Define website functionality
Create wireframes and mockups
Test the final design

Sample Answer:

Before starting the redesign of the Microsoft Developer Network, I would first
gain an understanding of the current state of the network. I would ask
questions to clarify the current design and functionality of the network, such
as what users like and dislike, what pain points they have, and what their
needs are.

Once I have a good understanding of the current state, I would then define
the goals of the redesign. My goals would include improving user
experience, increasing engagement, and providing better support and
resources for developers. By improving the user experience, we could make
the network more user-friendly and efficient, while increasing engagement
would keep developers coming back to the network. Providing better
support and resources would also help to keep developers engaged, as well
as make the network more valuable to them.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

After defining the goals, I would analyze the target audience of the network.
I would consider their level of expertise, the programming languages and
platforms they use, and their preferred learning style. This would help me to
tailor the design to their specific needs and preferences.

Next, I would conduct a competitive analysis of other developer networks. I


would identify their strengths and weaknesses and see what we can learn
from them. This would help me to develop a design strategy that would set
us apart from our competitors.

Based on this research, I would then develop a design strategy that includes
a site map, wireframes, and user flows. I would create prototypes of the new
design and test them with real users to gather feedback and make
necessary iterations.

Finally, I would develop the final design based on the feedback and testing
results. This would include the user interface design, content strategy, and
functionality. I would ensure that the final design meets the goals of the
redesign and is tailored to the needs and preferences of our target
audience.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
FACEBOOK
Question: How would you monetize Facebook dating?

Skills Evaluated: Product Sense, Strategic Thinking, Competition Analysis,


Monetization Strategy, Communication

Approach:
Understand the product & its target

1
audience
Understand the unique features of
Facebook Dating
Define the target audience
Conduct market segmentation
Determine the positioning strategy

2
Analyze the competition
Compile a list of competitors
Deep-dive into service offerings and
marketing strategies
Identify gaps in the market

3
Develop a monetization strategy
Analyze the market
Identify revenue streams
Test the monetization strategy

Evaluate the strategy

4
Assess feasibility
Evaluate the impact on user experience
Consider revenue generation
Evaluate alignment with values & user
expectations
Evaluate the strategy as a whole
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

5
Present the strategy
Clearly communicate the strategy
Explain the rationale
Highlight potential benefits
Use visual aids

Sample Answer:

To monetize Facebook Dating, we can introduce a premium


subscription service that offers exclusive features such as advanced
matchmaking algorithms, access to expert dating coaches, and
personalized date ideas.

This will enhance the user experience and provide value to users who
are looking for meaningful relationships. We can also consider
targeted advertising on the platform, but with strict privacy controls
to protect user data.

This strategy aligns with Facebook's values of privacy and user


experience while generating revenue for the company.

In summary, the right answer should be strategic, user-focused, and


aligned with Facebook's values. It should also demonstrate the
candidate's product sense and ability to think creatively about
monetization strategies.

https:/ bit.ly/41BbX2R
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
GROWW
Question: How do you optimize the user onboarding and registration
flows for Groww?

Skills Evaluated: Analytical Ability, Communication Skills, Ideation,


Prioritization, Research

Approach:

1
Understand the current user
onboarding and registration flows
Review the current flows to understand
the process
Identify areas of improvement &
prioritize based on their impact on the
user experience & resources available.
Document findings with clear and
actionable recommendations

2
Define the goals and metrics
Understand KPIs and Metrics
Define SMART Goals
Identify Metrics that align with the
SMART goals

3
Create user personas
Conduct user research
Organize the research data
Create fictional personas
Ensure persona empathy
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Create wireframes and prototypes

4
Understand the purpose of wireframes
Create wireframes based on user flow
diagrams
Prototype your wireframes
Test the wireframes and prototypes
with users
Implement the new flows

5
Iterate and improve
Incorporate user feedback and
performance metrics

Sample Answer:

First, I would understand the current user onboarding and registration


flows at Groww.

Then, I would analyze user feedback and performance metrics to


identify pain points and areas of improvement in the current flows.

Based on my analysis, I would develop a hypothesis for how the user


onboarding and registration flows can be optimized to improve user
experience and drive business goals.

After prioritizing the hypotheses based on the potential impact and


feasibility of implementation, I would create wireframes and
prototypes based on the prioritized hypotheses.

I would test the wireframes and prototypes with users to validate their
effectiveness and gather feedback.

Finally, I would iterate and improve the wireframes and prototypes


based on user feedback and performance metrics.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
NETFLIX
Problem Statement: Netflix India is facing intense competition in the
streaming industry, resulting in stagnant user growth and lower profits.
The challenge is to identify and implement effective product solutions
that drive user growth and increase profitability, thereby outcompeting
rivals in the market.

Skills Evaluated: Market Research, Product Ideation, Prototyping, Data


Analysis, Problem-Solving, & Communication.

Approach:
Understand the market and

1
competitive landscape
Conduct market research
Identify & assess competitors
Determine market competitiveness
Stay informed about emerging trends

2
Analyze the user data
Demographics
Behavior patterns
Viewing preferences
Feedback

3
Define growth and profitability goals
Establish SMART goals
Set targets for user acquisition,
retention, engagement, & monetization
Identifying metrics

Develop a product roadmap

4
Outline the initiatives, features, & enhancements
Prioritize new content acquisitions
Improve the user interface
Optimize the recommendation algorithm
Experiment with new pricing models
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

5
Execute and iterate
Measure the impact
Conduct A/B testing, user surveys, focus
groups, & other forms of user research
Iterate based on user feedback & data
insights

Sample Answer:

To drive user growth and increase profitability, Netflix needs to take a


multi-pronged approach that combines market research, user
analysis, goal setting, product development, and iterative
experimentation. Here are the steps that I would take:

First, I would analyze the streaming video market, including


competitors like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+, and identify
areas where Netflix can differentiate itself and gain a competitive
edge. This could involve focusing on niche content genres,
expanding into new international markets, or experimenting with
new pricing models.

Second, I would review the user data and identify areas where Netflix
can improve the user experience and drive engagement. This could
involve improving the recommendation algorithm, personalizing the
user interface, or offering more interactive features like live events or
social viewing.

Third, I would define specific SMART goals for user growth and
profitability, such as increasing the number of subscribers,
improving retention rates, and optimizing revenue streams from
advertising or merchandising.
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW

Fourth, I would develop a product roadmap that aligns with these


goals and prioritizes the initiatives and features that will have the
biggest impact on user growth and profitability. This could involve
investing in new content acquisitions, enhancing the user
interface, or improving the content recommendation algorithm.

Finally, I would execute the product roadmap, measure its impact


on user engagement and revenue, and iterate based on user
feedback and data insights. This could involve A/B testing new
features, conducting user surveys and focus groups, or analyzing
data from user behavior and feedback to optimize the user
experience and drive growth and profitability.

https:/ bit.ly/44ghain
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
UBER
Question: How would you measure the success of Uber Ride?

Skills Evaluated: Analytical, Monitoring & Tracking Progress, Knowledge of


Data Analytics Tools, Communication

Approach: Identify key performance indicators

1
(KPIs)
Number of rides completed
Customer satisfaction ratings
Driver satisfaction ratings
Revenue generated

2
Establish a baseline
Determine the current state
Set a target

3 Set goals
Use SMART goals for each KPI

4
Monitor and track progress
Use data analytics tools
Monitor progress regularly
Use leading and lagging indicators

Make adjustments as needed

5
Gather and analyze data
Evaluate the effectiveness of current
strategies and features
Consider user experience
Communicate changes effectively
15 PRACTICE CASE STUDIES
FOR YOUR PM INTERVIEW
Sample Answer:

To measure the success of Uber Ride, I would first identify the key
performance indicators (KPIs) that are relevant to the success of the
product. These may include the number of rides completed, customer
satisfaction ratings, driver satisfaction ratings, and revenue generated.
I would then establish a baseline for each KPI and set specific,
measurable goals for each KPI based on the baseline and business
objectives.

Next, I would monitor and track progress toward each KPI using data
analytics tools and other relevant metrics. This would be done on an
ongoing basis to ensure that progress is being made toward the
established goals. If progress is not being made, I would make
adjustments to the product strategy or features based on the data
collected. This may include making changes to the user experience,
adding or removing features, or adjusting pricing or promotions.

For example, if the number of completed rides is not meeting the


established goals, I would analyze the data to identify any patterns or
issues that may be contributing to this. I may then make changes to the
app interface or user experience to make it easier for users to find and
book rides. Additionally, I may consider offering promotions or
discounts to incentivize users to take more rides. By regularly
monitoring and adjusting the product strategy based on data, we can
ensure that Uber Ride continues to meet the needs of our users and
drive business growth.
CAREERS & SALARIES

TYPICAL CAREER PATH


With 40,000+ open jobs on LinkedIn alone, Product Manager roles are
highly in-demand, with high salaries and ample opportunities for growth.
The average income for a product manager in India is almost 246%
greater than the country's average wage (Jobted).

Are you ready to get into this lucrative industry? Check Out AltUni’s
Certificate Program In Product Management where you get to learn
from expert PMs, work on Live Projects, get interview opportunities, & more.

Associate Product Manager

Product Manager

Senior Product Manager

Director of Product

VP of Product

Chief Product Officer


CAREERS & SALARIES

SALARIES OF PM CAREERS

Associate Product Manager


Avg. Base Salary:
9.7 LPA

Product Manager
Avg. Base Salary:
13.5 LPA

Director of Product
Avg. Base Salary:
30.6 LPA

VP of Product
Avg. Base Salary:
41.8 LPA

Chief Product Officer


Avg. Base Salary:
49 LPA

https:/ bit.ly/41BbX2R
HOW TO BREAK INTO
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT?
Well, we are not going to answer that here because who are we to tell you
that when we’ve got an entire lineup of Expert Product Managers who’ve
worked with top companies like Booking.com, Sharechat, Flipkart,
Microsoft, Atlassian, Amazon, etc.?

https://bit.ly/44ghain
AltUni Presents Certificate Program In Product Management With Expert
PMs & Get Industry Exposure By Working On 2 LIVE Projects!

It is one of our most popular programs! So here we are, with another


batch of the Product Management certificate program, designed &
crafted by experts to help you maximize your chances of building your
dream career in Product Management.

What’s In It For You?

80+ Hours Of Learning With Industry Experts Who’ve Worked With


Booking.com, Atlassian, Microsoft, Flipkart, Etc.
Get Industry Exposure With 2 Live Projects With Industry Partners
Master In-Demand Tools Like Mural, Balsamiq, Draw.io, SQL, and Power BI
1:1 Mock Product Management Interview & Profile Building Sessions With
Expert Product Managers
Job Search Assistance - Become AltUni Alumnus & Get Access To
Exclusive Job Opportunities
Product Management Interview Opportunities With Recruitment Partners
Get Free access to Klub AltUni where you’ll be enabled to be more
employable by helping you make informed career decisions.
Get 5 industry-recognized certifications from AltUni & other Industry
Partners
HOW TO BREAK INTO
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT?

https://bit.ly/44ghain
Ace Any Product Management Interview & Build Your Dream Career Path
With High Returns!

Still in a dilemma? Take a look at what our alumni have to say!

““Fantastic Experience! Quite a detailed curriculum, straight to the point,


useful workshops, and live projects. Would definitely recommend this
program to PM aspirants!” - Niketa Gupta, PM @ Jio Haptik

“Cutting-edge info backed up by top-notch content. Ellora delivered it in a


very captivating way, leaving no question unanswered. Truly inspirational
& hope to attend more programs.” - Abhishek M., Sr. Associate (Projects
Lead) @ Cognizant

“I was a fresher & had no prior experience but this program has changed
the way I look at Product Management & the way I interact with
stakeholders. It's a great way to get started!”
- Sriram Pingali, Associate Product Manager @ Yellow.ai

https://bit.ly/44ghain
Get Interview Opportunities From Industry Partners + Interview Prep From

https://bit.ly/3bTic
Expert PMs! Apply Now!

You might also like