Introduction:

Welcome to the Mastermind PESE Series, where we share expert knowledge on Product and Systems Engineering for both Consumer and Enterprise Products. This series is all about providing you with actionable insights and practical knowledge that you can apply in your product management career.

Meet Jennifer Ahize:

Jennifer is a skilled product manager with over four (4) years of experience in digital technology.

She has extensive hands-on experience collaborating with engineers to develop Web, iOS, Android, and Back-office products.

Jennifer has successfully led cross-functional teams of more than 20 members in startups and global enterprises across industries such as Fintech, decentralized finance, SaaS, and product agencies. Her work has addressed diverse market needs across the Middle East, Africa, the U.K., and various international markets in Europe.

Goal:

In this special episode, we draw from the expertise of Jennifer Ahize to provide valuable insights into the product management interview process. Join us as we explore and deep dive into practical strategies and real-world applications that you can start using today to excel in your PM job search.

What are your top 5 tips for someone who has no interview at all to land 10 interviews in Product Management?

To bring your authentic self to the interview, focus on being genuine and true to who you are. I don’t subscribe to advice like “don’t overdress” or “don’t do too much.” Instead, I believe in showing up prepared and giving your best effort. Overprepare for your interview — know your CV inside out, just like you know the number of fingers on your hands. It should be unmistakable that you wrote it and fully understand your experience. For instance, if asked, “What did you do in this role at this company?” you should be ready with clear, confident answers.

For entry-level roles, if your background is mostly theoretical, find opportunities to gain practical experience — join groups, work on projects, or volunteer. You’ll be asked practical questions, and without preparation, you may struggle to tell compelling stories. Write down scenario-based answers and practice them, so when the time comes, you can present your responses effectively.

Additionally, have someone who can serve as an accountability partner. Even the most experienced PMs have mentors. A trusted partner can help you reflect on your interviews, identify areas for improvement, and strategize. For instance, if you’ve been interviewing with top companies like Google or ASOS but aren’t moving forward, ask yourself: Why are you being cut short? Is it your application form? Why isn’t it passing the Application Tracking Software (ATS) stage? Understand these gaps and work to address them for better results.

Are there any particular certifications or courses that help improve a candidate’s profile?

I didn’t start my career with any certifications, and it’s only now that I’m considering pursuing one. Looking at some certifications, I realized I already had a solid understanding of certain concepts. The key question is: which certifications are truly relevant for the stage you’re at in your career?

Focus on taking certification courses backed by reputable institutions. For example, you can use platforms like edX to take courses from universities like Harvard. Prioritize accredited programs over micro-certificates. Investing your time in well-recognized courses shows commitment and makes a strong impression on HR professionals at first glance. Make sure to invest your time wisely to maximize the impact of your learning.

How can aspiring product managers build relevant experience, especially if they’re transitioning from a non-PM role?

Having transferable skill sets is essential. I started my journey as a Product Manager with a background in growth and marketing. When I got the opportunity to step into product management, I seized it. Skills like stakeholder management, research, and communication were my foundation, and I built on them while working in the role. It’s worth noting that even great engineers may struggle as engineering managers if they lack the necessary management skills.

If you’re not getting opportunities and no one is willing to bet on you, take a chance on yourself. Collaborate with groups to build mini features, participate in hackathons, and use those experiences to showcase your abilities. These efforts can help bring you into the spotlight and open doors for the roles you’re striving for.

Can you explain the role of technical skills in product management? How technical does a PM candidate need to be?

I had a conversation with a Level 6 (L6) engineer, and he shared this perspective: “What makes a PM technical is their ability to effectively relate to their engineers. While you’re not expected to know how to code, you should have a solid understanding of the codebase and be able to navigate it confidently. This helps you unblock engineers without sounding vague. Additionally, you’re expected to provide technical solutions, not just product-focused ones.”

What should be Acing the Interview Process — What are some examples of product or case study questions candidates might face in a PM interview?

While this may vary by industry, there are some common expectations:

Understanding Agile Ceremonies: They want to know if you’re familiar with managing processes like agile ceremonies.
Writing Requirements: They’ll assess how well you can articulate and document product requirements.
Wireframing and Demos: Your ability to create wireframes or demonstrate concepts visually is often evaluated.
Product Strategy and Creativity: They want to see your approach to product strategy and your ability to think outside the box.

How can candidates prepare for behavioural interview questions specific to product management?

The most important rule is to master the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your storytelling effectively. Be concise — avoid unnecessary details or going off track.

Before the interview, ensure your stories have real impact, are practical, and sound authentic. They should reflect your actual daily work, not something copied from the internet.

In most product management interviews, expect accountability questions designed to assess how you handle challenges. Interviewers want to understand how you interact with others, such as stakeholders and team members, and get a sense of your true personality.

It’s also crucial to practice your answers with people outside the product management field. Their perspectives can help you refine your responses and ensure clarity.

How should PMs handle Navigating Challenges and Rejections?

There’s no universal way to handle rejection — it varies for everyone, as people respond differently. However, one effective approach is to focus on your past successes. Reflect on achievements in previous roles to remind yourself of your value.

Mentally and professionally prepare for the next phase while you wait for new opportunities. To stay motivated, join active communities where people share similar experiences or have recently overcome them. Engaging in discussions can help you identify gaps and learn from others’ experiences.

After every interview, always ask questions like, “Is there anything I may have missed?” or “Is there anything you’d like me to elaborate on?” This can leave a positive impression and provide clarity.

If you notice a recurring pattern in rejections, take time to reflect. Speak with an external party, like a mentor or coach, to gain fresh perspectives and identify areas for improvement.

If possible, maintain a relationship with companies where you’ve been rejected. Request feedback on your interview performance — it can be invaluable for growth. Additionally, consider reaching out to someone in the same role to gain insights and advice.

What is your advice on Long-term Path and Career Development?

Join a community of both junior and senior product managers to discuss your challenges and experiences. Their feedback can provide valuable insights and help you improve.

Before aiming to become an expert in a specific area, make sure you have a solid foundation as a generalist. Once you’re comfortable with a broad range of skills, set a timeline to specialize in a particular field, such as becoming an expert in payment products or eCommerce product management.

Never stop learning. Always be open to new knowledge, whether through reading, subscribing to newsletters, or staying updated on trends. For example, subscribing to Web3 newsletters like a16Z or Bankless can keep you informed.

Sometimes, we may think we’re performing well, but it’s crucial to seek feedback from colleagues and team leads, beyond just one-on-one meetings with your manager. Ask questions like, “Did I approach this project well?” or “How do you think I handled this situation?” Their feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and grow in your role.

What qualities differentiate a successful PM from one who struggles in the role?

Some people resist feedback and are unwilling to unlearn old habits, insisting, “This is how we do things in this startup, and it’s not going to change.”

Successful product managers, on the other hand, are proactive learners. Through conversations with other PMs, I can often identify those who are knowledgeable, methodical, and data driven. These PMs are not only willing to share their knowledge and teach others, but they are also open to learning from others and continuously improving.

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