Max, an APM1 (class of ‘22) lists some of his interview tips for those going through the process.
Hey! I’m Max, a first-year APM at Yahoo and am here to give you a few tips that I found useful when getting ready to take the plunge and apply to Yahoo’s (really awesome) Associate Product Manager program.
Tip 1: Build your resume
Don’t think your resume is unique enough? Build one! At Yahoo, having a bias towards action is really baked into the DNA of the culture, so I’d really encourage you to bolster your resume with a side-project or two before the hiring season kicks off. It’ll give you some great, first-hand experience in developing something new and serve as a fantastic talking point during your interviews.
Tip 2: Apply for the right reasons
What brought you to this very page? Was it because you want to make a real impact on the world? Perhaps you’re a devoted Yahoo Mail user, or maybe you have a keen interest in joining an APM program or perhaps, you had just typo’d ‘cat videos’ (wouldn’t blame you). Any job is a commitment, not least an APM program; It’s important to take a moment before you apply to understand the company, its products, and its direction so you can discover what is really going to drive your passion throughout the process and your time at the company.
Tip 3: Don’t forget to apply!
Like most of the APM programs, we don’t typically hire to a specific quota. However, I’d still recommend putting in your application near the start of the hiring season as we interview on a rolling basis.
Tip 4: Practice your speed typing
Woo-hoo! You’ve got an email from one of our (really) friendly recruiters. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back for having a kick-ass resume...and then reply! Being quick on the ball to reply to your recruiter won’t directly impact your chances, but it is a really good opportunity to show yourself, as well as your recruiter, that you mean business.
Tip 5: Practice your product skills
There are already loads of tips online to help you prepare for a product management interview, including this fantastic one by fellow Yahoo APM, Ryan, who breaks down the different types of interviews you’ll face. Having said that, I will just highlight a few things that particularly come to mind:
Approach problems in your own way. ‘Cracking the PM Interview’ along with ‘Decode and Conquer’ are both really popular books for aspiring product managers. Don’t fall into the trap of using their approaches word-for-word though. Use them to understand what’s important when tackling tricky problems, but then build a structure that works best for you.
Practice with others. Friends and family are great listeners, though don’t be afraid to reach out to the wider community to hone your product skills too. Sites like StellarPeers offer a great way to meet other aspiring product managers to practice with.
Think big, then bigger. Coming up with a world-changing product on the spot might just be rocket science. Your interviewer won't expect you to come up with a full proof idea out of the box, so don’t be afraid to go a little crazy (just don’t forget to challenge your own solution too).
Be yourself and relax! It might seem obvious, but your interviewer really wants to understand what makes you tick, so make your interview a conversation.
And of course, GOOD LUCK! 🍀🍀🍀