The Cruise product manager interview

The following information is based on research of Cruise’s product manager interview process, last updated February 15, 2019.

First-round interview

Interview questions that real PM candidates have faced include:

• Where are you in the job search process, and what are you looking for?
• What qualities do successful PMs have?
• Tell me about a time you were in a role that had a big impact.
• Tell me about a time you had to prototype or scope a new product.
• Tell me about a time you had to work closely with an operations team.
• How do you estimate how long a project will take?
• How do you handle a delay in a project?
• How would you resolve differences between the needs of the ops team and the perception engineering team?
• Tell me about a time your product requirements changed in the middle of a project.

Onsite interview

Technical Product Manager onsites are a half-day, and include roughly five interviews.

After passing your first-round interview successfully, candidates are asked to select which specific team they’re applying to, if they haven’t already. Some of the following information may heavily vary based on which team you select. 

The Cruise PM onsite include a case study, which varies based on which team you select. Compared to many other case requests, the case request is reasonable – you’re asked to prepare how you’d solve a problem, but don’t need a tangible presentation or other deliverable.

Some of the questions you’re asked to consider about your case prompt might include:

• What high level product requirements would you expect within the first year?
• What options would you consider? What are the pros and cons?
• What assumptions did you make that are most important?
• What questions would you want answered?
• What research or other information would you want to make you more confident in your recommendation?

Here’s the link if you’re interested in how to approach product manager interview questions or how other companies ask their questions!

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