Interviewing for B2B PM Roles by AWS Head of Product
Aug 31, 2023
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Discover interviewing strategies for B2B PM roles with John Kennedy, AWS Head of Product. Learn about the capabilities of a B2B PM, above the line behavior, and the power of language in interviews. Gain insights on understanding customer insights and painting a picture of the future to stand out in interviews.
Understanding the role of a product manager and conducting thorough research on companies is crucial for interview success.
Demonstrating key skills such as product strategy, stakeholder management, and storytelling can differentiate candidates in B2B product management interviews.
Deep dives
Key Questions and Clearing Interview Process
The podcast episode highlights the importance of asking key questions and getting clear on important topics before starting the interview process or during ongoing interviews. It emphasizes the need to understand the role of a product manager, the unique capabilities of a PM, and whether there is a distinction between generalist PMs and domain-specific PMs. The episode also provides insights into essential research on each company, including their unique value, customer problems they solve, go-to-market strategies, market size, and team structure. These key questions and research help candidates prepare effectively for interviews and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the company.
Critical Skills and Competencies of a PM
The podcast highlights various skills and competencies that are crucial for a successful B2B product manager. These include product strategy, program management, technical product ownership, and product marketing. It emphasizes the importance of bringing together customer insights to develop effective strategies and roadmaps. The episode also emphasizes the significance of stakeholder management, risk-taking, data analysis, and the ability to think big and bring ambitious ideas to the table. These skills, when demonstrated through stories and examples, can set candidates apart and make them stand out in interviews.
Using Stories and Behavioral Interviewing
The podcast discusses the power of storytelling in interviews and the relevance of behavioral interviewing techniques. It suggests structuring stories using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to effectively communicate experiences and demonstrate ownership and accountability. The episode provides prompts for 12 types of stories, including ownership, customer focus, handling disagreements, strategy development, technical contributions, and risk management, among others. It emphasizes the importance of providing specific details, focusing on high-impact stories, and using language that shows ownership and growth mindset. Storytelling can help candidates leave a lasting impression and showcase their unique qualities and experiences.
Discover the art of interviewing for B2B product management roles in this insightful episode with John Kennedy, AWS Head of Product. With over two decades of tech experience, Kennedy breaks down the multifaceted role of a product manager, sharing strategies to excel in interviews. Learn the power of impactful storytelling, research, and self-awareness to stand out as a candidate.
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