Define Yourself Questions
Personal questions set the interview tone. Rambling, unfocused answers suggest similar work patterns. These questions require preparation despite appearing straightforward.
Tell Me About Yourself
This is a request for a 60-90 second pitch explaining background, experience, and interest in the role.
Structure
| Component | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Present | 10-15 seconds | Current role and key accomplishments |
| Past | 30-40 seconds | Relevant experience and career progression |
| Future | 15-20 seconds | Interest in this specific role |
Total: Under 90 seconds.
Example: Experienced PM
"I'm currently a PM at Shopify, leading checkout optimization. We've increased conversion by 18% this year through payment flow improvements.
Before Shopify, I was the first PM at [fintech startup], building the product function from scratch. I hired the team, established processes, and shipped our core lending product to 500K users. That experience developed prioritization and speed skills.
I'm interested in [Target Company] because of the scale of payments problems you're solving, and specifically [researched product/challenge] aligns with my experience and interests."
Example: Career Changer
"I'm a software engineer at [Company], building the mobile app for four years. A year ago, I started taking on product responsibilities: user interviews, spec writing, prioritization decisions. I found this work more engaging than coding.
My engineering background enables technical trade-off discussions with developers. I led a feature from concept to launch for 2M users, reducing our top support complaint by 60%.
I'm transitioning to product to focus on user understanding and product direction. [Target Company]'s focus on [specific area] matches the problems I want to solve."
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Description |
|---|---|
| Autobiography | Starting with birthplace or education history |
| False modesty | Understating accomplishments |
| No narrative | Disconnected facts without thread |
| Excessive length | Exceeding 2 minutes |
| Generic interest | Non-specific company enthusiasm |
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
This question verifies research completion and genuine interest.
Preparation Requirements
| Category | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Product | Extensive usage with formed opinions |
| Company | Recent launches, challenges, strategic moves |
| Role | Team context, problem scope |
| Connection | Relationship to personal background |
Strong Answer Elements
- Specific product features or decisions noticed
- Connection to personal experience or skills
- Understanding of company stage and challenges
- Concrete reasons beyond general praise
Weak Answers
| Answer | Problem |
|---|---|
| "Great company" | Non-specific |
| "I want to learn" | Self-focused |
| "Compensation/perks" | Even if true, inappropriate |
| "Career stepping stone" | Signals short tenure |
Why Should We Hire You?
This question requests a closing argument.
Structure
- Relevant experience - Direct preparation for this role
- Differentiation - Unique perspective or skill
- Fit - Alignment with specific role/team/company
Example
"I've spent three years building checkout flows at [Company], increasing conversion by 23%. I understand the pain points, technical constraints, and effective interventions.
Beyond experience, I bring technical depth from my engineering background. I can evaluate technical trade-offs directly, enabling faster decisions and better engineering collaboration.
I'm specifically interested in payments infrastructure at your scale. The opportunity to work on [specific product area] matches my career goals."
Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?
This question screens for red flags.
Acceptable Reasons
| Reason | Example Framing |
|---|---|
| Growth | "Ready for new challenges beyond current role scope" |
| Scale | "Seeking larger user base for greater impact" |
| Focus | "Want to specialize in [specific area]" |
Red Flag Answers
| Answer | Signal |
|---|---|
| Criticizing employer | Future behavior pattern |
| Blaming manager | Relationship difficulties |
| "Not promoted fast enough" | Entitlement |
| "Need a change" | Vague dissatisfaction |
Layoff Response
"My company conducted layoffs affecting 20% of the team. My performance reviews were strong; the business contracted. I'm seeking a stable opportunity for long-term contribution."
Brief, factual, forward-looking.
What Are Your Strengths?
Provide evidence, not adjectives.
Formula
Strength + Evidence + Role Relevance
Examples
| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| "Good communicator" | "I translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders. I presented quarterly to our board, explaining complex product decisions in accessible terms. Board members noted the clarity. For PM roles, this enables bridging engineering and business teams." |
| "Detail-oriented" | "I identify issues others miss. Last quarter, I caught a spec edge case that would have broken checkout for international users after engineering had started building. Catching it saved two weeks of rework." |
PM-Relevant Strengths
- Strategic thinking
- Communication
- Analytical skills
- User empathy
- Cross-functional leadership
- Prioritization
- Technical fluency
Prepare 2-3 with specific examples.
What Are Your Weaknesses?
Requirements
- Real weakness - Not a disguised strength
- Fixable - Not disqualifying
- Self-awareness - Active improvement efforts
Strong Examples
"I tend to dive into details before validating the big picture. Early in my career, I spent weeks perfecting a spec for a feature users didn't want. Now I force myself to validate assumptions early, even when eager to build."
"Public speaking doesn't come naturally. I'm working on it through company all-hands presentations and Toastmasters. I'm better than a year ago but still developing."
"I struggle to say no. I want to help everyone, which can spread me thin. I've started being explicit about priorities with stakeholders and explaining trade-offs when declining requests."
Weak Examples
| Answer | Problem |
|---|---|
| "I care too much" | Disguised strength |
| "I'm a perfectionist" | Disguised strength |
| "I don't like working with people" | Disqualifying |
| "I don't have weaknesses" | Lacks self-awareness |
Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
This question assesses tenure likelihood and goal alignment.
Strong Answers
"In five years, I want to lead a product area, whether as senior IC or manager depending on impact opportunity. I'm most interested in developing strategic skills and tackling ambiguous problems. This role advances that goal because [specific reason]."
"I see myself going deep in [domain]. I do best work developing expertise rather than switching areas frequently. The focus on [product area] here aligns with that."
Weak Answers
| Answer | Problem |
|---|---|
| "Your job" | Aggressive |
| "I don't know" | Lacks direction |
| "Running my own startup" | Questions commitment |
| Overly specific | Inflexible |
Questions to Ask
Always prepare questions. No questions signals disinterest.
Effective Questions
About the role:
- "What does success look like in the first 90 days?"
- "What's the biggest challenge the team faces currently?"
- "How do PMs and engineering collaborate day-to-day?"
About the team:
- "How would you describe the team's culture?"
- "What's something you wish you knew before joining?"
About growth:
- "How do PMs typically grow here?"
- "What separates great PMs from good ones at this company?"
Ineffective Questions
| Question | Problem |
|---|---|
| Website-available information | Shows no research |
| Salary/benefits | Save for HR |
| "What do you do here?" | Should know interviewer's role |
| No questions | Always a negative signal |