#52 Read this before your next interview (please)

As I’m currently hiring for 2 key roles (PMM and content writer), interview tricks are super fresh in my mind. So here’s what I’m learning and hope it’ll help you!

1. Sign up to the product.

The first thing you need to do at ANY COST is at the very least sign up to the product you are applying for. Sign up to their free trials, self-serve motion and come prepared with challenging questions, thoughts, opinions regarding the UI/UX, the overall flow, the value you are seeing, things you think should be different. It all matters to the eyes of your hiring manager.

2. Come prepared.

Practice answering the following questions: who’s our ICP? what’s the value prop? how do we differentiate? why are we better? Especially if it’s a PMM role, you will be challenged on basic topics like messaging, positioning and competitive intelligence. This is your chance to shine and showcase your knowledge.

3. Do not read your screen.

Guys, seriously, I have to add this here because I was SHOCKED by the number of people who are literally engaging with ChatGPT as I ask them questions. They read off their screens and think I can’t notice it… well I CAN. And it sucks. I beg you, do not do this during your interview. I’d rather have someone say “I don’t know” than read of scripted answers.

4. Have challenging questions READY.

Don’t under estimate the questions you get to ask at the end of an interview. These can save you. Especially if you are curious and engaged. Some good questions to ask:

• how would your team describe you as a manager?

• what are the success metrics for this role in the next 30-60-90 days?

• how do you see me working with your team?

• what is your north star metric?

Please, don’t say that you don’t have any questions to ask… that just shows lack of motivation.

5. Make it conversational. Cut the BS.

Something I found quite sad is that a lot of people think they can get away with fluffy experience bragging. But no. “The eyes chico, they never lie”. Trust me, we can tell when you’re bullshitting. It’s clear in your TOV, your look, your everything. Just don’t do it. If you don’t know something, say you don’t, or ask follow up questions to keep the conversation flowing. Trust me, this is better than lying and reusing the same experience script over and over again.

Voilà. I’m done! Sorry for the aggressive tone, I’m literally writing this after a day filled with interviews. Hope you find it helpful and let me know if you have any questions 💌 

OH and by the way, if you happen to be in Paris, you can join this event I am organizing in collab with Guideflow, a great interactive demo tool built for PMMs. Sign up, it’s free!