Technical Product Manager Interview Questions Flashcards
What is the Difference Between Kanban and Scrum?
Kanban is a workflow management methodology that helps teams define, manage, and improve processes
Like Kanban, Scrum is a framework that is designed to facilitate teamwork on complex projects. In Scrum, teams work within time-boxed sprints, where the goal is to build functional deliverables that provide value to stakeholders by the end of each sprint.
Honestly, both frameworks can work depending on the team and its important to understand what works best with the current team you’re on right now instead of the past. (1)This is why its really crucial for any product manager to get to know all the members of the engineering team on top of (2) building collaborative relationships with engineering leads and managers.
How Would You Manage the Backlog?
It really depends, because every team does this differently even within the same company
I review the backlog usually on my slowest day (ie Friday afternoon)
I prioritize the backlog into 2 lists
I catalog a list of items we never use and ask the team about them
I keep everything else and I try my best to not add any additional tasks unless we plan to do them soon
This is why having consistent (3) open and structured communication with engineering team members is so important, in my opinion.
How do you guys manage your backlog here?
Our engineering teams are used to employing X methodologies. What is your opinion of them?
Interesting
I have had (not had) experienced with them before
I really love learning about new methodologies because every team seems to have their own way of doing things.
What additional resources do feel the engineering team needs to their job better that the new product manager to can either (4) vouch for or defend against other competing priorities of the organization
What are your favorite tools to manage workflows, teams, and/or wire-framing
Honestly, I don’t really have any favorite tools in particular
Every team I have worked with even within the same company have their own processes
This is why it is imperative that we have clear processes and (5) well defined solutions to projects in place prior to implementation in order to reduce churn
I mean… nobody likes churn right? 🙂
How would you solve a technical challenge you have never encountered before?
That really depends…
I would communicate first with my engineering lead on the best possible solutions, before doing anything on my own
When I encountered technical challenges in the past the solutions to the problem were either a quick fix or a new skill I would have to learn as a product manager
Regardless of the solution, it’s important for me to (6) take full ownership and consult with my engineering lead first
These types of conversations come easy and natural when you make an effort and take the time to (1) get to know to the engineering lead and the rest of the engineering team
What are the 6 Traits Engineering Leads Look for in Product Managers
Enjoy getting to know your engineering team members
Build a collaborative relationship with engineering leads and/or managers
Open and structured communication with engineering team members
Vouch for and defend the needs of the engineering team against other competing priorities of the organization
Solutions to projects are well defined prior to implementation in order to reduce churn on projects
Take ownership of collaborating with your engineering to scope technical aspects of projects
