Are you freaking out about your upcoming product management interview?
We feel your pain. Product management interviews can be really tough, but don't worry – we're here to help. Check out our list of the 10 best books to help you prepare for your next product management interview. These books will teach you everything from the basics of product management to more advanced concepts. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced product manager, there is something for everyone here!
Reading these books is a great way to learn more about product management and increase your chances of nailing your interview. Plus, who doesn't love reading?
What are you waiting for? start reading up on product management today!
How I Choose
You're trying to figure out which product management interview books to read, but there are just so many options.
It can be tough to know which product management interview books will help you the most. You don't want to waste your time reading a book that won't teach you what you need to know.
I've done the hard work for you and picked the 5 best product management interview books based on reviews from real readers like you.
Why do I Love this book?
Product Management's Sacred Seven is an incredibly valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their product management skills. With the help of three product managers from Facebook, Google, and Microsoft, this book will teach you the most important things you need to know to become a product manager. You'll learn about the must-know knowledge and practical skills required to be a product manager, from designing a user experience to collaborating with executives.
The book includes numerous case studies and visualizations and offers solid interview advice. The book's examples are relevant to product managers working at all levels, from tinkerers to CEOs. It's especially helpful for designers, engineers, and data scientists who want to understand how the market works.
The book walks readers through the process of building high-performing product management teams. In particular, it focuses on defining the product vision and creating shared goals. The book is also a great read for non-project managers who want a deeper understanding of product management. It also discusses the complexities of building a business and provides actionable tips and advice for making your team successful.
Product Management's Sacred Seven is considered a top guide for people just getting started in the field. It's full of case studies and interviews with product managers at 67 tech companies.
What you should know
If you want to get your product management career off to a good start, Product Management Sacred Seven is for you. This book features over 100 case studies from leading tech companies around the world and contains actionable advice on how to succeed.
Whether you're a startup or an established business, you can benefit from the insights in this book. Using real-world examples, it offers practical advice on how to make your product a success and how to prepare for the most difficult questions. It also features helpful tips for getting through the interview process.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, the book can help you become a better product manager. The authors have a wealth of experience in the field. They have worked at a variety of companies and can offer invaluable tips for a career in product management.
The book explains the balance between marketing, engineering, and customer success, and introduces the term "product culture." The tips and stories from the author's years in the tech industry will make you a better product manager, and help you build products that customers love.
Whether you're an aspiring product manager or a seasoned veteran, PM7 will help you appreciate your role better. It will teach you how to avoid waste and improve your customer's experience. Besides, it will help you understand how to partner with your design team in the creation of a successful product.
Why do I love this book?
The book Continuous Discovery Habits by Teresa Torres describes the process of continuous discovery. It helps readers shift from output to outcome and makes discovery a habit. It is an excellent resource for anyone who is working on creating a digital product or service. It also includes practical examples that anyone can apply to their work.
Teresa Torres is an internationally recognized speaker and coach in product discovery. She has worked with hundreds of teams at companies of all sizes and in various industries. Through her product discovery workshops and the Product Talk Academy, she has helped over 8,500 product people develop their discovery skills.
Continuous discovery habits provide product managers with a systematic approach to figuring out the best solutions to customers' problems. In addition, these habits give people the confidence to take action while also preparing them for inevitable failure. Ultimately, this book helps product managers solve customer problems and drive business value.
What you should know
This is an excellent book for people working on digital products and who are interested in the process of discovery. It offers practical tips and examples to help readers understand the process.
Continuous discovery is the process of creating new products or solutions that solve customer problems and drive business value. The book describes how to prioritize problems, come up with creative solutions, test your assumptions quickly, and build a deeper understanding of your customers. It focuses on the basics of product discovery and teaches a new process for product teams that focuses on understanding their customers and their problems.
The book's course covers the process of continuous discovery in a structured way, with a variety of tools and techniques. The course also includes an online Slack community for practitioners, including teams that have already adopted the practices and students going through the program for the first time. The course also features monthly Q&A calls with Teresa. These calls will accommodate different time zones.
Teresa Torres is an internationally known speaker and product discovery coach. She has helped hundreds of teams across many industries and sizes. Through her Product Talk Academy, she has helped to develop product discovery skills for over 7,000 people.
Why do I love this book?
The book "It's the Manager" by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter is a must-read for anyone who wants to become a better manager. This book provides practical tips on how to create a strengths-based culture at work. It's the manager is written by two of the most respected thinkers on workplace management.
Gallup's study reveals that a great manager knows how to maximize the potential of every team member. In addition, they can create a culture that encourages employee engagement and growth. They will also understand how to give their employees what they want and need.
A manager's job is complicated. It is a difficult one, with high levels of stress and uncertainty. In addition, managers are often not given clear expectations. One of the reasons people leave a company is that they don't feel like they are developing professionally. This book addresses the need for managers to create a learning environment that can help employees develop their skills and grow in their product manager jobs.
What you should know
If you're a manager, you probably have heard of It's the Manager by Jim Clift and Jim Harter. The two Gallup gurus are best-selling authors who have made a name for themselves by conducting workplace effectiveness research. They are also responsible for the Gallup World Poll, which gives the voice of 7 billion citizens a voice on global issues. The book includes tools for managers, including the CliftonStrengths assessment.
The book offers practical tips for tackling today's rapidly changing workplace. It discusses topics ranging from diversity and remote working to artificial intelligence, flexible schedules, and attracting and keeping the best people. It's the Manager also addresses topics such as the need for managers to adapt to a changing work environment and become more of a coach, rather than a boss.
Why do I love this book?
One of the things I love about Cracking the PM Career is that it caters to the needs of people who are not yet in the role. The book is written specifically for those who are transitioning into the role or who are new to the PM profession. There are valuable lessons within this book for anyone looking to start their career as a PM.
The book is easy to read and understand, and the examples are illustrative of the skills that make a great PM. It also offers mentorship. It is not perfect, but it's not supposed to be. It will definitely help you improve your skills and make the process of interviewing easier.
This book has a wealth of information about product management. The authors have established tech professionals and brought in industry experts who will offer sound advice. Moreover, the book contains sample questions and interviews that you might be asked during an interview. In addition, you'll find inside information and advice from experienced PMs.
What you should know
This book has a lot of inside information on the career and industry of product management. It features advice from accomplished PMs and sheds light on the recruitment process of big tech companies. It also contains a lot of practical advice from the authors, including interview questions.
The authors have experience in the field of product management, having previously worked at Google and Microsoft. They are currently advisors to Asana, where Jackie served as the head of product management for eight years. As an industry expert, Jackie Bavaro is also active online, sharing her knowledge through Medium. Her latest book, Cracking the PM Career by Jackie Bavara and Gayle Laakmann McDowell, is a guide to becoming a great PM.
The book includes sections on interview prep, transitioning from other jobs, and behind-the-scenes of big companies. It also includes advice from industry experts. In addition, this book covers the core functions of a PM. A product manager's tasks vary according to the product being managed.
The book is an excellent guide for candidates seeking a career in product management. However, it is not a complete PM job bible. However, it does offer helpful strategies for answering common PM interview questions. Despite this drawback, the book is still an excellent resource for interview preparation.
Why do I love this book?
If you are interested in becoming a product manager, you will have a lot of questions to answer. Decode and Conquer is a book written by Lewis Lin that helps you prepare for these tough questions. It uses a circles method to teach you how to approach problems. In product management, you will have to break a problem into smaller pieces and find solutions for each of them. Then, you will repeat the process until you've solved the problem.
The book was published in 2013, and it contains 500 behavioral PM interview questions. Each one is broken down and explained step-by-step so that you can answer the question perfectly. You'll get a great sense of what the interviewer is looking for, which will allow you to show your true potential and achievements.
The book serves as an introduction to product management philosophy, interview approaches, and techniques. Even people with no background in computer science will find it easy to follow. It also has dialogue-format examples of how to conduct a product management interview. These examples make it easy to follow and understand the conversation.
I highly recommend this book. It's written by a veteran product manager, Lewis Lin, who has worked for some of the biggest tech companies in the world, such as Google and Facebook. He was the head of product management for both of these companies and is now an independent consultant.
What you should know
This fourth edition includes the latest changes to the interview process. It provides frameworks, examples, and lessons that will help you prepare for and ace the PM interview. The book is written by a product manager who has worked with a wide range of companies. It offers advice that is practical, yet easy to follow.
This book is aimed at those just starting out in the field and has some shortcomings. For one thing, it isn't a comprehensive study guide, and you may have to invest additional time in reading the book. This is a good option for people with limited experience or no prior experience.
However, if you're already working in a product-related role, this book is probably not for you.
The book has 18 chapters, including an introduction to the discipline and the role of the PM. It also includes information on how to get an interview and general preparation. The final chapters cover specific types of questions that will be asked in PM interviews.
Honorable Mentions
There are a lot of Product Management interview books out there. Some are better than others. But before you leave, I wanted to give honorable mentions to some of the best books that just missed the cut.
Swipe to Unlock
Swipe to Unlock is a comprehensive guide to technology and business strategy and It's a must-read for anyone pursuing a tech role.
The book decodes technology buzzwords and breaks them down into understandable chunks. It covers topics like software development, emerging markets, and future trends. For example, the book delves into the business model of Tesla and other technology companies.
The book has received critical acclaim. It was recently named an Amazon Business Best Seller and won a North American Book Award. It's also been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Business Insider. It's been hailed as our generation's Rosetta Stone and explores how technology is reshaping everyday life. For instance, the book explores how music is recommended by Spotify on the app, how KaiOS became the third-largest mobile operating system in two years, and how a single typo took down 20% of the internet.
The authors of Swipe to Unlock are product managers from Microsoft, Facebook, and Google. These three experts explain technology in simple language. Their book also explains how Amazon works, the business model of apps, and the Internet's security system.
Inspired
Inspired How to Create Tech Products Customers Love by Martin Cagan focuses on how to build a winning product team. This book features interviews with product managers who have created successful products. It also features profiles of technology-powered companies. These include Netflix, Microsoft, Apple, and BBC.
This is a great book for those who are in the early stages of a technology product company. It is not a memoir but a practical guide to the product management process. Whether you are starting a new company or running a large existing one, this book will show you how to make a great product.
The First-Time Manager
The First Time Manager by Jim McCormack is a classic management guide that has stood the test of time. It is the go-to guide for aspiring managers and offers clear advice. It has been endorsed by a number of top executives and business leaders. Although the book is a classic, it is also accessible to newcomers.
This book covers the essentials of management, from hiring and firing to time management and dealing with superiors. It is written in a friendly and accessible style and covers a range of topics. It also contains new material, such as how to motivate and engage employees and how to improve outcomes.
The book provides an excellent framework for personal development. It also provides practical examples and useful suggestions to help new managers. The book is now in its seventh edition, which is about 40 or 50 pages longer than the previous edition. The Seventh edition also contains more examples and includes the author's own case studies.
Product Management For Dummies
Product management plays a critical role in organizations today. It is now considered the fourth most important job title in corporate America, yet only a small minority of product managers have been properly trained for this vital position. With Product Management For Dummies, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to excel at this position.
This book was written by two people who have extensive experience in product management. One is Brian Lawley, CEO of the 280 Group, a global consulting and training firm. The other is Pamela Schure, director of products and services. Both have worked in product management and marketing at companies including Apple and Adaptec.
This book provides a firm foundation for essential career skills, such as brainstorming and market research. It also includes an overview of pricing strategy, road maps, and competitive analysis.
How Highly Effective People Speak
If you're interested in learning how to speak confidently and effectively, How Highly Effective People Speak by Peter Andrei will provide valuable insights into effective communication. It describes the psychology and events behind the scenes of high performers, and how they turn communication into an opportunity to inspire and motivate. Those who follow their methods can enrich their careers and influence their communities, and they can reach positions of leadership and influence in the world.
The right book for you!
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best product management interview books. If you’re looking for a great read (or 10) before your next product management interview, these are the perfect resources. Of course, if you want to check out more of my recommendations. And remember, practice makes perfect! Thanks for reading and good luck with your upcoming interviews.
FAQs
Do you have a product management interview coming up and are looking for some guidance? Well, you've come to the right place! , I'll answer some of the most common questions about interview books for product managers. Keep reading to learn more!
How do I prepare for a product management interview?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some general tips:
1. Do your research. Product management is all about understanding the customer and the market, so make sure you know as much as you can about both. Read up on the company you're interviewing with and familiarize yourself with its products and services.
2. Think critically. As a product manager, you'll be responsible for coming up with innovative ideas and solutions to problems. Be prepared to think outside the box and offer critiques and suggestions.
3. Be prepared to talk about your experience. Have specific examples ready to illustrate your skills and expertise in product management.
4. Practice, practice, practice
How do I ace my Product Manager interview?
There is no single answer to this question, as the best way to ace a Product Manager interview will vary depending on the specific job and company. However, some tips on how to prepare for a Product Manager interview include studying the company's product line, researching the latest industry trends, and practicing your problem-solving skills. Additionally, it can be helpful to come up with a few questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the role.
Are product management interviews hard?
It depends on your level of experience. For people who have a few years of product management experience, the interviews are usually not too hard. But for people without any product management experience, the interviews can be quite challenging because you need to demonstrate that you have the skills required to be a product manager.
The key thing to remember is that product management interview questions are not about specific technical knowledge or domain expertise. Instead, they are more focused on your ability to think critically and solve problems. So make sure you practice answering questions that require you to think on your feet. Also, review the basics of product management so that you know what it is and what it involves. That will give you a strong foundation
What should I ask the VP of a product?
There are a lot of questions that you could ask the VP of a product, but some of the most important ones would be about the company's plans for the product, how they plan to market it, and what they hope it will achieve. You could also ask about any challenges or problems they have encountered while developing or marketing the product. Finally, you might want to ask about their vision for the product – how does this product fit into their broader plans for the company?
Do PM interviews have coding?
It really depends on the company and the position. In most cases, there is no coding required for a PM interview. However, there are some positions where coding skills are essential (e.g., software engineer, project management). If you're interviewing for a position that requires coding skills and you don't have any experience coding, don't worry! There are plenty of resources out there to help you get started. Resources like Codecademy offer free tutorials that can help you learn the basics of coding in no time.
How much does a Google pm make?
Salaries at Google PMs vary depending on the individual's skills and experience. However, a good starting salary range for a Google PM is from $120,000 to $200,000.
How do you practice product management?
Product management is all about creating a winning product strategy. There are a few essential steps that you need to follow in order to create a successful product strategy.
1. Define the problem that you are trying to solve
2. Research the competition and understand what they are doing
3. Create a hypothesis for how you can solve the problem better than your competitors
4. Test your hypothesis by creating a prototype or pilot program
5. Iterate on your prototype or pilot program until you have a final product that meets customer needs