Case Interviews CAN Be A Gateway to PM Excellence
Many PMs have shared this sentiment: “Case interviews do not truly reflect actual PM skills. They only test how well you memorize formulas. It’s like the SATs.”
Maybe? Maybe not?
Let’s talk about the SATs.
The Real Goal Behind SATs
While memorizing vocabulary words can be helpful…
But the real goal is understanding how to apply that vocabulary in context to comprehend passages and craft effective written responses.
It is true that you don’t NEED all the vocabulary words to survive, but having a rich vocabulary gives you the tools to pick up on the deeper, more nuanced meanings of the language.
This deeper level of reading comprehension is what the SAT is really assessing, not just your ability to define words in isolation.
AND - you get to be more insightful and articulate as a result of it!
🔄 The PM Case Interview Parallel
The PM case interviews work the same way.
While learning common frameworks can provide a useful structure, the true goal is to see your strategic, analytical, and product thinking skills in action.
When these skills are integrated with your system, it becomes second-nature.
You instinctively apply it on the job:
- Crafting strategy,
- Driving impactful decisions,
- Communicating ideas.
Acing case interviews should just a byproduct of this ingrained habit.
It mirrors your day-to-day excellence as a PM.
And that is why my clients often share that after going through this interview process - they up-level.
I experienced the same transformation!
I have up-level’d as a PM just as a result of preparing for these interviews.
📣 Words from a Happy Client
“In just a few weeks, I feel like a different person. My product thinking, strategy, and understanding of metrics have all significantly improved. I’m already applying what I’ve learned to my work… This coaching has been an amazing experience – fun, impactful, and truly transformative!” – shared by a recent client in their testimonial.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
The interview process in the top Tech companies may seem “extra”, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can turn it into an opportunity to develop skills that will serve you far beyond the interview stage.
