Program Manager Interview - The Fundamentals
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
- Program Manager Interview - The Fundamentals
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0:00 - Intro
1:35 - Ask Questions
2:30 - Have a Plan
5:16 - Stakeholder Leadership
7:31 - Collaborative Partnerships
9:05 - Shared Vision
10:30 - Emotional Intelligence
11:43 - Facilitation/Presentation Skills
Other videos referenced as cards in this video:
0:14 - Program Manager Interview - • Program Manager Interview
1:48 - Follow Up/Clarifying Questions - • Ask Follow Up / Clarif...
2:17 - Know Your Audience - • Know Your Audience - R...
2:54 - Open Ended Questions - • How to Answer Open-End...
4:08 - Question Sandwich - • How to Handle Hypothet...
Additional Videos that might help:
Google Interview - • Google Interview - The...
The Job Description - • What Questions Will I ...
Types of Questions - • How to Tackle The 7 Mo...
Interview Prep Checklist - • Interview Preparation ...
The STARL Method - • How to Use STAR Method...
How to End Your Answer - studio.czcams.com/users/videorAzF...
Social Media:
Connect with me on LinkedIn - / jeffhsipe
THANK YOU!
I am so excited to release my second video on Program Manager Interviews. I sincerely hope this new content helps!
Jeff H Sipe hello! I would love some informations about what to prepare for the job! Like what to study what skills I need and what certificates I may need in order to get the Program Management job!
Thank you. This was super helpful!
@@fallenangelrulz Awesome, so glad this video helped!
Jeff, Thank you for the great videos. I am an experienced program manager but have not interviewed for a long time, so your input is invaluable!
Jeff I love your program manager interview videos! Thanks so much for making them - the level of detail is always so helpful :)
Thanks Deb! The Program Manager role is complex, I am glad to hear that it is not too much! I sincerely appreciate your positive feedback.
I'm actually starting a Program Governance role at Cisco and this video helped me a lot about Program Management. Hope you could share some more tips in your next videos. I just clicked Subscribe!
Jeff H Sipe is my favorite recruiter with over 10 years of experience, and 5 of those being with google to recruit program managers
Hi Jeff, your content is gold! This is extremely beneficial and i have taken a lot of notes. Your videos have been a tremendous help. Thank you so much.
Tanvi, thank you for your continued support, amazing!
Agree with TG , your content is very crisp. Preparing for google Pgm interview .your videos have been great help
I already watched this video twice with my notepad open to write down points. Now this is information! Thank you for this, Jeff!
Odunayo Komolafe, thanks, I think this video is trending 😎
Thanks Jeff for the great videos. Thanks to you, I was able to land Google program manager offer!
Yung-Hsiang, amazing news, congrats!!!
These are incredibly helpful videos. 5 more days until panels and wish I would have found this content sooner. Thanks Jeff!
Raymond, thank you for the positive feedback and good luck!!
you are extremely generous and thoughtful with your information. Thank you so much!
Melanie, thanks so much for the positive feedback!
Very good video! Thank you Jeff. This has very useful tips.
PS-I worked with you in 2015 for a PM position at Google. Stumbled upon this video today by accident, saw your name and it brought a smile on my face:).
Swati, amazing! I hope you are well and thanks for watching :)
You've gained a new fan. This stuff is gold!
Andrea, awesome!!
Extremely helpful and thoughtful video. Thank you very much for putting the time to create this video. I am interviewing with one of the FAANG companies and appreciated this insight.
The Noncommittal Chef, I am so glad you found this video helpful!
Thanks Jeff for sharing this awesome video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks John, this one took a long time to make and it is a lot of content, but I hope it helps!
So very helpful and well rounded, took lots of notes and will use to make plan in am! thank you!!
Thanks Linda! I am glad content helps!
Thank you for such a clear video and great actionable steps. So much help.
David, thanks for the positive feedback!
You're boon to us but quiet underrated. Wonderful videos for interview prep. Keep giving your best. Love from India!!
Amit, thank you so much for your kind comment!
Super helpful Jeff. This is the only complete suggestion video in CZcams for program management. God bless u
Mahmudur, thank you so much for the awesome feedback! I am contemplating a third program management video sometime in the near future :)
@@jeffhsipepi The Future is here Jeff, please release it now.
@@1anre, I will definitely think about it!! Thank you for the reminder!
I really learned a lot from watching this! Thank you!
LaFemmeExec Careers, awesome, thanks for watching!!
Hi Jeff - I have pretty much watched all your videos. Content is great. I have done all my 5 interviews, however I didn't make the cut. :( GOT REJECTED .....Looking forward to get into Google or FANG companies some day. Thank you for these videos. Appreciate all your hard work. Good luck all those who are trying out. Please follow this man's advice.
Sudhin, I am sorry to hear this news, but all the hard work you put in will make it easier for your future interviews, and thank you so much for the positive feedback.
You have a new fan.....thank you so much for awesome videos
Jagraj Singh, thank you! Happy you are enjoying my videos :)
Hi Jeff,
Thank you so much for the informative information. It sure is helpful. I would like to request whether if you can post a video on what needs to be avoid when answering the interview questions. For example, don’t mention about the project that is terminated because of it’s our fault or what is not a googleyness.
Young, thank you for your suggestion, I like it! I will produce a video focused on common mistakes to avoid :)
Amazing and very helpful info! Great video!
Kedar, thank you!
This was awesome! Thank you!
jehhudson, I am so glad you found this video helpful!
Studying for my interview with your videos! Wish me luck!
Nathalia, good luck, let us know how it goes!
"what are the 3 most important things to focus on when presenting to senior leadership... Just know this answer"
That's why I'm here, to get your take on the answer ...
Rome, sure, some interviewers will be fine if you just answer the question, but others will intentionally ask vague open-ended/hypothetical questions like this to see if you assume or clarify. Since we don't know what are our interviewer wants, I recommend at least probing a little and getting their feedback/watching their body language.
@@jeffhsipepi I appreciate you replying. Unless I missed it in this video, my point was that I don't know what answer I would give to this question. But instead of giving a sample answer, you said to just know this answer. Could you direct me to the point in this video,or any of your other videos, that gives a sample answer to this question? If not, could you give a quick reply here? That would certainly be appreciated by me and the rest of your audience I'm sure :)
Wonderful information. I’m ready to transition to this role and struggle to breakdown my “how” because I’m such a bad order bee but I’m ready- put me in coach!!
Gabriela, keep at it, you got this! The "how" is the most critical part in interview answers. How have you done it in the past and how would you do it if I put you into X scenario. Keep prepping!
Thanks for making this video
Madhvi, thank you for the positive feedback, definitely needed to do a follow up video!
Jeff, I can feel your vibes, they're really expertise type & I'm preparing for PM interview
William, thank you so much for your positive vibes 😀 good luck!
Hello Jeff, your content is very helpful. I am currently interviewing for the position of Technical Program Manager for new grads. Could you make another video to explain more about the process for new grads ?
How to relate school examples, personal projects to this new position as many of us don't usually have prior real managing experience.
Ines, great question, I just followed up with you directly on LinkedIn as well. For new grads focusing on internships and college projects is key. Also, focus on making it position/company specific when answering questions, this is sometimes a challenge for new grads. Lastly, I really like focusing on what you have done from the work/school aspect, but sometimes you will need to pull in something personal when you have less experience. This could be a time you lead a volunteering event or coached a youth sports team, etc. I think my intern video - czcams.com/video/iZ038_hb0pk/video.html, highlights some good points that will have some good crossover for you and others in this scenario. I hope this helps! Thanks
It's very useful sharing. Wish you good mood every day, and everything goes well.
Yao-Hsien, absolutely, thank you for watching!
Great content, background is a diversion and undermines the presentation.
S H, haha, I know! I played around with the background quite a bit on my YT journey, opting for outside for the first couple of years. I am glad you found the content useful. All future videos will be filmed inside, maybe!
Jeff, your videos has been greatly helpful for me and I already had three phone interviews with Google for Program Manager role and all with positive feedback. Although it seems the process has changed now and they are trying to do team matching prior to onsite and not sure if it is exception to my situation. I wonder if you have ever had this experience with your clients and does it positive if it happen.
Thanks for your comment. Three phone interviews all with positive feedback and not moving forward to onsite is definitely uncommon! Team matching and having PM's interview for a more general area is something Google has always done, BUT they seem to be doing it more often lately. I would say at least a third of my Google PM clients are going into this more general pool. So this part is not uncommon, but I would definitely ask your Recruiter for as much feedback as possible. If you want to email me with some more details on your specific situation, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at jeff@jeffhsipe.com.
thanks that was super helpfull
Moe, thanks for the positive feedback!
Thank you, Jeff, for this informative video. This is the first I've seen about PM interviews (and I just subscribed!). Do you have any recommendations for those considering moving from education to PM work (or perhaps a link to a video I haven't yet seen)? Thank you again for this content. I look forward to viewing more.
Brianne, the best part about Program Managers is that they come from all sorts of backgrounds, but it never hurts to take project management/agile courses, etc.
Very valuable, thank you very much! Keep it up and please let me know what I can do to help you!
Michele, thank you so much! The only thing you can do for me, if you like the content, share it with others you think it will help, thanks!
Thanks for the video. Informative. Btw better to call PgM rather than PM as it confuses at times. But overall, very useful.
Prabhu, 100%!!!! Program Managers should always be referred to as PgMs and Product Managers should as be referred to as PMs, thanks!!
Hello Jeff, great add-on; actually the methodology video you did in May now made more sense after seeing this. Just for a thick person like me, could elaborate (perhaps an example) the thought process at 1:53; i.e. how the question applies to the role and what's the outcome they are looking for?
Invictus Champ, good question, what most questions are trying to do is identify a core skill needed to perform the job. So look for the higher level theme, is it collaboration, conflict resolution, change management. The way to get there is by writing it down and restating the question and taking a moment to think about what has been asked of you. This is allows us to stretch our best behavioral examples to answer questions because we are able to identify this theme. And helps on the open-ended side with frameworks because it keeps us connected to the core responsibilities of the role. I hope this helps/makes sense :)
@@jeffhsipepi Thank you Jeff, I understand the angle now. Thanks for sharing this content.
Hi Jeff, first of all - thank you so much for your videos! Definitely the most comprehensive content on youtube when it comes to interviewing - amazing job!! I have my onsite interviews soon and was wondering if there are any scenarios in the non-tech Program Manager interview where candidates are asked to whiteboard something or go through case studies/estimation questions? Or is the interview format for that role mainly behaviour/situation/GCA question and answer? Many thanks!
Matylda, fantastic question! Candidates are rarely asked to whiteboard something, but I strongly encourage you to use the whiteboard. Probably less likely case studies and more scenario based questions, and you are also less likely to get an estimation question, but... at Google expect the unexpected! So for example, estimation questions are more commonly asked to Product Managers, but you should definitely still practice them. The areas you mentioned will all be covered and remember, it should be question, followed by questions, never just answer, even behavioral questions as sometimes you will have a couple of good options, you want to present those options to your interviewer. Please let me know if you have additional questions. Thanks!
@@jeffhsipepi Thank you so much Jeff!
@@matimatixx2376 You are so welcome :)
Glad I found your videos on youtube. Do you have a website or a link where there are interview questions and some model answers(For guidelines) listed ?
Ishwari, great question. I do have resources on my website - practiceinterviews.com, but you are making me think about creating this resource! Check out a few of my open-ended videos for screen-shares where I model out a couple of answers - czcams.com/play/PLePbzYpjlB26eg0J1SZ5ofSNVgsdt0DM3.html, thanks!
Hi Jeff, Thank you for the TPM videos. your videos helped me ace my phone screens. Next in for my onsite interview. I would love to get some tips on the presentation that we need to do for the onsite. How do we prepare for this and what would make our presentation standout.
Hi! I responded directly to your LinkedIn message, but generically speaking, you need to create, practice, and edit, edit, edit. You have to practice in front of humans and get their feedback, this step is critical. I think it also helps to make these presentations interactive, but that is definitely a personal preference and it may not work well for everyone, I hope this helps. Please follow up with me on LinkedIn and hopefully I can provide a little more specific advice. Thanks!
The content is awesome. Great learning, helping me prepare for my interviews.
Popping Toy world - I have a phone screen coming up for TPM position at Google and would love to get some insights into what to expect. Can we please connect - dealforme2@gmail.com (Sorry, have to use a different email to not reveal my identity because I am not comfortable sharing that I am job hunting).
@@lisalee3575 One really important step is to ask your Recruiter what to expect. For TPM's it is typically a mix of Program Management and Technical Questions focused in your specific domain. Please let me know if you have any other questions, thanks!
The answers, you left us hanging Jeff!
Please where are the answers to these types of questions you helped share?
Lanre, yes, these are the videos that people really like, questions with answers, and my plan is to do more of those moving forward :)
Jeff, your content is so helpful. Thank you so much for creating this. I would like to get some clarity on PM positions or roles. Is there a Engineering Manager position in google? if so what is the difference between PM and EM?
If I am very new to project management, let's say 2 - 3 yr or so and has experience of running only 1 project at a time [what I understand by program is running multiple projects or is that wrong assumption], what kind of role I should look for in google?
infinitivideos, I am glad my content helps! Yes, Google definitely hires Engineering Managers. A Program Manager oversees the aspects of larger projects often times including technical teams with Engineers. Engineering Managers, directly manage Software/Hardware Engineers and need to be hands on technical as well. The number of programs is truly dependent on the scope of the program, a Program Manager could be working on just one program at a time or multiple programs. A Program Manager role sounds like it could be a good fit!
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
k.d.6114, thank you, I am glad you found this video helpful!
Thank you Jeff for the insightful content.
Would you happen to know:
- What's the growth opportunities/career pathing for a Program Manager i.e. If one gets into Google as a Program Manager, would you happen to know what's the vertical/horizontal growth opportunities.
- What's the internal transfer opportunity from Program Manager to Product Manager later on (I understand one has to stay in the initial role for atleast 1 year).
Learning & Growing in Life, because Program Manager roles are diverse you can move into a number of different roles. Moving from Program to Product is a harder move, you would have to have a strong technical product background.
Really awesome Jeff, thanks. I had a quick question, asking to go to a room with a whiteboard is specific to PM roles or it can be for any other roles?
Ali, great question! The whiteboard is literally for everyone, if you feel comfortable using it. But typically, it will help you stay organized and create a great visual for your audience.
@@jeffhsipepi Fantastic thanks a lot!
@@jeffhsipepi Never knew doing an actual presentation, either with a white board or with a PowerPoint doc on a laptop, was part of the steps in a Program Manager interview, damn!
@@1anre, yes, the most important item to remember is to ask your Recruiter what you can use. Some companies allow you to use a white board over video, others only want you to use online tools like Google Docs. It is a super important to ask your Recruiter early on so you know how to prepare.
Thanks, Jeff! I'm currently working as an assistant director in study abroad at the university level, and am considering transitioning into a global program manager role in Tech. Do you have any advice for people with a background in higher education who are considering this role as a career change opportunity?
Carmeisha, in a lot of ways we are all Program Managers in our jobs. Most positions require working across teams, problem solving, and sometimes dealing with ambiguity. My advice is to take on differing projects that expand your skill set and help you learn and grow. It is not uncommon to get hired as a Program Manager without ever holding that title in the past. I hope this feedback helps, good luck! Thanks!
@@jeffhsipepi Thank you so much!
Hey Jeff, great video indeed! really informative. Can you please elaborate on what are types of GCA questions PMs are asked? I came across your 'Google's GCA Interview
' video and I was wondering if the question you've presented there is typical for PMs or are there less technical questions (more on the behavioral side)?
Many Thanks!
Shir, more generically, GCA interviews can cover both open-ended questions and behavioral questions. Open-ended are much more likely, but you can also get a more broad behavioral question like, tell me about a time you enhanced an already complex project? For the more common open-ended questions these would be some examples, but they are extremely vague, and this is the best way to practice, the more specificity, the easier they get:
How do you influence without authority?
How do you determine risk in a program?
How do you measure success?
How do you make sure you are resourced appropriately?
How do you create a shared vision with critical stakeholders?
These will likely not be the exact questions, but these are the topics I want you to be thinking about. I hope this helps!
@@jeffhsipepi Thank you Jeff! for the behavioral questions - should I also structure my answer with a framework (like the open ended questions) or walk them through a specific example?
@@shirarbiv5004 If you get a behavioral question, always utilize the STAR method, when these questions come up in a GCA interview they will have a lot of follow up questions.
@@jeffhsipepi Please what does GCA Interview mean?
@@1anre GCA stands for General Cognitive Ability - essentially your ability to problem solve and navigate ambiguity.
Jeff, I am interviewing now for a Sr. TPM role at a Seattle-based Medical Services tech company. I have a very unique background. I am a veteran with 10 years experience: 4 in Naval Intelligence and 6 as a Navy Seal. After getting out I got into Defense Contracting and have been for about 18 years. I am fairly technical within the DoD sector (that is nothing to brag about) and have been more on the Systems Engineering (processes) and Enterprise Architecture (creating definitive visual enterprise products - NOT EA as you might think). My point is this: I was a Chief Engineer and PM on multiple billion dollar programs. So, in interviewing, everyone under the Sun thinks I am taking a MAJOR step down with a TPM role. However, I explain the delta between tech in DoD (waaaay behind the power curve) and tech in the private sector. I explain how innovative I am but DoD, despite what they say, does not reward innovators. I want a new challenge but I need to learn and relearn much in the "real" tech world thus, the "seeming" step down.
So, in the interviews, I get very high ratings on the likability factor by every interviewer I have had but for the hiring manager specifically, I feel there is a bit of intimidation - not because I was overbearing or anything, just the thought of an extremely confident, former Seal working for them. This is a guess but I have had formal training in body language (I think this is obvious as to why but if not, DM me and I'll explain more definitively). Post interview I am told, very politely, we feel you will be bored. An actual comment was, "We loved the guy. But he will clearly get bored. This role is far too low for a man of his caliber. He should be negotiating peace in the Middle East - not working as a TPM at our company." I don't want to remove past experiences... or should I? Should I remove my Seal background? I am an extremely confident (but not arrogant) man regardless and I realize there just are not many former SpecOps guys in Tech. I don't make a big deal about it but it obviously comes up during interviews as every single interviewer is fascinated by it and gets a bit wide-eyed and asks a bunch of seemingly non-related questions. I obviously accommodate and use it to highlight aspects required or best for the role applied as it illustrates leadership at a level few other roles can. Thoughts?
For what it is worth, you possess the finest recruitment videos on the internet. Your production value is not in keeping with so many others but I see that as a plus. To your credit, I just love your LOE on the cards and links in your description. That is far more than most do. You focus on what matters - content! You pack more in an 8 minute video than others in an hour. Keep it up my man! I have recommended you to dozens of people.
Jason, your challenges are real and difficult. It sounds like you are doing everything right, and you just need to find the organization that aligns with you and gets what you bring to the table. Thank you so much for the positive feedback!
Hi Jeff - great content! Thanks for sharing! I have a upcoming interview tomorrow with recruiter for Program Manager - Supply Chain. Could you share if there is anything I need to be cautious about b/c supply chain is fairly new at Google? Appreciate your any insight.
Nick, nothing to be cautious about, just be yourself, and be gracious/kind. Supply chain roles have been around Google for a long time, they are well established positions within the DC infrastructure team. Good luck!
Hi Jeff, I have binged watched your videos for about a week. I was recently contacted and interviews with a Google recruiter for a program manager role. My next step is the 1st of 4 rounds of interviews. I’m curious…..Does the program manager interview differ slightly? For example I’m going for a non-technical position, a PM for accounting. Could I use the same framework and CGA from your previous videos?
Thanks for all your content!! It has been a wealth of knowledge.
Simone Mitchell, yes, you can utilize that framework, but just remember to not be rigid, play around with the concepts and add some of your own. Good luck!
@@jeffhsipepi Thanks!!
@@jeffhsipepi Quick update! I passed the RRK interview moving on to the behavioral, gca and program manager readiness interviews. I will be watching your videos, fine-tuning my notes and practicing my answers. I hope you have some content on Google salary negotiations. My goal is to secure this position!! Thank you Jeff for your practical advice. I also downloaded your cheat sheet guide….another gem!! 💎💎
@@simonemitchell6907 hi, could you share more about your experience about interviewing for a non-tech Pm role? Any more questions, details on how the process went, etc? Thanks!
@@JoyRise The advice I would give is be prepared for several examples. The examples need to have quantifiable results. Communication was a big topic, so be able to explain how you communicate to stakeholders.The process was long and included 7 interviews and ultimately I didn’t get the role.
Hi Jeff! Your videos are of great help & super sticky! I have a question though. When it comes to Program Manager interviews, as you mentioned in one of your videos, the GCA round could very well be a behavioral question. When this is the case, is it a good practice to answer them with examples based on STAR format ? Or would it make more sense to talk about the framework ? Ex - What steps do you take when a key milestone is missed because of dependencies ? Would a good reply start out as a framework or as an example ?
Laxmi, yes, definitely use the STAR Method when answering any and all behavioral questions, including ones that occur during your GCA interview!
@jeff Hi jeff, I have my next 4 rounds(onsite) Virtual interviews at google for TPM role, 2 are technical and 2 are program management - I belong to basically non-technical background and have a basic understanding since I work with the engineering team, could you help me out on what to prepare for my Technical interview - I was given heads-up it may be on system design and SDLC, you help is required.. please
Manisha, if you are not technical both System Design and talking through the SDLC will be challenging (I would think). I strongly recommend that for both these items you practice as much as possible. Did you push back and tell your Recruiter you are not super technical??
@@jeffhsipepi I actually applied for no tech program managet however in screening call witj hr she mentioned all non tech roles in pgm are already filled and this TPM role is closest match for me and i agreed since it was actually close match and didnt wanted to leave a chance of getting interviewed
my 1st round of interview with senior program manager went brilliant (at least i think so) it went on for over an hour as well , so when i got positive feedback i thought may be i can crack it . however we are talking about google here so all guidance i can take be will welcome and still wont be enough.
so i thought what if on these 5 rounds i ace the 3 rounds and do moderate in rest 2 will that give me a slight chance to get it in ? let me know if anything i can prepare
@@manisha1489 yah, it is just a tricky scenario, I don't want you to give up the opportunity, but the technical interviews will be tough. And while they will look at the collective feedback to make their decision, you still have to do pretty well across the board. PRACTICE & PREPARE!!
Have you encountered talented PMs that don't hold an undergraduate degree but have experience and leadership under their belt? I'm interviewing with recruiters and I feel like my lack of a completed degree is holding me back. I'm in school but taking my time. Just wondering if you have witness great PMs with more experience and maybe certs rather than undergrad or grad degrees?
Wil O. having a degree is less important than experience, keep at it!!
What if you have no experience but you got the opportunity to be interviewed in the role
Betty, we all have experience in one facet or another, so I want you to correlate the skills you do have and try and see how they are transferable to the position. I hope this helps!
et cet·er·a
That's not right. They only do the interview to ask about your citizenship status and to listen to your accent. They hardly ask any other question for any position, except the really entry level ones.
Gabriel, I would like to offer you the opportunity to share all your concerns with me directly, please email me directly at jeff@practiceinterviews.com and I am happy to chat with you directly, thanks!
blah-blah-blah... you didn`t give any concrete and concise answer
Yuriy, thank you so much for the feedback, is there anything that I can clarify for you?