The PMM Interview Questions You Should Be Asking (Both Sides of the Table)

Product marketing is a pivotal role that bridges the gap between product, marketing, and sales. It's a challenging yet rewarding function that requires a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration. As a seasoned PMM professional, I've been on both sides of the interview table numerous times, and I've learned that asking the right questions is crucial for making informed decisions.

For the Interviewer: Assessing Fit and Potential

When interviewing candidates for a product marketing role, it's essential to go beyond the surface-level questions and dig deeper to truly understand their thought processes, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with your company's culture and values. Here are some of the questions I like to ask:

1. Walk me through your approach to developing a go-to-market strategy for a new product.

This question allows you to gauge the candidate's strategic thinking, their understanding of the product lifecycle, and their ability to navigate cross-functional dependencies. Listen for their process, the stakeholders they involve, and how they prioritize and align various elements like positioning, messaging, pricing, and launch plans.

2. How would you explain a complex technical concept to a non-technical audience?

Product marketers often need to translate technical jargon into clear, compelling language that resonates with different audiences. This question tests their ability to simplify complexity without oversimplifying or losing accuracy. Pay attention to their use of analogies, examples, and storytelling techniques.

3. Tell me about a time when you had to manage conflicting priorities or stakeholder interests.

Conflict resolution and stakeholder management are critical skills for PMMs. This question reveals their ability to navigate challenging situations, build consensus, and prioritize effectively. Look for examples of diplomacy, compromise, and data-driven decision-making.

For the Candidate: Evaluating the Opportunity

As a PMM interviewing for a new role, it's equally important to ask insightful questions to assess whether the company, team, and position align with your goals and strengths. Here are some questions I recommend asking:

1. How does the product marketing team collaborate with other functions, such as product management, engineering, and sales?

This question helps you understand the company's cross-functional dynamics and the level of alignment between teams. Listen for signs of effective communication, shared goals, and a culture of collaboration.

2. What are the biggest challenges or pain points the product marketing team is currently facing?

This question provides insight into the team's priorities, resource constraints, and potential areas for improvement. It also allows you to assess whether your skills and experience can help address these challenges.

3. How does the company measure the success of its product marketing efforts?

Understanding the company's metrics and KPIs for product marketing is crucial. This question reveals their focus areas, whether it's driving awareness, generating leads, or supporting sales enablement. Align their goals with your strengths and interests.

Conclusion

Effective interviewing is a two-way street. As a product marketing professional, I've learned that asking the right questions – both as an interviewer and a candidate – is key to making informed decisions and finding the right fit. By digging deeper into strategic thinking, communication skills, stakeholder management, and cultural alignment, you can better assess potential and ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.