PM Interview Playbook vs Cracking the PM Interview: Which Book Wins

TL;DR

If you're a product professional with 2+ years of experience seeking to refine your interview skills for senior or specialized PM roles, the PM Interview Playbook is the better choice due to its in-depth strategy and case study analysis. For new entrants or those seeking a broad foundational understanding of PM interviews, Cracking the PM Interview remains a solid, comprehensive resource.

Direct Answer to the Title Question

The "winner" between the PM Interview Playbook and Cracking the PM Interview largely depends on your current experience level, specific job targets, and what aspects of the interview process you need improvement on. Here's a concise breakdown:

Aspect PM Interview Playbook Cracking the PM Interview
Experience Level Advanced (2+ yrs) Beginner to Intermediate
Focus Strategic Depth, Case Studies Broad Foundations, Variety of Questions
Role Target Senior, Specialized PM General PM, Entry to Mid-Level
Strength Detailed Case Analysis Comprehensive Question Bank
Weakness Less for Beginners Less Depth in Advanced Strategies

Who This Is For

  • PM Interview Playbook:

    • Experienced Product Professionals (2+ years) aiming for senior or highly specialized Product Manager positions.
    • Candidates seeking in-depth case study strategies and how to differentiate themselves in competitive interviews.
    • Example Scenario: A 3-year experienced PM looking to transition into a Senior PM role at a top tech firm would benefit from the playbook's advanced case solving techniques.

  • Cracking the PM Interview:

    • New Entrants to the product management field or those with less than 2 years of experience.
    • Individuals seeking a broad overview of the PM interview process, including common questions across various types of PM roles.
    • Example Scenario: A recent MBA graduate with an internship experience in PM would find the foundational knowledge and wide range of question types invaluable.

Preparation Checklist for Choosing Between the Two

Before deciding, check off these points to align your needs:

  1. Assess Your Experience:

    • __________ Less than 2 years: Consider Cracking the PM Interview
    • __________ 2+ years: PM Interview Playbook might be more beneficial

  2. Define Your Job Target:

    • __________ Entry/Mid-Level PM: Cracking the PM Interview
    • __________ Senior/Specialized PM: PM Interview Playbook

  3. Identify Your Weakness:

    • __________ Need broad question practice: Cracking the PM Interview
    • __________ Seek advanced case strategy: PM Interview Playbook

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing Based Solely on Popularity: Understand your specific needs over general popularity.
  • Not Supplementing with Practice Interviews: No book replaces the value of actual interview practice.
  • Expecting a 'Guarantee': Neither book promises a job; they are tools to enhance preparation.

Comparison with Real Scenarios and Limitations

  • PM Interview Playbook Limitation: Its advanced focus might overwhelm beginners. For example, the section on "Reverse Brainstorming for Complex Problems" assumes a baseline understanding of product development cycles that newcomers might lack.

  • Cracking the PM Interview Limitation: Veterans might find the content too basic, especially in the "Common Interview Questions" section, which doesn't delve deeply into niche or innovative product challenges.

FAQ

1. Can I Benefit from Both Books?

Answer: Absolutely, especially if you're in a transition phase from intermediate to advanced. However, prioritize based on your immediate needs and supplement with the other later in your preparation.

2. Are There Digital Resources or Updates Provided?

Answer:

  • PM Interview Playbook: Offers periodic case study updates on its website for purchasers.
  • Cracking the PM Interview: Provides a companion website with additional questions and occasional blog updates on interview trends.

3. How Do They Handle Behavioral Interview Questions?

Answer:

  • PM Interview Playbook: Dedicates a chapter to linking behavioral questions with strategic product decisions, emphasizing impact.
  • Cracking the PM Interview: Covers a wider range of behavioral questions with a focus on the STAR method, suitable for a broader audience.

About the Author

Johnny Mai is a Product Leader at a Fortune 500 tech company with experience shipping AI and robotics products. He has conducted 200+ PM interviews and helped hundreds of candidates land offers at top tech companies.

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