Zalando Product Manager Interview Guide

Interviewing with a recruiter or hiring manager is usually the first step in the process. The interviewer will ask you questions based on your resume and cover letter, and it will be more informal. You should expect to be asked about your past experiences and to be questioned about the actions you took in these roles. The secret to success here is contact and communication. 

• Your hopes based on the job description.
• Your background and past experiences
• Your adaptability to the work culture

• Zalando is known for its directness and straightforward approach in interviews. So talking to the point would be helpful.
• Keep your previous work on hand so that you can tackle the subject when it comes up.
• Make a strong case on why you want to work for Zalando and how you can succeed there.
• Make sure you communicate concisely and effectively. Strong communication skills are something your interviewer will explicitly filter for.

• Tell me about yourself. Tell me what it is about you, that makes this job a good fit for you.
• What do you hope to learn from this job at Zalando?
• Personality fit is important to us at Zalando. How would you describe your personality?
• What was your most recent blunder and how did you overcome it?

This round will consist of a telephonic or video call with a hiring manager or a current  Product Manager at Zalando. This interview is similar to the onsite interviews. It might take up to 2 weeks before you’re informed if you progress to the onsite round.. Some points to keep in mind :

• This round will lean more towards behavioral and situational questions.
• The interview will last up to 45 mins.
• Some technical and analytical questions can also be expected.

• Your core PM competencies (product ideation, brainstorming, prioritization, MVP thinking, execution, metrics and iteration skills), as well as your experience in the field.
• Your ability to think objectively and analyze data.
• Your commitment to your work.
• The efficiency with which you come up with solutions.

• In this position, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in Zalando’s customers' and partners' experiences, as well as participate in the fashion ecosystem, by creating something entirely new that is tangible and meaningful to their customers and partners. Therefore, it is necessary to have a well-rounded viewpoint where you take into account the needs of the entire marketplace.
• There's a good chance the interviewer may question you about some of Zalando's and its competitors' most recent items, and you'll be asked for your thoughts. As a result, doing some analysis and planning a few points in advance even before the interview should give you an edge.

• How can you balance the demand from stakeholders and the development team's speed?
• How do you decide whether or not to follow an enhancement feature that has been suggested?
• How do you deal with tension among team members?
• How do you prioritize the backlog of products?
• At Zalando, we need dependable people on our team. Last year, how many days did you miss work?

You will be invited to an on-site interview at the Zalando offices at this stage. A series of interviews with Recruiters, Product Managers, and the Technical Delivery Lead make up this round. This round is important if you're looking to become a product manager in the organization, as you will be put to the test by a variety of senior executives and other professionals. There are a few things to bear in mind:

• The onsite experience consists of about 5 interviews.
• Each round will be about 45-50 mins long.
• You'll be tested on PM fundamentals like product knowledge, analytical skills, and strategy questions, as well as a slew of technical questions.

• Your comprehension of the organization.
• Your track record and levels of success.
• The manner in which you present your ideas.
• Your expertise in your core Product skills, as well as skills such as decision-making, calculation, and interpretation, as well as marketing abilities.

• According to many interviewees, the order of interviews is often not fixed, and can vary depending on who is available in different time slots. There will often be tiny breaks between interviews, so this can be exhausting. Come prepared for a long day!
• Many Zalando PMs who participate in the interview come across as very confident and even arrogant. We suggest that you explain and scope questions as quickly as possible and at the beginning, so that you can concentrate on topics that are relevant to the conversation you're having.
• In addition - our candidates have reported that they were challenged on their assertions, so be ready to defend your viewpoints and any assumptions or hypotheses you might be making during your answers.

• Why do you think this role with Zalando is the perfect fit for you at this point in your career?
• What is our firm's strategy?
• What is the concept of rapid agility?
• What are the company verticals that we work in?
• Write a press release about a unique product you've created.
• What product innovation are you most proud of?
• What would you do if you had to introduce a new product?
• How can you boost the Zalando website's user experience?
• How do you handle change?
• Are you willing to take a position that isn't as high-profile as your current one?
• According to you, what is the difference between product and project management?
• How do you decide whether or not to follow an enhancement feature that has been suggested?
• In a week, how many times do you speak with customers to enhance your product? Do you still write down the predicted outcomes ahead of time and then compare them?
• How do you schedule your releases? What type of production do you use?
• How much do you perform consumer research and what kind of research do you conduct?
• Describe a time when you failed. Why do you think it didn't work out? What would you do if you could?
• Could you share a takeaway from your most recent product launch?
• Describe a time when you made a decision based on data.
• What one word would your colleagues use to identify you if I asked them?
• Have you ever been into a disagreement with a teammate? What was the end result?

This is where the hardest part comes to an end. Bear in mind that the interviews are almost like a casual chat, but the interviewers are putting your expertise to the test. As a result, stay alert at all times and keep your responses quick, crisp, and to the point.