Your Gaming Interview Cheat Code: Tips from The Anxious PM
Before I get into all the usual suspects I want to start this off by saying, this will be one of the most stressful experiences you encounter at your job, do not underestimate how stressful an interview is and this may be triggering for your anxiety as it is for mine. Mine can get so bad sometimes I forget to breath and I spew all my information out at like 100mph which makes it very hard to pay attention as a person conducting the interview (I’ve been on both sides of this table and now I get how I sound).
Remember, you are all fantastic and amazing people, every company is looking for something slightly different and rejecting you is not a rejection on yourself. Be your true self, be authentic and don’t be afraid to show those true colors, someone will fall in love with that and you’ll shine through all the other candidates because of it. Sometimes it’s better to show off your weaknesses and turn them into strengths, you’ll be surprised how many times you’ll flip the script on people when you do that.
My goal with this post is to give you a general prep framework for a gaming PM interview and to give you a guide on how to manage your anxiety during the interview process. LET’S GET INTO IT!!!
First, we prep, here are some general guides you’ll need to know before you start the interview process.
1. Understand the Company and Industry
Research the Company:
Know their games, both current and past.
Understand their target audience, monetization strategies, and unique features or selling points.
Familiarize yourself with recent news, updates, or any partnerships.
Industry Trends:
Mobile vs. Console vs. PC gaming trends.
AR/VR gaming, cloud gaming, and other emerging trends.
Industry challenges like user retention, game development costs, or platform dependencies.
2. Deep Dive into Product Management
Product Lifecycle in Gaming:
Conceptualization, design, development, testing, launch, and post-launch management.
Monetization Strategies:
In-game purchases, ads, subscriptions, premium versions.
User Retention & Engagement:
Features like leaderboards, daily rewards, multi-player options, story depth.
Analytics and KPIs:
Daily Active Users (DAU), Monthly Active Users (MAU), Retention rate, Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), etc.
3. Behavioral Questions Preparation
STAR Technique: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Prepare stories showcasing your:
Challenges faced and how you overcame them.
Cross-functional team collaborations.
Times you made a tough decision or managed conflicts.
Instances where you identified and executed on an opportunity.
Lessons from failed projects or features.
4. Case Studies and Scenario-based Questions
Game Conceptualization: You might be asked to design a game on the spot or improve an existing one.
Think about target audience, platform choice, monetization, and unique selling points.
Growth & Monetization: How would you increase the user base for a game? How would you improve in-game purchases?
Feature Prioritization: Given a list of features, how would you decide which one to implement first?
User Feedback: How do you gather and act on user feedback? What if it conflicts with the company's direction?
5. Technical Acumen
Development Basics: Familiarize yourself with game development processes, even if high-level. Know about game engines like Unity or Unreal.
Data Analytics: Tools and methods used to gather game analytics, user behavior, etc.
6. Soft Skills and Culture Fit
Collaboration: Emphasize experiences with cross-functional teams, especially between creative (designers, writers) and technical teams (developers).
Leadership: Instances where you led a feature launch, managed junior PMs or took initiative.
Continuous Learning: Gaming is ever-evolving. Show enthusiasm for learning, be it new gaming trends, tools, or methodologies.
7. Questions for the Interviewer
Prepare questions that show your keen interest:
About the company's future direction.
Challenges the gaming industry and the company specifically are facing.
The company's philosophy on user feedback, monetization, or game design.
8. Mock Interviews
Conduct mock interviews with peers or mentors. If possible, find someone in the gaming industry to get sector-specific feedback.
Bonus Tips:
Play the company's games. Nothing shows interest better than firsthand experience.
Be authentic. Passion for gaming can be a significant differentiator.
Stay updated until the interview day. The gaming industry moves fast; a new update or trend can emerge any day.
Ok now that we’ve prepped, it’s time for the big day, this is the race day so I themed it around what I do for my marathon day training prep. Remember that we all struggle with various amounts of anxiety and nervousness, just remember, you will be ok and this is an exciting opportunity regardless of the outcome!
Pre-Race Warm-Up: Just as you'd stretch your legs before a run, stretch your mind with some deep breathing exercises. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for four, then exhale for another four. This gets oxygen flowing and steadies your starting pace.
Visualize the Finish Line: Before D-Day, envision yourself successfully completing the interview. See yourself answering with grace, building rapport, and crossing the 'finish line' with a victory leap. This mental prep can help shift dread to anticipation.
Gear Check: Knowing your stuff is akin to wearing the right shoes for the race. Familiarize yourself with the company, the role, and remind yourself of your own milestones. When you're well-equipped, you're less likely to trip.
Hydration Station: A parched mouth can be an anxiety trigger. Keep a bottle of water on hand during the interview. Sip when you need a moment to think or just to stay hydrated.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Remember, interviews aren't about rushing. If you need a moment to think about an answer, it's okay. Pace yourself, and don't fear the silence.
Energy Boost: Consider having a light, healthy snack before your interview. A balanced mix of protein and complex carbs can stabilize your energy levels – think banana with almond butter.
Race Day Attire: Dress in an outfit that makes you feel both comfortable and confident, much like you'd wear your favorite gear for a run. If you feel good, you'll radiate confidence.
Stay in Your Lane: Focus on your own journey and progress. Don't get sidetracked by others in the waiting room or potential competition.
Your Cheering Squad: Talk to friends, mentors, or peers who have raced this track before. Their tales and pep talks can bolster your confidence.
Post-Race Reflection: After the interview, cool down and evaluate. Instead of replaying any stumbles, think about your strong strides and what you'd like to improve for the next race.
Just as no two races are alike, every interview is unique. Sometimes it's smooth pavement, other times a challenging trail. But with preparation and a positive mindset, you're geared up for the distance. On your marks, get set, go, runner! 🏃♂️🥇🎽
Good luck with your interview!
Short Book List (in order of priority)
PM Interview Books
Product Manager Questions and Answers
Anxiety Management Books
