7-day TPM Interview Course

This question mainly focuses on the “simple is best” value. A critical skill for TPMs is being able to provide simple solutions to complex problems. During the interview process, companies will assess how adept you are at problem-solving.

When evaluating you on “simple is best,” interviewers will look for these signals:

• Identifies and resolves sources of ambiguity
• Develops new methods for solving a problem
• Focuses on solutions that will positively impact the customer and business long term
• Evaluates alternatives without bias and chooses the optimal solution
• Creates and monitors measures of success

Here’s how you can use the STAR method to structure your answer:

1. Situation + Task 

• Describe the problem. Give details of when/how the problem was encountered. Talk about why this problem was important to the business and the customer. 
• Explain why the problem was complex and any ambiguities that you encountered. 

2. Action 

• Talk about how you brought clarity to any ambiguities and evaluated alternative solutions. 
• Summarize why your solution was correct and the most optimal solution at the time.

‍3. Results 

• Quantify the success of your solution.
• Detail metrics put in place to monitor your solution(s) post release.