Ambiguous vs. Specific Prompt: I am seeing a lot of people recently getting hung up on specific prompts. There are typically two types of specific prompts tripping people up:

• When the interviewer setup up the prompt with the specifics of all your clarifying questions seemingly already covered

• When asked to improve a product that is the gold standard for the industry, especially one that has recently released features you love that address your previous concerns (Think: Spotify)

If you are struggling,

• Try asking a friend or family member what they would like improved and why.

• Think about a super-specific user and try to ideate how you might improve the product for them.

• Bounce ideas off a fellow PM.

• For example, a lot of marketplace companies like to ask about Spotify, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and OpenTable. Try using those prompts for the above suggestions.

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The Common Interview Pitfalls Series