Key Skills for MEV Interview Success

I used to think nailing PM interviews required memorizing 20+ frameworks… Turns out, that’s not true. 😬 Most product managers overcomplicate prep – I’ve been there. But after 15+ years of coaching, hiring, and mentoring, I’ve found that just 5 frameworks cover nearly 90% of interview situations. Here’s what actually matters (and what I wish I knew sooner): 1. Product Design – Simplicity Wins - Think 10x, not 10% – Scaling products requires bold ideas, not small tweaks. - User obsession > everything else – If the user wins, the product wins. - Problem first, solutions second – Rushing to solutions leads to the wrong ones. - Structure beats speed – Interviewers don’t care if you’re fast; they care if you think clearly. 2. Business Strategy – Play Chess, Not Checkers - Trade-offs are your superpower – Show you can prioritize ruthlessly. - Understand market shifts – Strategy lives at the intersection of market trends. - Think from first principles – Assumptions break. Foundational thinking doesn’t. - Find leverage – The best PMs know where the smallest effort drives the biggest results. 3. Execution & Analytical – Results Speak Louder - Goals drive everything – Clear targets = clearer outcomes. - Metrics that tell the truth – Vanity metrics don’t cut it. Focus on what moves the needle. - Root cause analysis – Keep asking ‘why’ until you hit the core problem. -Decide with frameworks – Rely on structured decisions, not gut instincts. 4. Behavioral & Leadership – Show, Don’t Tell - Focus on impact – Results > effort. Always tie back to measurable impact. - Own your story – Bring up specific examples of growth and ownership. - Outcomes > effort – What changed because of you? That’s what matters. - Growth mindset – Failures are just chapters in your success story. Highlight what you learned. 5. Technical – Enough to Hold Your Ground - Understand system design – Even at a surface level, know the basics. - APIs, data, and scale – You don’t need to code, but you need to speak the language. - Complexity kills – Keep it simple, scalable, and aligned with user needs. - When in doubt, ask questions – It’s about how you think, not what you know. Stop overthinking. Start simplifying. These five frameworks consistently lead to stronger answers and better outcomes. If you’re preparing for interviews, focus here. The rest? Noise. 👉 Which of these do you lean on the most in interviews? Let me know in the comments!

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀. And as a Recruiter, I see those margins up close. Sometimes uncomfortably close. Most rejections are not because someone was bad. They happen because someone else was slightly better. 👓 A clearer example. 🔪 A sharper story. 💪 A stronger link to the business. 🙌 A touch more confidence. 🤝 A more decisive close. Tiny differences. Huge outcomes. And the funny part is that most people do not know where they are losing ground. Here is what genuinely creates the edge: 𝟭. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 If you rely on one project throughout the interview, you limit your entire profile. The Hiring Manager wants range. Have four or five examples ready that show leadership, delivery, conflict handling, problem solving, ambiguity and real impact. 𝟮. 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Nothing creates confidence like context. Know what they sell, who their customers are, what challenges they face and where they are aiming. Candidates who show understanding beat candidates who simply want a job. 𝟯. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Hiring Managers want people who step forward. Use language that reflects accountability. “I owned…”, “I led…”, “I was accountable for…” These hit very differently compared to “I helped…” or “I supported…”. 𝟰. 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 A lot of people give great answers to the wrong thing. Slow down. Make the core point. Clear and concise always wins. 𝟱. 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 Instead of “What is the culture like”, try: “What does success look like in the first 90 days” or “What problem does this role need to solve that currently has no owner”. That level of curiosity is memorable. 𝟲. 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 Most candidates never close. A simple line like: “I am really excited about the role and I can already see where I would add value. What are the next steps” can genuinely tilt a close call in your favour. Here is the recruiter truth people never want to admit: When it is close, the person with clarity, confidence and context usually wins. Not the loudest. Not the one with the flashiest CV. Just the one who prepared with intent. Fine margins. Big difference. If you are interviewing right now, focus on improving these margins. They are often what decides the outcome. And if you want help sharpening yours, you know where I am. Maverick Otter has a few spaces for 1:1 coaching clients until 2026 for interview training, personal branding coaching, CV/Resume Writing and LinkedIn Strategy/Optimisation.

Ever wondered what truly captures the attention of medical sales managers during interviews? As someone who has been on both sides of the table, here are some insights into what we seek: 1️⃣ Passion and Enthusiasm: Genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company's mission shines brightly. It's contagious and leaves a lasting impression. 2️⃣ Relevant Skills and Experience: Demonstrating proficiency in the required skills and highlighting relevant experience showcases your readiness to hit the ground running. 3️⃣ Cultural Fit: Beyond qualifications, I look for candidates who can make the team better and reinforce our company culture. 4️⃣ Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to think critically and solve complex problems demonstrates adaptability and resilience, two traits highly valued in any team. 5️⃣ Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication skills are essential. Articulate your thoughts confidently and actively engage in meaningful dialogue. The interview process is not just about showcasing your abilities; it's also about showcasing your personality and fit within the team. Keep these pointers in mind and ace your next interview! #WinningSpirit #InterviewInsights #CareerAdvice