Metromile Product Manager Interview Questions
& Process

This was a long interview process, and it felt like they figured out the structure as we went along. I went through a bunch of rounds, talking to a bunch of different people, even some higher-ups. In the end, they didn't offer me the job and just gave me a generic 'skill set wasn't a fit' reason, no real feedback. I emailed the hiring managers to ask for more details, but they just ignored me. It was disappointing because it seemed like a good interview, and most of the interviewers said nice things, but the way they handled the feedback afterwards left a bad impression.

It began with a chat with my future manager, who I connected with via a former colleague. They explained the team's needs, the role, and the company's direction. The first on-site part involved one-on-one chats with most of the product team and the Director of Design. The next week, in the second stage, I met the rest of the product team, some engineering leads, and customer service leads (a lead and a VP) who I'd be interacting with daily. Everyone was friendly, passionate, and curious about different parts of my background. The final part, also a week later, was a one-hour presentation to the whole product team. I was given a product problem scenario a week prior and had to present my approach and how I'd outline requirements. This was the toughest day as the team really challenged my thinking and assumptions. I felt I showed my strengths for the role and they identified my weaknesses accurately. Lastly, I had a chat with the Director of Product (my boss's boss). My future boss called the next day with an offer, which I accepted immediately. Paperwork began that Friday, my email was set up on Monday, and I started the following Monday. I even got a welcome postcard from the product team.

This interview process was a bit of a struggle for me. I've considered writing about it for a bit, but I thought I'd share this so Metromile can improve their process for the future. I passed a phone screen with the recruiter and the hiring manager before being invited for an interview. The on-site was pretty standard and everyone was quite friendly. They then asked me to come back for another interview where I had to prepare a presentation for the team. Just so you know, I put a lot of effort into making that presentation perfect. But, a day before my final round, less than 24 hours before I was supposed to present, I was told I wouldn't need to interview anymore because they had already extended an offer to someone else. Two points on this: first, how can you compare two candidates without them doing the same amount of work? I think the whole process could have been managed a lot better. Second, never ask candidates to put in significant work if you don't even plan on seeing their presentation. If Metromile wants to be known as 'a great place to work,' maybe they should start by making a better impression on their candidates.