Ola Program Manager Interview Questions
& Process

There were 5 rounds of interviews, all conducted face-to-face. The interviews were pretty standard, with the panel diving into all the work mentioned in my resume. Some questions touched on past projects, while others were about seeing if I was a good fit for the role. Each interview lasted about an hour and was quite focused.

The interview process was one of the best I've experienced. While I can't share the exact questions due to confidentiality, the role required strong problem-solving and analytical thinking. The process included: 1. A telephonic interview assessing my knowledge and fit for the role, checking my suitability and interests. I advanced to the next stage at the Bangalore office. Oddly, as a cab aggregator company, they didn't cover taxi fares, which was unexpected. 2. The first face-to-face round focused on technical architecture across the industry, aiming to test my ability to think on my feet and handle unfamiliar problems. The interviewer also evaluated my technical aptitude, as Project Managers need to understand project technicalities. 3. The second face-to-face involved situational questions from the industry, probing my depth of insight and structural thinking regarding Program Manager responsibilities. I was offered lunch and coffee, and HR provided updates. 4. The third face-to-face with the Director of Program Management was surprisingly intensive and insightful. Starting with a single scenario, the Director led a deep dive with questions, counter-questions, and analysis covering various aspects like feasibility, scope, and future outlook. This 1.5-hour session was exhausting but highly satisfying, showcasing an ideal Program Manager interview.

The overall interview process felt very candid, though the interview questions themselves were complex. It was a lengthy hiring process. The telephonic rounds weren't scheduled in advance, and the HR round was also not organized very well. Even the joining formalities were a bit disorganized. My overall experience was fair, but the process definitely needs some improvement.