Build a PM interview company research brief

Research Depth Decides the Interview

The best interview candidates know more about the company than several internal people. First Round Review's writing on interview preparation and the Y Combinator library both document the pattern: surface-level research (product homepage, recent blog post) produces generic answers; deep research (earnings calls, customer reviews, interviewer backgrounds) produces insights that differentiate.

How the Build a PM interview company research brief Prompt Works

The prompt structures research across six dimensions with specific source types per section. The "non-obvious observation" output is the depth signal — a candidate who mentions something the interviewer didn't expect them to notice stands out.

When to Use It

• A PM interview is 3-7 days out.
• A company is a specific target and deep prep is worth the time.
• A peer is preparing for interviews and wants a template.
• A recruiter provided a loop with specific interviewers.
• A role level requires differentiated prep (director+).

Common Pitfalls

• Surface-level research. Homepage + one blog post produces generic answers indistinguishable from 10 other candidates.
• No interviewer research. Interviewer backgrounds shape question types. LinkedIn review is free leverage.
• No thoughtful concerns. Pure enthusiasm reads as naive. A well-framed concern signals depth.

Sources

• First Round Review — First Round
• Y Combinator Library — Y Combinator
• Mind the Product — Mind the Product
• The Product Manager — Silicon Valley Product Group