What Is Your Favorite Google Product? How Would You Improve It?
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
This question often catches people by surprise but shouldn’t. I offer 2 possible answers, a framework, and points to hit as you answer the question.
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Answer number 1
02:18 Answer number 2
03:34 Points to hit on
04:07 Outro
The Top 3 Google Interview Questions
What is your favorite Google product? And how would you improve it? I’m Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter. People hire me for no BS coaching career advice globally. And that relates to anything that’s career-related– job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, anything that relates to you in the workplace.
Now, obviously, this is a Google interview question. And I’m going to give you two possible answers for it plus a couple of talking points to hit on while you’re doing it. So. Here’s one example.
“You know, my personal favorite product would have to be Maps. Its detail and accuracy in the app is unparalleled. And I rely heavily on it for everything from navigation to exploring new cities. However, there are probably a couple of small things I try and tweak with it. And I think one is that it can improve is its integration with public transportation.
The app does currently offer some information on transit options, depending upon what city you’re in. But I think it could be more user-friendly. One place I would improve upon is real, real-time updates on train and bus schedules, as well as options for alternative routes in case of delays or closures.
Maybe you could also incorporate more personalized recommendations into the app. So if I frequently visited a certain type of restaurant or store, it’d be helpful for Maps to suggest similar options in new locations I’m exploring.
Overall, I think Maps is incredibly valuable for people. And with some small tweaks and improvement, it can become even more essential.”
Notice what you’re doing in answering the question is talking about how you love it, and the benefits that you get, but you’re offering a couple of tweaks to it. And then you’re closing by praising the product, and then talking about a couple of tweaks and improvements that can make it even more essential.
“You know, my favorite product is Gmail. I use it every day for work and personal communication. I love how easy it is to use, and has so many features like snoozing emails, creating labels and setting up filters. But I want to improve Gmail by making it easier to manage multiple inboxes; I often have to switch between work, and personal inboxes. It could be a hassle to keep track of everything. I’d love to see a feature that would allow me to view all my inboxes in one place.
And another one might be to make it easier to find emails, I can often have to search for emails I know I’ve received but I can’t remember the subject line or who sent it to me. I’d love to see a feature that would allow me to search for emails by content, not just simply by subject line.
Overall, I think Gmail is fantastic. I’d be happy to work on improving it. I believe my product experience with Gmail and my knowledge of product management would be a valuable asset to the Google team.”
So in terms of talking points, by the way, you’ll notice, again, that was a sandwich approach– praise, suggestion, praise. And in talking about this, you’re in a position where you can communicate general principles of product improvement, such as starting with the users, being data-driven, iterating quickly, and being open to feedback. Where you can demonstrate that you understand these principles, it’s going to serve you well in answering this type of question.
So I hope you found this helpful. I’m Jeff Altman. Visit my website, TheBigGameHunter.us There’s a ton in the blog that can help you. Plus, you can schedule time for a free discovery call, a coaching session, Trusted Advisor Services where I answer questions for you or provide you with recommendations of how to handle situations personalized for you. Again, there’s a lot there to help you such as information about my video courses, books and guides. Again, TheBigGameHunter.us
Also connect with me on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter. Mention you just saw this. I like knowing I’m helping some folks. And once we’re connected, your network is going to be a lot larger. Have a terrific day can be great!
Tough Interview Questions: How Do You Define Success in Your Work?
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ career easier. Those things
can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2600 episodes.
Website: https://www.TheBigGameHunter.us (schedule a paid coaching session, a free discovery call or ask questions using my Trusted Adviser Services)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Courses: https://www.TheBigGameHunter.us/courses
Main YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jobsearchtv
No BS Job Search Advice Radio Podcast: https://anchor.fm/nobsjobsearchadviceradio
Video Podcast of No BS Job Search Advice Radio: Spotify
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jeffaltmancoach
Medium: jeffaltmancoach.medium.com
Resume & LinkedIn Profile critiques www.TheBigGameHunter.us/critiques
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