Building Mock PM Interview

As a Product Manager, I love creating things that solve real problems. Recently, I kept hearing the same challenge in PM communities: finding reliable partners to practice interviews.

That's why I built Mock PM Interview, a platform that matches PMs automatically based on their experience, interests, and availability. Here's how it came together.

Tackling the Matching Problem

Practicing PM interviews isn't easy. You need a partner who:

• Matches your experience level
• Lives in a compatible timezone
• Wants to practice the same interview types
• Is available regularly

Mock PM Interview takes the hassle out of this process. You fill out a short form with your details—like your experience level, preferred focus areas (e.g., product design or metrics), and availability. Each day, the system checks for potential matches and emails you when it finds someone suitable.

How It Works: Behind the Scenes

I designed the platform to be lightweight and easy to maintain, focusing on these key components:

1. Data Collection

• Tally Form: Collects user details like PM level, timezone, and focus areas. The data flows directly into Google Sheets, which serves as a simple database.
• Database Structure: Includes sheets for:
  • Raw submissions
  • Matching status (tracking match frequency and history)
  • Match history (logging every successful pairing for auditing)

2. Matching System

• Matching Criteria:
  • Timezones must be within 4 hours.
  • Experience levels can differ by no more than one tier.
  • Partners need at least one shared focus area.
• Automation Workflow: A Lindy AI agent runs daily at 9:00 AM, scanning for matches, validating conditions, and logging successful pairings.

3. Email Notifications

• Configuration: Resend handles email delivery with a verified domain for reliability. Each email includes unsubscribe options and structured JSON payloads for tracking.

4. Error Handling & Monitoring

• Validation: Checks data accuracy with JSON and email format verification.
• Monitoring: Tracks metrics like match success rates, email deliverability, and API performance to ensure everything runs smoothly.

What's Next?

The platform is up and running, but I'm excited to keep improving it:

• Adding smarter email templates with tips for structuring practice sessions
• Building a feedback system to refine matches
• Enhancing the matching algorithm

If you're a PM preparing for interviews or simply looking to sharpen your skills, try Mock PM Interview. I'd love to hear your feedback and ideas!