Skyscanner Product Manager Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Skyscanner is a global travel search engine that helps users find the best flights, hotels, and car rentals across various platforms.

The Product Manager role at Skyscanner involves driving product vision and strategy, defining requirements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. Key responsibilities include conducting market research to identify user needs and business opportunities, prioritizing feature development, and overseeing the product lifecycle from conception to launch. Successful candidates should possess a strong understanding of agile methodologies, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Experience in data-driven decision-making and a passion for travel are vital traits that align with Skyscanner's values of customer focus and innovation.

This guide will help you navigate the interview process by providing insights into the expectations for the Product Manager role and preparing you with relevant questions and scenarios to discuss.

The interview process for a Product Manager role at Skyscanner is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical and cultural fit. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes various types of interviews and assessments.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. This initial screening focuses on understanding your background, motivations for applying, and how your experiences align with Skyscanner's values. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment, which may be conducted through platforms like HackerRank. This assessment usually consists of coding challenges or case studies relevant to product management, such as designing a data back-end system or solving algorithmic problems. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will typically move on to one or more behavioral interviews. These interviews focus on cultural fit and may include questions about past experiences, challenges faced in previous roles, and how you handle teamwork and conflict. Interviewers are keen to understand how your values align with Skyscanner's culture, so be prepared to discuss your approach to collaboration and leadership.

4. Depth of Expertise Interview

In this stage, candidates will engage in a more in-depth discussion about their previous projects and experiences. This interview may involve presenting a case study or discussing a specific product you managed, including the challenges faced and the outcomes achieved. Interviewers will assess your ability to articulate your thought process and decision-making skills.

5. Onsite Interview

The final stage often includes an onsite interview, which may consist of multiple rounds with different team members. This can include technical interviews, cultural fit assessments, and group activities where candidates collaborate on a project or problem-solving exercise. The onsite experience is designed to evaluate how well candidates work with others and their ability to contribute to team dynamics.

Throughout the process, candidates can expect to receive feedback and insights from interviewers, which reflects Skyscanner's commitment to a respectful and supportive hiring experience.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that explore your past experiences and how they relate to the role of a Product Manager at Skyscanner.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Structure

Skyscanner's interview process typically involves multiple stages, including an initial screening, technical assessments, and cultural fit interviews. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Expect to encounter a mix of coding challenges, behavioral questions, and discussions about your past projects. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your time and energy throughout the process.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Technical interviews at Skyscanner can be challenging, often involving coding tests on platforms like HackerRank. Brush up on your coding skills, particularly in algorithms and data structures. Practice common problems, especially those related to graph theory and SQL, as these have been highlighted in past interviews. Make sure you are comfortable with the coding environment and understand how to read input from standard input, as this can be a common requirement.

Emphasize Cultural Fit

Skyscanner places a strong emphasis on cultural fit during the interview process. Be prepared to discuss your values, work style, and how you align with the company's mission. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share stories that demonstrate your teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. The interviewers are looking for candidates who not only have the technical skills but also embody the company’s culture.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During interviews, especially technical ones, clear communication is key. Practice explaining your thought process as you solve problems. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their reasoning and approach to problem-solving. If you encounter a challenging question, take a moment to think through your answer rather than rushing. This shows that you are thoughtful and methodical.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect a variety of behavioral questions that explore your past experiences and how you handle challenges. Prepare for questions like "Tell me about a time you faced a conflict at work" or "Describe a project you are proud of." Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide a comprehensive view of your experiences.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interviews, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to demonstrate your interest in Skyscanner and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, the company's future projects, or how they measure success in the role you are applying for. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and reflect on any key points discussed during the interview. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and clarity, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Product Manager role at Skyscanner. Good luck!

Experience and Background

1. Describe a time you used data to inform a product decision.

Skyscanner values data-driven decision-making, and they want to see how you leverage data in your product management process.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where data influenced your decision-making. Highlight the data sources you used, the analysis you performed, and the outcome of your decision.

Example

“In my previous role, I analyzed user engagement metrics to identify a drop-off point in our onboarding process. By implementing changes based on this data, we improved user retention by 25% within three months.”

2. Tell me about a product you delivered that made you proud.

This question assesses your experience and passion for product management.

How to Answer

Choose a product that showcases your skills and the impact it had on users or the business. Be specific about your role in the project and the results achieved.

Example

“I led the development of a travel planning feature that integrated user preferences with real-time data. This feature increased user engagement by 40% and received positive feedback for its intuitive design.”

3. How do you prioritize features in a product roadmap?

Understanding prioritization is crucial for a product manager, and Skyscanner will want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization framework, such as using metrics like user impact, business value, and development effort. Provide an example of how you applied this in a past project.

Example

“I use a combination of the RICE scoring model and stakeholder feedback to prioritize features. For instance, in a recent project, I prioritized a feature that addressed a major pain point for users, which resulted in a 30% increase in satisfaction scores.”

4. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you overcome it?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific challenge, your thought process in addressing it, and the outcome. Focus on your role and the skills you utilized.

Example

“During a product launch, we encountered unexpected technical issues. I organized a cross-functional team to troubleshoot and implement a solution, which allowed us to launch on time and maintain customer trust.”

Technical Skills

5. How would you approach designing a new feature for our platform?

This question assesses your design thinking and user-centric approach.

How to Answer

Outline your process for feature design, including user research, prototyping, and testing. Emphasize collaboration with stakeholders.

Example

“I would start with user research to understand pain points, followed by brainstorming sessions with the team. After creating wireframes, I would conduct usability tests to gather feedback before finalizing the design.”

6. What metrics do you consider most important for measuring product success?

Skyscanner will want to know how you measure the impact of your products.

How to Answer

Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to product management, such as user engagement, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction.

Example

“I focus on metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS) for customer satisfaction, conversion rates for feature adoption, and user engagement metrics to assess overall product health.”

7. Can you explain a time when you used A/B testing in your product management?

A/B testing is a common practice in product management, and they will want to see your experience with it.

How to Answer

Describe the A/B test you conducted, the hypothesis, the results, and how it influenced your product decisions.

Example

“I conducted an A/B test on two different onboarding flows. The variant with a simplified process led to a 20% increase in user sign-ups, which we then implemented as the standard onboarding experience.”

8. How do you stay updated with industry trends and technologies?

This question gauges your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.

How to Answer

Share the resources you use to stay informed, such as industry blogs, podcasts, or networking events.

Example

“I regularly read industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in product management forums. This helps me stay updated on trends and best practices that I can apply to my work.”

Cultural Fit

9. Tell us a story when you failed. How did you manage it? What did you learn from it?

Skyscanner values resilience and learning from failure.

How to Answer

Share a specific failure, your response to it, and the lessons learned. Focus on how it shaped your approach moving forward.

Example

“I once misjudged the market demand for a feature, leading to low adoption. I took responsibility, analyzed the feedback, and learned the importance of validating assumptions with user research before development.”

10. What do you know about our company and why do you want to work here?

This question assesses your interest in Skyscanner and cultural alignment.

How to Answer

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s mission, values, and products. Connect your personal values and career goals to the company’s objectives.

Example

“I admire Skyscanner’s commitment to making travel easier for everyone. I’m passionate about using technology to enhance user experiences, and I believe my skills in product management align well with your mission.”