Educational Testing Service (ETS) Product Manager Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Educational Testing Service (ETS) is a global leader in educational measurement and assessment, dedicated to advancing the science of measurement to empower learners worldwide.

As a Product Manager at ETS, you will be at the forefront of shaping innovative educational solutions that drive meaningful outcomes for learners across the globe. Your key responsibilities will include leading the specification, development, and evolution of products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather insights and prioritize features. You will create compelling business cases for product investments and play a critical role throughout the product development lifecycle—from ideation to release and beyond.

In this role, you will utilize your strong analytical skills to conduct market analysis, competitive assessments, and quantitative evaluations of product performance to identify opportunities for optimization. You will be the primary stakeholder for the development scrum team, ensuring that user needs are met while delivering an exceptional experience. Your ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences will be crucial as you advocate for innovative ideas and navigate product portfolios.

To thrive in this position at ETS, you should possess a background in software product management, ideally within the education sector, coupled with a deep understanding of agile methodologies. A passion for educational innovation, strong quantitative abilities, and excellent communication skills will set you apart as a candidate. Your experience in user-centric research and a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion will resonate well with ETS's mission-driven culture.

This guide will equip you with insights and targeted preparation strategies to enhance your chances of success in the interview process, ensuring you can confidently articulate your fit for the Product Manager role at ETS.

The interview process for a Product Manager at ETS is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates align with the company's mission and values.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening interview conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, motivations for applying, and understanding of the role. The recruiter will gauge your fit for the company culture and your alignment with ETS's mission in education.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a practical exercise or case study relevant to product management, where you will demonstrate your ability to analyze product metrics, develop business cases, and apply quantitative analysis to inform product decisions.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates will then participate in multiple behavioral interviews, often with various team members, including peers and senior management. These interviews focus on your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle challenges in a collaborative environment. Expect questions that explore your leadership style, communication skills, and ability to work in a matrixed organization.

4. Panel Interview

A panel interview may be conducted, where you will present a product strategy or roadmap based on a hypothetical scenario or a real-world challenge faced by ETS. This is an opportunity to showcase your strategic thinking, market analysis skills, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

5. Final Interview

The final stage often includes a one-on-one interview with a senior executive or the hiring manager. This discussion will delve deeper into your vision for the role, your understanding of the education technology landscape, and how you plan to drive product innovation at ETS.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for a variety of questions that assess both their technical knowledge and their alignment with ETS's values and mission in education.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Company’s Mission and Values

ETS is deeply committed to advancing quality and equity in education. Familiarize yourself with their mission and how it translates into their products and services. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This will not only demonstrate your interest in the role but also your commitment to their mission.

Prepare for a Multi-Round Interview Process

The interview process at ETS can be extensive, often involving multiple rounds with various stakeholders, including peers and executives. Be ready to articulate your experience and how it relates to the role in each round. Practice your responses to common questions, but also be prepared for more in-depth discussions about your past projects and how they align with ETS's objectives.

Showcase Your Product Management Skills

As a Product Manager, you will need to demonstrate your ability to lead product strategy and development. Be prepared to discuss your experience with product life cycles, market analysis, and user segmentation. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led a product from ideation to launch, focusing on the impact of your decisions on the product's success.

Emphasize Your Analytical Skills

Given the importance of data in product management, be ready to discuss your experience with quantitative analysis and how you have used data to inform product decisions. Prepare to share examples of how you have utilized metrics to optimize product performance and drive business results. This will show your ability to leverage analytics in a meaningful way.

Communicate Clearly and Persuasively

Effective communication is crucial in this role, especially when conveying complex concepts to diverse audiences. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to present your ideas in a persuasive manner, as you may need to advocate for product features or investment cases during the interview.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Prepare examples that showcase your leadership, collaboration, and adaptability in a team environment, as these are key traits for success at ETS.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the company culture, team dynamics, and the specific challenges the product team is facing. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Asking about their approach to innovation and how they measure success can provide valuable insights.

Stay Positive and Professional

While some candidates have reported negative experiences during the interview process, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor is essential. Focus on showcasing your skills and experiences rather than dwelling on any negative feedback you may have encountered. This will help you stand out as a confident and capable candidate.

By following these tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Product Manager role at ETS. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Product Manager role at Educational Testing Service (ETS). The interview process will likely focus on your experience in product management, your understanding of the education sector, and your ability to analyze data and market trends. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to product development, and how you can contribute to ETS's mission of advancing quality and equity in education.

Product Management Experience

1. Describe a product you managed from ideation to launch. What were the key challenges you faced?

This question assesses your end-to-end product management experience and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific product, highlighting your role in each phase of development and the challenges you encountered, along with how you overcame them.

Example

“I managed the development of an online assessment tool for K-12 students. One key challenge was aligning the diverse needs of stakeholders, including educators and students. I facilitated workshops to gather input, which helped us prioritize features that met the most critical needs.”

2. How do you prioritize features for a product roadmap?

This question evaluates your decision-making process and ability to balance stakeholder needs.

How to Answer

Explain your criteria for prioritization, such as user feedback, market research, and alignment with business goals.

Example

“I prioritize features based on a combination of user feedback, market demand, and strategic alignment with our business objectives. I use a scoring system to evaluate each feature's potential impact and feasibility, ensuring that we focus on high-value items first.”

3. Can you give an example of how you used data to inform a product decision?

This question tests your analytical skills and ability to leverage data in product management.

How to Answer

Provide a specific instance where data analysis led to a significant product decision or change.

Example

“During the development of a new feature, I analyzed user engagement metrics and discovered that a significant portion of users dropped off at a specific point in the process. This insight led us to redesign that part of the user experience, resulting in a 20% increase in completion rates.”

4. How do you handle conflicting feedback from stakeholders?

This question assesses your communication and negotiation skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to gathering and synthesizing feedback, and how you facilitate discussions to reach a consensus.

Example

“When faced with conflicting feedback, I organize a meeting with the stakeholders to discuss their concerns openly. I present data to support the product direction and encourage a collaborative discussion to find a solution that aligns with our goals.”

Market Analysis and Strategy

5. How do you conduct competitive analysis for a product?

This question evaluates your understanding of market dynamics and strategic thinking.

How to Answer

Explain your process for gathering competitive intelligence and how you use it to inform product positioning.

Example

“I conduct competitive analysis by reviewing competitors’ products, pricing, and customer feedback. I also analyze their marketing strategies and user engagement metrics. This information helps us identify gaps in the market and refine our product positioning.”

6. What market trends do you think will impact the education technology sector in the next few years?

This question assesses your industry knowledge and foresight.

How to Answer

Discuss current trends and how they might influence product development and strategy at ETS.

Example

“I believe that personalized learning and the integration of AI in assessments will significantly impact the education technology sector. These trends will drive the need for adaptive learning solutions that cater to individual student needs, which aligns with ETS's mission to enhance educational outcomes.”

7. Describe a time when you had to pivot a product strategy. What led to that decision?

This question tests your adaptability and strategic thinking.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where market feedback or data prompted a change in strategy.

Example

“While developing a new assessment tool, we received feedback indicating that our target users preferred a mobile-friendly solution. Based on this insight, we pivoted our strategy to prioritize mobile development, which ultimately led to a successful launch and increased user adoption.”

Communication and Collaboration

8. How do you ensure effective communication with cross-functional teams?

This question evaluates your collaboration skills and ability to work in a matrixed environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for maintaining clear communication and fostering collaboration among teams.

Example

“I hold regular check-ins with cross-functional teams to ensure everyone is aligned on project goals and timelines. I also use project management tools to keep everyone updated on progress and encourage open communication to address any issues promptly.”

9. How do you present complex product concepts to non-technical stakeholders?

This question assesses your ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to simplifying complex information and tailoring your message to your audience.

Example

“I focus on using clear visuals and relatable analogies to explain complex concepts. For instance, when presenting a new feature, I highlight its benefits and how it addresses user needs, ensuring that non-technical stakeholders can grasp its value easily.”

10. Why do you want to work at ETS, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission?

This question gauges your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Express your passion for education and how your skills and experiences align with ETS's goals.

Example

“I am passionate about leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes. I see myself contributing to ETS by driving innovative product solutions that enhance assessment quality and accessibility, ultimately supporting learners worldwide.”