Having a programmer background for a PM role at Facebook is advantageous as it allows for a better understanding of the technical aspects of the projects, enables effective communication with the engineering team, and provides a good intuition on how long engineering work should take. It also allows the PM to be self-sufficient in minor technical tasks like data collection.

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There is no one right background for PM candidates. The expected background varies from company to company. Amazon prefers MBAs while Apple hires more engineer graduates. Some Google PMs have MBAs, but the company prefers candidates with engineering masters. Facebook looks for a programmer background and startup experience. Companies use technical experience as a proxy to check for three qualities: ability to form a relationship with engineers, good intuition on how long engineer work should take and ability to be self-sufficient about minor technical tasks like data collection. If you don't have a technical background, find ways to develop and demonstrate these three skills. Side projects are the second most important criteria after actual PM experience. Great side projects fill gaps in your experience, demonstrate your PM skills and give you something concrete to speak about in interviews. Choose projects where you can demonstrate customer focus, product design skills, and experien...

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Cracking the PM Interview

How do you ace one of the toughest job interviews there is? When you apply to be a Product Manager, you will be asked to make sound business decisions...

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