What It's Like to Be a Product Manager at Whatnot
A Product Manager at Whatnot is at the center of the action, shaping the future of live shopping. You will be responsible for defining the product strategy and roadmap for a platform that is used by millions of people to buy and sell everything from collectibles to fashion. As a Product Manager at Whatnot, you will work with a team of talented engineers, designers, and marketers to build a product that is both engaging and easy to use. You will be responsible for everything from conducting user research to defining product requirements to launching new features.
The role of a Product Manager at Whatnot is highly cross-functional and requires a deep understanding of the e-commerce landscape and the dynamics of online communities. You will be expected to be a strategic thinker, a great communicator, and a passionate advocate for the user. The culture at Whatnot is fast-paced and entrepreneurial, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and a commitment to building a product that people love.
Salary & Compensation
Whatnot offers competitive compensation packages for Product Managers, with salaries that are in line with top-tier tech companies. The compensation package typically includes a base salary, stock options, and a performance-based bonus.
| Level | Base Salary | Total Comp (incl. equity) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (APM) | $150K–$190K | $200K–$270K |
| Mid (PM) | $190K–$250K | $270K–$340K |
| Senior (SPM) | $250K–$300K+ | $340K–$400K+ |
Interview Process
The interview process for a Product Manager at Whatnot is designed to assess your product sense, your business acumen, and your cultural fit. The process typically consists of 4-5 rounds.
- Recruiter Screen — A 30-minute call with a recruiter to discuss your background and your interest in the role.
- Hiring Manager Interview — A 60-minute interview with the hiring manager to discuss your product management experience and your thoughts on the Whatnot product.
- Product Sense Interview — A 60-minute interview where you will be asked to deconstruct a product, analyze a market, or design a new feature.
- Case Study Presentation — You will be given a case study and asked to present your findings to a panel of product managers and other stakeholders.
- Final Round — A final round of interviews with senior leadership, where you will be asked to discuss your vision for the product and your alignment with the company's values.
How to Stand Out
To succeed in the Whatnot Product Manager interview process, you need to demonstrate a deep passion for e-commerce and a strong understanding of the live shopping space. Here are some tips to help you stand out:
- Be a Whatnot power user: The best way to understand the product is to use it. Download the app, buy and sell some items, and be prepared to talk about your experience and your ideas for improvement.
- Think like a seller: Understand the needs and pain points of sellers on the platform. Whatnot is a two-sided marketplace, and a successful product manager needs to be able to think about both sides of the equation.
- Be a great storyteller: Be able to articulate your ideas in a clear and compelling way.
- Show your passion for community: Whatnot is more than just a marketplace; it's a community. Show that you understand the importance of community and that you have ideas for how to make it even stronger.
- Be a builder: Show that you are passionate about building products that people love to use.