What are the best ways to answer questions about your Product R&D experience?

1 Explain your process

Product R&D is not a linear or straightforward process. It involves multiple stages, such as ideation, prototyping, testing, validation, and iteration. When you are asked to describe your product R&D process, you should explain the steps you follow, the tools and techniques you use, and the criteria and metrics you measure. You should also highlight how you adapt your process to different contexts, goals, and constraints. For example, you can mention how you conduct user research, generate hypotheses, design experiments, analyze data, and implement feedback.

4 Highlight your achievements and impact

Product R&D is not only about creating products, but also about delivering value and impact to the users, customers, and stakeholders. When you are asked to highlight your achievements and impact from your product R&D experience, you should quantify and qualify your results and outcomes. You should also relate them to the goals and objectives of the project, the organization, or the industry. For example, you can mention how you increased user engagement, reduced costs, improved quality, or generated revenue with your product.

5 Demonstrate your curiosity and passion

Product R&D is not a static or stagnant field. It requires constant learning, exploration, and experimentation. When you are asked to demonstrate your curiosity and passion for product R&D, you should show your enthusiasm and interest for the field, the domain, and the problem. You should also share your sources of inspiration and motivation, such as books, blogs, podcasts, events, or mentors. You should also express your willingness and eagerness to learn new skills, technologies, or methods, and how you keep yourself updated and informed.

6 Prepare and practice

Product R&D is not a skill that can be easily or quickly assessed. It requires preparation and practice to answer questions about your product R&D experience effectively and confidently. Before you go to an interview, you should research the company, the product, and the role you are applying for. You should also review your portfolio and resume, and anticipate some common or specific questions you may encounter. You should also practice your answers with a friend, a mentor, or a coach, and get feedback and suggestions on how to improve them.