I applied online. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Klarna (Stockholm, Stockholm) in Mar 2023
Interview
Round 1: HR/talent discussion (30 mins) Round 2: Discussion with a future peer (SPM - 1 hour). Spoke about various scenarios in the SPM’s life and examples on how I handled the same. Also discussed my product philosophy. Round 3: Discussion with a director of engineering (1 hour): Similar to the last round, but more focussed on working with engineering and design. Round 4: Take-home case study. Focussed on shopping experience on the Klarna app (as now the firm was clear about the team -shopping- I would join), and how would I identify and solve problems. I was given about 4 days to complete and submit the same. Round 5: Case-study presentation: Presented this case study to a couple of SPMs (one from my prospective team, another from a different pod). 30 min presentation, 20 min questions, 10 min general discussion. Round 6: Team-fit interview (1 hour) with the director of product (my prospective manager) and a prospective peer. Healthy cross-questioning as both parties gauged each other. I got through all the rounds, but got stuck as they considered sponsoring my work VISA for Sweden. A couple of weeks later, they found and selected a Swedish national instead. Reason provided: Swedish work visa process takes 5-6 months and we want someone to join immediately. Process was smooth, but they should have considered this rejection possibility earlier in the process. A lot of effort and time wasted.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Your biggest failure as a product professional, what did you do to fix it, and what did you learn for the future?
The worst interview ever in my life.
1. HR contacted me with typical dry email. But somehow I agreed to start the process because wanted to refresh my mind a little bit.
In 1 hour I received new email where was a link for logical test: 18 questions for 15 mins. It was kind of first sign not to continue but if it’s company’s rule I respect it. Test is pretty simple, so I finished it.
2. Later, new HR contacted me with another email: “thank you for completing the test, we would like to schedule interview.. you match.. bla blah”.
In 2 days we had a 45 min call with typical questions about my experience and background.
HR said everything is fine, let’s move to another stage.
3. And here surprise: another logical test :) but under live-control. What? Really?? They asked to schedule time when I can complete logical test during the call with video.
Honestly? I wanted to say NO, because it’s sounds like disrespect to the candidate with 7+ years of experience (moreover, I remind you that I already did the test at the first stage).
But at the same time I was curious how process will surprise me :)
So I joined the meeting and finally talked to nice friendly HR (again new). I did test.. Again!!! : 13 correct answers from 18. When I asked what is the bar, HR said there is no bar and my result is good. Also they will add feedback from prev.interview and invite me for normal interview with other PMs. When I asked why do you have 2 logical tests, there was answer: nobody knows.
4. In 2 days I was rejected. So they have no clue what kind of Specialyst am I because no one Product question.
Interview process usually shows the company face and working approach. That’s why I know for sure - I will never start the hiring process with Klarna again.
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Klarna in Dec 2021
Interview
1. Screening call with recruiter
2. Block 1 of 2 interviews and an aptitude test around logical reasoning. The question get difficult progressively.
3. Block 2 of 2 interviews with HM and team.
4. Offer discussion
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Questions around cultural fitment
Case study in block 2 where you can work offline
