mockx

System Design Interviews: A Step-by-Step Guide

LinkedIn

Lyft

Zynga

Yahoo

Sumitha Poornachandran

Founder, MockX | x-Director, LinkedIn

Build a solid understanding of essential system components—Client-Server model, APIs, Databases, Caching, Queues, etc.

System design: core concepts

Gain a strong understanding of the core system design framework commonly applied across various design questions.

A framework to navigate any system design problem

Quick overview of a system design problem. See how the framework and concepts come together in a practical scenario.

A sample problem walkthrough

Understand the most common mistakes made in system design interviews and  learn how to avoid them

System design traps — and how to stay clear of them

Design Thinking is a creative approach to finding clarity amidst ambiguity. In this course, you'll be guided through how to apply Design Thinking to your own career exploration. The course itself is broken down into four sessions: Ground, Diverge, Converge, and Plan which will help you articulate your values, explore the career possibilities available to you, design experiments to figure out what you want, and plan your short, medium, and long-term next steps. You'll walk away with more confidence about what you want next and a roadmap for how to get there.

Clarify what you want with the help of Design Thinking

Course syllabus

Our course starts by grounding in where you are. Through a series of exercises, you'll reflect on your values, career experiences, and visions for your future. By the end, you'll be able to articulate what matters to you in your next step. *All live sessions will be recorded.

Module 1: Ground

This session is all about going wide. You'll canvas out three potential paths for yourself, quiet your inner critic, and ask what would have to be true in order to pursue each. By the end, you'll have three distinct paths and a research plan.

Module 2: Diverge

This session is all about making decisions. You'll synthesize what you've learned from your research and address some of your fears in making changes in your life. By the end, you'll clarify the direction you want to keep exploring.

Module 3: Converge

Here's where the rubber meets the road. You'll make an action plan with short, medium, and long-term goals, and design methods of accountability. We'll talk about addressing the inevitable barriers along the way, and you'll leave with clarity and conviction for what's next.

Module 4: Plan

Almost all coursework will take place during the live sessions, but there will be optional resources to continue exploring outside of class. *There will also be the (optional) opportunity to meet 1:1 with Simone

Weekly projects

Course schedule

Curious explorers who are ready for a change in their life but aren't clear on exactly what they're looking for

Overworked professionals who move a mile-a-minute but don't have the space to take a step back and reflect

Passionate generalists who feel pulled in multiple directions but aren't sure which path they want to choose

Who is this course for

Key outcomes

The North Star of this course is for you to go from messiness to clarity. We'll explore different frameworks for clarifying your personal values and career possibilities. You will walk away with conviction for what you really want from the next step in your work and life

A clear vision for the next step in your work/life

This course is actionable. From day one you will be envisioning, prototyping, and refining your path. You will leave with an air-tight action plan for the steps to take to keep progressing and resources that you can return to throughout your career.

An action plan with the short, medium, and long-term steps to achieve your vision

Accountability is everything. In this course you will connect with other folks who are in similar places on the journey. The relationships you form will extend long beyond the last day of class.

A vibrant community of other ambitious professionals to hold you accountable

In the course, you will receive a workbook filled with evergreen exercises, reflection prompts, and resources that you can dust off whenever you find yourself at a similar crossroads.

A buffet of research, exercises, and resources that you can return to again and again

Instead of spinning your wheels, follow a step-by-step process to determine what you value and plan your next move.

Simone Stolzoff

Cohort 8

Cohort 9

You're excited about the opportunity to land a PM role at a major tech company, but the interview process feels like a maze. Despite all the advice online, you're still second-guessing yourself. What exactly are they looking for? How do you stand out? You've tried prepping on your own: reviewing countless resources, practicing frameworks, and memorizing examples. But you're not sure if you're actually getting better. You're stuck wondering, "Am I ready?" It's scary. Tech interviews are more competitive than ever. With every passing year, the bar seems to get higher. Plus, many companies are leaning even harder on Product Sense and Analytical Thinking to evaluate PMs. If you're not confident in these areas, you're at a serious disadvantage going into interviews. ﻿Now imagine if you could: ✅ Walk into your interviews with a clear plan and actionable frameworks that work across any question or scenario.✅ Understand exactly how interviewers think and what they're looking for when assessing Product Sense and Analytical Thinking.✅ Lead discussions confidently, showcasing your strategic thinking and creativity, even under pressure.✅ Practice with an AI copilot trained on expert responses, allowing you to see what great answers look like from an interviewer's perspective.✅ Communicate structured, compelling answers without sounding rehearsed.✅ Use feedback loops, mock interviews, and AI-powered practice sessions to refine your performance in real time.✅ Leave your interviews knowing you provided the signals they're looking for. 🏆 Why this course will help you win 🏆↳ Master Interview Frameworks: Navigate complex PM interviews with confidence by learning battle-tested frameworks for both Product Sense and Analytical Thinking questions.↳ Stand Out With Structured Thinking: Demonstrate clear, logical thinking that impresses interviewers through frameworks that break down complex problems into manageable components.↳ Practice Like It's Real: Get hands-on experience with real interview questions and receive expert feedback that helps you understand exactly what top companies are looking for.↳ Build Interview Confidence: Transform interview anxiety into confidence by mastering proven templates and practicing with an AI copilot trained on expert responses.↳ Level Up Your Communication: Learn to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently under pressure, a crucial skill that differentiates top PM candidates. Each cohort includes (in addition to templates, AI copilot access, and lifetime course materials):🎯 Direct access to me via email with 24-hour response guarantee during the cohort🎯 4 hours of live interactive sessions with case-style discussions and real-time feedback🎯 2 optional office hours sessions for additional practice and Q&amp;A with me + a guest PM at Meta (ex-Google) who is a calibrated interviewer🎯 Personalized Loom feedback on your take-home project submissions🎯 Discounted 1:1 mocks with me (normally $500/session) Getting started is easy:1️⃣ Watch my free lightning lessons on Maven to understand the fundamentals of Product Sense and Analytical Thinking interviews: https://maven.com/ben-erez2️⃣ Join the live cohort to master the skills and frameworks you need to excel in Product Sense and Analytical Thinking interviews at top tech companies. 💡You should NOT take this course if:↳ You're seeking generic interview prep - this course is specifically designed for Product Sense &amp; Analytical Thinking interviews↳ You're not able to commit at least 6 hours over the 2-week cohort period (including live sessions and take-home projects)↳ You're interviewing exclusively with companies that don't use structured PM interviews (e.g. early-stage startups or non-tech companies)↳ You're BOTH (1) unable to attend the live sessions and (2) don't trust yourself to learn well through recorded content to catch up

Does this sound familiar?

We'll have two 2-hour sessions (one in week 1, one in week 2). There will also be two optional 1-hour office hour sessions to ask questions. Students will also have two take-home projects (one for Product Sense, one for Analytical), each expected to require ~1 hour.

Interactive case-style group discussions + office hours + homework

Busy PMs and Product Leaders seeking to land roles at top tech companies such as Meta, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, etc.

Big Tech PM Candidates who have been practicing for Product Sense and Analytical Thinking interviews but things aren't quite clicking yet.

Experienced PMs who are rusty on structured interviews after many years "in the seat" and need to get their interview muscles working again.

What you’ll get out of this course

📧 Email me anytime with 24-hour response guarantee💡 Schedule 1:1 huddles (15-30 minutes) when concepts need clarification🤝 Get personalized attention until everything clicks

Direct Access & Support

📋 Receive detailed templates optimized for interview success🎯 Learn evaluation criteria used by interviewers✨ Access pre-filled templates showing passing answers to PS and AT questions

Interview Frameworks & Templates

🎭 Get unlimited practice with your personal AI interview copilot🔄 Receive instant feedback based on expert frameworks💻 Step-by-step guide to set up your Claude Projects-powered coach

AI-Powered Practice

🗣️ Participate in live case-style discussions with expert facilitation📝 Work through 2 Product Sense &amp; 2 Analytical Thinking questions🎥 Receive detailed Loom feedback on take home projects

Hands-On Practice

🤝 Connect with fellow students who share the same foundation💪 Practice with peers for interviews📈 Share actionable feedback with each other using my evaluation rubric

Community & Collaboration

👥 Discounts on 60min mocks with me (usually $500 per session)▶️ Real interview simulation, recorded just for you🕵️‍♂️ Specific, concrete feedback you can integrate into your prep

Discounted Mocks with Ben

Master Product Sense and Analytical interviews with live case discussions, an AI practice copilot, and expert coaching from a former Meta PM

April 2025

Ben Erez

Former Product Manager at Meta


March 2025 Cohort

May 2025

DISCOUNT TIERS &amp; DATES:&nbsp;To be transparent upfront and reward early bird adopters.March 31 - April 28 = 10% off (use code&nbsp;EARLYBIRD10)April 29 - May 17 = 5% off (use code&nbsp;EARLYBIRD5) As an engineer, you’ve mastered the coding challenges, system design, and behavioral interviews. But when it comes to Engineering Manager roles, the interview process is a different beast. You’ve likely hit a frustrating wall—interviews that feel like you’re doing everything right, but still no offer. You might not even know why you’re not breaking through. The truth? Engineering Manager interviews aren’t about discussing your experience—they’re about showcasing leadership, strategy, and vision in a way that resonates with the interviewer. To land the offer, you don't just need the right answers—you need memorable ones. This course is designed to bridge that gap and help you break through to land that Engineering Manager offer. We’ll focus on how to communicate your leadership capabilities, avoid red flags, and tailor your answers to what hiring managers are truly looking for. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to approach the interview process and confidently present yourself as the leader you know yourself to be. COURSE CONTENT:6 hours live classes + mock interviews + bonus class on System Design. Combined with peer networking, take home assignments, and live mock interviews. Understanding the EM Hiring Process (1st week): - How the engineering manager role differs from individual contributor- The core day-to-day responsibilities of a manager- The skillsets you need to thrive as a manager (software engineering, people, business)- How the hiring criteria for managers compares to engineering roles- Understand the hiring manager and what they're looking for- How tech skills are evaluated in an interview- How your abilities as a leader are evaluated in an interview- Homework: Your 90 day plan if you take over a team of devs. Leadership Stories (1st week): - Typical traits of technical leaders- How to use STAR format to convince- Hiring &amp; growing people- Delivering as a leader- Difficult situations- Influencing stakeholders- Managing conflicts- Judgement &amp; instincts- Calculated risk- Operate on a deep level- Have a strong vision- Homework: Prepare your stories Storytelling with Purpose (2nd week): - How to show the characteristics of a strong leader it in an interview- Making a killer first impression- Red flags to avoid- How to structure your story- How to know what the interviewer is really asking- How to tailor your answer based on org culture &amp; interviewer- How to handle questions when you never faced the situation- Live mock interview questions from previous week- Homework: Refine your stories from previous session Mock Interviews (2nd week): - Students will be chosen at random to answer interview questions- Live feedback &amp; coaching Mack Interviews #2 (3rd week) - Based on overwhelmingly positive feedback from previous cohorts, we double down on mock interviews Bonus Material: - Engineering Manager interview guide (real questions &amp; guidance on how to answer)- Lifetime access to video recordings of all live sessions + transcribed with AI- Included in slack community- Class slides as a PDF- 20% off all career coaching services

Break Through the Interview Process and Land Your Engineering Manager Offer!

12:00pm - 2:00pm EST, 9:00am - 11:00am PST, 5:00pm - 7:00pm CET, 9:30pm - 11:30pm IST

Saturdays & Sundays

May 24, 25, 31, Jun 1, 8

The last half hour of every session

30 mins Q&A 

Managers &amp; team leads that are getting interview opportunities but are unable to break through to land offers.

Senior Software Engineers in lead roles looking to promote themselves to engineering manager by landing a new job.

Ambitious software engineers in the job search process looking to land technical leadership roles (Staff, Tech lead, Principal).

You will gain a clear understanding of the differences between IC and EM tracks regarding skill set, experience, and hiring criteria. Learn the characteristics desired in Engineering Managers and how to effectively present your experiences to highlight these traits.

You'll understand the exact hiring criteria for Engineering Manager roles

You will learn exactly what the hiring manager is looking for in their decision making criteria. You will know how to speak their language and appeal to their most pressing needs.

You'll learn how to convince the hiring manager (Director+)

You will learn how to craft impactful leadership stories and use effective strategies ensuring you're never caught off guard. We'll dive deep into the dos and don'ts of storytelling with real-world examples.

You'll learn how to nail any behavioral question, even if you never faced the situation

You will learn what interviewers really want when they ask questions, helping you answer concisely and clearly. There is always a question behind the question, and you will know how to sniff it out.

You'll know exactly what the interviewer is looking for

A manager at a start-up has different criteria than a FAANG team lead. You'll learn how to craft your answers based on the company's culture and the interviewer's role to make you impossible to forget.

You'll learn how to tailor your answers to go from good to memorable

You will receive a supplemental "EM Interview Guide" that includes real interview questions along with expert guidance on how to answer them effectively. This resource will enhance your preparation and boost your confidence for Engineering Manager interviews.

You'll get the "EM Interview Guide" with 30+ real interview questions & guidance on how to answer them

There's no better teacher than experience. You will apply your learnings in mock interviews in a classroom setting, receiving real-time coaching and feedback.

You'll experience mock interviews with real-time coaching feedback

Learn the skills you need to ace interviews for senior leadership roles (Engineering Manager, Senior Manager, Team Lead). 

Alex Kliotzkin

Director of Engineering and Career Coach

Uzair Khan

Engineering Manager at Stripe and ex-Amazon Bar Raiser

Cohort 2

Cohort 3

Design Leadership at Scale: Career Strategy is tailored specifically for design leaders looking to define their career path. (6 hours live class, combining lectures, breakout groups, online content, and two in-depth office hours with Rachel and Kristin to discuss your specific challenges and opportunities.) The course is built on practical insights and experiences, offering a hands-on approach to career development. Rachel and Kristin have defined hiring practices for some of the largest global companies and hired thousands of designers; now, they’re bringing the same career coaching and frameworks to this course. Whether you want to advance within your current organization or explore new opportunities, this course will help you define your blueprint for success. // Course Content // 1: ARCHITECT YOUR CAREER • Define Your Leadership Trajectory:&nbsp;Explore diverse pathways in design leadership and carve out a unique trajectory that positions you as a standout leader. • Hone Your Leadership Edge:&nbsp;Understand the essentials that set you apart as a design leader, with a focus on practical application and self-assessment. • Leverage Your Unique Strengths:&nbsp;Conduct a deep dive into your capabilities and align them with industry benchmarks to create a personalized growth plan that propels your career forward. • Craft a Strategic Career Plan:&nbsp;Develop a forward-looking, actionable career strategy that aligns your skills with your professional aspirations, ensuring you’re always moving towards your ultimate goals. 2: ADVANCE YOUR IMPACT • Elevate Your Expertise:&nbsp;Pinpoint critical areas for growth and take decisive steps to elevate your expertise, ensuring you stay ahead at every stage of your career. • Define Success on Your Terms:&nbsp;Set and achieve clear, measurable goals that align with your personal vision of success, driving your progress and holding yourself accountable. • Map Your Career Strategy:&nbsp;Create a comprehensive, action-oriented career roadmap, drawing on expert strategies for long-term success. • Become an Industry Standout:&nbsp;Learn advanced strategies for distinguishing yourself in a competitive market and gain the insider knowledge needed to make your mark. • Make Informed Career Moves:&nbsp;Equip yourself with the knowledge to select the right roles and opportunities that align with your long-term vision, ensuring each move advances your career strategy. BONUS: • Evaluating Opportunities:&nbsp;Learn the art of assessing companies and roles through the lens of experienced design executives. • 2 In-depth Office Hours / Q+A Sessions:&nbsp;Dedicated sessions with Rachel and Kristin to discuss your specific challenges and opportunities, receiving tailored guidance to propel your career forward. Accelerate your career and refine your path. This immersive is an investment in defining and achieving your design leadership career goals.

Shape a design career that provides you growth, development, and success.


Ambitious Senior Managers, Directors, and VP-level design leaders&nbsp;in both startups and large technology product companies.

It's ideal for those planning on staying and growing at your current company for the next 3+ years or are thinking of changing companies.

This course is&nbsp;not&nbsp;for aspiring design managers and early-career design managers. It does not focus on the detailed steps of skill-building.

Gain insights on what hiring managers look for in candidate profiles. Understand factors that make a portfolio stand out, tactics that increase your chances of being hired, recognized, and promoted, + selecting the role and organization that aligns with your career objectives.

Get the career outcomes you want


Immerse yourself in the intricate landscape of the design industry. Gain clarity on various career paths and development tactics, setting the stage for&nbsp;better&nbsp;informed career decisions. Conduct an analysis of the design sector to spot the right opportunities.&nbsp;

Gain deeper design industry understanding 


Formulate a definitive, actionable career plan, anchored in your unique strengths and goals. Establish a personal framework that propels your professional growth and development.

Develop your career blueprint


Equip yourself with strategies to navigate the uncertainties of the job market. Learn the key to distinguishing yourself in a competitive market.&nbsp;

Navigate the current environment


Forge valuable connections with fellow professionals and seasoned industry experts in a dynamic, collaborative setting. Become part of the Defining Experience community to keep the momentum and conversation going.

Grow your professional network


Take advantage of two dedicated Q+A sessions with Rachel and Kristin for tailored advice and insights.

Exclusive Office Hours


Leave with a collection of essential frameworks and actionable tools designed for making informed decisions, effective career planning, and planning your next steps with confidence.

Toolkit for Success


Frameworks, tactics, and approaches we’ve shared in career conversations for years, so you can build a great design leadership career.


Lightning Lessons

System Design Interviews: A Step-by-Step Guide