Our APM program strives to help early talent jumpstart their career in product management. As an APM at Instacart, you will have the opportunity to gain product management experience and solve user challenges across various teams during an 18-month rotational program.

Applications for the 2022-2024 APM program have closed. Please check back in 2024 for more information about the next APM cohort.

What makes Instacart's APM program stand out?

Massive scope

At a hyper-growth startup like Instacart, there's a lot to do. Instacart APMs are given significant scope and responsibility - you'll join a team of over 150 product managers building the technology that powers the future of grocery.

Diverse opportunities

Rotating through teams across our four-sided marketplace allows you to work on a broad range of products - you may launch features that enable customers to discover new products in your first rotation, build tools for our retail partners to grow their online grocery businesses in your second rotation, and develop features that help shoppers to earn more on our platform in your third rotation.

Tight-knit community

Instacart's class size is small, usually only 8 APMs, which enables close relationships among the entire cohort in addition to strong bonds with our invested APM mentors. Over three 6-month rotations, APMs build a powerful network of supporters and friends.

Who should apply?

The APM program brings together new graduates and those new to Product from a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences. If you recently graduated from college, are an aspiring product manager, or are looking to make a career switch, the APM program is for you. APMs demonstrate a deep passion for technology and product design, leadership potential, strong communication skills, and excitement for Instacart and our mission.

The application process

1. Submit your application

Complete your application by March 11, 2022

2. Product challenge

This take-home assignment is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think strategically about building products that solve key problems for Instacart's customers, shoppers, retailers, and brands. 

3. Interviews

Meet with members of the Product team and Product leaders through a series of virtual interviews.

4. Decision

Bravocado! Candidates who are chosen to be part of the APM program are notified at the end of May.

5. Welcome to the team!

The APM program begins in early August 2022.

 

Everything ties back to your customer. No matter what product you’re working on, your ultimate goal is to solve for your user. Keep that as your guiding principle and you will always be able to work toward the right product solution.

How I've grown as a PM Eniola, Associate Product Manager

The APM program has taught me to focus on the “why” behind what you build; it is the goal of the product manager to deeply understand their users’ needs and deliver products in increments that are grounded in user empathy.

How I've grown as a PM Elizabeth, Associate Product Manager

The job of a product manager is to fall in love with the problem, not the solution. The best PMs use data and research to craft stories about the pain points and opportunities, and excite and empower the cross-functional teams to find the best solutions.

How I've grown as a PM Neel, Associate Product Manager

Every product is cross-functional. In each of my rotations, I had the opportunity to work with at least one other side of the marketplace. This has enabled me to learn more in a shorter amount of time and collaborate more broadly.

What I love about Instacart Eniola, Associate Product Manager

The ownership. During each of my rotations, my mentors have given me as much scope as I’ve been willing to take on and have pushed me to think bigger and longer-term. APMs at Instacart have the same responsibilities as experienced PMs.

What I love about Instacart Elizabeth, Associate Product Manager

This is an incredibly multi-faceted business. I’ve had the chance to work on products that touch core consumers, ads, logistics, retailers, and more.

What I love about Instacart Neel, Associate Product Manager

Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions. It helps you fully understand the prompt and helps the interviewer understand your thought process.

Interview tip Eniola, Associate Product Manager

Product management is all about rallying a team around solving a problem—reflect on how you’ve demonstrated this skill and highlight these experiences in your resume and interview.

Interview tip Elizabeth, Associate Product Manager

Focus on structuring your thinking. It’s more important to demonstrate how you approach a problem than landing on the “right” answer.

Interview tip Neel, Associate Product Manager

 

FAQ

How do I apply?
Visit our jobs page and apply by March 11, 2022.

Who should apply?
If you're a new college graduate, aspiring product manager, or looking to make a career switch, the APM program is for you! We're looking for people with a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences. APMs demonstrate a deep passion for technology and product design, leadership potential, strong communication skills, and excitement for Instacart and its mission.

How is the program structured?
Instacart's APM program will be 18-months, split across 3 rotations. Instacart has a four-sided marketplace, where we interact with consumers, shoppers, retailers, and advertisers. APMs will have a chance to experience various sides of the marketplace with each rotation.

Is the APM program remote or in an office?
We are a hybrid remote team, meaning employees choose if they work from an office, remote, or flex. The APM program is remote-first, meaning we can hire you no matter where you are based in the U.S. or Canada. However, if you're located near one of our offices in San Francisco, Toronto, NYC or Atlanta, you're welcome to come in whenever you like.

What is the application process?
The application process for the APM program begins with an online application. For candidates who move forward, you will receive and complete a take-home product challenge. From there, candidates will complete a phone interview with a recruiter, two product case interviews, and a final interview with our product leads.

What happens after the program?
After the program, APMs utilize their experience, knowledge, and extensive network to identify and join a product team at Instacart as a full-time PM. Instacart makes an investment in each of its APMs to help them continue making tremendous impact at the company.