An exceptional candidate does not just list past projects; they demonstrate the structured thinking and collaborative spirit required to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Your preparation should focus on demonstrating both execution capability and cultural alignment.

Role-Related Knowledge – You should have a strong grasp of project management methodologies and how they apply to software implementation and customer onboarding. Be ready to discuss how you manage risk, track milestones, and use data to drive decisions.

Written Communication – Clear, empathetic, and structured writing is critical at Handshake - stryder. You must be able to translate complex technical or operational issues into simple, actionable language for both internal teams and external clients.

Stakeholder Collaboration – You will interact with CSMs, Program Managers, and Directors. You must demonstrate the ability to build trust quickly, manage expectations, and influence without direct authority across various levels of the organization.

Character & Adaptability – The interviewers place a high premium on self-awareness, resilience, and coachability. Showing how you learn from setbacks and incorporate feedback is just as important as showcasing your successes.

The interview process at Handshake - stryder is thorough and designed to evaluate both your technical execution and your alignment with the team's collaborative culture. The company values deep alignment across multiple stakeholders, which is reflected in a multi-stage evaluation loop. Candidates should prepare for a comprehensive journey that tests both written communication and cross-functional relationship-building.

The process begins with initial conversations to assess mutual alignment, followed by a practical written exercise that simulates real-world responsibilities. From there, you will transition into a series of focused conversations with key members of the Customer Success and Program Management teams. The goal is to ensure you can collaborate effectively with the exact peers and leaders you will support on a daily basis.

This visual timeline illustrates the progression of the hiring loop, moving from initial screens to practical assessments and cross-functional panels. Understanding this flow allows you to pace your preparation and focus on the specific objectives of each stage. While the process is highly structured, maintaining consistent energy and demonstrating a collaborative mindset throughout is key to success.

To help you target your preparation, we have broken down the primary evaluation areas that the hiring team focuses on during the loop.

Written Assessment & Support Research

This area evaluates your ability to research complex issues and communicate solutions clearly under realistic constraints. You will be asked to complete a written exercise that simulates a common scenario faced by the team.

Be ready to go over:

• Support Article Analysis – Navigating internal and external documentation to find accurate answers to partner inquiries.
• Client-Facing Communication – Drafting clear, professional, and empathetic emails that address user pain points directly.
• Attention to Detail – Following complex multi-step instructions within the assessment prompt itself.

Example scenarios:

• Synthesizing technical onboarding steps from multiple support articles into a single, cohesive email for an educational partner.
• Addressing a multi-part query from an unhappy client while maintaining a supportive and constructive tone.

Cross-Functional Stakeholder Alignment

As a Project Manager, you are the glue that holds various teams together. Interviewers will closely examine how you collaborate with Customer Success Managers (CSMs) and Program Managers.

Be ready to go over:

• Managing Up and Sideways – Keeping leadership and peers informed of project risks without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.
• Conflict Resolution – Navigating differing priorities between sales, customer success, and operational implementation.
• Resource Allocation – Balancing the immediate needs of CSMs with the broader strategic goals of the program.

Example scenarios:

• A CSM requests an immediate, out-of-scope change for a high-value client. How do you handle the request while protecting the project timeline?
• Managing a project where two key stakeholders have conflicting definitions of success.

Character & Coachability

The team at Handshake - stryder places immense value on your personal attributes, resilience, and how you handle professional growth.

Be ready to go over:

• Receiving Feedback – Demonstrating a growth mindset when presented with constructive criticism during or after the loop.
• Handling Ambiguity – Showcasing how you make decisions and drive progress when complete information is not yet available.
• Self-Reflection – Discussing past failures openly and explaining what you learned from those experiences.

Example scenarios:

• Describe a time when a project did not go as planned. What was your role in the outcome, and what did you change in your subsequent projects?
• How do you approach building relationships with team members in a remote or hybrid working environment?

In your daily work as a Project Manager, you will drive the execution of programs that directly support the onboarding and retention of platform partners. You will act as the operational backbone for key initiatives, ensuring that all deliverables are met on time and to a high standard of quality.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Developing and maintaining detailed project plans, tracking milestones, and proactively identifying risks to implementation timelines.
• Collaborating closely with CSM Managers, Program Managers, and Directors to align resources and streamline internal workflows.
• Translating partner feedback and operational hurdles into actionable insights for product and support teams.
• Authoring clear documentation, internal updates, and client-facing communications to keep all stakeholders aligned and informed.
• Facilitating cross-functional meetings, ensuring that action items are captured, assigned, and resolved efficiently.