Google·Product Manager·Onsite - Product Sense / Strategy·Intermediate

IntermediatePrefer not to say

Jun 2026

Summary

Got a product sense question at Google for a PM role that felt more like a economics/policy brain teaser than anything I'd prepped for. Short interview, one question, left me second-guessing my answer the whole ride home.

Questions Asked (1)

If you could remove one U.S. dollar bill denomination from circulation, which would you eliminate and why?

Product Sense & IdeationProduct StrategyAdaptability & Ambiguity

Author's notes

I went with the $1 bill, leaned into the cost-to-produce argument and digital payments trends.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Treat this as a product prioritization exercise: define the 'job to be done' of each denomination, then evaluate which one delivers the least unique value relative to its costs. Pick a defensible answer (e.g., the penny) and justify it with user impact, economic efficiency, and strategic trade-offs, while acknowledging counterarguments.

Pro tip: Show product sense by framing the decision around user segments and use cases (e.g., cash-reliant vs. digital-first users) rather than just cost savings; this demonstrates empathy and strategic thinking.

1. Clarify the goal

State that the objective is to optimize the currency system for efficiency, usability, and overall societal benefit. This sets a product-centric lens.

2. Map denominations to user needs

Identify the primary use cases and user segments for each bill (e.g., $1 for small transactions, $2 for rare use, $100 for savings). Highlight which denomination has the least unique utility.

3. Evaluate costs and benefits

Compare production costs, lifespan, counterfeiting risk, and impact on cash-dependent populations. Use data if possible (e.g., penny costs 2.1 cents to make).

4. Select and justify

Choose one denomination (e.g., the $1 bill) and argue why its removal would cause minimal disruption while yielding benefits like reduced costs or streamlined transactions.

5. Address trade-offs and mitigation

Acknowledge potential downsides (e.g., inconvenience for small purchases) and propose mitigations (e.g., increased use of $1 coins or digital payments).

Key Points to Mention

The $1 bill is the most logical candidate due to its low value relative to production cost and the availability of $1 coins.
The penny (1-cent coin) is often cited, but the question specifies 'dollar bill denomination,' so focus on bills.
The $2 bill is rarely used and could be eliminated with minimal impact, but it's already not widely circulated.
Eliminating the $1 bill could save billions in production costs and push the U.S. toward a coin-based system like other countries.
Consider the impact on cash-reliant populations, including low-income and elderly users who may struggle with coins.
Highlight the strategic shift toward digital payments and how removing a denomination could accelerate that transition.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.