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Introduction:
Are you dreaming of becoming a product manager but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. In this episode, I will share with you ten super powerful tips to land your first product manager job. These tips are based on my ten years of experience in product management and interactions with hundreds of product managers. So don’t forget to take notes. Hi, this is your host, Sharma, a seasoned product manager with close to ten years of experience in a product management role. I’ve had the pleasure of guiding over 1,000 aspiring product managers on their journey towards success. With this podcast, I aim to share even more valuable insights on product management to help you excel in your career. So if you’re looking to level up your skills and stand out from the crowd, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into today’s episode without any further delay.
Tip 1: Understand Your Why:
The first step is to understand your “why.” Before starting your product management journey, you need to understand why you want to become a product manager. Being able to articulate your motivations shows that you’ve done your research and understand the necessary skills. Additionally, knowing how your previous experience demonstrates transferable skills can prove that you are the right candidate for this job.
Tip 2: Certifications Are Not Everything:
The second tip is that certifications are not everything. While certifications can help, they cannot guarantee you an interview or a job. Focus on closing the gap in your skills, networking, and working on side projects. These side projects will help you build a portfolio that showcases your abilities and helps you stand out from other candidates.
Tip 3: Ask for Help:
The third tip is don’t hesitate to ask for help. Join communities, connect with experienced product managers, seek out mentors, and follow creators who offer support. This journey can be challenging, and having someone to guide you and provide advice is invaluable.
Tip 4: Don’t Underestimate Startups:
The fourth tip is not to underestimate startups. Working for a startup can be an excellent way to gain experience and build your skills with more freedom to define your work. You can take on extra responsibilities and start solving problems like a product manager. Demonstrating the impact of this extra work can help you negotiate a change in your title and responsibilities.
Tip 5: Consider Internal Transfers:
The fifth tip is to consider internal transfers. Internal transfers are one of the easiest ways to transition into a product management role. Getting a job that works closely with a product manager can be an excellent stepping stone. Working alongside a product manager, offering to help with tasks, and demonstrating your abilities can gradually transition you into a product management role.
Tip 6: Start a Side Project:
The sixth tip is to start a side project. Entrepreneurship can be a great path to product management. Be the PM for your own product, add it to your portfolio, resume, and LinkedIn. Solve a problem with a new product rather than improving an existing one. These days, there are many no-code tools available that allow you to build products without coding skills.
Tip 7: Build Your Product Sense:
The seventh tip is to build your product sense. Developing product sense is an essential skill for a product manager. Make it a habit to analyze products every day, think about their users, problems, potential improvements, and overall user journey. This will help you build the necessary mindset for a product manager.
Tip 8: Don’t Stop Applying:
The eighth tip is not to stop applying. Rejection is a natural part of the job search process, but it should not deter you from pursuing your dream. Keep applying, networking, and building your skills. Persistence pays off in the end.
Tip 9: Learn About Data and Tech Basics:
The ninth tip is to learn about data and tech basics. While you don’t need to know how to code, having a basic understanding of data handling and tech can be advantageous. Knowing how to work with SQL and understanding the basics of how tech works can help you stand out from other candidates.
Tip 10: Network Every Day:
The tenth and final tip is to network every day. Networking is crucial on your product management journey. Find and connect with product managers and talent acquisition professionals from your dream companies on LinkedIn. Learn from them, offer your assistance, and these connections can often lead to collaborations and job offers.
Conclusion:
That’s it for today’s podcast. I hope you enjoyed it and learned a lot about product management. Before you go, remember that you can be part of my community by joining my upcoming free web class on ProductCareerWebClass. Take action and let me help you even more in my community. For those of you who are already part of my community and are making good progress, I highly recommend upgrading to the Diamond membership. This will not only allow you to upgrade your management skills but also fast-track your progress and provide an opportunity to surround yourself with like-minded achievers and action-takers.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to take your career to the next level.
