Strategies for Aspiring Product Managers: Insights from a Recruiter
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Understanding the Landscape of Product Management
Securing a position as a product manager, particularly for those just starting out, can seem overwhelming.
To navigate this journey, I have compiled strategies that encompass a robust approach to personal development, including mindset shifts, defining your goals, and refining your self-presentation materials. To gain further insight, I consulted with Ny Gurrea, a Product Recruiter at Few & Far, to learn about common pitfalls and effective strategies for aspiring and experienced product managers alike.
"Recruiters sift through countless product manager profiles weekly," Gurrea noted. "It's often the subtle details that can elevate you into that coveted 1–2% of candidates."
Key Recommendations from a Product Recruiter
Craft Your Narrative
"Develop a clear roadmap for your career. Think of yourself as your own product, and outline a two to three-year plan detailing your aspirations and potential paths. There are essentially three routes you might consider:
- Career Product Person: Ascend the product management hierarchy within an organization.
- Advisory Product Person: Provide consultancy and advisory services to various companies.
- Entrepreneurial Product Person: Launch your own venture and grasp the intricacies of product development.
For example, if you choose the entrepreneurial path, gaining experience in a large corporation (like a bank) and then transitioning to a startup can be invaluable. This experience will enable you to offer insights based on your corporate background while guiding the startup team effectively."
Incorporate Relevant Keywords
"To attract recruiters, ensure that your profile features essential keywords. If you've been involved in product discovery or delivery, make that clear. Recruiters often search based on job titles, technologies, and types of products you've engaged with (such as B2C or B2B). Mention the tools you've utilized, like Jira or Confluence."
Utilize Data to Highlight Achievements
"Demonstrate how your contributions have positively impacted users and the business. Back your experiences with data."
Be Authentic
"Always remain true to yourself."
Engage with the Product Community
"There are numerous individuals willing to provide support and advice. Engage in community events, participate in LinkedIn discussions, join Slack groups, listen to relevant podcasts, and contribute to conversations."
Network with Role Models
"Don’t hesitate to reach out to founders and professionals in positions you aspire to."
Compile a Target Company List
"Create a Google Sheet outlining companies of interest, focusing on growing Seed or Series A firms that may be hiring. Utilize resources like Crunchbase to identify 'the hottest companies' in your field."
Research Potential Employers
"Evaluate your background against the companies you want to work for. Identify any skill gaps and strategize on how to bridge them."
Avoid Misrepresentation
"For instance, don’t label yourself as 'Product Manager' unless you've held that title. If you’re new to the field, consider using 'Product Enthusiast' or 'Aspiring Product Manager' as your headline."
Practice Patience
"Understand that finding the right opportunity may take time, often 6 to 12 months."
If you're actively seeking new job opportunities, treat yourself like a product and pay attention to these nuanced details to differentiate yourself in a competitive landscape.
Are you a hiring manager or recruiter in the product domain? What additional insights would you contribute? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Related Resources:
- What It Takes To Be An Exceptional Product Manager
- How Can I Build Tech Knowledge In A Specific Domain as a PM?
- Bringing A New Product From 0 to 1
- Insights from the Mayo Clinic's Care Model
- A Call for More Conscious Products
- Approaching Product Strategy Thoughtfully