“How can I become a product manager?” is a question I hear over and over again. Whether you’re a college student who dreams of being the next Steve Jobs or you’re a software engineer who wants to influence what your company builds, making the transition to product management is a difficult one for most aspiring product managers.
You can improve your chances of getting your first job as a product manager with these suggestions.
Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It’s often used in the context of acts of service intended to foster peace, inspiration, and inclusion around the world. If you’re struggling to get hired as a product manager, this is also relevant for you!
I love this quote because you can apply it to other aspects of life, such as your career. If you want to be a better communicator, start journaling every day. If you want to become better at using data, start capturing data points for your work, whatever that looks like for you. If you want to be a product manager, start acting like a product manager even if you don’t have a product manager job.
Let me repeat that so it really sinks in.
If you want to be a product manager, start acting like a product manager.
Still with me? Great! So many people struggle to land their first PM job. I get it because I’ve been there, too. It’s not easy, especially when you don’t have the experience companies are looking for. However, you can start thinking and acting like a product manager right now, which will change your mindset, and, ultimately, your employment status.
Becoming a product manager without experience is not easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you want the challenges and opportunities of having a high-impact role, then there are steps for getting started on your journey today!
Here’s how you can start acting like a product manager to become a product manager!
1. Look for ways to add value
Always examine things around you with the idea of making them better. And don’t be afraid to voice your opinions to others. By constantly analyzing how to do things better, you’ll unlock opportunities, and people will perceive you as striving to make an impact.
2. Be curious
Develop curiosity like a muscle because it’s a skill that gets better the more you do it. The next time you’re buying coffee, look at the point of sale system. Are you able to pay quickly and without friction? If not, what would you do to change the experience? Look at things around you and think about how they’re made. Think about how you would improve them.
3. Treat your resume like a product
By using standard questions that a PM would usually ask while working on a new product, you’ll not only improve your resume but also demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
Treating your resume like a product will help you design one that’s user-friendly and data-oriented. An example is “who is my audience?” Put yourself in the shoes of your ‘customer/audience’ and think about what their needs are before you craft your resume.
If you need more tips on creating an effective product management resume, here are some resources you may find helpful:
4. Create something from scratch
When you’re a product manager, you are often required to create something from the tiniest seed of an idea. To be a good product manager, you have to be comfortable working from a blank slate. If you’re not comfortable creating something from scratch, step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Build a personal blog that showcases your skills and know-how. Draw or sketch every day. Anything that requires creativity without a template will help you become more comfortable creating something from scratch.
There are many reasons why people want to become product managers, but the transition from any background can be tricky. Take it one step at a time and follow these simple strategies that will help you land your first job as soon as possible!
Product managers are in charge of the product from conception through to completion. They have a huge responsibility, which is why many people want this job so badly – but it’s not easy to land your first job as a product manager.
If you are one of the many who ask how to become a product manager without experience, there is hope. Breaking into product management can be a challenging task, but with the right mindset, skills, and resources, it is achievable. To take your next step toward a career as a product manager, I encourage you to download my free resume guide. This guide offers an in-depth look at crafting a winning resume that will help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job. So don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your career to the next level. Download the free resume guide today and start your journey toward a fulfilling and rewarding career in Product Management!