Is getting a new job in product management one of your goals? In this blog post, I will teach you how to get a Product Manager job in 3 simple steps. From updating your resume to showcasing your skills in an interview, I’ve got you covered. Don’t miss out on your chance to advance in the competitive world of product management – read on for your guide on how to get your next PM job in 2023.
1. Use the force (of your network)
Using your network to find a job is the most effective thing you can do to get a new job.
Research shows that 80% of the available jobs are not even posted on online sites such as CareerBuilder and LinkedIn.
You read that right. Kind of unbelievable, isn’t it?!?
So many people I know that are looking for product manager jobs have been disappointed by applying to hundreds of jobs they found online.
The best thing you can do is tap into your network and look for hidden jobs.
What if you’re just starting out and don’t have an established network?
Join one of the many product management online communities. I wrote about these communities in my blog post, “50,000 Product Managers are waiting to connect with you!” And the title doesn’t lie.
If you join the four product manager communities I describe in that article, you would have access to 50,000 product managers that are actively engaging in a vibrant community where you can find jobs, learn about best practices, and so much more. If you’re not already a member of an online community like this, I highly recommend you do so today!
2. Create an effective product manager resume
Despite networking as the top way to land a new job, you still have a great resume.
Your resume only has 7.4 seconds to make an impression. That’s how long a recruiter will look at your resume, according to a study by Ladders. That’s why I’m sharing my guide for crafting the perfect product manager resume, which you can grab here.
If you’re like most people, you might feel this way about having to work on your resume.
Many people have such a hard time writing about themselves either because they fear sounding boastful or worry they don’t have enough relevant experience.
Download my checklist for crafting the perfect product manager resume and get the help you need to make the best first impression when applying for a job
3. Interview prep (last step!)
Now onto the fun part. Just kidding! For most people, getting ready to interview for a job is one of the most stressful things you can do.
Interviewing for a job ranks right up there with going to the dentist or taking a final exam.
The good news is there are things you can do to prepare for your job interview to ease those nerves and get you into the right mindset to show up calm and confident.
Read product management books
Before you experience that magical feeling of being contacted to interview for a job, read as many books about product management as possible. I’ve got a great list of books and other resources here that I highly recommend.
Also, check out my article “7 books to help you land your first product manager job”.
Listen to podcasts
Listening to podcasts is one of my favorite ways to expand my mind because I can do it while doing other things that don’t require a lot of thought, like folding laundry or walking the dog.
Check out these product management podcasts I recommend for upping your PM game.
Follow PM leaders
Follow product management thought leaders these people on LinkedIn, Twitter, Medium, & Quora. These are just a few really good ones that I follow. Once you start following a few, you’ll quickly discover others.
- Marty Cagan
- Julie Zhuo
- Ken Norton
- Janna Bastow
- Eric Ries
- Jeff Patton
- John Cutler
- Melissa Perri
- Teresa Torres
Practice like you’re studying for an exam.
This is the most important aspect of interview preparation.
- Be prepared for the easy and tough questions you’ll likely be asked.
- Be prepared to answer design questions.
- Be prepared to take about products you love and hate.
- Be prepared to show off your skills and capabilities.
- Be prepared by doing your research so that you know the company and its products.
If you would like help preparing for your interviews, I recommend Exponent. This service provides in-depth information about interviewing at most big tech companies, such as Google, Meta, and Amazon. Plus, you can sign up for mock interview sessions with Product Managers at these companies.
If you want to become a product manager in the coming year, following the three steps I outlined above will help you get there. Use your network, create an amazing resume, and practice for your interviews. And if you need more help, sign up for my Product Manager Job Search Bootcamp.
I’ve distilled my proven step-by-step process into a 6-stack system that includes:
- 21 self-guided video lessons
- 30 ATS-friendly templates for resumes, cover letters, and references
- The Job Search Success Bundle with 15 workbooks to guide you through the process
- My exclusive Product Manager Interview Question Vault with more than 100 interview questions and tips on how to answer various types of questions, including frameworks
This Bootcamp will walk you through every step of the job search process to land your dream product manager job.