A guide on securing your first job as a B2C or B2B Product Manager

What’s in there?

1. Have a plan

2. Become a Product Manager

3. How to secure your first product manager position?

4. What steps should I take to begin a career in product management?

5. Where to Find Startups Hiring Product Managers

6. LinkedIn

7. Forbes

8. AngelList & Crunchbase

9. Referrals and Recommendations

10. Key Learning Summary to Keep

Have a plan 

Getting a job as a Product Manager requires a strategic approach and a thorough understanding of the role and industry. Here are some steps and strategies to follow in order to increase your chances of landing a position as a Product Manager.

1. Research product manager jobs: Begin by researching different product manager roles and job descriptions. Look for positions that align with your skills, experience, and interests. This will give you a better understanding of the specific requirements and responsibilities of the role.

2. Talk to professionals in the field: Reach out to product managers in your network or through professional platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences, how they got into product management, and what skills are essential for success in the field. This will help you gain valuable insights and make connections with people who can potentially refer you to job opportunities.

3. Understand the responsibilities: Familiarize yourself with the core responsibilities of a product manager. This includes understanding customer needs, defining product requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and overseeing the product development process. Aligning your skills and experiences with these responsibilities will make you more marketable as a candidate.

Key takeaways:

• 📚 Do thorough research on product manager jobs to understand the requirements and responsibilities of the role.

• 🤝 Network with professionals in the field to gain insights and make connections.

• 🎯 Focus on aligning your transferable skills and experiences with the core responsibilities of a product manager.

Become a Product Manager

Becoming a Product Manager involves a systematic approach and acquiring specific PM skills and knowledge.

Let's be honest here, from the outside world, nobody knows what a product manager does and it's not even a joke...Happened to me far too many times.

Anyway, here are the key steps you can take to pursue a career as a Product Manager:

1. Build a strong user-focused portfolio: Create a portfolio of products or projects you have worked on to showcase your skills and experiences. Highlight your ability to understand customer needs, define product requirements, and drive successful outcomes.

2. Show that you understand users: Understand user behaviors, pain points, and market trends by conducting thorough research. This will help you make informed decisions about product features, improvements, and market positioning. And if you can demonstrate that, it will help during your interview.

3. Demonstrate problem-solving: Look for ways to solve problems within your current role or organization. Identify pain points or inefficiencies and propose innovative solutions. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and make data-driven decisions.

4. Take product management courses: Enhance your skills and knowledge by enrolling in product management courses or certification programs. These courses cover various aspects of product management, such as market analysis, product strategy, user experience design, and agile development methodologies.

How to secure your first product manager position?

Landing your first product manager job is exciting. It requires a combination of skills, experience, and strategic planning to stand out in a tough job market. Here are some key steps to help you navigate the process and increase your chances of securing your first product manager job.

1. Understand the product manager role: Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and required skills of a product manager. This will help you align your experiences and qualifications with the job requirements, enabling you to effectively communicate your value to potential employers.

2. Gain relevant experience: Look for opportunities to gain experience in product management, even if it means starting in an entry-level role or working on side projects. Building a solid foundation of practical experience will strengthen your resume and demonstrate your commitment to a career in product management. The career transition I have seen so far were, business analysts or engineers as classic paths, but I have seen also people from Pre-sales, Marketing, Customer success, Services or even domain experts.

3. Network and connect: Networking is an essential aspect of landing your first product manager job. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with professionals in the field. Building meaningful relationships can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable insights into the industry.

4. Showcase your skills: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your resume, cover letter, and during interviews. Focus on your ability to solve problems, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive successful product outcomes.

Key takeaways:

• 🧭 Understand the role and required skills of a product manager.

• 🏋️ Gain relevant experience through entry-level roles or side projects.

• 🤝 Network with professionals in the industry to build connections and gather insights.

• 🎯 Showcase problem-solving skills and experiences in your application materials and interviews.

What steps should I take to begin a career in product management?

There are several paths to start a career in product management, catering to individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. One common entry point is through associate product manager programs, designed specifically for recent graduates with a computer science background. These programs provide a structured learning environment where participants gain hands-on experience in product management while being mentored by experienced professionals.

Another way to transition into a product management role is through internal transfers within a company. This allows individuals with relevant skills and experience in different domains, such as marketing or engineering, to leverage their knowledge and make a lateral move into product management.

Regardless of the entry point, certain qualities and skills are essential for success in product management. Having a business-minded mindset is crucial, as product managers need to understand the market dynamics, competition, and financial implications of their decisions. A metrics-driven approach is also important, as product managers need to analyze data and make data-driven decisions to improve product performance.

Gaining experience in talking to customers and working on product management projects is also highly valuable. This can be achieved through internships, freelance work, or side projects. These experiences help develop skills in understanding customer needs, conducting market research, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Key takeaways:

• 💼 Explore associate product manager programs in large companies.

• 🔄 Consider internal transfers as a pathway to enter product management. (That was me and most people)

• 📈 Develop a business-minded and metrics-driven approach for success in product management.

• 🤝 Gain experience in customer interaction and work on product management projects to prepare for the role.

Where to Find Startups Hiring Product Managers

Startups are increasingly becoming a popular choice for product managers looking for new opportunities. These innovative and fast-paced companies often value the skills and knowledge that product managers bring to the table. One way to find startups hiring product managers is through online job portals and platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and AngelList. These platforms allow you to search for job openings specifically in the startup sector and filter them based on location, industry, and experience level. Additionally, attending networking events, industry conferences, and startup meetups can provide valuable connections and insights into job opportunities. Building relationships with startup founders, investors, and industry professionals can help you stay updated on the latest hiring trends and potential openings in the startup ecosystem. Finally, leveraging your personal and professional networks can also be an effective way to find startups that are actively looking for product managers.

Key takeaways:

• 🌐 Utilize online job portals such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and AngelList to discover startup job openings.

• 🤝 Attend industry events and network to build connections and gain insights into startup hiring processes.

• 🕸️ Leverage personal and professional networks to uncover hidden opportunities within the startup ecosystem.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a valuable resource for those seeking job opportunities in the field of product management. Companies from various industries, especially tech companies, often use LinkedIn as a platform to advertise their job openings. LinkedIn also publishes an annual list of top companies for career growth, highlighting companies that offer excellent opportunities for professional development and advancement.

When looking for product management roles, LinkedIn can be an excellent starting point. Many companies on the growth track are actively hiring for product management positions, making LinkedIn a prime platform to find relevant job opportunities. By creating a strong LinkedIn profile, networking with industry professionals, and staying updated on job postings, individuals interested in product management can increase their chances of finding their dream job.

Key takeaways:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Utilize LinkedIn for product management job openings.

• 🏆 Check LinkedIn's annual list of top companies for career growth.

• 📈 Look for product management roles in growth-oriented companies on LinkedIn.

• 🧑‍💼 Create an appealing LinkedIn profile and network actively for better job opportunities.

Forbes

Forbes is a valuable resource for junior product managers looking for opportunities in the tech industry. They publish an annual list of the top 50 startups in the United States, which can be a great starting point for finding potential employers. This list is curated based on factors such as growth, culture, and future projections, making it a reliable indicator of companies that are on the rise.

Working for these startups listed by Forbes can provide junior product managers with an excellent platform to develop their product strategy skills. Being a part of a growing and dynamic company allows individuals to gain hands-on experience in shaping and executing product strategies. It also offers the opportunity to work with diverse and motivated teams that can further enhance their skills.

AngelList & Crunchbase

AngelList and Crunchbase are two valuable platforms that can be used to find startups that are hiring product managers.

To use AngelList, start by creating an account and filling out your profile with relevant information about your skills and experience in product management. Use the search feature to find companies that are actively hiring product managers. You can filter your search based on location, company size, and industry. Pay attention to companies that have recently raised funding or have a high number of followers, as these can indicate growth opportunities.

Crunchbase is another platform that can help you find startups hiring product managers. Create an account and use the search bar to find startups in your desired industry. You can filter your search based on location, funding stage, and industry. Look for companies that have recently received venture capital or have a high growth rate, as these can be indicators of potential job opportunities.

Once you have identified potential companies, take the time to research them further on both platforms. Look for information on the company's financials, investments, and current headcounts. This will give you valuable insights into the company's stability and growth prospects.
 

Referrals and Recommendations

Referrals and recommendations play a vital role in the job search process, often proving to be more effective than simply applying through career portals. Seeking referrals from individuals who can vouch for your skills and experience can greatly increase your chances of getting noticed by employers.

Networking within professional communities, such as attending industry events or joining relevant online groups, can be a valuable way to connect with professionals who may be able to provide referrals or recommend you for job opportunities.

There are several benefits to having recommendations in your job search. Firstly, they add credibility and trustworthiness to your application. When employers see that others have recognized and endorsed your skills, it can help distinguish you from other candidates. Additionally, recommendations serve as evidence of your past achievements and abilities, which can give employers confidence in your potential.

The future for product management is looking incredibly bright!

It is anticipated that product management will be a fulfilling and promising job choice in the future. With the rise of e-commerce, mobile apps, and digital products, AI and "every company is a tech company" there is a greater need for product managers who can effectively show deep user empathy and deliver impactful products.

Key Takeaway:

• 📚 Understand the role's responsibilities and align your skills with them to increase your chances.

• 🏢 Consider associate product manager programs and internal transfers within companies as entry points.

• 🔍 Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, AngelList, and Crunchbase to find startup opportunities.

• 🤝 Seek referrals and recommendations to enhance your job search.

• 💼 The product management job outlook is promising with a growing demand for skilled professionals in the field.

Key Learning Summary to Keep

Now let’s apply the knowledge…Execution Matters Most!