How To Start Your Journey As A Product Manager

We all have different goals, but we often stand in the way of our own success. Whether that means you are too afraid to take a risk and try something new, or you allow yourself to stay in a role that doesn’t challenge you, it’s important that you continue to push yourself both personally and professionally. By pushing yourself, you will be able to turn your dreams into reality and achieve your career goals in no time at all.

Make 2021 the year you achieve your professional goals. For example, if you have always dreamed of a career as a product manager- it’s time to start working towards that goal – and here’s how. 

Sign up for a training course.

The most sure-fire way to kick-start your career in product management is to sign up for a training course that is specifically tailored to future product managers. Whilst other industry-based training courses may provide you with generalized skills you can apply to a range of jobs, it is much better to do a tailored course if you have a specific career goal in mind – such as product management.

Thankfully, there are plenty of courses to choose from, such as ‘Advanced product management’, which covers a wide range of topics such as strategy development and stakeholder management. You can find more information and course details on their website. 

As soon as you have completed a source, you will be able to add it to your resume. This means you will instantly stand out from the crowd and increase the chances of you being hired. 

Know how to ‘sell’ yourself.

When putting together a resume and covering letter, you need to present yourself in the best possible light. After all, the documents will be the difference between getting an interview or a rejection email. They are your first (and sometimes only) chance to impress a potential employer, so you need to ensure you put your best foot forward.

To do this, ensure that your resume is clear and easy to read. Don’t overcomplicate it by choosing unusual fonts or bold colors – a clean and simple layout is more than enough.  Include details of any essential skills you possess, and ensure that you’ve covered all of the skills mentioned in the job description – this makes it easy for the employer to figure out if you are right for the role.

When writing a covering letter, be concise. Express clearly why you think you would be good for the role, and provide some information on any training or experience you have. If possible, find the name of the hiring manager so that you can address them directly. If this is not included on the job application site, you may be able to find it in company listings. 

Prepare for the interview

It does not matter if you have never interviewed before, or have attended hundreds of interviews, you need to ensure you suitably prepare for an interview. This means that you should thoroughly research the role and the company, so that you are prepared to answer any questions they might throw your way. You should also ensure your industry knowledge is up to scratch, so that you can include this knowledge in your responses. 

As the saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. You are only letting yourself down if you enter an interview you are not ready for, and any inconsistencies in your application will become clear during the interview process. 

Ask for advice.

Sometimes, it can be hard to get your foot in the door. As we enter a global recession, it may seem even harder to land that dream job, with multiple people applying for the same role. With that in mind, it is important you make the most of your contacts. If you know somebody who already works in product management, ask them how they got started, or if they would be interested in mentoring you. Who knows, they may know of someone who is hiring and will be able to give you a solid recommendation. However, even if the only thing they can offer you is advice – it is valuable. Never underestimate how much you can learn from others.

Additionally, there are plenty of resources online that can provide you with advice and guidance if you are finding the job hunt particularly difficult. Remember, the market is incredibly competitive, and you should not think any less of yourself if you are finding it hard to find work. Keep working and you will achieve your goals.