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Writer's pictureHarshal

A 3-Step Guide To Navigate A Tough Job Market

Who You Know, What You Know, And What You've Done

I hear a common challenge from many job seekers: How to showcase their skills to stand out in job applications and interviews?

2 frequently asked questions are:

How do I pivot my career to a different role or industry?

How do I get my first Product Manager (PM) job in a challenging macroeconomic environment?

In this article, I'll share a 3-step approach:

  1. Connections: Whom do you know?

  2. Skills: What do you know?

  3. Experience: What have you done?

You can apply these steps to:

  • Transition to a new function within the same industry

  • Enter a new industry while staying in the same function

  • Move to a new company within the same industry and function

I spent 1 hour writing this blog. You need 4 minutes to read this.

Career switch like an Ibex leaping to another cliff.
Career switch like an Ibex leaping to another cliff.

I first published this on www.sparkcreativetechnologies.com on Nov 13, 2024.

Related:

Challenges With Online Job Hunt

In today’s tough economic climate, landing interviews—and converting them into job offers—is challenging. Even skilled professionals struggle due to intense competition.

The main issue with online job applications is the sheer volume of applicants. With so many submissions, recruiters can’t review each resume manually. To improve your chances, focus on strategies to stand out.

Don’t: Apply To Jobs Online

I hear:

“I have applied to 100s of jobs, but I’m getting some rejections and no interviews. I need interviews! How do I get more interviews?”

The biggest shift I suggest is to stop relying solely on online applications. Instead, focus on building connections and showcasing your expertise. Career coach Austin Belcak also agrees with this approach. This article focuses on “what to do” actionable steps, instead of “what not to do and why”.

Do: 3-Step Guide With Examples

Below, I outline 3 steps with examples and links to additional resources.

3-step guide for career pivot.
3-step guide for career pivot.

Step 1 - Connections: Whom do you know

Why?

  • Learn about your desired function, industry, or company

  • Talk to professionals who have “been there, done that” to follow their insights

  • Referrals to hiring managers

Informationals to learn jargon, learn path, get referral.
Informationals to learn jargon, learn path, get referral.

Building connections is essential for landing your first Product Manager (PM) role. Start by tapping into your current network.

Pyramid showing the ranking level of champions.
Pyramid showing the ranking level of champions.

Reach out to friends, family, former colleagues, and acquaintances. These first-degree connections can offer valuable insights or even connect you to unexpected opportunities.

Next, tap into your alumni network. Platforms like LinkedIn make it easy to find alumni working in product management (target function). Alumni often welcome outreach from fellow graduates, making this a powerful way to connect.

Example LinkedIn search:

  • LinkedIn Search for BITS Pilani alumni who work as PMs soon after undergrad. Start from this then go through profiles one by one.

Reach out to second-degree connections through a "warm introduction". Look for individuals with similar interests or hobbies which improves your chances of a positive reply.

When reaching out, personalize your messages to make a strong impression. Mention shared backgrounds or interests to establish a connection.

Informational tips to follow for cold or warm outreach.
Informational tips to follow for cold or warm outreach.

Example of a personalized note:

"Hi [Name], I noticed that we're both [University] alumni with a keen interest in product management. Your journey to [Y function, company, industry] is inspiring as I want to follow the same path. Would you be open to a brief chat sometime next week?"

For more detailed strategies on effective networking—including finding contact information, crafting outreach messages, and knowing when to follow up—check out How to Cold Outreach and Network to Get Your Dream Job.

Step 2 - Skills: What do you know

Why? 

  • Learn jargon

  • Demonstrate interest in the function or industry

  • Learn best practices then apply them now

Build your skill set by immersing yourself in product management fundamentals. If you prefer books or audiobooks, start there. Alternatively, watch YouTube videos by popular PM authors to understand industry concepts, terminology, and essential skills.

Use the curated guide Books and Resources for New and Aspiring Product Managers to create a strong knowledge base. Familiarity with these concepts will boost your confidence and readiness for interviews. You learn the right jargon.

Applying principles from expert sources enables you to practice real skills in projects. Mentioning these books or courses to potential employers shows a proactive approach they highly value.

Step 3 - Experience: What Have You Done

Employers want to see how you've solved real-world problems. Crafting a case study is a powerful way to showcase your skills and problem-solving abilities.

Why?

  • Build projects relevant to your target role, even before securing it.

  • Demonstrate practical application of your knowledge.

  • Differentiate yourself by showcasing real-world examples in a portfolio.

Choose a project that excites you. Here are some ideas:

  • Analyze a past internship project from a new perspective

  • Propose a strategy to improve a critical metric for your favorite app

  • Suggest go-to-market (GTM) strategies or product improvements for a target company

Starting from scratch can be challenging. Use this framework as a guide: Why Case Studies Are Key To Landing A PM Role And A 9-Step Framework To Ace Them

product case question format.
product case question format.

Present your case study in 2 ways:

  • Publish it on LinkedIn, Substack, or Medium. Use free platforms for easy access.

  • Mention it in interviews or networking events.

In your write-up, emphasize your analytical approach, decision-making, and the value your solutions offer.

Examples:

Using The 3-Steps In Your Job Search

Ready to stand out in your next job application? 

Now that you know these three steps, you can apply them to your job search. Building connections, honing your skills, and showcasing your experience will enhance your chances of landing your desired role.

If you'd like more personalized guidance or have specific questions, don't hesitate to contact me directly at sparkcreativetechnologies.com.

Related:

I first published this on www.sparkcreativetechnologies.com on Nov 13, 2024.

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