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How do I get my next PM job?
It’s probably the most asked question this year.
With all the hype around the PM role - and layoffs all around - the product management market has been brutal.
People are struggling to even get shortlisted. Most can only dream of getting those interview calls, let alone a job offer.
Today, Diego and I break down all the elements of getting your next PM job.
Diego Granados is an AI PM at Google. He’s been an AI PM since it was cool. He was an AI PM at Linkedin, Microsoft and Cisco. Before that, he got his MBA at Duke his Masters in CS at GA Tech, and worked as a BI consultant.
In our conversation, we cover:
The Right Way to Apply | 01:37
Acing the Resume | 24:37
How to Prepare for Interviews | 45:23
How to Succeed in Interviews | 57:31
Acing Product Case Interviews | 01:16:14
Becoming an AI PM | 01:33:20
Here are the Key Takeaways
Here were my favorite lessons from our conversation:
1. Networking is a Two-Way Street
Diego puts it perfectly: “Networking is not about you, it’s a two-way street.”
Networking, especially with hiring managers, shouldn't be self-centered. It's all about making it easy for them to say yes to you.
Offer something in return, such as insightful articles or a meaningful connection
Tailor your message specifically to the job you're applying for
Avoid vague outreach. Instead, provide clear evidence of your qualifications and alignment with the job description.
2. Craft a Resume That Tells Your Story
Customize your resume to showcase relevant skills and accomplishments to match with specific roles, companies and job descriptions.
Use quantifiable results to highlight the impact of your work, and avoid generic keywords or skills lists.
A well-crafted resume should feel personalized for the role and show a clear narrative of your impact and relevance.
3. Hiring Managers vs. Recruiters – Know Who to Contact
Understanding the distinction between hiring managers and recruiters is crucial for your job search strategy:
Hiring managers have limited time, and their focus is more on managing their teams than recruiting
Reach out to recruiters when you’ve applied to specific roles and show that you're a great fit
For early-stage startups, targeting founders is often most effective
Knowing the motivations of those involved in hiring helps you structure your approach better and increases your chances of being heard.
4. The Power of LinkedIn Filters
LinkedIn is a powerful tool if used strategically, especially with advanced filters for finding active hiring managers.
Use the search bar to find posts with terms like “hiring”.
This can help you connect with people actively looking for talent and make your outreach more effective.
5. Path to Becoming an AI Product Manager
You need to blend AI expertise with PM skills to become an AI Product Manager:
Gain foundational knowledge in AI and machine learning through courses and certifications
Familiarize yourself with AI tools and languages like Python, and understand how AI can be applied to solve business problems
Tailor your product management experience to show how you can manage AI-driven projects and make data-driven decisions
Check out the full episode for more details!
Referenced
Books:
Cracking the PM Interview by Gayle Laakmann McDowell
Decode and Conquer by Lewis Lin
Frameworks/Concepts:
STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework for behavioral interviews
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
Amazon's Leadership Principles
Diego’s favorite newsletters:
Product Growth by Aakash Gupta
The Product Compass by Pawel Huryn
Diego’s favorite book: The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
Additional Resources from the Newsletter
Ace the "Why This Company" Question. Here's How to Go from 4/10 to 10/10
How to Really Succeed in the Product Management Interview Process in 2024
How to get a $700K+ PM Job: the meta strategy advice you need
Where to find Diego
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Up Next
We have some great podcasts coming from Wes Bush, Gagan Biyani, and Hila Qu. I’m so excited to share them with all of you.
In the newsletter, check out this week’s latest piece if you haven’t yet: How Real PMs Get Jobs in this Market
Look out for these pieces up next:
How Lempire Built a $28M SaaS
What Your Biggest Weakness Really Is
Storytelling for PMs
Real Case Interview Coaching
I think you’re going to love them,
Aakash
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