The Product Folks’ Post

🚀 Rising Above Competition: Tips for Aspiring Product Managers 🚀 Tough competition from experienced candidates in your quest for a Product Management role can be a deal breaker. It's a common hurdle, but one you can overcome with the right strategy! 💡 🎯 When applying for PM positions, it's easy to feel overshadowed by candidates with more experience. But remember, experience isn't the only factor that matters! 💡 Here's how to level the playing field and make your mark: ▶ Leverage Your Strengths: Identify what makes you unique. Whether it's your fresh perspective, adaptability, or innovative ideas, make sure to highlight these qualities in your application and interviews. Tell stories that support your strength. ▶ Highlight Transferable Skills: Even if you haven't been a PM before, emphasize the skills you've gained in other roles that are relevant to product management. Think customer success, project management, market research, problem-solving, stakeholder management, communication, and many more. ▶ Demonstrate Passion and Potential: Show your enthusiasm for PM through side projects, volunteer work, or self-learning endeavors. Let your potential shine by conveying your eagerness to learn and contribute while backing it with your other past experiences. ▶ Network Strategically: Expand your network within the PM community to uncover opportunities and gain insights. Connect with professionals in the field to learn from their experiences and stay updated on industry trends. This can be a game changer for you to get your first Product Management break. ✨ Remember, it's not just about experience – it's about what you bring to the table. Stay focused, showcase your strengths, and soon enough, you'll be landing that PM role you've been dreaming of! #ProductManagement #CareerAdvice #Competition #SuccessTips #LevelUp

How to be a Successful Product Manager? If you had read between the lines of my last post (https://lnkd.in/gk3MwZcK), you would have noticed that the template I shared is not just a template but a way of thinking. You should ideally use it when starting a new role as a Product Manager (PM). Because it is better to be intentioned and live through successful stories than to prepare stories during the job search. Re-phrasing the template for the current context: When you join a new company, focus on clearly understanding the following: 1. What does the company, product, or team do? This is your area of responsibility. 2. At what stage are you joining? This includes factors like the product’s development stage, number of customers, revenue, and team size. These are the areas where you could make a difference. 3. What are the current goals? Ensure to understand how the company’s vision translates into strategy and specific goals. 4. How can you help move the product from where it is now to where it wants to be? Get clear answers to these questions as soon as you can when you start. Achieving the goals and making an impact isn’t easy, but knowing your purpose and direction helps in progressing ahead positively. You’ll obviously experience both successes and challenges along the way. And when the time comes for you to move on, it is just about looking back at where you started and where you are now but cherishing the experience as a whole. You don't need to scramble to build a resume and prepare answers. Focus on making an impact from Day 1 with clarity and focus, and you’ll succeed as a Product Manager no matter where you are. #productmanagement #successfulcareer

Congrats on your first Product Manager role! But don’t get complacent. (How to stay on top of the game) Today, we will be doing something practical. ➡️ Perform a skills gap analysis. This involves steps to identify the skills which you currently have, the skills required for your role, and the gaps that need to be addressed. ➡️ How do you perform a skills gap analysis? → Step 1:  Identify the key skills necessary for effective product management or your role as the case may be. These may include hard skills like data analysis or technical knowledge as well as soft skills such as communication, leadership, and empathy. You can find them in your JD and by reviewing job postings for product manager roles to identify the latest competencies required. Seek for input from your manager, peers, and mentors about the essential skills for your role. → Step 2:  Assess your current skills Perform a self-assessment reflecting on your current skills and rate yourself on a scale (e.g. 1 to 5) for each required skill. This can be done using self-assessment tools (like Whitmaan.com), feedback from your manager, team members and your peers, or performance reviews. → Step 3:  Identify the Gaps Compare your current skills against the required skills to identify gaps. This involves recognizing the absence of certain skills and areas where you are not proficient. → Step 4:  Prioritize Gaps Prioritize the skill gaps observed based on their importance and impact on your role. Focus on skills that are critical for your current role or future career aspirations. → Step 5:  Create a Learning Plan Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to learn each skill gap. Identify learning resources such as courses, trainings, books, webinars, conferences and mentors to help you develop the necessary skills. Allocate time by blocking specific time dedicated for learning and practicing your new skills. → Step 6:  Rinse & Repeat. Regularly revisit your skills gap analysis to ensure you are adapting to new challenges and industry trends. Doing this helps you focus on your professional development and ensures you have the necessary skills to succeed in your role as a product manager. Make sure to save this post. Did you learn something? P.S. Are you looking to build a career in product management? Repost and follow me for more insights from my 12+ years of experience.  #ProductManagement #ProductManagers #personaldevelopment #goals

There is a mysterious group called the “product managers” who only seem to hire other product managers — how do I get into this club? . Above is a common phase of confusion that people who want to enter into a product career experience. So what do I do? Where do I start? If moving into product was a checklist (non-linear), it could involve the following. ✅️ Understand the role of a product manager ✅️ Gain some experience working as a PM (volunteer your time, buddy up with someone — I found gaining this experience internally easier) ✅️ Network with product leaders ✅️ Find junior PM roles on LinkedIn; read job descriptions to have the right expectations ✅️ Identify your transferrable skills (and also what makes you unique in the job market) ✅️ Identify your skill gaps (tip: save them for later when building a development plan) ✅️ Create a ‘product-focused’ resume ✅️ Apply to product jobs ✅️ Ask for feedback after interviews In the end, I “blended” into the club like an artist in a masked ball. Once I gained a high-level knowledge of the language and common product ways of thinking, I felt confident enough to speak like one. When it was required, I slipped on my product mask. Now a few months in it feels less like a mask. As I've learnt more and become more attuned to working in product teams, this way of thinking is more natural. Each PM will have a different story and experience of how they got into product. For me, the above worked. *Side note: I'm really enjoying this weekly ‘sharing my journey’ on LinkedIn activity. More will come and I will expand on some of the checklist items mentioned here.* #CareerChange #NewProductManager #CareerGoals #CareerDevelopment #ProductManagement

Hi Product Manager, 👋 Your title as a Product Manager isn't just about certifications or years of experience. It's about the unique blend of skills, knowledge, and passion you bring to the table. Imagine this scenario: Two candidates walk into an interview. Candidate A holds all the certifications in the book, but Candidate B boasts years of hands-on experience in product development, customer research, and market analysis. Who do you think would shine brighter? While certifications are valuable and can certainly bolster your resume, they're not the sole determinant of success in the realm of product management. Experience is the real game-changer. It's about the lessons learned from navigating complex projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and making strategic decisions that drive product success. Pairing this experience with the right certifications can truly set you apart in a competitive job market. So, Product Managers, I want to hear from you! How has your experience shaped your journey in product management? And for those who pursued certifications, how did they complement your expertise? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's celebrate the diverse paths that lead us to success in product management! ✍ #ProductManagers #Techlife #ProductManagement

🚀 Happy Monday friends! Are you ready to launch your career as a Product Manager? 🌟 Join us for a FREE LIVE WEBINAR on “Landing Your First Role as a Product Manager” and get the insider tips and strategies you need to succeed! 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 3rd August ⏰ Time: 12PM (WAT) 📍 Location: Google Meet In this exclusive webinar, we will cover: ✨ Essential skills and qualifications for aspiring Product Managers 🔧 Practical steps to build a standout resume and portfolio 💡 How to ace your PM interviews and land your dream job 🤝 Networking strategies to connect with industry professionals 📈 Real-life success stories and case studies to inspire you Our expert speaker Bidemi Ogedengbe will share her valuable insights and experiences. This is your chance to learn from the best and ask any burning questions you have about breaking into the field. Whether you’re a recent graduate, career switcher, or just curious about Product Management, this webinar is tailored for YOU! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your PM career with confidence and clarity. 👉 Register now via the link below Click: https://lu.ma/qycyk3hu Tag a friend who needs to see this and get ready to take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career in Product Management! 🚀💼 #productmanagement #freewebinar #careergrowth #productmanager #landingyourfirstrole #careerdevelopment #techcareer #joinus #webinaralert #pmjourney #futureleaders #careersuccess #linkedpost #linkedinfam

I have scrolled through 700+ job descriptions for Product Managers 🤯, Here are the skills that almost every PM job demands 👇🏽 (+ resource to learn them) 1. Understanding the complete product development life cycle (PDLC). 2. How to do customer and market research. 3. How to prioritize. 4. Managing cross-functional stakeholders. 5. Clear & strategic communication. To help you learn all of these skills practically, I am hosting a free product BootCamp tomorrow. If you are a PM or aspiring PM looking to upgrade your PM Skills, grab your free seat from here: https://lnkd.in/g97hd3H6 Our bootcamp was absolutely loved by participants in the past, read reviews here 👇🏽 1️⃣ https://lnkd.in/d39nwyCN 2️⃣ https://lnkd.in/dPbamYY4 3️⃣ https://lnkd.in/daNXj-p4 4️⃣ https://lnkd.in/dS3VRQwU As a bonus, we will also be sharing a treasure trove of valuable resources with you, absolutely FREE: 🔥 Product Management Interview Guide, complete with practice questions 🔥 Resume Review Guide, Checklist, and Templates 🔥 Product Portfolio Creation Guide 🔥 30+ Curated Product Management Case Studies We can't wait to see you over the weekend! Don't forget to tag your friends in the comments who are aspiring product managers. I am sure, They'll thank you later! #productmanagement #learnings

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 requires more than just a few product teardowns 🎯 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: ======== 1. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬 ≠ 𝐏𝐌 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬 2. 𝐍𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. Be cautious of programs that make such promises. Instead, focus on building a strong foundation and skills that will make you an attractive candidate 3. 𝐍𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 6-8 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 It takes consistent effort to learn and dive deep into problem solving (which gets enabled if you have fundamental knowledge) 4. 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅, 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 ======================= 1. Offers 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 2. Provides 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 and reinforce learning via 1:1 feedback 3. Offers 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 to apply concepts to real world scenario 4. Offers 1:1 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 to build your profile and be ready for facing PM interview 5. Provides 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 6. Offers 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 to help you succeed Lastly, 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 as the path to cracking a PM position is challenging. Stay committed, learn continuously 🚀 #productmanagement #career #productmanager #learning

Hey Bee, Ready to transition from Customer Success to Product Management? Product Management isn't just about technical skills—it's about knowing what users truly need, a skill you've mastered through customer success. Imagine leveraging your insights from user testing and market research directly into shaping the next big product. That’s exactly what product managers do every day! Your experience in understanding customer desires and feedback is invaluable, placing you in a prime position to excel in product management, where these insights drive innovation and success. Now, think about how polished your resume could be with our $50 DIY Resume Workshop, specially designed to spotlight your transferable skills and prepare you for this exciting transition. Don't wait to make that leap! Join our workshop and start crafting a resume that opens doors to product management roles. This is your path to transforming your career and achieving your dreams. 👉 Ready to change the game? Link in Bio to sign up or check this: https://lnkd.in/ga2ABFQa Drop a "I’m in!" in the comments if you're with us. Let's soar, bee! 🐝 . . #customersuccess #customerprofessional #productmanagement #productmanager #masteryourcraft #resumeexcellence #achieve #dreams #blackonthejob #diyresumeworkshop

Your product manager resume is your first impression—make it count! 📝 Showcase your impact by focusing on measurable achievements rather than generic responsibilities. Highlight key skills like prioritization, stakeholder management, and problem-solving, backed by real-world examples. Don’t forget to tailor your resume to the role, using relevant keywords that resonate with the job description. Keep it concise but compelling—aim for one page unless you have extensive experience. Prove you understand product strategy by mentioning frameworks or tools you’ve mastered. Design matters too: ensure your layout is clean and professional. Most importantly, demonstrate your passion for building impactful products. Ready to land that dream role? 🚀 Empower yourself! Follow Growjunction for more content. Ready to shape the future of products? Join us on this exciting journey!    Join the journey: https://lnkd.in/gS3cJWBb #ProductManager #ResumeTips #CareerGrowth #PMResume #JobSearchTips #ProductManagement #ResumeBestPractices #CareerAdvice #PMTips #ProfessionalGrowth #ProductManagement  #GrowJunction