A simple list that will help you land your future PM job.
I will not go into too much detail because you have a busy day and you want some clear steps that will help you get that product role you want.
Research the company you are applying for. Check the company website in the About Us section. Usually, good companies are keen to share their vision, mission, and principles. Look at their product and determine how the value proposition matches the company mission. If possible, use their product, become their customer.
Start writing a professional diary. We have short-term memory, and we tend to forget achievements and activities when we get bogged down in everyday work. Take a breather every other quarter and reflect on your achievements and what you’ve learned. This will help you create stories that would exemplify your expertise and experience. The stories should revolve around the main responsibilities of a product manager — PRODUCT, PROCESS, and LEADERSHIP.
As stories go, follow the STAR method — Google it for more information, it helps give structure. And tag your stories for easier reference, like problem-solving, idea, risk definition, etc.
Give context to your problem and explain the value and viability of the solution.
Here are some golden rules you should follow before and during interviews:
READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION — good companies have good job descriptions. Adjust your stories to the requirements of the job and the company principles.
PRODUCT MANAGERS DELIVER VALUE — as a PM, the outcome matters, not for the activity. Remember to frame your stories as such that you underline the product value and viability.
BE HONEST — Don’t force answers or invent stories and outcomes. If they ask you to give exemplify a situation you’ve never met, tell the interviewer.
And finally, if they ask you to prepare a presentation or study case, PREPARE IT. Don’t overlook the importance of it, I’ve turned down good candidates because they haven’t taken the assignment seriously.
The list offers a structure that works in most modern interview settings. In the end, don’t forget that you have to choose the company as well. Ask questions, be critical of their interview process, and provide feedback.
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