The Ultimate Guide to Your Next Product Management Job | Diego Granados, AI PM at Google
Oct 5, 2024
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Diego Granados, AI PM at Google, shares his extensive expertise from LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Cisco. He dives into landing product management jobs and offers invaluable tips on crafting standout resumes and mastering interview techniques. Diego emphasizes the importance of networking on LinkedIn and the pivotal role of storytelling during interviews. He also discusses the evolving landscape of AI in product management, urging aspiring PMs to adapt their skill sets to thrive in this dynamic field. Tune in for a wealth of insights!
Effective networking emphasizes mutual benefit, requiring candidates to provide value to hiring managers to secure job opportunities.
Leveraging LinkedIn with specific filters can boost a candidate's visibility to hiring managers actively seeking to fill roles.
Understanding the distinction between hiring managers and recruiters enhances outreach efforts, allowing candidates to tailor their communication effectively.
Crafting an impactful resume through structure, relevance, and quantifiable achievements significantly increases the chances of getting noticed by employers.
Deep dives
Networking as a Two-Way Street
Networking is not solely about seeking opportunities for oneself; it emphasizes mutual benefit. Effective networking requires giving value to hiring managers, whether by sharing relevant articles or providing meaningful insights. Candidates should focus on making it easy for hiring managers to say yes by offering specific examples of how they fit the job description. Understanding this two-way exchange is crucial for successful networking and ultimately securing job opportunities.
Using LinkedIn Strategically
Leveraging LinkedIn effectively can significantly enhance job seekers' visibility to hiring managers. A practical approach involves utilizing specific filters, such as searching for job titles combined with 'hiring' to identify active hiring managers. This tactic enables candidates to reach out to those expressing interest in filling roles, increasing the likelihood of meaningful connections. This method remains relevant, as it utilizes LinkedIn's tools to bridge the connection gap between candidates and hiring managers.
Understanding the Roles of Recruiters and Hiring Managers
It's essential to differentiate between recruiting and hiring roles within a company to tailor outreach efforts effectively. Hiring managers focus on filling specific positions, often neglecting the recruitment process, while recruiters are scouting talent for various roles. Candidates should understand the best way to reach out to both parties: for hiring managers, provide concise evidence of fit; for recruiters, clarify how they qualify for a role after applying. This understanding improves the chances of being noticed by both hiring managers and recruiters.
Approaching Job Applications Strategically
When applying for jobs, candidates should prioritize a strategic approach over unclear tactics. Tailoring resumes to align with job descriptions, alongside seeking referrals, can enhance job prospects significantly. Networking is highlighted as the top technique, as building connections can lead to unique insights and opportunities. Additionally, customizing applications based on specific roles showcases a candidate’s relevance and capability, increasing chances of success.
Crafting an Effective Resume
Creating an impactful resume involves adhering to basic yet effective principles like structure, relevance, and quantifiable achievements. Each entry should start with relevant action verbs and emphasize accomplishments that illustrate a candidate's fit for the desired role. Candidates must avoid generic sections and focus on how their experiences relate directly to the job they seek. This tailored approach ensures each resume conveys the candidate’s qualifications compellingly, thus improving chances of getting noticed.
Preparing for Interview Questions
Success in interviews requires preparation for various question types, particularly behavioral and case questions. Candidates should craft structured, concise responses that demonstrate their relevant experiences related to the role. It's crucial to utilize frameworks like STAR for behavioral questions while ensuring that responses remain focused on how experiences can translate to future success in the prospective role. Practicing mock interviews and seeking feedback can prepare candidates to articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively during real interviews.
Dealing with Case Interviews
Case interviews require candidates to think critically and engage in dialogue about product management scenarios. These interviews often involve open-ended questions, where candidates must demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving while considering customer needs, business implications, and competitor landscapes. It's vital for candidates to focus on larger strategic concepts rather than getting lost in operational details. Preparing for such interviews includes understanding common types of questions and practicing articulating structured, thoughtful responses.
“How do I get my next PM job?” Probably, the most asked question this year.
With all the hype around the PM roles and layoffs all around, it has become one of the most difficult roles to get a job in.
People are struggling to even get shortlisted and most can only dream of getting those interview calls, let alone a job offer.
Today Diego and I going to 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.
