Seven Dangerous Myths of the Job Search
I have helped hundreds of Product Managers land their dream roles. I have had the privilege of celebrating with them and hearing their stories.
I don’t pretend that the job search is not a difficult feat. On the contrary, it can be daunting and tedious. Not to mention, the fear of not choosing the proper role can be stifling.
But, the mindset by which we walk into this process can change it all. And this is why it’s vital to debunk the myths that are holding us back.
Your job search should land you the role that will grow you, raise your standards, and make you happy.
Over the years, I have come across seven myths that have continually caused Product Managers to create their roadblocks. Let’s unravel them together.
Product Management doesn’t pay as well as other professions
When someone comes to me with a target income, I will often find myself simultaneously being realistic and also communicating just how much wiggle room there really is. In this industry, the pay is there for the taking. Product management has become a highly lucrative profession, especially as there is growth (both individually and with a company).
I have seen product managers and leaders get paid $80K, $150K, $250K, $300K, $500K, and $1M+. There is no limit to your potential!
Only Product Management experience counts
I hear this myth nonstop, and here is the truth: if you have seven years of experience in consulting, four years of experience in engineering, and three years of experience in sales, you have a solid majority of the knowledge needed.
The real issue lies in the inability to tell your story.
The fact is that most people have had product management experience, even if they have not held a product manager title.
You must know how to market yourself confidently. Don’t fall into the trap of going for a junior-level position just because you might not fit every piece of criteria on the job description. Job descriptions are simply a wishlist; they do not dictate your ability to apply.
I have to apply for 20 jobs a day
“But Shobhit, it’s a numbers game.” Now, this is only partly true in the way you’re thinking about it. But, on the other hand, a numbers game also means that you can eliminate 90% of the roles you would’ve applied to focus when you can target your dream jobs. Then, you can effectively network and tune your application to go for the gold (and we want the gold!).
I am getting so many inbound requests; why should I apply?
Inbound requests can be beneficial at times. The problem with relying on these is that it leaves the critical decision of your career up to the whim of an outreach. Be intentional with finding the proper role for you because, ultimately, getting an inbound request from a recruiter does not even promise you an interview.
The real problem with relying on inbound requests is that it leaves the critical decision of your career up to the whim of an outreach.
I cannot make the transition because I have not done Product Management before
Here is the truth; the world has an ever-increasing number of product managers. The other truth? They all had to come from somewhere. I see many applicants running to programs they think will give them the credibility they need to land a product manager role. They receive the certifications and the terminology, but they never learn that nobody cares about your certificates. Interviewers care about what you’ve done/experienced that is relative to product management. With skill, a mentor, and hard work, the transition is always possible.
No one cares about your product management certificates. We do care about your knowledge, skills, experience, and ability to sell yourself as a product manager.
I need to take a junior role because I am transitioning into product management.
I hear this myth quite often. Every time I hear this, I only agree to work with this client to raise their ambition. However, I recently had a client come to me saying this exact statement and that he would be okay with an APM position & $100K. He had experience launching companies, working in engineering and marketing.
Needless to say, we did not go after the APM position. We framed his story, and we framed it nicely. He ended up in a director-level position with a salary of $250K. When you take the time to recognize that all you’ve done before has led you to this moment and gotten you where you are, anything is possible.
I have not worked in a product-led environment, so I should not apply to Google or Facebook.
My response to this myth? Just do it. I have worked with Google for quite some time. So I can let you in on a bit of a secret. If Google’s leadership only hired people who had experience working in product-led environments, they would never grow. They recognize that they want the candidates that are best suited for the position, regardless of where their expertise comes from. What they want is creative, intelligent, problem-solving candidates.
You deserve the job that is best suited for you.
Even Google and Facebook product managers have to start somewhere.
It’s time to surpass these myths and instead go for your dream role.
If you liked the blog post, you would love my free workshop, “5 Steps our Product Manager Clients Take to Land Their Dream Job, Increase Their Salary by 200%+, and Accelerate Their Career.” Go ahead, enroll now!
