If you are finishing your university degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Marketing, Science or Engineering, and you are keen to explore a career in the digital sector, then product management could be a very lucrative career option.
There are 3 key steps and 5 phases you have to go through if you are starting a job-hunt in digital product management.
3 key steps for digital career readiness:
Step 1) Getting your ‘outstanding’ resume ready
Recruitment agents and hiring companies have seconds to go through your CV/Resume. This means a mediocre resume will not get you shortlisted for interviews.
Step 2) Relevant education
Companies will always say it is ‘highly advantageous’ if you have a degree in a related field. This means if you have the relevant education background, your chances of getting shortlisted for interviews would increase.
Step 3) Related work-experience
As a graduate, if you have ‘Apprenticeship/Internship experience’ on your resume, and if it is related to the industry you want to join, or the type of work you want to do, then it helps your chances during interview rounds.
5 phases to start your digital product management career:
Phase 1) You are ready for the digital sector:
(Tip: do this hard work, it will pay off in the end!)
Apart from the digital career readiness steps, what you also need is:
- List of companies you would like to join
- List of graduate job roles you would like to apply for
- List of job sites which display graduate digital roles
Phase 2) You are aware of the recruitment process:
(Tip: be thorough and detailed)
- List of the application process by company – When companies don’t come to campus, they will have a unique way of shortlisting candidates
- You are aware of your university’s job application process – for e.g. Analytical thinking test, group discussions, interview processes, technical test etc.
Phase 3) You apply and keep applying via the multiple routes
(Tip: have patience and be persistent)
- Apply for digital product management roles in open days or when companies visit your campus
- Directly approach the company via their HR department
- Connect with senior managers (on LinkedIn) from the companies you want to join. (Avoid- spamming them, or connecting with anyone and everyone for no reason. Don’t annoy them with ‘I need a job, please give me one’ types of requests, this will only harm your chances of making a good impression)
Phase 4) You get invited for the interview round (congratulations!)
(Tip: prepare, prepare, prepare)
- Research on the company- go to their website, check out their LinkedIn page
- Prepare a list of product management related questions and your answers
- Prepare a list of personal questions and your answers
- Go over your resume and think about the type of questions you might be asked- like explain an exciting project you worked on, your education background etc.
- Read the job description (if given by the company)
- Take the portfolio of project work you have to showcase during the interview
- Think of the questions you want to ask
- Practice your introduction – keep it to the point and concise
- Give your answers in a clear, concise fashion, use examples where appropriate
Phase 5) You are given the job offer (well done!)
- Think through your interview experience, did you enjoy the process and liked the company?
- Do you see yourself working in the company?
- Are you happy with the salary?
- Do you see your career and skills development in this company?
- Decide on as many factors as you want before saying yes or no