Want a PM Job? Start a Job Search Group — Here’s Why It Works
When I was first looking for a job, I made every mistake you could possibly make.
I was out there doing what most people do — sending out resumes like they were flyers, applying for anything that even sounded like Product. And when I did land interviews, I’d bounce from one to the next, thinking if I just kept trying, eventually something would stick.
Spoiler: it didn’t work.
No offers. No useful feedback. Just rejection after rejection. It was disheartening. I was frustrated. And I was doing it all alone.
It wasn’t until I finally stopped to reflect that I realized: this isn’t just about working harder. It’s about working smarter. And more importantly, it’s about not doing it in isolation.
Let me walk you through what I learned, what I changed, and why I now believe job hunting should never be done alone — especially if you're trying to break into Product.
What Actually Helped: Doing It Together
So, here’s what changed everything for me: I started a Job Search Group.
A few of us — all looking for roles, mostly in Product — started meeting regularly. Nothing fancy. Just weekly check-ins over Zoom.
We’d:
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Share what we were working on
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Help each other with resumes and portfolios
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Do mock interviews
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Send each other job leads
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And, most importantly, keep each other going
And it worked. Not because someone handed me a job, but because I was no longer guessing alone.
Doing it together gave me structure. It gave me feedback. And it kept me accountable — which, let’s be honest, is hard to do on your own.
What is a Job Search Group?
Think of it as your support squad during your job hunt — but it’s more than just a group chat.
Here’s what makes it powerful:
You’re Not Alone
The single most powerful benefit: realizing you’re not in this alone.
A Job Search Group replaces isolation with insight, encouragement, and forward motion.
Mutual Accountability
Regular check-ins create momentum.
Members set goals, report progress, and commit to helping each other move forward.
Emotional Resilience
This process has highs (interviews, offers) and lows (rejections, ghosting).
The group helps you navigate both — together.
Learning by Doing (Together)
You sharpen your strategy, practice interviews, test negotiation techniques — and you do it all in a safe space where feedback flows both ways.
It’s not about who gets a job first.
It’s about moving forward as a group — and making sure nobody gets left behind.
What Makes a Great Job Search Group?
A Job Search Group isn’t just a bunch of people on a Zoom call. The best ones are intentional, structured, and grounded in mutual respect. Here’s what makes them work:
Right-Sized Group (4–8 People)
Small enough to build trust. Large enough to bring in diverse perspectives and fresh ideas.
Peer-Led, Not Expert-Led
No coaches. No gurus. No one’s running the show. Everyone shows up as both a giver and a receiver. That’s what keeps it grounded and real.
Use a Common Framework
Whether it’s the same job search approach, book, or teacher — pick one strategy and stick with it. It’s not about being right. It’s about making progress.
Confidentiality & Psychological Safety
What’s shared in the group stays in the group. Everyone needs to feel safe being honest — especially on the tough days when motivation dips or big decisions are on the table.
Structured Weekly Meetings
Don’t wing it. Great groups have a rhythm:
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Progress updates
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Short requests for help
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A deeper dive into one member’s challenge
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Or a shared practice session (like interview drills)
When you bring these ingredients together, you create something rare: a space where people grow, together.
Structure + Support = Progress.
Start your group. Keep it simple.
Why This Works
Job searching alone is exhausting. You’re second-guessing everything. You're constantly tweaking your resume, sending applications, and hoping for a sign that you're on the right track.
But when you're in a group:
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You get honest feedback
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You learn from what’s working for others
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You build momentum
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You stop feeling like the only one struggling
Doing it together expands your chances of finding a role.
It’s that simple.
Let’s Make This Real
Here’s the thing — job hunting doesn’t have to feel like a solo mission. You don’t need to have all the answers or do everything by yourself. With the right group, you get the support, feedback, and accountability that make all the difference. It’s about doing it smarter, not harder, and knowing that you’re not in this alone.
Starting a Job Search Group doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs to be real. A space where you share, learn, and grow together. No one gets left behind, and everyone moves forward. That’s the power of working as a team.
So, take that first step today. Start your group. Keep it simple, keep it real, and watch how much more you accomplish when you’re not doing it alone.
Let’s get those jobs — together.
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