
Product Dave | Breaking into Product Management
Get expert insights, actionable strategies, and real-world advice to transition into Product Management in the form of weekly emails. Learn how to build PM skills, gain hands-on experience, and navigate the job search with confidence.
How to Start Networking Conversations Without Feeling Like a Creep
Starting Conversations Is Awkward — That’s Normal
You walk into a room. You see people chatting. You stand by the snack table pretending to be busy.
We’ve all done it.
Starting conversations in networking sessions is awkward — especially if you're trying to break into a new field like Produ...
Sep 15, 2025
The Insider's Truth: What Separates Failed and Successful PM Transitions
Last week, someone got promoted to PM at your company. You found out when they updated their LinkedIn. The kicker? You'd been "networking" with the product team for months while they were quietly becoming indispensable. Here's the difference between what you did and what actually works.
Look, ...
Aug 08, 2025
pm roles
product
product manager
Networking Externally to Land a PM Role Without Feeling Lost
Let’s get something straight:
Breaking into product has very little to do with job boards.
It has everything to do with conversations.
You don’t need another résumé rewrite.
You need more people saying your name in hiring meetings.
And if you’re not already in the product world?
That means net...
Jul 11, 2025
pm roles
product management
The 3 Networking Lies Stopping You from Landing a PM Role — And What Actually Works
Let’s start with a belief that quietly holds a lot of people back:
“I’ll start networking when I’m ready to apply.”
On the surface, it makes sense. You’re not job hunting yet, so why bother?
But here’s the problem — by the time you need a network, it’s already too late to build one.
You’re t...
Jun 24, 2025
breaking into pm
pm roles
product
How I Landed a Product Job Without Applying—And How You Can Too
Here’s the truth about product jobs (that no one tells you)
Most PM roles don’t go to the best applicant.
They go to the best-connected builder.
That’s because PMs get hired through trust. And trust is built through relationships — not applications.
The job offer I landed at Kajabi?
It didn’t st...
Jun 20, 2025
breaking into product management
pm roles
pm strategy
roles
Don’t Job Hunt Alone — Build a Job Search Group That Gets Results
In the last edition, we talked about why doing a job search alone sucks — and how creating a small, focused Job Search Group (JSG) changed everything for me.
But just creating a group chat isn’t enough.
To really move the needle, you need structure. You need rhythm. You need the right mindset....
Jun 19, 2025
pm roles
product
product management
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...
May 16, 2025
breaking into product
product management
roles
The Notion Doc That Landed Me the PM Role in a New Country
Hey friends,
Here’s something I’ve never shared publicly before:
📄 This is the exact Notion doc I sent that helped me land my PM role at Kajabi — before I even had an interview.
It’s not a case study.
It’s not a portfolio.
It’s just a collection of real product ideas based on my experience as a K...
May 04, 2025
breaking into product
product management
tools
How to Find a Product Manager Job That's For You
If you’re a Business Analyst, Designer, Engineer, or Project Manager trying to break into Product Management, there’s a question that probably haunts you every time you hit “Apply”:
“Is this even the right PM role for me?”
You’re not alone.
The #1 Thing That’s Blocking You: No Clarity of Direct...
Apr 01, 2025
askdave
career transitions
product management
How Much Do Product Managers Actually Get Paid? 💰
Hey Friends! 👋
If you’re thinking about a career in product management, you’ve probably wondered:
🤔 How much do PMs actually make?
🤔 Does it pay better than other roles like software engineering or consulting?
🤔 What’s the long-term earning potential in PM?
Let’s break it down.
🌍 PM Salaries De...
Mar 16, 2025
askdave
career transitions
product management
What do Hiring Managers Look for in a Junior PM?
Hey Friends! 👋
If you’re applying for a junior product manager role, you might be wondering:
🤔 What skills do hiring managers actually look for?
🤔 How do they evaluate candidates?
🤔 What separates an Associate Product Manager (APM) from a Product Manager (PM)?
I’ve hired a lot of junior PMs, and...
Mar 11, 2025
askdave
career transitions
product management
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Product Manager?
Hey Friends, 👋 One of the most common questions I receive is: “What skills do you need to be a Product Manager?”
If you’ve ever researched this, you’ve likely encountered many competency lists, frameworks, and contradictory perspectives. 😵💫
Some companies emphasize techni...
Mar 09, 2025
askdave
career transitions
product management