How to transition into product management

This is a great resource for anyone who is seeking their first product job. Whether you're an Engineer or a Project Manager, this article reveals the skills you need to move into product management.

Transitioning to a new career path is always daunting. However, as a rapidly scaling sector, product management is becoming increasingly attractive to candidates. It's no surprise that one of our most frequently asked questions is 'How do I become a Product Manager?'. We've built this guide to support aspiring Product Managers into their first role and beyond, covering:

• The skills of a good Product Manager
• How to gain product experience
• How to assess a company's approach to product
• How early Product Managers partner with a recruiter
• Final top tips

What makes a good Product Manager?

The first step to becoming a Product Manager is to build your product CV. To do this, you need to ensure you're showcasing the transferable skills relevant to the job title. Here are some of the most important Product Manager skills.

Technical skills

To find an entry-level product role, there tends to be less emphasis on technical product skills. However, upskilling in the following areas could be useful to your job search:

• Proficiency in Excel, SQL and Power BI
• Analytical skills
• Understanding of product-led thinking, the product roadmap and product lifecycle

Soft skills

While technical skills are important, great Product Managers (PMs) are often defined by their soft skills. 

• Natural curiosity stands out as one of the most crucial attributes. Exceptional PMs have an innate drive to understand the "why," "what," and "how" behind everything they encounter. They can’t help but dig deeper when they encounter something they don’t fully understand, constantly striving to fill those knowledge gaps.
• Empathy is another sign of a great Product Manager. A successful PM can put themselves in the shoes of customers and stakeholders, helping to create solutions that resonate. 
• Communication skills are naturally strengthened by each of the above traits. The ability to ask the right questions and deliver the right answers is key to being a Product Manager.

If you’re looking to build these skills, start by immersing yourself in relevant content. Read extensively, and don’t stop at just one book or blog. Apply your learnings to the real world, adapting your thinking as you consume more.

Ultimately, the best way to be a great Product Manager is to act like one. Think critically, ask questions, and always seek ways to add value.

How to gain product experience

With a fresh CV, finding your first opportunity is often the trickiest. Here are some top tips for finding that first product job.

Can your current company support you?

Starting your search within your current business is often the best first step. The network you've built in your current role can often help fast-track your career transition. Even if a product role isn't immediately available, they can expose you to projects that support product development and/or help you strengthen your product skills. So it's a great option for gaining hands-on experience.

Plus, you're more likely to be successful in moving internally. External hiring managers often need candidates who can "hit the ground running" without needing to spend resource on training. 

Invest in learning opportunities

Always supplement your on the job training by engaging in continuous learning. Take courses, attend events, and connect with the product community to familiarise yourself with the language and workflows. This will help you understand what a strong product culture looks like - something you can use to assess future opportunities.

How to assess a company's approach to product

Finding the right company with a strong product culture is crucial for a long-term career in product management. Here are the key areas you should evaluate:

• Leadership: Research the backgrounds of the company’s leaders. Are they product-driven? Have they worked in companies known for strong product practices?
• Team structure: Look at how the team is structured. What’s the ratio of Designers to Engineers to PMs? Are team members onshore or offshore? Is there evidence of former PMs moving on to successful roles elsewhere?
• Growth and progression: A good product culture nurtures its team. Has the company helped employees grow from Associate PM to Senior PM? This progression signals a commitment to development.
• Customer engagement: How often does the team interact with customers? Strong cultures prioritise customer feedback over decisions driven solely by founders or internal assumptions.
• The product itself: Use the company’s product. Is it intuitive and functional, or does it feel disjointed? A fragmented user experience can indicate underlying problems with the product team’s processes.

How to partner with a recruiter in your early career

Recruiters specialising in Product Management can be invaluable allies in your career journey. To help them help you, provide as much information as possible. When Francesca Jackson works with candidates, she asks these key questions:

• Why do you want to be a Product Manager?
• What aspects of product work do you enjoy?
• What is your ultimate career goal, and how does it align with the company’s vision?
• What types of products do you want to work on?
• What’s your unique value proposition or competitive advantage?
• What have you worked on, and what was your impact?
• Where are your skill gaps, and how are you addressing them?
• What feature or project are you most proud of, and why?
• What processes or methodologies do you use?

Recruiters are often most effective once you’ve gained some PM experience. However, building a relationship early on has long-term benefits. Keep them updated on your progress, share your challenges, and let them know when you’re ready to take the next step. A recruiter who understands your strengths and aspirations will be better equipped to connect you with the right opportunities.

Final tips for Junior Product Managers

Here are our final few tips to help you kick off your product management career.

Create an impact-focused CV

Your CV should clearly communicate the value you’ve delivered. Focus on metrics that demonstrate tangible outcomes, such as retention rates or revenue. Use actual figures where possible to show your contributions.

Find a mentor

A mentor can provide invaluable guidance, whether you’re transitioning into product or looking to grow within the field. When working with a mentor, be specific about what you need. Ask them to identify skills gaps or share advice from their own career transitions. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, many experienced PMs are happy to support others.

Leverage your industry experience

If you have a background in a specific sector, such as FinTech, education, or hospitality, consider targeting roles within those industries. Companies often value candidates who already understand their market and customers.

Prepare for interviews

Be honest about your experience, but also be ready to demonstrate a deep understanding of product concepts. Anticipate common interview questions and practice articulating your thought process.

Network thoughtfully

Networking isn’t just about job opportunities - it’s about learning and building connections. Attend events to listen, absorb insights, and engage with professionals across roles like Design and Engineering. This will broaden your perspective and showcase your curiosity and empathy, key traits of a strong PM.

Treat your CV like a product

Think of your CV as a product: 

• Does it clearly communicate its value? 
• Is it tailored to your audience? 
• Does it achieve its purpose of securing an interview? 

Continuously refine it to ensure it aligns with your career goals.

Start your job search!

At this point, you should be ready to start searching for that initial product management job. View our latest roles to start apply today!