The Biggest Crime When Transitioning to a Product Management Career

I've worked with 500+ people transitioning into product management. And I keep seeing the same mistake over and over again.

I watch talented professionals discount their pre-PM experience, treating it like it doesn't matter.

I see them do this in interviews. In their resumes. In their cover letters.

And it breaks my heart because I know it's sabotaging their chances of landing that dream product role.

The Hidden Value of Your Past Experience

Too often, aspiring product managers fall into the trap of believing that only direct PM experience matters. They meticulously highlight their product management internships or side projects while brushing aside years of valuable experience in other domains. This self-imposed limitation isn't just unnecessary—it's potentially harmful to your career progression.

Consider this: if you've excelled in B2B sales, you possess an invaluable understanding of customer pain points, negotiation skills, and market dynamics. These experiences don't become irrelevant when you transition to product management—they become your superpower.

Finding Your Unique Edge

Take, for example, a B2B sales professional moving into a product management role for a sales-focused SaaS solution. Your intimate understanding of:

• Sales processes and workflows

• Common pain points in the sales cycle

• Customer objections and needs

• The competitive landscape

• Real-world implementation challenges

These insights are worth their weight in gold for a product team. You bring a perspective that someone with only traditional PM experience might take years to develop.

Owning Your Narrative

Instead of apologizing for your "non-traditional" background, it's time to own your story. Your professional journey isn't a liability—it's an asset that sets you apart in a sea of candidates with similar backgrounds.

Ask yourself:

• How does my previous experience inform my understanding of user needs?

• What unique perspectives can I bring to product decisions?

• How have my past roles prepared me for the challenges of product management?

The Power of Professional Adjacencies

Success in product management isn't just about checking traditional PM boxes. It's about finding adjacencies—areas where your existing expertise naturally aligns with product management responsibilities. Whether you're coming from sales, engineering, design, or customer success, there are valuable connections waiting to be drawn.

Stop underselling yourself

Start recognizing the full value of your professional journey. When crafting your PM career narrative:

• Highlight transferable skills from your previous roles

• Share specific examples of how your background gives you unique insights

• Demonstrate how your diverse experience makes you a stronger product leader

Remember: The best product managers don't emerge from a cookie-cutter mold. They're shaped by diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. Your non-traditional background isn't just acceptable—it might be exactly what companies need to build better products.

Your past isn't just a stepping stone to product management—it's a foundation for excellence in your future PM career. Own it. Celebrate it. And most importantly, leverage it to create exceptional product experiences.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you found these insights helpful, let’s take it further,

• Land your dream job with personalized career coaching.

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If you have any questions, reply to this email and I will be happy to help.

Wishing you a week filled with positive updates for your job.

I will see you next week.

All the Best

Aditi