TEI 013: Getting the Product Manager / Developer Job You Want–with Recruiter Paul Freed

Summary: Paul knows a lot about what companies are looking for when they hire people for product management. He has been a recruiter for 20 years, helping companies from startups to global organizations hire product managers and developers, as well as other professionals. He is the managing partner for Herd Freed Hartx, the leading executive search firm in the Seattle, WA area. He also recently created the “Job Search Roadmap” website that is full of advice and insider tips for creating a career strategy.<br>  <br> Practices and Ideas for Product Managers, Developers, and Innovators<br> Highlights from the discussion include:<br> <br> * It is a great time to be in Product Management and Development – you’ve got job security.<br> * Product managers are needed to build the right product – one customers value.<br> * If you are dissatisfied with your current work as a product manager, here are Paul’s three steps to making a change:<br> <br> * Fix your attitude – are you giving the job the effort it deserves?<br> * Fix your role – does it allow you to play to your strengths?<br> * Fix your business card logo – look for an organization with the culture you want.<br> <br> <br> * When it comes time to make the move to another company, keep these points in mind:<br> <br> * Know yourself – tools like StrengthFinder 2.0 and  temperament assessments (e.g., DISC) are helpful.<br> * Broaden your perspective – consider options beyond the usual companies.<br> * Narrow your focus – create a target list.<br> * Involve your friends and professional network<br> * Tell your story in a compelling way – make yourself stand out from the crowd.<br> <br> <br> <br> Two questions that make or break any interview – nail these and 80% of the interview is done:<br> <br> * “What are you looking for?” Respond specifically – the five things you are looking for.<br> * “Why are you interested in us?” Apply the research you’ve done on the organization and connect with it personally.<br> <br> Want more details – <a href="https://jobsearchroadmap.leadpages.net/job-search-checklist/" target="_blank" data-wpel-link="external" rel="follow external noopener noreferrer">get Paul’s job search checklist</a>.<br> Innovation Quote<br> “Real artists ship” – Steve Jobs<br>  <br> Listen Now to the Interview<br>  <br> Raw Transcript<br> Thanks for Listening!<br> Thank you for joining me again. I love discussing product development and learning from the successes and failures of product innovators. If you enjoyed the discussion, help out a fellow product manager, developer, or innovator by sharing it using the social media buttons you see below.<br>