Upcoming Meetup: Harnessing the Power of Data & Teamwork
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming meetup dedicated to the vital topics of making data-informed decisions and catalyzing collaboration. This event is a can't-miss opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts alike to delve into the nuances of data analytics and its impact on decision-making processes. Moreover, we'll explore effective strategies for collaboration that can ignite innovation and drive success.
Event Details:
Letter from a community member - Unconventional CV Tactics
We are launching an anonymous letter box to understand our community struggles and answer them in our best way. We will also feature experienced PMs to help out!
Do you want send an anonymous letter? Send it here: berlinproductmanagers@gmail.com
Question from the anonymous member:
Dear BPM,
I’ve recently been laid off from my company due to financial turbulence and a lack of strategy. I revamped my CV but LinkedIn applications are simply not working. Any ideas?
Daniele, a seasoned PM and member of the Berlin Product Managers team, shares his innovative approaches to job seeking and crafting a standout CV.
Answer from Daniele:
Dear BPM member,
Layoffs suck, and I feel your pain as I have also experienced being wiped out together with my team. It's frustrating and disheartening, mainly when it affects not just us but our teams as well. However, it's important to remember that such changes can lead to new opportunities.
Let's face it: the job market can feel like a marketplace where we're all commodities, trying to prove our unique value. The key is to showcase what makes you stand out in solving product problems with your personal flair.
Currently, I'm focusing on using LinkedIn wisely. There's a flood of applicants out there, so finding smart ways to approach companies and polish our CVs is crucial. Here are some insightful blogs I've come across:
A common strategy among job seekers is to do hardcore networking, stand out with pet projects, enroll in Bootcamps like Spiced, IronHack, and Le Wagon, or long learning at Digital Career Institute or CODE University if you can afford. They present themselves as a “product” that can solve/do/execute X, with concrete examples and cover letters.
Remember, less is more when it comes to your CV – keep it minimal!
Your CV is more than just a list of your experiences; it's a narrative that tells the story of your professional journey. To capture the attention of your dream employer, consider these unconventional tactics:
Narrative Flow: Create a compelling story that weaves through your professional achievements.
Visual Elements: Incorporate subtle graphics or color coding to highlight key sections.
Customization: Tailor your CV for each application with keywords and skills that align with the job description.
I'm also steering clear of job listings with:
A high number of applicants.
Posts that have been up for a while could mean the company needs a solid hiring plan or is fishing for free case studies.
You can verify my assumptions with the hiring manager or the company's PM, but these are what I came across in the past.
Last but not least, if the company doesn't reply, it's a sign it might not be the ideal company for us.
Finally, after a few months, I wanted to share my up-to-date CV journey. I must thank all the people who spent time with me, gave feedback, and ensured I had a focused CV tailored to a specific role, type of company, and culture.
Title of who I am: I know I want to work on growth and leverage my love of community management.
Keep one page, roles, and impact readability
Share passions, hackathons, and volunteer jobs. How am I making sure I am a person who needs a job or that job and will push for it?
A real colleague reference, ask them to share on LinkedIn as a cross-reference
Do the Cover Letter with your thoughts and check the copy with ChatGPT or Grammarly
Work on networking online and in real life
A bit of luck 🤗
We are keeping our fingers crossed for both of us!
With 💙 from BPM
Daniele
RSVP Today!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your horizons and connect with like-minded individuals on the 23rd of November. Reserve your spot now and take the first step towards mastering the art of data-informed decision-making and collaboration.
Let us know what we can improve by sending us a message on our Instagram @bpm_meetup
We can't wait to see you there!
BPM Team