The dreaded has happened... you are a Product Manager who has been laid off. Whether you have been impacted by one of the big tech company layoffs or a re-org at your company, you are not alone. Job loss can be a tough and overwhelming experience, but it is important to remember that there are always opportunities out there waiting for you. In fact, there may be even more opportunities than you think, especially if you consider exploring roles titled outside of just "Product Manager." 

Have You Ever Envisioned Yourself as Technical?

Many Product Managers shy away from roles with "technical" in the title, assuming that they need to be coders or have a deep understanding of complex technology. However, being "technical" is subjective and the job of a Technical Product Manager is not to code. Rather, the role involves translating technical concepts into non-technical language for business people and customers.

As a Product Manager, you likely have a solid foundation of technical knowledge, but it's important to remember that technical expertise comes with time and experience. You don't need to know everything to succeed in a Technical Product Manager role, but it's important to have a basic understanding of technical concepts and how they relate to the business. You know - "know enough to be dangerous!"

Partnering with a developer who is patient and willing to answer questions can be a huge asset in your transition to a Technical Product Manager role. Together, you can build a strong working relationship where you can learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses.

It's also important to remember that the field of Product Management is constantly evolving, and there are always new skills and knowledge to be gained. Don't stress about knowing everything from the start. Instead, focus on learning what you super powers are now and continue to build on that foundation over time.

How Do I Set Myself Up As The Best Candidate?

Here are a few tips to help you stand out in your job search:

1. Highlight your technical expertise

While you may not be a coder, you likely have experience working with developers, understanding technical concepts, and translating them into business language. Make sure to highlight this experience in your resume and cover letter, and be prepared to speak to it in interviews.

2. Demonstrate your ability to learn

One of the key qualities of a successful Technical Product Manager is the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and concepts. Highlight any examples of your ability to learn quickly and pick up new skills in your past roles.

3. Emphasize your communication skills

As a Technical Product Manager, it is crucial to be able to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Emphasize your communication skills and any experience you have working with cross-functional teams.

4. Show your passion for the field

Employers want to see that you are passionate about the field of Product Management, and that you are excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in a Technical Product Manager role. Be prepared to speak to your passion for the field in your interviews and show your enthusiasm for the role.

5. Search for companies & culture, not title

Remember that you have the right to find a company and culture that fits with your current needs in this phase of your life. This forced break may be just the time you need to evaluate what your current needs are. Be open to explore other titles around: product owner jobs, agile project manager, product development manager... the title means less as long as you find a place and a product that is a good fit for you. Every company is going to use the same title a little different anyway! 

Have You Dreamed of Going Out on Your Own?

This is personally what Jackie did! After being laid off 3 times in a row, she decided it was time to take her career in her own hands. And it is a question we get asked all the time... "How did you go out on your own and launch your own business?" If you have been pondering this, maybe it's time you try it out! You can go out on your own full time or as a side hustle. Which means you can keep looking for new full time roles or career shifts. If you are interested in learning more about how we have launched our successful consulting and coaching businesses, join us for our weekly master class! We share our 5 step framework and give your our Business Starter Toolkit all for free - because this was the best decision we ever made for ourselves!

Hang in there!

While a layoff can be a challenging experience, it can also be an opportunity to:

• Explore new career paths
• Take focused time to upskill yourself 
• Network with new groups & peers you didn't have time for before
• Grow personally and professionally

Don't be afraid to consider a Technical Product Manager role, even if you don't have a deep technical background, or launching your own business. With the right mindset, approach, and a willingness to learn, you can succeed in this exciting and evolving field.