Looking to land a product marketing role: Learn how to stand out in a tough job market.
So you’re applying for Product Marketing roles but getting nowhere?
First off - hang in there. The market is particularly tough right now, and the traditional tactics just don’t cut it anymore. Remember you only need one door to open. Let’s talk about how you can help make that happen.
I’m sure you’ve read a million posts about aligning your resume and cover letter with the job posting. Using a tool like JobScan to understand the match and how your application presents to recruiters. And of course getting the LinkedIn algorithm flywheel going - this one is particularly tough for people who don’t like to share publicly but during the job search, it’s a necessary tactic.
Start with the hard skills
First off - hang in there. The market is particularly tough right now, and the traditional tactics just don’t cut it anymore. Remember you only need one door to open. Let’s talk about how you can help make that happen.
I’m sure you’ve read a million posts about aligning your resume and cover letter with the job posting. Using a tool like JobScan to understand the match and how your application presents to recruiters. And of course getting the LinkedIn algorithm flywheel going - this one is particularly tough for people who don’t like to share publicly (speaking from own experience) but during the job search, it’s a necessary tactic.
Every PMM role will expect you to demonstrate experience, or knowledge and interest in the fundamentals of product marketing.
Research - have you examples of conducting market, customer, and /or competitor research
Insights - how did you extract insights from the quantitative and qualitative data
Product launch experience - have you brought any products to market? (think broadly from physical to digital to events)
Positioning and messaging experience - when did you need to craft a message or a story to match the audience mindset?
Complex campaign execution - experience managing cross functional partners, working with partners and different teams
Sales enablement - do you have experience working with sales teams, or experience translating complex topics into simple, compelling content
Analytical mindset - how do you apply data to measure impact and identify opportunities?
If you’re light on experience - maybe you’re a recent grad or pivoting from another area - don’t bluff it. Think about how you can demonstrate transferable skills. Show your interest and passion to learn through other signals. That signal can be:
Following thought leaders on LinkedIn and Reddit and joining the conversation
Attending product marketing events (like PMA meet ups) and webinars
Writing thoughtful posts or comments that show curiosity
Taking the time to craft a real cover letter (don’t rely on AI without reviewing and editing as being authentic is key)
Speaking to the gaps with confidence
Of course it would be great if you are able to demonstrate experience in every single area but the reality is that hiring managers don’t expect perfection. What they’re looking for is someone who has a solid background, a strong aptitude to learn, and will be a good cultural fit.
If there’s a gap, pretending you know everything is a bigger red flag that acknowledging the gap, and suggesting how you’ll close it.
Be transparent about any gaps
Show curiosity and eagerness to grow
Share examples of how you’ve closed similar gaps in the past
Calling out the elephant in the room shows maturity, self awareness, and resilience - qualities that go a long way as a PMM.
Showcasing your soft skills
What really sets great PMMs apart (or any hire for that matter) are the soft human skills. PMMs sit at the cross section of product, marketing, data and sales. The ability to foster strong relationships and create campaigns that drive impact, is key.
Do you possess these soft skills? How can you weave them into your resume and interview?
Empathy - Listening deeply to customers and partners and understanding their pain points
Relationship building - cementing trust with cross-functional teams
Ruthless prioritization - knowing what matters most, when, and what can wait
Aesthetic appreciation - the taste and understanding to know good creative from mediocre. A strong portfolio site can really help do this.
Analytical skills - switching between strategy and data, storytelling and insights
Curiosity - really think about the questions you want to ask them
Think about how you can bring these to life through real examples from work, studies, or side projects.
Your differentiator
Learn the language of PMMs. Breaking into product marketing is like learning a new language - the more you immerse yourself, the faster you’ll feel fluent. Then think about how you’re different? Just as you would approach a product launch. What is your unique value?
Listen to product marketing podcasts
Join communities and online events
Study the language in job postings and practice applying it to your story
Find the right support for your growth
Landing your first PMM role is about breaking through the noise and balancing the basics with your authentic differentiator. It can be overwhelming. But you don't have to do it alone. At Trellis, I’ve designed coaching packages to meet you where you’re at in your career journey. Let’s chat!
