Ever wonder how to position yourself in a job search the same way you’d position a product?

In this episode, Todd Blaquiere and Joe Ghali welcome back resume and storytelling expert Nils Davis to talk about how product managers can stand out in a crowded job market by running their job hunt like a go-to-market strategy.
We cover why resumes should read like short stories instead of laundry lists, how to uncover your true differentiators, and why research on the company and hiring manager is as essential as product discovery. Nils shares practical ways to frame your value, Todd talks about the mindset that sets you apart in interviews, and Joe highlights what hiring managers actually look for when reading resumes.
If you’re job searching and tired of blending in with 50 other candidates, this episode will give you actionable strategies to treat yourself like the product and position your career for success.

If you’re navigating the job market right now, pull up a chair on the porch and learn how to apply your PM skills to the ultimate product: you.

References & Links

Connect with Nils: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilsdavis/
The Secret Product Manager Handbook
Sign up for the Product Porch Newsletter

Time Stamped Notes

Introduction and Setting the Stage
[00:00] Welcome and guest intro – Joe, Todd, and Nils set up the discussion around job search as product management.
[01:00] Why job seekers struggle – Common pitfalls PMs face when trying to stand out.

The Importance of Differentiators
[01:19] What makes you different – Nils explains why generic claims like “customer-obsessed” don’t work.
[03:45] Finding your edge – Examples of strong differentiators that hiring managers remember.

Resume Strategies and Common Pitfalls
[05:31] Why copy-pasting job descriptions fails – The trap of tailoring too literally.
[08:15] Story-driven resumes – Using problems, actions, and outcomes to make impact clear.

Crafting a Compelling Resume Narrative
[12:10] The resume as a story – Nils shares how to highlight transformation and business impact.
[16:40] Avoiding vague statements – How to show results with concrete outcomes.

Interview Preparation and Mindset
[19:38] Research like discovery – Treating hiring managers like users to understand their needs.
[23:35] Todd’s interview mindset – Why you should never discount your value going in.

Differentiators and Superpowers
[27:57] Owning your superpower – How to identify strengths and communicate them with confidence.
[30:15] A differentiator in action – Nils gives an example of turning platforms into revenue engines.
[34:41] “Your obvious is your art” – Why what comes naturally may be your biggest edge.

Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
[35:03] Key lessons – Differentiators, storytelling, research, and mindset for job hunting.
[41:30] Where to find Nils – How listeners can connect for resume help.
[43:02] Wrap up – Closing thoughts and sign-off.

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Position Yourself Like a Product: Product Manager Job Search

The Product Porch