AFTER THE CERT: Helping Product Managers Get Unstuck

AFTER THE CERT: Helping Product Managers Get Unstuck

By Jess SherlockBusinessCareers
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AFTER THE CERT: Helping Product Managers Get Unstuck episodes

  • How SPRINT Works: Inside My 90-Day PM Job Search Program

    Curious about SPRINT, my 90-day Product Management job search coaching program? Wondering what actually happens after you sign up, what kind of support you'll get, and whether it's worth the investment?

    In this episode of AFTER THE CERT, I'm taking you behind the scenes of SPRINT to explain exactly how we help experienced Product Managers build a smarter job search strategy, land more interviews, and confidently compete for their next role.

    Listen to learn:

    • The three core areas we focus on to help PMs target the right roles, stand out, and build momentum
    • What your first 90 days in SPRINT actually look like, from strategy to resume to interview prep and offer negotiation
    • How our 1:1 coaching, group sessions, curriculum, and community work together to support you
    • Real SPRINT client results, including promotions, salary increases, and time to offer
    • What happens if you don't land a job within 90 days, including our interview guarantee and ongoing support options
    • How much SPRINT costs, who's a great fit, and how to get started

    If you're an experienced Product Manager serious about finding your next PM role and want expert guidance from day one, this episode will help you decide if SPRINT is right for you.

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    25 min
  • The Hidden Costs of Doing Your PM Job Search Alone

    Thinking about searching for your next PM job on your own? You might be saving money upfront... but what could it cost you in missed opportunities, lost income, and wasted time?

    In this episode of AFTER THE CERT, I'm running through the hidden costs of DIY job searching and why getting expert support before you start struggling could be one of the smartest investments in your career.

    Listen in to learn:

    • Why you might be targeting the wrong PM roles or overlooking higher-paying opportunities
    • How poor interview preparation can cost you your dream job
    • Why AI and generic job search advice can't always diagnose what's holding you back
    • How a prolonged job search could cost you thousands in missed income
    • When it makes sense to invest in a career coach instead of going it alone

    Plus, I'm sharing real stories from SPRINT clients and announcing a 🎁 special holiday bonus 🎁 for November and December SPRINT enrollments.

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    21 min
  • 2026 Product Management Job Search Playbook

    LinkedIn would have you believe that PM jobs are disappearing, AI is replacing everyone, and you need to know how to code to get hired. But that's not the full story.

    The market has changed, but PMs are still landing great jobs. The key is knowing what companies want and how to stand out.

    In this episode, I'm sharing what I'm seeing firsthand in the 2026 PM job market, including who's getting hired, which skills are in demand, how AI is changing interviews, and why your unique experience might be more valuable than you think.

    If you've been putting off your job search because the market feels scary, this episode will help you understand what's actually happening and where to focus your energy.

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    27 min
  • 5 PM Job Search Mistakes Keeping You Stuck

    If your PM job search feels stuck… this episode is for you. 🫶

    Most PM job searches don’t fail from lack of effort. Usually, they're stuck because of a few well-intentioned mistakes that are sabotaging their traction.

    In this episode, I share the 5 PM job search mistakes I’m seeing everywhere right now (and, of course, what to do instead):

    • Being “open to anything” is undermining your credibility
    • Thinking of your interview as a test, not a pitch
    • Applying to roles you’re overqualified for
    • Expecting consistent interviews when you lose momentum
    • Confusing volume with a clear application strategy

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    23 min
  • 2025 Wrapped: Real PM Job Search Data from Inside SPRINT

    How long does it actually take to land a PM offer right now? What interview conversion rates are realistic? And where are offers really coming from? 

    In this episode, I’m sharing real 2025 job search data from inside the SPRINT program, including: time to offer, salary offers, and whether referrals actually led to jobs (hint: not as often as you probably think!). If you’re a data-driven PM, this one's for you.

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    16 min
  • More Resume Tweaks Won’t Get You Job Interviews (Do this Instead)

    If you’re updating your resume for every single job and still not getting interviews, this episode is for you.

    I talk about why more tweaks, different keywords, and endless customization using resume-scoring tools usually doesn't help - it just leads to frustration and burnout. And, of course, I share what to do instead to get more, and better, interviews. 

    Spoiler alert: you need to craft a clear, compelling story that makes you the obvious choice for the job. Unclear positioning is the #1 reason I see for PM job searches that are stalling out.

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    21 min
  • Why Another PM Certification Won’t Fix Your Job Search (and What Will)

    Hear me when I say: you absolutely, positively DO NOT need another PM course or certification to get hired.

    In this episode, I break down why certifications feel productive during a job search, but often act as expensive and time-consuming procrastination. I explain what hiring managers actually care about, why experience beats credentials every single time, and how focusing on the wrong gap can waste so much time.

    I also walk through how to reframe your experience, even if you haven't had a formal PM title, so you can position yourself as the obvious choice for the right roles. If you’ve been telling yourself, “I’ll start applying once I get this one certification” this is your gentle (but direct) wake-up call.

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    17 min
  • How to Shorten Your PM Job Search

    Most PM job searches take longer than they should. Not because of the "bad" market, or because you're unqualified... but because you're not clearly articulating your value.

    In this episode, I share the top way you can set yourself up to shorten your PM job search by getting clear early: on your positioning, your unique value, and the story you’re telling recruiters and hiring managers. 

    I also share a real client story about a PM who landed an offer in just 29 days after starting to apply with their SPRINT resume - a direct result of tightening their job search strategy and positioning. 

    If you're thinking about kicking off a job search, set yourself up for success right from the start. Your future self will thank you!

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    23 min
  • How to Job Search When You Have a Full-Time Job

    If you want a new product job but you’re already busy with a full-time role, this episode is for you. The idea of starting a job search can feel, well, overwhelming. Having a simple, structured plan can turn a chaotic, stop-and-start job search into consistent momentum that *actually* gets you an offer. 

    Plus, you'll get to hear about Brendan: a SPRINT alum who was employed full-time during his job search, and landed a whopping 22% salary increase in just under 2 months from his first application to offer acceptance. The program not only secured him a new job, but it got him on a path to specializing in Growth PM roles.

    TL;DR: Clarity, focus, and realistic weekly milestones can help you make real progress in your job search even when your energy is tapped.

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    19 min
  • Stop Starting Your Job Search With Your Resume!

    If you’re about to kick off a job search and your first instinct is to update your resume, this episode is for you. Hear me when I say: starting with your resume is the trap that keeps so many smart and talented Product Managers stuck. 

    In this episode, I walk you through why the resume comes later and what actually needs to happen first if you want real traction. I also share a real SPRINT client story that led to an offer in 42 days, with a 15% salary increase + a $17,000 starting bonus... all because they took the time to craft a thoughtful job search strategy. 

    If you want your next job search to feel focused and intentional instead of chaotic, this episode is a must listen.

    Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

    Learn more about product career coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    26 min

About AFTER THE CERT: Helping Product Managers Get Unstuck

From the publisher's feed

AFTER THE CERT is the career podcast for product managers who have collected all the certificates and still feel stuck. Hosted by product management career coach Jess Sherlock, each episode…