How to Break Into Product Management in 2025 (and Actually Get Hired)
“There’s no default path into product.” That’s how Dr. Bart, LinkedIn creator, senior PM, and author of Next Gen Product Manager opens this no-BS conversation on the Product Founder podcast.
In this episode, Dr. Bart shares a refreshingly honest take on what it really takes to land a PM role in 2025 from skill stacking and resume tips to how to survive AI hype and interview chaos.
Let’s break down the key insights.
There’s No Default Path And That’s a Good Thing
“There never was a clear path. It was always convoluted and risky.”
You can:
- Start as a junior/associate PM (harder than ever now!)
- Work your way up from adjacent roles (engineering, design, scrum master, data analyst)
Bart’s advice?
- Pick a starting point closest to your strengths
- Support the product team like a diplomat, not just a doer
- Use your role to show product thinking, not just execution
Do You Need to Be Technical in 2025?
Short answer: yes more than before.
“Previously it didn’t matter. Now, if you’re not technical, you’re behind.”
You don’t need to build models. But you do need to:
- Understand and experiment with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Poe
- Know when not to use AI
- Find AI workflows that improve your flow
How to Prove You Have Product Thinking (Without a PM Job)
“Create your own product. Build it with real users and goals.”
The playbook:
- Use tools like Clappable or Webflow to build
- Set a clear outcome goal (conversion, usage, feedback)
- Show evidence of:
- Research → Experiment → Learn loop
- Metrics you moved
- Hypotheses you tested
Even social media counts, Bart grew his LinkedIn audience like a product:
“My biggest success is my LinkedIn profile, it’s my best product.”
Resume Advice for Aspiring PMs
Include:
- Outcomes and impact (measured in metrics)
- Loops you’ve run (research, test, learn)
- Custom bullets showing why you’re a fit for the role
Avoid:
- Generic CVs sent to every job
- Overemphasis on the brand/company you worked for
“Prove your process. Not your pedigree.”
Nail the Interview With Product Storytelling
“You have 40 minutes to prove you’re the best candidate.”
Dr. Bart’s storytelling framework:
- Punchline first – Start with the result
- Intro – What you’ll talk about
- Bullet point detail – Break it down
- Close with summary – Reinforce the key insight
Bonus tip: Study how real products succeeded. Bring those examples to interviews.
Didn’t Get the Job? It Doesn’t Mean You Failed
“If you did everything right and still didn’t get it that’s not failure. That’s success in disguise.”
Even being the runner-up means:
- You have the skills
- The job just wasn’t the right match
- You’re one step away from your “yes”
Ask for feedback. Stay visible. Stay ready.
What Should PMs Double Down On in 2025?
Surprise: Not just AI.
Bart says:
- Soft skills still matter most (communication, diplomacy, focus)
- Your ability to lead without authority is what makes the difference
- You may not get to build AI in your job but you can still show initiative
“If your company won’t let you do AI prototype it solo. Get it in your portfolio.”
Final Advice from Dr. Bart
“There’s no AI manager. No mom. No savior. You face the market. You face the user. You need guts and clarity.”
Whether you’re building your first product, posting on LinkedIn, or prepping for a product sense interview bring curiosity, courage, and consistency.
And remember:
- You are your own best product.
- Keep iterating.
- Start where you are. Build something real.
Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Product Founder podcast and get weekly interviews with product leaders, founders, and creators who are building legendary products.
Enjoyed this post? You might also like some of our other deep dives with top product thinkers:
1) The Secret to Dominating 7 Countries with One Product Strategy | Hugo Froes
2) My $1,000,000 mistake that almost got me fired | Adam Thomas
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