5 min read
|
Saved February 14, 2026
|
Copied!
Do you care about this?
This article discusses the disconnect between job seekers' experiences and the current job market for senior product managers. It highlights that while senior roles are growing, many experienced professionals are looking in the wrong places, primarily focusing on startups instead of mid-size firms and multinationals that value their depth of experience.
If you do, here's more
Many experienced product managers feel sidelined in the job market, often facing listings that request 3-5 years of experience despite having significantly more. The author, Mike, highlights a disconnect between job seekers' perceptions and market realities. Data shows a sharp increase in senior product manager roles at major firms, with openings growing by 87% in the last year, while junior roles only rose by 16%. Mid-sized and multinational companies saw even larger increases—243% and 255%, respectively. In contrast, startups are cutting back on senior positions, down 33%. This points to a demand for seasoned professionals, but not in the startup ecosystem, which prioritizes speed and less experience.
Mike argues that experienced PMs should focus their job searches on mid-sized and multinational companies where their skills are valued. He emphasizes that static expertise is becoming risky, especially as industries shift due to technological advancements like AI. Those who thrive have diversified their experience across various functions and industries rather than remaining within a single domain. He encourages framing diverse experiences as a strategic advantage and clarifying one’s value in environments where traditional product management roles may not exist. By targeting the right companies and rethinking how they present their backgrounds, experienced PMs can find rewarding opportunities that align with their skill sets.
Questions about this article
No questions yet.