From Interview Struggles to Landing His Dream Job: Abdul’s Story

For those aspiring to pursue a career in product management, allow me to share an insightful anecdote drawn from Abdul Kareem's journey that might resonate with you.

The profound influence of long-term mentorship shines brightly in Abdul's story, particularly under the guidance of Saumya.

Picture this transformation: from grappling with a lack of confidence and struggling through interviews to securing his dream job in just two months. 

How did Abdul achieve this remarkable feat? Aspiring product managers pay attention!

We're about to delve into the profound impact of personalised mentorship, akin to a tailored roadmap, and its pivotal role in shaping a career trajectory.

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to seek Preplaced mentorship?

I've got a solid nine years of experience as a project manager. You'd think with all that experience, I'd ace any interview, but here's the catch.

As I aimed for a new role as a product manager, interviews became a stumbling block. Even though I knew the answers, I struggled to present myself well.

It felt like I was on the edge of a breakthrough but couldn't quite get there. That's when I realised: my presentation game was weak, and my confidence needed a boost.

To fix this, I researched YouTube and other online resources to level up my skills. That's when I stumbled upon Preplaced. Seeing how others transformed through the program caught my eye.

I took a chance and decided to give Preplaced a shot. I attended a trial 1:1 personalised mentorship session and it's a decision I haven't regretted.

What influenced your decision to extend the trial session with Saumya into a long-term mentorship?

When I first came across Preplaced and scheduled a session with Saumya Dey, I had some expectations after seeing the success stories of other mentees. 

However, I wasn’t entirely committed to signing up for long-term mentorship right away. The trial session felt more like a test run, to be honest, a bit of a 'let's see how this goes' moment. 

But then, I met Saumya. In just one session, he astutely pinpointed my weaknesses and laid out a clear plan. He highlighted areas needing strong focus and those needing just a bit of fine-tuning.

His ability to outline my shortcomings right from the start gave me a surge of confidence. It was like he had a roadmap tailored just for me. 

That initial interaction convinced me that he had the expertise to guide me towards achieving my goals. 

How did Saumya's mentorship impact your product manager job search?

Saumya's mentorship had a tremendous impact on my journey to secure a product manager role. When we first connected, he swiftly recognized my interview struggles—an eye-opening moment for me. Despite my expertise, I realised I wasn't effectively showcasing my skills during interviews.

Saumya didn't waste any time; he dived straight into refining my interview skills. He meticulously worked with me to fine-tune my resume, suggesting keywords that significantly enhanced its impact. These changes ensured that my resume stood out, especially during those critical "walk me through your resume" moments in interviews.

The mock interviews were game-changers. Saumya put special emphasis on behavioural questions, an area where I struggled the most. Saumya's feedback during these mock interviews was invaluable. 

He didn’t just provide generic advice; he helped me structure my responses effectively, emphasising relevant experiences to showcase my capabilities. His guidance significantly sharpened my approach and equipped me comprehensively for real product management interview situations.

He created tailored scenarios to boost my confidence.  Right from the start, he identified my strengths but also noted the necessity to refine how I presented myself. This shift in approach began altering my perspective, helping me better understand the interviewer's viewpoint, all thanks to Saumya's guidance.

Saumya's personalised mentorship wasn't solely about refining skills or updating my resume. It was a comprehensive transformation in my approach. His insights bridged the gap between my abilities and how I communicated them, leading to a pivotal shift in my entire interview strategy.

What was the outcome of the long-term mentorship?

Within just 2 months, I received an offer from FYNXT, landing my dream job! The personalised mentorship provided by Saumya played a definitive role here. 

His mentor-led sessions played a significant role in boosting my confidence, refining my interview skills, and guiding me strategically towards success. 

The direct impact of Saumya's guidance was evident as I progressed through the mentorship, culminating in landing the job I had long aspired for.

What advice would you give to aspiring product managers based on your experience?

For aspiring product managers, my key advice is to consider spending time with a mentor similar to Saumya. This kind of personalised mentorship provides a clear, personalised roadmap designed to help you achieve your specific goals.

The feedback I received after each session was priceless. It not only offered insights into my strengths and areas needing improvement but also significantly enriched subsequent sessions. 

This continual loop of feedback and learning allowed for constant growth and refinement in my approach, ultimately contributing to my success in landing my dream job.

Mentorship goes beyond guidance; it's about gaining a fresh perspective, honing skills, and fostering professional development. 

Saumya's mentorship wasn't just a series of sessions; it was a transformative journey for me. The 1:1 sessions have equipped me with the tools and confidence to attend interviews confidently!

In essence, my advice to aspiring product managers would be to actively seek mentorship, embrace constructive feedback, and leverage the guidance and wisdom offered by seasoned mentors like Saumya. 

It's a game-changer on the path to becoming a successful product manager!

Wrapping it up

I trust that sharing Abdul’s story has provided you with valuable insights into the immense impact long-term mentorship can have.

When facing challenges in excelling at interviews or progressing in your career, seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move.

The guidance of a mentor can significantly alter not only your professional trajectory but also enhance various facets of your career and personal life.

The crucial step is to embrace the opportunity, engage in a trial 1:1 mentorship session, and genuinely feel the difference for yourself!

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Read more:

Balancing Motherhood and Career: How Shriza Cracked her Dream Role at BCG

Breaking Free from Job Stagnation: Himalaya’s Inspiring Story