AFTER THE CERT: Helping Product Managers Get Unstuck

Jess Sherlock
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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 features practical advice, relatable guests, and real-world lessons from PMs navigating the messy middle of their careers. No fluff. No theory. Just the stuff no one teaches you in a course.

  1. 16H AGO

    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 credibilityThinking of your interview as a test, not a pitchApplying to roles you’re overqualified forExpecting consistent interviews when you lose momentumConfusing volume with a clear application strategyConnect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/ Learn more about product coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    23 min

  2. JAN 21

    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 coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    16 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    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 coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    20 min

  4. 12/24/2025

    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 coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    17 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    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 coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    22 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    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 coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    18 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    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 coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    25 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    How to Land a New Product Job in Q1 (Hint: start your search now!)

    You want a new job in the New Year? Cool. Then you need to kickoff your job search, like, yesterday. The PMs who will be landing job offers in January are already interviewing. In this episode, I share the top 3 reasons why November and December are the best time to kickoff your job search. Plus, I give you specific tactics that I use with clients on how to build the kind of momentum that gets you interviews (and offers) faster. I’ll also share a REAL client story that proves the market isn’t as bleak as your LinkedIn feed makes it look. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or tempted to wait to kickoff your job search, this is your nudge. Limited Time BONUS Offer 🎁🎁🎁 Sign up and pay in full for SPRINT before Thanksgiving to unlock an extra 30 days of Job Search Support! (a $1,662 value) Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/ Learn more about product coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

    19 min
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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 features practical advice, relatable guests, and real-world lessons from PMs navigating the messy middle of their careers. No fluff. No theory. Just the stuff no one teaches you in a course.

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