Thread
How do you stand out in a crowded hiring market?
Think of yourself like a product during the interview.
Here are 5 examples (and scripts you can use):
Think of yourself like a product during the interview.
Here are 5 examples (and scripts you can use):
When you interview for roles, you might feel self-conscious that you're not good enough compared to other candidates competing for a role.
This is exactly when you need to stop yourself from spiraling.
Instead, think about turning bugs into features.
This is exactly when you need to stop yourself from spiraling.
Instead, think about turning bugs into features.
The best marketers and brands regularly turn bugs into features.
The things you thought were errors, constraints, or liabilities can actually become selling points.
The things you thought were errors, constraints, or liabilities can actually become selling points.
This tactic works when the product is *yourself* too.
So how do you turn a bug into a feature?
Own your narrative. Frame your decisions as an intentional choice.
Here are 5 examples:
So how do you turn a bug into a feature?
Own your narrative. Frame your decisions as an intentional choice.
Here are 5 examples:
🚫 Bug : “I wish I weren’t an introvert.”
✅ Feature: "Being introverted has contributed to my success all along–it allows me to bring a different POV in a world full of extroverts."
✅ Feature: "Being introverted has contributed to my success all along–it allows me to bring a different POV in a world full of extroverts."
🚫 Bug: "I've never been a PM in a B2B SaaS co. How will I stand a chance at getting hired?”
✅ Feature: “B2B customers are people too & we shouldn't treat them like robots. I have 8+ years of experience as a PM for B2C SaaS startups, so I bring a more human approach to B2B.”
✅ Feature: “B2B customers are people too & we shouldn't treat them like robots. I have 8+ years of experience as a PM for B2C SaaS startups, so I bring a more human approach to B2B.”
đźš« Bug: "I don't want to do X. I don't enjoy it."
✅ Feature: "I've done X in previous roles. But based on this team's goal to Y, I believe I can bring the most value by focusing on A and B because C. If we need X, I can hire a freelancer and manage them if needed.”
✅ Feature: "I've done X in previous roles. But based on this team's goal to Y, I believe I can bring the most value by focusing on A and B because C. If we need X, I can hire a freelancer and manage them if needed.”
🚫 Bug: “I’m a generalist–I’m not good at anything.”
✅ Feature: “The best generalists are mini experts in a bunch of areas. I can write copy, project manage, design using no-code tools, etc. I act like an owner & can handle projects end-to-end."
✅ Feature: “The best generalists are mini experts in a bunch of areas. I can write copy, project manage, design using no-code tools, etc. I act like an owner & can handle projects end-to-end."
🚫 Bug: "I want to advance but I’m not interested in managing big teams.”
✅ Feature: “Some companies are looking for player-coaches. They don’t want leaders who merely tolerate execution. I’m excited to build AND can manage lean teams that punch above their weight class.”
✅ Feature: “Some companies are looking for player-coaches. They don’t want leaders who merely tolerate execution. I’m excited to build AND can manage lean teams that punch above their weight class.”
The goal is to see yourself with fresh eyes.
Features that you thought were initially bad? They might end up being what you emphasize.
And even if you don’t go so far as to emphasize it, you’ll remind yourself you bring a lot of value.
Don't let “bugs” impact your confidence.
Features that you thought were initially bad? They might end up being what you emphasize.
And even if you don’t go so far as to emphasize it, you’ll remind yourself you bring a lot of value.
Don't let “bugs” impact your confidence.
To apply this framework, ask yourself:
1. What do you think you have to hide?
2. How can it be perceived as a positive trait if viewed through a different lens?
When you have a constraint, don’t automatically try to downplay it. Lean into it, and turn a bug into a feature.
1. What do you think you have to hide?
2. How can it be perceived as a positive trait if viewed through a different lens?
When you have a constraint, don’t automatically try to downplay it. Lean into it, and turn a bug into a feature.
While you’re here…
If you're looking for more ways to level up, check out upcoming one-day workshops on @MavenHQ.
These 2-3 hour workshops focus on a targeted scope within product, leadership, business analysis, and more: bit.ly/3Eh8ZaE
If you're looking for more ways to level up, check out upcoming one-day workshops on @MavenHQ.
These 2-3 hour workshops focus on a targeted scope within product, leadership, business analysis, and more: bit.ly/3Eh8ZaE
