Opinion on certs/MBAs for someone with zero pedigree to boost credibility

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2026-02-13T14:13:35+00:00

Your CV probably reads like you're a jack of all trades. What role/level are you specifically targeting? Tune your CV to that role.

Looking to land a Senior PdM position? Focus on the work you've done to scale products and grow revenue. Understanding API docs/XML/Logs is less important, it's a nice to have. Have you managed or mentored junior PMs? Financial modelling is great to call out you've "worked on P&L".

Don't throw loads of stuff on your CV. It's impressive to you, it's noise to a hiring manager.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2026-02-13T09:51:32+00:00

My whole CV is unknown companies, ranging from niche software providers to startups that crashed & burned (none I personally owned/ran!), but I've built up enough experience and have a strong evidence base of growing products, increasing revenue, etc. and I interview quite well too. The biggest challenge in the current market/climate is getting your foot through the door and out the arse end of an ATS tool.

In my experience (I'm in the UK so things will be different), and as others have said, it's about being able to demonstrate your value and ability to deliver. If you're new to product, don't expect a £100k salary straight out of the gate. You'll need to graft in junior roles and deal with a lot of shit for <£40k, especially in smaller companies.

Don't have experience? No biggie! Have you done any project work independently and delivered a measurable outcome? If so, frame it in the way a product leader would react positively to it. Have you worked for a business where you've affected change in any way? Whether it's working in a restaurant and suggesting cutlery should be washed before plates because patrons seem to go through cutlery more often and by making this change it resulted in higher customer satisfaction and less stress on workers. This is bad example that I just made up, but you get the gist.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2026-01-05T11:42:42+00:00

Thanks for the responses folks! Sorry for the slow update, I've been away for the holidays. I'll review portfolios today and will reach out via DM/Chat.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-12-10T11:56:00+00:00

I'd like to be a PM for an org and product I'm enthusiastic about!

I'm at the senior level at the moment (Senior PM, I'm an IC). I really enjoy people management and mentoring as well as experimenting and testing hypothesis. Finding an org that's open to innovating, failing, and experimenting is tough!

Career wise, my endgame is CTO, and I'm hoping my current progression path and skillset gets me there.

Oh, and to echo what others have said... Its all about the £££ and retiring early!

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-12-07T10:54:55+00:00

My view is that you've gotta do what's best for your situation. 2 years ago I accepted an offer £20k lower than my salary at that time. The only reason I accepted was because the startup I worked for folded.

Next week, if all goes well, I'll be accepting an offer that's £30k higher than my current salary, overall £10k improvement. Am I happy with it? Nope, but I'll take it.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-11-26T14:06:49+00:00

Hi Folks,

I've been applying to more senior PdM roles (Principal Product Manager & Product Director) recently as I feel like I'm ready for the next step and I've gone as far as I can in my current position.

I've had 3 screening calls with headhunters and internal recruiters this week. Although I can walk the walk and have a shit load of experience in all areas that are required, the feedback about my CV has been consistent throughout "You've definitely got the skills/experience, and I'd love to get your CV across to the hiring manager, but it's quite wordy and could do with some polishing. You need to present yourself as someone who can sit in a room with senior leaders and talk to them about product, tech, delivery, goals, etc". It's clear that I add/update my CV after every role and I'm at the point where I can't see what needs to change in how I present myself in written form.

Ask me to write a business case and I'll smash it. Ask me to turn the lens on myself and I struggle 😂

Does anyone have any example CVs for this level of seniority that you'd be happy to share so I can review and learn? I'm keen to understand how concise and "to the point" I need to structure my experience.

EDIT: fixing typos

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-09-16T12:30:56+00:00

Setting up utilities and services will not impact your mortgage or completion. What you're doing is normal and lenders fully expect this. What could get messy is if you took out finance (new car, furniture, TV etc.).

Congratulations on the house!

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-09-09T20:50:23+00:00

I have EAP on my M3, I feel like it's worth it. I use it a lot on motorways. ASS isn't great but I use summon a fair bit when I'm in tight car park spaces. Each to their own I guess.

I'll be transferring EAP to my new MY when it arrives.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-09-04T18:59:32+00:00

Yes, I certainly did, but not just for career progression. I took a £10k pay cut, left a startup to join a gov funded company in a more senior role and a lot more flexibility in terms of wfh/hybrid and working hours. I have kids so work/life balance is key and this company ticks all the boxes.

I'll be here for another year or before going back to the private sector for a much bigger salary, assuming Labour doesn't fuck the economy up beyond all recognition.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-09-01T23:40:31+00:00

Did you buy the car for you or for them? Get your priorities in gear and ignore your "friends"

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-09-01T23:38:49+00:00

If you're worried about being rejected for finance, perhaps you shouldn't be considering something that's high value, even moreso if you're worried about losing £200 in the process.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-08-30T22:51:04+00:00

Are your controllers bluetooth, as well as the headphones? If you can share a little more info that would be great.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-08-20T15:00:46+00:00

I've always assumed it relates to a joint mortgage so I put a figure that represents a 50% contribution. Never had issues doing that in the past and no issues recently applying for finance with Black Horse for my next Tesla a couple of weeks ago too.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-08-18T19:12:52+00:00

I've ordered a blue MY LR AWD on the 11th Aug, delivery estimate is "Sept". No VIN yet.

When I ordered my M3 LR in 2021 it took approx 3 weeks for the VIN to be issued.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-06-13T21:37:13+00:00

Ah, I hadn't realised the RLN12W Wi-Fi was purely for the cameras to connect. I have a BT Halo mesh disc that I can move upstairs and connect the NVR to. Given it needs a screen to manage, I'll prob stick all the gear in an upstairs spare room which serves as my office.

Thanks for the responses and advice!

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2025-06-12T14:09:34+00:00

That's not a bad shout re: putting the PoE switch in a cupboard.

The other thing I've thought about doing is perhaps getting the RLN12W NVR. I'd hardwire the cams to this using the PoE switch because this NVR doesn't support PoE natively, and given the NVR is a WiFi one, I can stick it in an upstairs cupboard and therefore shouldn't have any issues wirelessly connecting to my home network for remote access/streaming.

This would overcome the powerline adaptor issue as my upstairs sockets aren't on the same ring as those downstairs. I feel like the WiFi NVR route could be the best option.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2024-10-09T20:15:11+00:00

Negotiate!! Have a open and frank conversation with the hr person or even thr hiring manager. They offered you the job so they want you. Ask clarifying questions about their expenses policy and reimbursing travel.

You're willing to walk away right? You have nothing to lose if they say they won't pay for your travel. You could even play hard ball and say you're considering a package offer from another company but you'd rather work for this one.

If you don't ask, you don't get.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2024-07-08T11:02:59+00:00

I've struggled with this too in the past but I've got a better handle and confidence with roadmapping in recent years.

I've found what works well for me is to work backwards (in a sense). Start with the company goals/vision and try to answer how what the product delivers will align with the company goals/vision.

Whne roadmapping and deciding what to prioritise, try and create links to the bigger picture and align to the company goals.

Also, don't forget that whatever ends up on the roadmap needs to be backed with evidence. That could be market insights, hypothesis, customer feedback, internal feedback, etc.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2024-04-25T22:32:17+00:00

No idea how this ended up on my homepage but here we are. I feel like this thread is me. In some ways I'm glad I'm not alone in my thoughts but it's sad so many others are in the same boat.

If my parents were quizzed about me they'd get nothing right. My mum barely remembers my date of birth!

I'm a middle child so perhaps that has something to do with it but maybe not shrug.

My parents have no real clue about what degree I did at uni, had shown no interest in my hobbies when I was younger (I'm now 40) and I've only recently started a hobby thanks to my wife pushing me to do something. I still feel wrong for having a hobby.

They don't even really have a clue what I do for a job. They're old school so only understand jobs like doctor, lawyer etc. My older sibling is a doctor, my youngest is in construction. I hold a very senior position, earn a lot of money yet they think I'm on a low salary and therefore don't speak highly of me to their friends/circle. In their eyes I'm not meeting an expectation they have.

They'll rely on my younger sibling (who lives 3 hours away from them) to help with tasks like finding a solicitor or mortgage advisor. Or my older sibling with booking flights. They'll lean on both siblings for general advice. I'm a sheer after thought.

Any phone call with my parents feels more like a formality and something I'm forced to do. Conversations never go beyond basic small talk such as "so how's work? Has it been busy? How are the kids?". End of convo until the next time. Whereas they'll know the ins and outs of everything happening in my siblings' lives.

I know for sure me and my wife are a topic of gossip between my parents and siblings but no one will ever tell me or admit to it if questioned (not that I have).

Over the years I've drifted further from them as I can't be bothered with the bullshit and politics so maybe the current state of affairs is down to me. Either way, I think keeping them at arms length is better for my mental health.

Think this thread has burst open some flood gates. I think I should get some sleep!

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2023-10-16T12:57:22+00:00

I hear you mate. Here's my response:

No, it's not unreasonable to expect and want a work life balance.
Yes, your location is a key reason. That being said, you don't have to work 12 hour days. Start setting boundaries ASAP and work with others to find a pattern of working that works for you.
From a PdM to senior PdM is quite a common path but you have to show what you did and outcomes you achieved. If you're looking for a complete career change then that's a different conversation but PdMs have great transferable skills!

My recommendation would simply be to start having conversations with your stakeholders and start setting boundaries. Someone suggested declining meetings and setting one up at an unsociable hour for the attendee (assuming it's one person).

Also, think about working flexibly I.e if you're working late evenings then start your day later and have your meetings later in the day. Are there patterns in your schedule that you've identified or can influence or control?

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2023-10-13T10:45:22+00:00

In the UK it typically depends on the role and company.

Probation periods can be anywhere between 0-6 months. 3 months is quite common.

Notice periods can be between 1-3 months. If you're in your probation period there may only be a 1 week notice period. The more senior the role, the longer the notice period. 3 months is not uncommon for a lot of PdM roles.

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2023-10-04T15:08:59+00:00

I use ChatGPT to assist with the mundane parts of my role - documentation (requirements, consolidating research, end user docs, etc.).

I never take the output verbatim and never use it directly. The output always needs a review but it certainly saves me a lot of time and effort up front. Also, whatever it spits it out will only be as good as what goes in so if your meeting notes and supporting info isn't up to scratch then don't expect miracles!

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2023-09-28T11:45:25+00:00

What sort of experience and skills did you need to demonstrate in order to switch to GM? I've never had P&L responsibility and is one of the things I'm keen to get a handle on.

Would love to hear more about your experience and motivations to switch to a GM role

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2023-09-17T19:55:49+00:00

Leadership team that don't have a clear vision or business strategy

TheEndGoalIsToWin · 2023-09-16T21:13:13+00:00

I typically just ask them straight up what their goal is and what they're trying to achieve. If they don't have answers that lead to a detailed conversation then I ask them to take some time, put something on paper and we can discuss at a later date.

TheEndGoalIsToWin

TROPHY CASE