My Job-Finding Framework (That Got Me 8 Offers from 150 Applications)

Another brain dump incoming. Here’s the story: A few weeks ago, someone reached out: “Hey Alex, you’re a PM with experience. Can you help me? I just lost my job.”

I always want to help. But when I asked about their strategy—how they were looking for a job, what their goals were—I realized something: They were confused because they didn’t have a framework.

Yesterday, I had another conversation with a friend in the same situation. As a pattern recognizer, it hit me: It seems obvious to me how to find a job, but it’s not obvious to everyone.

That’s why I’m writing this. Not as a coach or trainer—I’m not perfect, and this framework is biased. I just hope to inspire someone. If you follow it and succeed, great. But this is my experience, not a universal playbook.

Step 1: Be Perceived as Good

If you’re describing yourself, that’s not objective. Get external help.

I used TopResume. They can:

• Review your resume
• Draft your LinkedIn profile
• Create your professional presentation

Then you can adjust it to fit your voice.

But First: Clarify What You’re Looking For

Are you looking for a Product Manager role? VP of Product? CPO? Engineering Manager? Delivery Manager?

Each requires a completely different approach.

The Ugly Truth

Here’s what changed everything for me:

Companies don’t care about you. They care about themselves.

You should be perceived as the best match for what they’re trying to achieve. It’s not about you—it’s about them finding the best candidate.

When I learned this, it changed my entire mindset.

Step 2: Prepare Your Assets

Once you’ve clarified your target role, you need:

• ✅ Best resume
• ✅ Polished LinkedIn profile
• ✅ Professional photo
• ✅ Everything looking sharp

Now you’re ready.

Step 3: Where to Look (My Experience)

For my market (tech industry, 20+ years in engineering, 10+ in product), it’s all about:

• LinkedIn (filtering for remote jobs)
• Remote job boards

Why remote? Because I’m human, and I don’t think working on-site is designed for humans. I prefer flexibility without someone forcing me into an office.

Step 4: The AI Question

Should you use AI? Yes, but…

There are systems designed to detect AI-generated responses. Be candid with yourself:

• Are you using AI to qualify for a job you’re not ready for?
• Or are you using AI to compete and grow?

My suggestion: Use AI, but always ensure your responses are human-manipulated. Make them yours.

AI Should Be in Your CV, Period

Think about it:

• Do you have a driving license? No? Disqualified.
• Can you write? No? Disqualified.
• Can you work with AI? No? Disqualified.

AI should be a skill in your toolkit. That’s how humanity is evolving. If you’re not evolving with it, you’re falling behind—like not being able to speak English in a global market.

Step 5: Have a Plan and Quota

Don’t use a massive spray-and-pray approach. You need a target and a quota.

My Numbers (Pre-AI Era)

• Applied to: 150+ jobs
• Received response: ~20
• Job offers received: 8

I believe the numbers are even worse now with AI.

My Recommendation

Apply to 20 different companies each day for a month = 600 applications total.

Why? Because:

1. You’ll eventually saturate your market
2. Companies will start responding simultaneously
3. You need options to negotiate

Step 6: Customize Every Application

Please, please, do not reply with generic responses.

Each company is different. Each deserves your attention. Study them. Show you understand them.

Step 7: Craft Your Story

You’ll repeat this story over and over in pre-qualification calls. Mine went like this:

“I was CPO, then VP of Product at a merchant company. We created a new functionality that performed [data], which resulted in [outcomes]…”

Your story should:

• Tell who you are
• Connect with what the company is looking for
• Include KPIs and key metrics
• Be human (not perfect, not AI-generated)

Step 8: Salary Negotiation

I’m honest: I’m a terrible negotiator. But I’ve learned some things.

The Game

It’s about who asks last. When they ask about salary expectations:

“I don’t think my last salary reflects what I can contribute in this new scope. This role seems similar but different. To be honest, it’s more than just salary—it’s about equity, compensation package, and how your company rewards performance.”

The Ugly Truth

The only place you can truly negotiate your salary is before being hired.

Aim for at least 20% more than your previous role. You need to be strategic—if the company won’t raise salaries for five years, this is your shot.

Step 9: The Homework Phase

Each company deserves your best attention. Expect to spend hours, not minutes, preparing for assessments.

I spent hours (sometimes days) when looking for my PM job. It paid off—I’m now working as a PM and satisfied.

Don’t expect tons of offers. That’s normal.

Step 10: Be Prepared for Common Questions

Use ChatGPT to generate the top 10 questions for your role and market. Do mock interviews.

Once you’re prepared, you’re unstoppable.

Example: The Prioritization Question

“How do you prioritize?”

My answer: “I don’t have a magic framework.”

I know all the frameworks—RICE, ICE, KANO, whatever you want. But there’s no magic answer. Each company is different. You need to understand:

• Their vision
• Their North Star metric
• What they’re trying to achieve

And yes, if the CEO has a strong opinion, they’re a stakeholder too—they’re paying everyone.

Step 11: Ask for Feedback

Always ask for feedback. If they won’t share it, that’s a signal about the company culture.

Decide if that’s where you want to work.

Step 12: Find the Right Match

You’re not just finding a job—you’re finding a match for:

• What you’re looking for
• How you want to grow
• Your values and operating principles

Companies claim things like “we’re transparent” all the time. But is it real? You need to feel it, experience it, verify it.

My Current Status

I’m satisfied at my current company, so I’m not looking for a new job right now.

But if you’re working somewhere you don’t feel good, I have a wish for you:

Find a company that will elevate you, help you grow as a person, as an individual, as a human.