As a hiring manager, what are you looking for in a product marketing manager?

I don't think it's important to come from a PMM background, but I do think these three skillsets are necessary to be successful as a PMM:

Adaptability: Priorities, focuses, and resources change quickly. I look for people who react well to change, and are flexible enough to handle high-level strategy one moment and get in the weeds on performance metrics the next.

Storytelling: PMMs need to be great storytellers. Even if you've never had a PMM role before, your interview is an opportunity for you to tell the story of your career, why you've made the choices you did, and why your current skillset is a fit for the open role. Whether it's an internal meeting where you need to get buy-in for your plan, or building a demo or a first call deck, storytelling is PMM 101.

Curiosity: PMMs need to be interested in your customer and the problem they need to solve, to position your product as the right answer. That takes curiosity about your customer. And, the PMM role often has to answer the question "how do I grow my business?" It takes a curious person to want to dive into problems, ask a lot of questions, and learn new skills in order to identify the right strategy and path forward.

Many things! Here are a few though:

1. Strategic thinking

Ability to understand and analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes to inform strategy.

2. Product knowledge

A passion for products. Someone who has or can have a strong grasp of the product, its features, benefits, and unique value propositions.

3. Customer-centric mindset

Understanding customer pain points and needs to craft messaging that speaks directly to their challenges, while also being a voice for the customer within the organization, ensuring their needs are reflected in what we are building and our roadmap.

4. Cross-functional collaboration

Ability to work effectively and influence key stakeholders like product management, sales, engineering, marketing, and other teams to drive product success.

5. Communication skills

Ability to craft and tell a compelling and clear story around the product, making it relatable and engaging for the target audience.

6. Analytical ability

Ability to leverage data to make informed decisions, track performance, and optimize existing strategies.

7. Execution

Skill in managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful execution.

8. Adaptability

• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, customer needs, and internal priorities.

• A growth mindset with a willingness to continuously learn and stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices.

9. Cultural fit

Alignment with the company’s culture and values, bringing a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit to the team.