ADPList’s Newsletter

ADPList’s Newsletter

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How I got 50 job offers with zero experience
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How I got 50 job offers with zero experience

Landing a job in tech is hard. But this guide are proven strategies and frameworks that will make breaking into tech easier as a designer and product manager..

Felix Lee's avatar
Felix Lee
Mar 14, 2023
∙ Paid
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ADPList’s Newsletter
ADPList’s Newsletter
How I got 50 job offers with zero experience
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👋 Hello! Welcome to this week’s ADPList’s Newsletter; a weekly advice column. Each Tuesday, we tackle design, building product and, accelerating careers. We’re looking for sponsors, if you’re interested to support our newsletter to advertise, let’s chat here.


Breaking into the tech industry can be a daunting task for designers and product managers. With so much competition and a preference for existing experience, it can feel like an impossible challenge.

As someone who has successfully made the transition into the tech industry, I know firsthand the challenges and struggles that designers and product managers face.

This newsletter share some of the top challenges and strategies that many mentors (and I) have learned along the way.

[A complete guide] How I got 10 job offers with zero experience.

Along with my experience and talking with mentors who offered their advice for overcoming the five biggest challenges of the entry-level job search world.

The 4 biggest challenges for people breaking into tech:

  • Challenge #1: Lack of technical skills

  • Challenge #2: Limited entry-level positions

  • Challenge #3: Need for a portfolio

  • Challenge #4: Lack of network and connections

With those worries in mind, let’s dive into each of them and how you can overcome it with proven strategies and framework.

1. Challenge #1: Lack of technical skills

Designers and PMs face a challenge of limited hands-on skills when transitioning into the tech. While they may have basic experience, it may lack deep knowledge necessary to work in such role.

Companies are paying $150K+ for these positions and they expect A LOT.

📌 How you can overcome it:

  1. Take online courses: Online courses can provide you with access to the latest information and emerging technologies. Sites like Coursera, Udacity, YouTube, ADPList or edX to learn new skills and stay up-to-date.

    Twitter avatar for @ADPList
    ADPList @ADPList
    The hiring process is hard. But with the right resources, it can 10x your progress. We curated a list of 60+ job sites, 10+ interview prep sites & 20+ skills sites. Here's a thread of free resources 🧵:
    4:00 PM ∙ Jan 17, 2023
    109Likes22Retweets
  2. Work on personal projects: Working on personal projects is be a great way for you to gain hands-on experience. These projects can demonstrate your skills at play for employers.

  3. Collaborate with peers: Ask professionals to learn from them and gain a better understanding of technical concepts. You can partner with peers or volunteer for NGOs/startups.

2. Challenge #2: Limited entry-level positions

This is seriously such a bad trend. While there are some entry-level positions available for designers and PMs, these positions can be highly competitive.

📌 How you can overcome it:

  1. Networking: Networking is an essential part of breaking into tech. You can attend industry events, join communities (ADPList), or connect with folks on LinkedIn to expand your network.

    Twitter avatar for @ADPList
    ADPList @ADPList
    You're not using LinkedIn right. 60.5M people were hired on LinkedIn in the past year. But 99% of people still have no idea how to attract job opportunities there. THREAD 🧵: 9 "must-have" to help you stand out on LinkedIn...
    ADPList Optimizing LinkedIn Profile (Substack)
    4:08 PM ∙ Jan 20, 2023
    124Likes30Retweets
  2. Custom job applications: You should tailor your job applications to each specific opportunity. Research the company and position, and highlight relevant experience and skills.

  3. Freelancing/Personal Projects: Even if you do not have direct experience, you can gain relevant experience through personal projects/freelance work to demonstrate your skills.

3. Challenge #3: Need for a portfolio

One of the biggest challenges for new designers and PMs is the need for a portfolio to showcase actual work (without actually having a full time job prior).

📌 How you can overcome it:

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