Steps to get into a product-based company

Getting a job that you enjoy and that matches your skill set is a dream job. It is crucial to research the company well before arriving at a decision. This blog will guide you in choosing between product-based and service-based companies and a detailed product-company job guide. 

A product-based company offers products to customers and works on improving or upgrading them to stay relevant and competitive in business. A few examples of product-based companies include Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. 

These companies differ from a service-based company that sells services and works for other product-based companies. Examples are TCS, Wipro, and Infosys. In other words, service-based companies deliver knowledge rather than physical products.

Steps for entering product-based companies

For a product-based job, the steps you need to take are detailed below:  

1. Research and identify target companies

This is the very first and the most crucial in the line of product-based job steps that you would need to take. Research all product-based companies thoroughly to better understand the products they deal with, their values, work ethics, and technology stacks. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn are a good place to start your research. They can help gain valuable insights into the company ethos and work culture. Keep an eye out for your ideal job description, expected salary, work responsibilities, and location to match your preferences. 

2. Build a strong technical foundation

This is one of the key skills for product companies. Upskill yourself and learn the latest programming languages like Python, Java, C++, or SQL. Also, keep up to date with the core computer science fundamentals like algorithms and data structures. 

Yet another technical skill necessary for product-based companies is systems design. Product-based roles often require scalable architectures and system optimization tasks. A thorough understanding of system design principles can help improve system performance and efficiency, and design better systems.

One of the most important skills for product companies that you would need to demonstrate is software development practices. These refer to testing, debugging, and maintaining software systems. Version control (Git) and Agile methodologies are also key in-demand skills for product companies. 

3. Focus on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA)

Knowledge of Data Structure and Algorithms (DSA) is essential for entering product-based companies. This would be particularly helpful in the interview stages. Data Structure refers to the location for storing data in the computer, while algorithm refers to the steps required to solve a problem. Check out learning platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal to practice your problem-solving ability. Some of the key areas to practice include arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, dynamic programming, and sorting/searching algorithms. 

4. Build projects and showcase practical skills

Before entering product-based companies, gaining practical hands-on training to showcase your skills during interviews is a good idea. Designing projects is an excellent starting point. As part of a product company interview prep, build some projects that prove your proficiency in front-end and back-end technologies. They can be a good way to demonstrate your understanding of real-life problems and your ability to solve them. Some key project ideas include developing applications, contributing to open-source projects, and creating tools to address real-world issues. Make sure to highlight your projects on GitHub or build your very own personal portfolio.

5. Prepare a strong resume and portfolio

A product company interview prep is incomplete without a resume and a portfolio. Make sure to create a strong resume showcasing your academic and technical skills, relevant projects, and internship experience (if any). Create a digital portfolio to highlight your completed projects, code samples, and achievements. Add links to your GitHub and LinkedIn profiles, or a personal blog (if any). 

Top product-based companies

We detailed some of the essential product-based job steps for your convenience. Let us now look at some of the top product companies to target in your job search:

1. Google

An American search engine that is the most widely used globally, Google handles around 70% of the online global search. Founded in 1998, it offers a wide array of products. Some of the notable ones include:

• Google Chrome
• Google Mail (Gmail)
• Google Docs
• Google Drive
• Google Meet
  

2. Amazon

Founded in 1994, Amazon initially started as a marketplace for books and has expanded its base over the years, including a wide range of:

• Amazon e-commerce platform
• Alexa
• Amazon Music
• Prime Video
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)

3. Microsoft

One of the largest and most reputed software companies in the world, Microsoft started operations in 1975. Some of its noteworthy products include:

• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Teams
• Outlook
• OneNote
• Microsoft Cloud

4. Apple

Started in 1976, Apple’s core functional area was designing computers. Today, it has a whole variety of products for sale:

• iPad
• iPhone
• Mac
• AirPods
• Apple TV

5. Meta

Formerly known as Facebook, Meta came into existence in 2004. The company today owns and operates:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• WhatsApp
• Threads
• Messenger

6. Adobe

Founded in 1982, Adobe started as a computer software company and later expanded globally, offering:

• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• Acrobat
• Adobe Express
• Dreamweaver

7. Salesforce

Established in 1999, it is a fast-emerging, cloud-based software company offering different products:

• Agentforce
• Artificial Intelligence 
• Slack
• Data Cloud
• MuleSoft

8. Atlassian

It is an Australian firm that started operations in 2002. It designs tools for software development and project management. Some of its notable products include:

• Jira
• Confluence
• Crucible
• Trello
• Fisheye

9. Flipkart 

One of India’s leading e-commerce groups, it was launched in 2007. It has allowed millions of consumers, merchants, sellers, and small businesses to join India’s e-commerce revolution. Its pioneering services include No-cost EMIs, Cash on Delivery, and Easy Returns. Some of its notable product offerings are:

• E-commerce platform
• OneAssist mobile application
• Taxation and software solutions
• Multiple payment options
• Flipkart Plus

10. LinkedIn

One of the top professional platforms today, LinkedIn began operations in 2003 and has since been striving to help professionals thrive globally. It is the world’s largest professional network with over 800 million members around the world. Some of its most popular product offerings include:

• E-learning platform
• Talent Insights
• LinkedIn Sales Navigator
• LinkedIn Recruiter
• LinkedIn Jobs

Continuous learning and upskilling with Online Manipal

The key to entering a product-based company is obtaining the required skills that hold relevance in today’s tech age. Online Manipal offers a wide range of courses that you can complete from the comfort of your home. It allows you to continue your job and other personal commitments too. Online courses and certifications like Google Cloud and AWS help candidates get a competitive edge in product company interview prep. They have the desired knowledge and skills to stand out from the crowd.

Some of the top certification courses to pursue for getting into a product-based company are:

• Google Cloud Database Engineer Specialization
• Machine Learning on Google Cloud Specialization
• Networking in Google Cloud Specialization
• Security in Google Cloud Specialization
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
• AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate 
• AWS Certified AI Practitioner Foundational
• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional

In addition to the above short-term certification courses, you can pursue full-fledged formal degrees from Online Manipal. These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge to get a job at a product-based company. You may choose to pursue an online MCA degree from Manipal University Jaipur for a career in product management. Alternatively, an online MBA is the logical next step to assuming top managerial and leadership roles in product-based organizations.      

Conclusion

This product company job guide intends to help you grab your dream job in a product-based organization of your choice. There are endless job opportunities and several online learning platforms to help you in your journey. 

With perseverance and a growth-oriented mindset, you can get the role of your preference in a product-based company. Make sure to remain dedicated and proactive in your career development journey. Remember that consistent effort and targeted preparation are sure to lead to success.  

Online Manipal can be your partner-in-success on this path. Keep learning new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies on the Online Manipal learning platform. Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) offers a host of course options on this platform to enable students to pursue a lucrative tech career. Online MCA from MUJ is one of the best choices for a successful tech career ahead in a product-based company. Sign up for the course today and take the first big step toward a rewarding career ahead with MUJ.