The CMF Framework: Your Edge in Today’s Job Market
The secret to standing out in this job market? Candidate-Market Fit (CMF).
It’s the antidote to infinite applications.
And it’s tested in this market.
This is what Eugene Segal learned applying for 50 new roles.
He’s a mid-level product leader targeting Director/GPM.
These are the lessons he learned:
𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗡𝗘: 𝗙𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗠𝗙
CMF means aligning your skills and experiences with what the company truly demands.
Applying to roles with weak CMF leads to rejections over and over again — niche down for higher success.
Less is more here — focus on fewer high-CMF opportunities rather than applying to more low-CMF jobs.
𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗪𝗢: 𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
There’s a bloodbath out there, so expecting to get a job ASAP will only set you up for disappointment.
High-CMF opportunities are rare, and each hiring process can take months.
Expect a longer search if you’re applying for specialized roles like Growth PM or targeting specific regions.
𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘: 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛-𝗖𝗠𝗙 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦
When you find a high-CMF job, work on it like your life depends on it.
Prepare detailed answers to common interview questions.
Build a mini-strategy (e.g., a Miro board) to showcase your value during interviews, and even prepare something specific for them.
If you want to dive deeper into how you can maximize your chances of getting hired in today’s market, check out the deep dive.
𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥: 𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗜𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘
Be open to moving for the right role — relocating can unlock amazing opportunities.
Share high-value content on LinkedIn to attract high-quality inbound jobs.
Build relationships with VCs, who can connect you with startups that don’t post jobs publicly.
𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘: 𝗘𝗡𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗠𝗙 𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗦
Sometimes, aiming for roles one or two levels below your last position if your CMF is weak works like a charm.
Go beyond your CV: build a personal blog/newsletter or portfolio showcasing your in-depth expertise.
Use creative projects (like AI challenges) to fill skill gaps identified in interviews.
𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗜𝗫: 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦
Having a positive and energized mindset in such a volatile job market is more important than you can imagine.
Prioritize sleep and physical activity to boost performance and mental well-being.
Stay connected with friends and loved ones.
