Standing Out in PM Recruiting: AI Side Projects

AI side projects are everywhere. Most of them will not help you stand out in a competitive PM hiring process. In this session, you’ll learn how to build an AI side project that demonstrates real product thinking, not just technical curiosity. We’ll break down how to choose the right problem, scope a project around the PM skills hiring managers care about, and avoid creating an overbuilt demo with no clear user or purpose. You’ll also learn how to turn the project into a compelling story across your resume, LinkedIn, portfolio, and interviews. We’ll cover what separates projects that signal strong product judgment, customer insight, prioritization, experimentation, and execution from projects that recruiters and hiring managers quickly skip. You’ll leave with a practical framework for deciding: What to build and what not to build Which PM competencies your project should demonstrate How to scope the project so you can actually finish it How to position the work so its value is immediately clear Whether you already have a project underway or are starting from scratch, this session will help you create something that strengthens your product manager profile.