For many engineers and project controllers, moving up into a project management role is the next exciting and long-awaited step in terms of career progression. There is no doubt that competition is always strong for great PM roles, so putting your best foot forward is essential. Here are three simple steps you can focus on today to boost your chances of securing your first role as a project manager.
1. Seek Advice
Talk to someone who specialises in the particular area you want to move in to. This could be a colleague who secured a similar role, a manager who regularly hires for that position or a recruiter who knows what skills and experience companies are looking for.
Seeking advice from an expert will give you inside information on how best to demonstrate a match between yourself and PM roles you are applying for. Every day I see people underselling themselves on their CV. Hiring managers are busy so your CV needs to grab their attention. That means demonstrating evidence of how your experience matches the selection criteria.
2. Get Qualified
Look to build your qualifications and take the initiative to do this in your own time. Hiring managers want to see evidence you are driven and committed to the role. By studying and engaging in relevant courses you are demonstrating your willingness to learn, improve and develop your skills.
Strengthening your qualifications also helps counterbalance what may be perceived as a lack of practical experience in the role you are aiming for. Again, it shows your commitment to upskilling in a bid to address any knowledge gaps. A good example is enrolling in a Diploma of Project Management or taking a SAP course if you feel this would strengthen your case.
3. Build Your Brand
How you present yourself is how the world sees you. With this in mind, take a look over your LinkedIn, Seek and other social media profiles. What message are you portraying?
Your first step should be to build your brand around the job you want, not the job you have. Make your interest in project management clear. You can do this by becoming a member of relevant industry bodies and associations, such as the Project Management Institute or the Australia Institute of Project Management. List your involvement on your LinkedIn, Seek and relevant social media profiles.
These bodies are also great for building your network within the PM community. Many project management roles are filled by referral, so the more connected you are the higher your chances are of being put forward for a role.
My final tip is to seek out a mentor. Mentor relationships not only provide a great entry point into the PM community, but also offer the chance to connect with someone who has achieved what you are trying to. Their advice and guidance can be invaluable in helping you achieve your career goals.
