We often talk about the importance of project management training, naturally we would being a PM training company. We like to emphasise the importance of training – it will help you personally and your organisation better execute your important projects; make them more successful. Training will also lead to better career prospects and a higher salary as the APM’s salary survey shows. But we rarely talk about how to get that better job and higher salary once you have achieved your project management qualifications so this post will hopefully go some way to remedying that.
As a project manager your CV is likely to be the first thing any new, potential employer sees about you, and, make no mistake, bad CVs will be discarded in the bin so make sure yours isn’t one of them with the perfect project manager CV. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Emphasise Your Strengths
Always play to your strengths – there is no point trying to come across as someone different to who you really are so don’t try and second guess what the company is looking for or what constitutes a perfect PM. It could be you – just as you are – so focus on what you can do well and emphasise that on the CV. Mention all the successful projects you have run and you are sure to get that interview.
Tailor Your CV
A big mistake is to believe you can simply send out a generic CV to a whole range of potential employers. It is important to tailor your CV to match every potential role. Find out as much as you can about the company and the roles available and make that show on the CV. Going that extra mile could secure you your dream job.
Be Enthusiastic
It is important to show enthusiasm for project management especially if you started you career in a different role you will want to make sure it comes across that you chose project management as a career and didn’t just “end up” as a PM. Make that clear on the CV with appropriate wording. And because project managers need to be able to motivate a team, enthusiasm is an essential trait for the day-to-day running of a project so let you enthusiasm shine through – it will help you stand out from the crowd.
Highlight Your Leadership Traits
Good project managers are good leaders so don’t neglect to make it clear that you are a successful project manager and a successful leader. Clearly indicate specific leadership traits that you can offer such as guiding teams, mentoring individuals, liaising with stakeholders and clients. Focus on the leadership skills you have just as much as on the technical skills you can bring.
Project Management Qualifications
Last but not least list your professional PM qualifications to distinguish yourself from others who may have the same experience but not the thorough understanding of project management strategies, techniques, and approaches that you will have gained by studying for an exam.
