Q: I have an interview coming up. How can I get prepared?
A: Count on the interviewer using the phrase, “Tell me about a time when...” Interviewers love to use this classic setup because it allows them to concentrate on core competencies the position needs—and because the same request can be made of any project practitioner, regardless of where or how long he or she has worked.
Examples include “Tell me about a time when you had to manage a difficult team member.” “Tell me about a time when you managed conflicting resource demands on a project.”
An effective way to prepare for these interview moments is to practice the STAR technique—situation, task, action and result. In the stressful environment of an interview, this tool provides a helpful, reliable structure.
First, explain the situation—the context and background. Then describe the task you needed to achieve. Once you have briefly set the scene, discuss the actions you directly took that demonstrated your ability to deal with the situation or task.
Take note, project practitioners: It is important that you concentrate on your own actions. Many project managers fail to do this in interviews because they are so used to working in a team environment. It is your direct actions—not the team's—that the interviewer wants to hear about.
Finally, the results: What were the (favorable) outcomes from the direct actions you took?
While STAR can be used for interviews in any profession, there's another technique that can specifically help project practitioners showcase their project experience. It's called (IM)PACT, which stands for I manage: project challenges, actions, communication and transformation.
Right off, the “I” serves as a reminder that the interviewer is interested in you: What did you manage? Rather than a situation or task, address a particular challenge faced on a project. This focuses the discussion on the project environment rather than just any work situation.
Once the challenge is presented and the scene set, talk about the actions you took to overcome the challenge. Then, the communication: As a project practitioner, you work and communicate with many people—your teams, stakeholders, sponsors and clients. This is also a great time to show off the leadership skills you use as a project practitioner. These skills, such as influencing and persuading, are part and parcel of what you do yet are often neglected in an interview.
Lastly, the transformation: This is the change that came about because of the actions you took and the way you managed projects. Talking just about the results of your actions doesn't fully convey the impact you potentially have as a project manager—not only on the project and team, but also on the wider business. During this part of your interview, you can detail how your actions had a positive effect on benefits delivered or the organization's bottom line.
To prepare for your project management interview, consider the impact you could have on the interviewer. Think about how to best describe your experiences so that he or she sits up and takes notice.
Q: I'm moving to another country later in the year, and I'm concerned about how to find a new job quickly. Any advice?
A: Get started now. Research your new market before the big move. You can get a sense of the types of positions available and the knowledge and experiences they require. Start by looking at the job boards and researching the prominent organizations in that country that hire project managers.
Next, contact PMI or look on PMI.org under the Get Involved tab and find out if that country has a PMI chapter. Luckily for you, PMI has chapters in more than 90 countries, so there likely will be a chapter there or at least in that region. This will instantly grant you access to the local project management community—enabling you to get rapidly acclimated. You might also consider volunteering for a PMI chapter, which would help you quickly build a network.
You can even start applying for positions in your new country. Recruitment sometimes can take a long time, so there is no harm in starting early. This also will give you some early insight into the recruitment process in your new country, which you can use to readjust your approach with the next opportunity.
Q: I'm returning to work after raising my children for several years. I want to get my project management career back on track, but I'm feeling a little out of the loop. What steps should I be taking?
A: Project managers have two attributes that make them worth hiring: their knowledge and their experience.
First, make sure your knowledge is up-to-date.
Get up to speed with the latest training, qualifications and industry news. Also, there are many free online resources and blogs that will help you focus on the areas that matter most to you. As you immerse yourself, you probably will find that your confidence level will begin to rise, and that out-of-the-loop feeling will start to dissipate.
The second part, experience, may not be as easy since hirers tend to look for project practitioners with recent experience. Still, all is not lost. Start by being realistic about expectations; acknowledge that you likely will not be getting back into work at the same level as before. Look for positions where you feel comfortable you could perform well, that meet your remuneration needs and for which you have enough relevant experience to warrant the hirer's interest.
Consider Your Career
Don't travel down your career path alone. Find advice and direction here. Send job questions to [email protected].
A third area, which is often overlooked, is your network. Get back in touch with old colleagues; attend chapter meetings; connect with other project practitioners in your area. Most people find work through their network—so make sure you're proactively engaging with yours. PM