No Regrets: Congratulations, You Got the Job You Don't Like

  PM Network  

Accepting a new job—especially in uncertain economic times—can be one of the most exciting and optimistic moments of a project manager’s career. The reality, however, is that not all new jobs work out. In fact, some turn out to be downright disastrous.

When a project professional realizes that a new position is a bad fit, the experience can be awkward and potentially excruciating. You might not want to leave a project too early and have it become a blemish on your résumé. Then again, no one wants to have a miserable work life.

This wasn’t in the job description…

Performing proper due diligence before accepting a position can help ensure you don’t land in a job that falls short of your expectations, says Eoghan McDermott, head of the careers division of The Communications Clinic, a career and public relations consultancy and training firm in Dublin, Ireland.

Too often project managers assume they should ask detailed questions about project scope, budget, control and autonomy at the interview stage. All that’s important, but it can be hashed out later, he says.

“In an interview, the candidate’s objective is to persuade the people sitting across from them that they’re the best person for the job,” Mr. McDermott says.

He suggests that project managers discuss the nitty-gritty…

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