I was recently contacted by a recruiter for the position of an IT Project Manager on LinkedIn in, via my private mailbox, in my response I was so quick to tell the recruiter I haven't managed as a IT PM before since he needed an experienced IT PM, but I did highlight my strengths and assured him of my abilities if offered the role. I haven't heard from him since then, I thought to myself maybe I should not have told him I haven't managed an IT project, so am asking if there really a great line of demarcation Between a PM and an IT PM, and how can only to be able to double as both. Saving Changes...
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John A. WilliamsOwner| JAW Consultancy | The PragmaticionerNootdorp, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
First off you earn respect for being honest about not having managed an IT project before. The fact of the matter is that there no such thing as a generalist PM, except in books and dreams. Sorry to burst your bubble there. You always need some kind of experience in specific domains. The problem is getting the chance to gain experience in different domains. Try getting awarded that opportunity in a face to face contact to gain trust.
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2 replies by Bamidele Apata
Oct 13, 2018 10:10 AM
Bamidele Apata
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Thanks, I do agree there is no generalize PM, but in managing projects, the PMBOK did provide generalize knowledge area, which apply a cross board, needing only to be tailored by different specialist, so I am of the opinion that a PM in the construction industry have acquired some transferable skills which he can also use as a telecom PM... My thoughts though.
Oct 13, 2018 10:14 AM
Bamidele Apata
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I should have seen this post before just swiftly replying the recruiter, like you said he only asked if I was interested in the position, that was all, though he stated few requirements, but like you said all he asked was if I was interested. All I could have done was say yes.
A project manager should have a balance of ( technical management skills, business strategic management skill and LEADERSHIP skills) which PMI called it "Talent triangle.
For me at least I never heard about IT PM.
Yes, the client may prefer to choose a certain PM who has a good record of performing IT project(s), but this is another issue.
BR,
Mansour Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
You can highlight strengths w/o highlight weakness. Always try to get to the point of conversation. The recruiter is simply looking to fill the position in front of them. If s/he reached out to you, there was an obvious connection. Next step is to have a dialogue, then let them decide if the strengths apply to the position, and if warranted, outweigh any missing areas.
When responding, simply either show interest or let them know you are not interested. Save the rest for the actual discussion.
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1 reply by Bamidele Apata
Oct 13, 2018 11:39 AM
Bamidele Apata
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I should have seen this post before just swiftly replying the recruiter, like you said he only asked if I was interested in the position, that was all, though he stated few requirements, but like you said all he asked was if I was interested, tell me to indicate interest before we discuss, but after all I did wrote... It was end of discussion, he said no word further. All I could have done was say yes. Lesson learnt.
Posted: Oct 13, 2018 10:14 AM
First off you earn respect for being honest about not having managed an IT project before. The fact of the matter is that there no such thing as a generalist PM, except in books and dreams. Sorry to burst your bubble there. You always need some kind of experience in specific domains. The problem is getting the chance to gain experience in different domains. Try getting awarded that opportunity in a face to face contact to gain trust.
Thanks, I do agree there is no generalize PM, but in managing projects, the PMBOK did provide generalize knowledge area, which apply a cross board, needing only to be tailored by different specialist, so I am of the opinion that a PM in the construction industry have acquired some transferable skills which he can also use as a telecom PM... My thoughts though. Saving Changes...
First off you earn respect for being honest about not having managed an IT project before. The fact of the matter is that there no such thing as a generalist PM, except in books and dreams. Sorry to burst your bubble there. You always need some kind of experience in specific domains. The problem is getting the chance to gain experience in different domains. Try getting awarded that opportunity in a face to face contact to gain trust.
I should have seen this post before just swiftly replying the recruiter, like you said he only asked if I was interested in the position, that was all, though he stated few requirements, but like you said all he asked was if I was interested. All I could have done was say yes. Saving Changes...
You can highlight strengths w/o highlight weakness. Always try to get to the point of conversation. The recruiter is simply looking to fill the position in front of them. If s/he reached out to you, there was an obvious connection. Next step is to have a dialogue, then let them decide if the strengths apply to the position, and if warranted, outweigh any missing areas.
When responding, simply either show interest or let them know you are not interested. Save the rest for the actual discussion.
I should have seen this post before just swiftly replying the recruiter, like you said he only asked if I was interested in the position, that was all, though he stated few requirements, but like you said all he asked was if I was interested, tell me to indicate interest before we discuss, but after all I did wrote... It was end of discussion, he said no word further. All I could have done was say yes. Lesson learnt.
Posted: Oct 13, 2018 10:14 AM Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I totally agree with John ... Very well said. A general PM only exists in books and dreams but in reality you need to have the bare minimum amount of experience in certain domain in order to be able to manage the projects successfully as it will help you make sense of the cost estimates, schedule , resolve issues and obstacles wisely.
In my opinion, you did the right thing. Your answer will show you are honest and will give this recruiter heads up for future opportunities that suits your field of expertise. If you only told him yes you are interested, and then later he discovers you have no IT experience, then it will be a waste of his time and yours.
Of course, you will find different opinions on this matter, but I have been managing large complex construction and development projects and I assure you that if you have no construction or real estate development experience, you won’t be able to effectively and efficiently manage construction jobs. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Yes, absolutely agree. There is no tolerance for dishonesty. I am coming at this from a skewed point of view as a long time PM in IT, but not called an IT PM :)
So, completely agree as well with both Rami and John. Be open and upfront. Saving Changes...
Thanks everyone, being honest wasn't ever an issue, and it wasn't going to be. PMBOK did mension efficient and effective communication as just the required relevant information when needed. This discussion was actually supposed to cycle around PM, and IT PM which everyone has rightly pointed out, that only in the text book does a general PM exist, but also its quite intriguing I barely see title like construction PM, telecom PM, but when it comes to IT I always see IT PM like that's the only niche in PM. I did learnt alot from all your contributions, thanks alot to everyone. Saving Changes...
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