I am just curious if anyone else is going through the same struggle as me?
I was laid off back in June and it seems that I am applying for jobs left and right and just not getting any responses back. I have worked with a resume coach so I know my resume is up to par with what is currently being accepted.
I am in pursuit of my PMP and PSM certifications. Do you think that because I do not currently have them that I am being tossed aside?
Any advise you could give on this subject or just getting my foot in the door would be helpful.
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace CorpsYaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Hi Ronald, Sorry about that.... Keep searching, you'll surely find it soon ... It is equally true that getting those certifications could increase your chances... I will strongly encourage you to go for them
Sorry to hear that you're struggling with finding a new job :( Have you tried searching for different terms other than Project Manager in job forums (e.g. "Project Lead").
Have you tried contacting / working with recruiters or contacting companies that you're interested in and seeing if they're accepting applications?
I will start looking under different terms for sure. I have not used a recruiter yet but I will definitely keep it in mind.
Thank you for the response!
A lot depends on the roles you are applying for. If it is a PM role in North America and you are not known to the hiring manager or recruiter, then yes, the PMP is likely to be an easy way for them to eliminate candidates for consideration.
Same for agile credentials like the CSM or PSM - if you are looking at an SM or PM role on a project following an agile lifecycle, the lack of a well known agile credential may work against you.
If there is much time before you can attain the PMP, I'd recommend leveraging your close network as much as possible to get a "warm" introduction to a hiring manager so that you don't have to worry about being eliminated based on the lack of a credential.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Osahon IdehenLead Analyst, Business Process| NNPC Corporate Strategy and SustainabilityAbuja, Fct, Nigeria
Get some lesson learned from your last company,convert it to strength/opportunity in your new search. Think about that Saving Changes...
Casey DayAuthor | thevideogameproducer.comSan Diego, Ca, United States
Hi Ronald,
Every company is different and the needs they have will be different. I've seen companies that are in love with certifications and maybe they help their employees obtain them as well. Then there is the opposite side of the coin where other companies don't understand why a piece of paper makes a difference in hiring. If I see a candidate with a certification on their resume it might help inform me what base knowledge they have, but it's never the deciding factor in hiring.
Continue to network with companies, continue to learn, and don't give up. Success is right around the corner ;)
In regards to the PMP I'm a big fan of the certification. I think it adds value to our industry, and has helped my career. That being said, I don't think it was just the certification that gave me success, it was also my hard work. Saving Changes...
Hi Ronald,
these are difficult times and I know first hand what you are going through.
Certifications, of course help a lot but networking is the best way to find your next dream job. Do not be afraid to ask for help.I hope we hear good news real soon.
Dimitris Saving Changes...
Rodrigo RodriguesInnovation Strategic Management Coordinator| SEBRAEBras??lia, Brazil
Review your resumé, LinkedIn profile and other social network might help. Also, being active on them is very important with coherence with the position you aim for. Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
There is a bit of a format to job hunting in the current environment. Step to use might be
1) Boss Hunt
2) Company Hunt
3) Recruiter hunt, HR Hunt
4) Then go direct to the company even in generic mail box
5) Then ATS
6) Then LinkedIn, Glass Door, etc
You can look into Andrew LaCivita (milewalk.com). He also has a YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCP1UlYJH_QL4m5HVyikcxfQ. He has workshops on how to job hunt, focusing on many avenues to pursue careers, using the list I have provided above. He also has lots of good free material on how to focus your job hunting, including same sample boss hunting letters. He offers pretty good value for his content.
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
I have checked your profile and liked the résumé very much, it says not only what you've done but also what you've achieved. I do not see a reason that would hold companies back from hiring you. Keep knocking on doors, investigate companies that are a good match to your experience and knowledge and do not stop learning. Eventually you will be in a situation in which you will need to choose between different offers. Hang in there. Best of luck! Saving Changes...
Hi Ronald, Sorry about that.... Keep searching, you'll surely find it soon ... It is equally true that getting those certifications could increase your chances... I will strongly encourage you to go for them
Thank you for the response! I will do just that. Saving Changes...
Community Champion
