Hi all! I'm a relatively new member, based in London, just preparing for my PMP. Looking forward to interacting more with everyone on the site and in person when we finally get to network again! Posting as anonymous as when you google my name these threads come up (you don't even have to login to the platform, that seems a bit worrying)
I wanted to ask if anyone might have advice on how to best approach industry changes within the project management sphere?
TL:DR - A full explanation is below, but basically I work in the travel industry and want out, so I'm doing the PMP plus some data analytics courses and I wanted to ask if anyone has any advice.
I currently work in the travel tech industry, and as you can assume this is not the best place to be for quite some time. Even before the pandemic I was thinking of a change as I've been at the same place for now 4 years and want to advance my career more. I do Business Development which is mostly centered around projects, from building new websites, to client based projects, a new CRM system, new office openings etc. As I work in a small company I've had the opportunity to lead many projects from start to finish mostly involving bettering operations, creating a customized web product for clients, working with external vendors/developers and a lot of tenders. As aviation is overly regulated there was a lot of environmental factors to consider, a great deal of stakeholders, often including the government, and coordinating multiple departments and teams to get the job done, all on a multicultural level across the world. Also, I have a lot of experience with different technologies (CRM, Data Analytics, Email marketing, Social media, Reporting) and a Masters level education (scholarships, top schools etc). In theory I like what I do, but it has become very stressful, our team has halved in size, I've been also furloughed for some time, half our clients are gone and the clients are also not willing to spend anything for a nondescript period of time. On top of it all I have no idea what's happening in the company and just get thrown curveballs that I have to find a way to deal with and it's starting to make me feel both unappreciated and afraid for my job, which is also severely underpaid (I'm on a work visa so employers tend to hold that over you). Hence the want for a change, which is more pressing than before.
I've been looking at other tech/data industries as I want to remain in this sphere (SaaS, finance, fintech, insurtech, E-commerce etc) and I've noticed a lot of times they ask for experience in the industry as "preferred" and yet every person I check who works in these has almost exactly the same experience usually from also big companies. The roles I've been looking at are Business Analyst/Project Management roles (I looked at Business development too but less roles are available). As many also ask for experience in Project Management I thought it would be good to get a certificate that explains this knowledge better than anything I might write on the CV (hence the PMP). I'm also doing a SQL advanced course (beginner level I already know) to further show my data knowledge. I've even had some recommendations from current employees for certain roles (thanks to my business school alumni network) but can't even seem to get my foot in the proverbial door of an interview.
Other than this does anyone have any advice on what I could potentially do additionally to put myself on the market for other industries, as my CVs tend to be unread (can't even get an interview). Obviously I don't want my employer to know about any of this so can't really just go about posting on LinkedIn about this.
Do you know of any resources that may help for job search, recruiters, coaching, additional skill building etc - anything that might help? Have any of you changed industries and what are some of the difficulties you faced? In my eyes these processes and skills are easily transferable but I sometimes feel recruiters/HR are very black and white when it comes to these things and immediately exclude people who don't fit into their mold. I've had a couple friends experience the same issue,
As it's pandemic times I know we're all struggling but still thought maybe the community has some thoughts I didn't even dream of. I haven't been in the job market for a while so don't know of any good tips/tricks.
Thanks everyone! Saving Changes...
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Anonymous
P.S. Anyone with any advice I'm happy to message you directly, just didn't want my name here because Google is too good in snooping. Saving Changes...
Adela TataruSenior Project Manager| Self EmployedVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hello,
I do think you have a good background in terms of project management already and it surprises me a little that you cannot get to the interview phase...
Did you try to have your resume reviewed? It is a good thing to usually adapt the resume to each job offering (even if it is not by much, but highlighting certain skills for a job ad and then others for another can help to pass through the ATS (recruting) system. it works a lot on matching keywords from job posts to the candidate profile.)
Also maybe try finding key people (persons who have your desired role at the desired company ) and reach out to them in a personalized email and explaining that you would want to understand how they got where they are. A lot of people would be happy to help.
It is said that a lot of jobs are not even advertised and usually a network connection is more powerful than Linkedin or any other job board at getting to have a job, try to reach to any parties you trust (family&friends, discrete colleagues, almni groups etc) and see if they have anything at their company.
Hi there,
I find it very strange that you're getting no feedback regarding your CV. It seems like you're doing everything very thoroughly. A few ideas:
1) You can set your profile on LinkedIn to "open to recruiters" and your current employer does not see it.
2) Contact and have a chat with some recruiters to see what's available in your area
3) Coaching can help once you know the industry that you want to move into.
Another thing to consider is looking at how you are presenting yourself on your CV. Are you focused on the role at hand? or does it look too broad?
Good luck with your job search! Saving Changes...
Wan-Phek HowCareer and Project Management Coach| Wan How ConsultingBurnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Hello there,
It's not easy to get an interview these days. For every job posting, there are hundreds of applications. This is true even before the pandemic in 2018 and 2019.
In my previous role as PMO Leader, it was hard to me to shortlist candidates because the CVs look the same: PMP with x number of years of experience. So it is important for you to build and promote your personal brand. That helps your CV stand out.
What can you add to your authentic personal brand? Saving Changes...
