LORI WILSONRETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint HealthClarkston, Wa, United States
One more thought on this........I am always shocked to find typos and poor grammar in resumes. Avoid them - ask several qualified reviewers to review your resume before submitting!
...
1 reply by Mayte Mata Sivera
Mar 23, 2017 4:07 PM
Mayte Mata Sivera
...
Talking about grammar, during one job interview, one of the team members told me that I had grammar issues...I asked for examples, he took the red pen and marked...something like "learned - learnt"...I was completely knocked... American vs British...
Sure, all job seekers should take care of the grammar...but the hiring managers also about the background of the person that they have in front of them.
Definitely, I have to think about writing a book about my year looking for a challenging role.
One more thought on this........I am always shocked to find typos and poor grammar in resumes. Avoid them - ask several qualified reviewers to review your resume before submitting!
Talking about grammar, during one job interview, one of the team members told me that I had grammar issues...I asked for examples, he took the red pen and marked...something like "learned - learnt"...I was completely knocked... American vs British...
Sure, all job seekers should take care of the grammar...but the hiring managers also about the background of the person that they have in front of them.
Definitely, I have to think about writing a book about my year looking for a challenging role. Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Mar 23, 2017 10:00 AM
Replying to Edward Daniels
...
Hi Wade,
You said "I screwed up an important project that cost my organization millions of dollars, and now I need a job." I don't have much to go on but have you looked at being a consultant? I don't know what happened or why you think you screwed up an important project. There should be checks and balances, along with reporting that should have indicated the project is not going as planned. If you can answer the questions below (5Ws and H) -
What happened?
Who is involved?
Where did it take place?
When did it take place?
Why did that happen?
How did you screw up?
This is not about shifting blame, but you may just realize that you didn't screw up at all. As PM, we should be aware that we have stakeholders to help us wade through the shallow and deep waters of every project, it isn't about just directing the teams. It is about engaging everyone, if there is any risk, no matter how low the probability is, we should add it to the risk register and communicate it. The plug may be pulled on a project if the business case no longer supports it, that is not project failure. It is actually smart, we all know and remember the saying "Penny-wise, Pound-foolish". How many times do we really figure that into our projects?
Edward - interesting... Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Mar 23, 2017 12:41 PM
Replying to LORI WILSON
...
I agree with Aaron's recommendation not to include a failure in your resume, but be prepared to talk about it. You can definitely refer to what you learned from a failed project experience and how you are more prepared and knowledgeable to help companies avoid future project failures.
Lori - that's makes me ask again, what is really a project failure? Saving Changes...
Florent BIGUEURCompliance Officer, VP| Credit Agricole CIBParis, France
Mar 23, 2017 10:00 AM
Replying to Edward Daniels
...
Hi Wade,
You said "I screwed up an important project that cost my organization millions of dollars, and now I need a job." I don't have much to go on but have you looked at being a consultant? I don't know what happened or why you think you screwed up an important project. There should be checks and balances, along with reporting that should have indicated the project is not going as planned. If you can answer the questions below (5Ws and H) -
What happened?
Who is involved?
Where did it take place?
When did it take place?
Why did that happen?
How did you screw up?
This is not about shifting blame, but you may just realize that you didn't screw up at all. As PM, we should be aware that we have stakeholders to help us wade through the shallow and deep waters of every project, it isn't about just directing the teams. It is about engaging everyone, if there is any risk, no matter how low the probability is, we should add it to the risk register and communicate it. The plug may be pulled on a project if the business case no longer supports it, that is not project failure. It is actually smart, we all know and remember the saying "Penny-wise, Pound-foolish". How many times do we really figure that into our projects?
Totally agree! Saving Changes...
Anthony RocheLaboratory Operations Manager| Protean BiodiagnosticsOrlando, Fl, United States
I would avoid including items that are not in alignment with the PM opportunity. Avoid too much technical focus and in stead highlight examples of your experience and skill as a PM. Showcase the things you would bring to the table, show how you would add value to the organization and promote your level of PM skills and achievements. Saving Changes...
Eric Jones PMP, MBASenior Project Manager| Insight GlobalArlington, Va, United States
Mar 21, 2017 8:27 AM
Replying to George Lewis
...
There are a lot of do's and don'ts when generating a resume, but specifically for Project Managers I would suggest to be especially careful.
Most of the times PMs are in a management level and you want to give that impression when someone is reading your resume.
Don't you want to effectively show al your relevant achievements in a nice format and well worded way?
What should you do?
What should you NOT do?
Comments...
I thnk it is important to structure the bullets of your resume to read like an appraisal. It should read as follows:
" Led a ($$$ dollar value / number of people...if you have it) effort,(Project name/Project to improve/implement....) resulting in ...(Don't just say delivered under budget and on time))
State the overall organization improvement if you have measured it or cost savings / time savings." The important thing is to stay away from status quo and show organizational impact, project management efficiencies as a result of, cost savings...etc. Use action words to start every bullet and stay away from words like provided or responsible for. Use your resume to show impact in a measurable, specific way.
Example: Led the of analysis of emerging net-centric technologies to determine the operational impact of new technologies fielded on [Organization Name] networks resulting in the integration of a groundbreaking data distribution system that saved the [Organization Name] over $1.2 million annually in ongoing cost to manage manual processes. Saving Changes...
Dear George, Great question. PMI website provides guidelines to include PMP and logo on business cards. Important are accomplishments, and wording, on your resume.
