This is easier said than done, but it is not impossible. If a position becomes open or is about to be opened and a well-qualified individual is already on the horizon as a strong candidate for the position, then there is a strong chance that the job will be offered to or at least discussed with that candidate prior to publicizing the job to outsiders. When the job gets opened up to the public, the interview and sorting process that it goes through can be time consuming and expensive. Also, without personal knowledge of each of these people, the background, and reference checking prior to serious consideration is essential. Keeping this in mind, consider the value of continuously marketing yourself even prior to any active job search.
Decades ago, it would have been intimidating to have the word get out that you were looking for another opportunity, but companies realize that the lack of stability makes it almost essential for employees to constantly keep their eyes open. Never broadcast that you are keeping your options open to your employer or they might go ahead and free you to explore those options. But you do not have to be afraid to keep putting feelers out. One of the advantages of project management careers when it comes to looking for jobs is that everyone realizes that when the project is complete, there is a strong chance that the project managers will be released.
Anyone who is serious about pursuing career advancement and success should have professional, raised ink business cards on hand at all times. The business card should indicate that you are an experienced project manager who has been involved in several different project management programs (if that is true of you.) It should include a phone number that is likely to continue to access you for a couple of years. It should also include a professional email address and the URL to a professional social networking page, such as LinkedIn or Facebook.
Every time that you meet another project manager or a person who might be able to connect you to someone who would be responsible for hiring for various project management programs, take a moment to establish a rapport. Be sure to show interest in his/her company, and don’t forget to hand over your card. Then say something to the effect of, ''I'm happy with the organization I am with, but I always keep myself open to better opportunities. If at some time in the future you know of a project management job that I might be a good fit for, I would really appreciate it if you keep me in mind.'' Always ask for the other person’s card as well. Your card will probably be thrown away, but you are going to get in touch to make sure you are remembered.
After you meet a person who makes a potentially good contact, drop them a note in the mail. This might seem odd to you at first, but you are trying to set yourself above the rest of the qualified individuals in project management. The Project Management tips I give you here are tried and trusted. Here is what your note should be like.
It should include a professional looking black and white headshot with the simple subheading ''From the desk of Your Name.'' Then include your phone number and email address.
An appropriate size for this note is 8 ½'' x 3.66''. That is a third of an 8 ½'' x 11'' paper. It is ideal to print it on card stock paper, which is available at any office supply store. This note can be easily printed on your personal printer.
The message should be written in ink and say something to the effect of, ''Bob, It was really great meeting you at the Amazing Industrial Products Trade Show yesterday. If I can ever be of any help to you, please give me a call. Sincerely, Chuck.'' Staple or tape your business card to the note. Remember, he threw away the one you gave him yesterday.
If you are serious about this, then you should print up a couple of dozen cards at a time and even write a generic message that only needs to be completed by adding the person's name and the date. No one does this, and they will remember you for this.
Be sure to have stamps, envelopes, and cards in the car with you at all times, so you can be prepared at a moment's notice.
You can also send these cards along with any published information about certain companies. ''I saw you in the news. Congratulations on your upcoming project. If you are in need of a project manager or consultant, I would love to be considered.'' Whatever it is, make sure that you are active.
It is frequently not what you know or what your experience is as much as whom you know that lands you the great jobs in project management. Places to meet great resources are at trade shows, Chamber of Commerce functions, grand openings, town meetings, et cetera. The best thing you can do is always be prepared to meet that perfect person.
Project management requirements are often just secondary. If you are a confident professional, the project management requirements will be met easily. All you need to do is be the first person the decision makers think about when they start needing someone to run their project management programs. I assure you that you will have fun knowing that you can actually be the one that turns jobs down.
Best wishes for massive success. It is yours for the taking!
