🚩Getting Your First Project Management Role

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Welcome to Projects Right, my weekly newsletter where I give actionable leadership, AI, and career growth advice in project management

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What’s Inside:

• Getting Your First Project Management Role

• What Does a Project Manager Do?

• Transferable Skills

• Project Management Tools

• Certifications

• 10 Visuals That Will Fast-Track Your Career

Master Project Management: Your Cheat Code to Success

Did you know that over 60% of project managers struggle to deliver successful projects?

It’s true. Most project managers face challenges that lead to delays, budget overruns, and even project failures. Why? Because they often jump into managing projects without a solid foundation or the right tools. They aim to learn on the go, but there’s no room for mistakes when real deadlines hit.

What if you had a cheat code to help avoid those pitfalls and deliver projects like a pro from day one?

My Project Management Excellence Digital Playbooks are designed to give you that exact advantage. Packed with proven strategies and practical templates, these playbooks take the guesswork out of managing projects. You’ll learn how to stay organized, lead effectively, and keep your projects on track without unnecessary stress.

Don’t leave your success up to chance. Grab the playbooks here.

Use code “fall2024” and get 25% off all my playbooks.

Getting Your First Project Management Role: A Step-by-Step Guide

Landing your first project management role may seem like a big challenge, but with the right approach, it’s totally achievable. Whether you're transitioning from another field or starting fresh, this guide will walk you through the steps to break into project management. Let’s dive in.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

Before jumping in, it’s important to understand what a project manager actually does. Project managers are responsible for leading teams, coordinating resources, and ensuring that projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. They break down large goals into smaller tasks, delegate responsibilities, and monitor progress to make sure things stay on track.

Here’s a breakdown of a project manager’s typical responsibilities:

• Planning: Creating a project plan, setting timelines, and outlining objectives.

• Team Leadership: Leading a team, assigning tasks, and ensuring collaboration.

• Budgeting: Monitoring project costs and ensuring that expenses stay within the allocated budget.

• Risk Management: Identifying potential challenges and developing strategies to mitigate risks.

• Communication: Keeping everyone, including stakeholders, informed about the project’s progress.

Understanding these key responsibilities will help you position yourself as a strong candidate when applying for your first role.

Step 1: Identify Your Transferable Skills

One of the biggest challenges for aspiring project managers is demonstrating that they have the necessary skills, even if they don’t have direct project management experience. The good news is that you probably already possess many of the skills needed.

Here’s how to identify your transferable skills:

• Leadership: Have you led a team, group project, or committee? Whether at work or in a volunteer capacity, leadership experience is crucial.

• Organization: Have you coordinated events, managed timelines, or juggled multiple tasks at once? Project managers need to be highly organized.

• Communication: If you’ve ever written reports, given presentations, or mediated conflicts, you’ve honed your communication skills—one of the most important aspects of project management.

• Problem Solving: Project managers frequently face roadblocks. If you’ve been in situations where you had to think on your feet and find solutions, that’s a key skill.

Actionable Tip: Write down specific examples of when you’ve demonstrated these skills in your past experiences. These will be useful for your resume and interviews.

Step 2: Get Familiar with Project Management Tools

Project managers use various tools to keep projects on track. Learning some of these tools ahead of time will make you a more attractive candidate.

Here are some of the most popular project management tools:

• Trello: A simple, user-friendly tool that helps teams organize tasks using boards, lists, and cards.

• Asana: A task management tool that allows teams to track progress, assign tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Microsoft Project: A more advanced tool used for scheduling, assigning resources, and managing budgets.

• Monday.com: A visual tool that helps teams collaborate and track the progress of projects.

Actionable Tip: Pick one or two tools and start practicing. Create a personal project (like planning a vacation or organizing an event) and use the tool to track tasks and deadlines.

Step 3: Consider a Certification

Getting certified can give you a leg up in the job market, especially if you’re new to project management. One of the most recognized entry-level certifications is the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certification shows employers that you understand the fundamentals of project management.

Here are a few other certifications to consider:

• PRINCE2 Foundation: Another entry-level certification, more popular in Europe.

• Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): If you’re interested in Agile project management, this is a great certification to have.

Actionable Tip: Research different certification programs and choose one that fits your goals. Online courses are available to help you prepare for the exam, and most certifications can be completed in a few months.

Step 4: Tailor Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Your resume and LinkedIn profile are crucial tools for landing your first project management role. To stand out, you need to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to project management.

Here’s how to tailor your resume:

1. Focus on Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have formal project management experience, highlight any roles where you demonstrated leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.

2. Use Action Verbs: Words like “coordinated,” “led,” “managed,” and “executed” help convey your abilities as a project manager.

3. Show Results: Employers want to see the impact of your work. If you’ve improved efficiency, saved money, or delivered projects on time, include those metrics.

For your LinkedIn profile:

• Write a Strong Headline: Instead of just listing your current job, use a headline that reflects your project management aspirations. For example: “Aspiring Project Manager | Skilled in Leadership and Problem Solving.”

• Update Your Skills: Add relevant project management skills to your LinkedIn profile, like “Team Leadership,” “Project Planning,” and “Risk Management.”

• Get Recommendations: Ask colleagues or supervisors to write LinkedIn recommendations that highlight your leadership and organizational skills.

Actionable Tip: Spend time customizing your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your project management aspirations. Focus on transferable skills and use the right keywords to increase your visibility.

Step 5: Start Networking and Applying for Jobs

Now that your resume and LinkedIn profile are optimized, it’s time to start applying for jobs. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to come along. Applying for entry-level project management roles, internships, or even project coordinator positions can help you gain valuable experience.

Here’s how to get started:

• Set a Job Search Goal: Aim to apply for a certain number of jobs each week (e.g., five applications per week).

• Leverage LinkedIn: Connect with project managers and recruiters in your area. Follow project management groups and participate in discussions to build your network.

• Attend Networking Events: Virtual and in-person events can help you meet professionals in the field and learn about job openings.

Actionable Tip: Don’t be afraid to apply for roles even if you don’t meet all the requirements. Many employers are looking for candidates who have the right skills and potential, not just those who check every box.

Step 6: Prepare for Interviews

Once you start landing interviews, preparation is key. Employers want to see that you have the skills and mindset to succeed as a project manager. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences have prepared you for a project management role.

Here’s how to prepare:

• Review Common Interview Questions: Practice answering questions like “How do you handle tight deadlines?” or “Describe a time when you led a team to complete a project.”

• Be Ready with Examples: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain how you’ve demonstrated leadership, organization, or problem-solving skills.

• Ask Your Own Questions: Show your interest in the role by asking thoughtful questions about the company’s projects, tools, and culture.

Actionable Tip: Practice answering interview questions with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time for the real interview.

Final Thoughts: Stay Persistent

Breaking into project management can take time, but persistence is key. Continue building your skills, growing your network, and applying for jobs. With the right approach, you’ll land your first project management role before you know it.

Start taking action today, and soon, you’ll lead your own projects!

10 Visuals That Will Fast-Track Your Career

Mindset shifts to accelerate your growth.

Click here to see 10 visuals that will fast-track your career.

My takeaways I wish I’d known 5 years ago:

↳ Your career mirrors your choices and actions.
↳ Say 'No' to distractions. Focus on your biggest goals.
↳ Systems and strategy drive real progress, not just activity.

Share your top 3 takeaways here.

Thanks for reading until the end!

Don’t forget to Use code “fall2024” and get 25% off all my playbooks.

Until next time,

Justin