How to Get a Project Management Job

A project manager takes charge planning, executing and delivering projects. Project managers can work in any industry. They're most often associated with engineering, finance, IT and marketing. Not only is it a satisfying role, it's also in high demand.

These are the steps you should follow to get a project manager role. 

Step 1: Work on your CV  

Make sure your CV is up to date and that you have the right qualifications for the role you are applying for.

If you don’t have the right experience, you should try to get a job within a project management team. Also try to showcase on your CV, the abilities your current job will bring to the position.

Step 2: Boost your skills

It is important to have a certain skill set to become an effective and successful project manager. Time management and problem solving are essential for the role.

Decision making skills are also important as you will need to give some concessions to your team and sometimes you will have to tighten your grip on the decision you made.

Soft skills such as communication, listening and being a team player are also an integral part of the role.  You will need to listen and to communicate clearly with your team.

Finally,  even though you are the project manager, you are also part of the team, you'll need to be able to work with others as well.

Step 3: Be aware of the responsibilities of the role

As a project manager you are responsible for your team and the delivery of the project on the accorded deadline.  Your main responsibilities will be to make sure the planning, implementation, monitoring and control of their project is successful.

Other responsibilities will also include: scheduling, risk assessing, providing direction and support to the team. In addition, you will have to  report progress, problems and solutions and assess the results, making sure that the delivery of the project is of high standard quality. Finally, you will be managing and working with multiple stakeholders.

 Step 4: Get qualified

The last step is easy, get qualified. It can be through a degree in Business Administration or by acquiring key project management qualifications such as:

• PRINCE2: is a de facto processed-based method for effective project management.
• APM: is regarded as the leading professional body in project management, offering a qualification recognised by project managers worldwide.
• ITIL: is the most widely accepted approach to IT service management in the world.
• PMP: is one of the most important industry recognised credentials for project managers. It demonstrates you have the ability, the experience, education and competency to lead and direct any project.
• APMG: it approaches the needs of those who work in a project management environment, who want to have the ability to work with corporate management processes.

The right qualifications will make you stand out for this role as competition can be extremely tough.

At ILX, we offer training on all project management programmes. We have 30 years of experience and we are the market leader for learning and consulting solutions within the project management sector.

For more information about how to become a certified project manager head to our contact us or call us on +44 1270 611 600 to request a quote.