by Mike Ososki, PMP, Communications Committee

Again this year, it is the highest Dunwoody Dinner attendance. Why? Because everyone’s favorite radio station is WII-FM: What’s In It For Me? We can’t help it—when you ponder everything that depends on your job/career, it’s no wonder you prioritize to play the hiring game as well as you can. Hiring managers ask the same question... what can you do for me?

This time, the professional recruiters who generously shared their wide and deep views, learned opinions, diverse and sometimes contrasting advice with us were...

• Geri Baldwin Gonzales – Sr. Director of Recruiting, RGP
• Stephanie Duncan – Director of Recruiting, Crawford & Company
• Cyndy Gay – Recruiter, TrueBridge Resources
• Josh Murphy – Sr. Technical Recruiter, Staffing Technologies
• Paul Noetling – Recruiter, MATRIX Resources
• Michael W. Patrick – Sr. Talent Acquisition Partner, Fiserv

The good news is the general consensus that demand for Project Management expertise continues to increase. Paul describes it as an uptick, while Michael states “a large need,” both for direct-hire and contract/consult arrangements. “The market is up,” according to Josh, and “with the right skill mix and good timing, the best time to find a job is when you have one.”

Stephanie (our most direct and outspoken participant) asserts that “job titles mean nothing” and you must be creative in your job search. Specializing in particular business domains/verticals carry extra weight for relevance, while horizontally-speaking, “95% are IT project managers,” says Josh. At Fiserv, Michael claims that “a PM is a PM.” Geri affirms that needs will change and you must strive to remain conscious and aware of change both now and upcoming.

“The black hole” is a very popular phrase to describe where applicant resumes often seem to go. For your most effective job search, Stephanie recommends that you surround yourself with your corporate group of interest, then find and connect directly with the hiring managers—“figure it out.” Paul says to “be your own billboard,” and that when applying online, you should update your resume every few days to stay at the top of the list. Persist, and don’t be shy to apply even 5-6x for the same role.

More nuggets from everyone ...

Michael
• Ask questions and participate in LinkedIn groups
• PMs that know how to solve problems are always in demand and good-to-go
• Articulate clearly what you like to do and what you’re good at
• Recruiters want candidates that can help tell their story: how do you package yourself?
• Q: How many recruiters should you use? ... A: How many mechanics do you use?

Josh
• If applying to an agency posting, send resume first, then call
• Time between applying and interviewing varies a lot, depending on other variables
• Q: How many recruiters should you use? ... A: As many as it takes
• Big resume turn-off: PhD that can’t spell
• Write your resume for the job you want vs. the job you have; tune it to the vertical

Stephanie
• For a role in corporate, focus more to connect with the hiring manager vs. the recruiter
• Q: What makes you run away from a resume?... A: essay style
• The top half of the first page is prime real estate: “Grab me”—no summary needed
• Find the position that best fits you; don’t try to be all things to all jobs
• Ask culture-fit questions; bosses are one of top 3 reasons for leaving jobs

Paul
• When changing jobs, maybe take a step down to later be able to move 3 steps up
• Availability of C2C and 1099 work varies by client/company
• Maintain multiple resumes, each tailored to emphasize specific aspects of you
• During interviewing, ask “How long have you been here and why?” and “What do you like and not like about working here?”

Cyndy
• Extensive cross-industry experience is a big plus
• The VMS (Vendor Management System) buffers between you and the hiring manager
• Include ALL of your technical know-how in your resume; don’t assume the reader knows
• Maintain one big resume; minimize generalizing; give specific details of each job/position
• Q: After interviewing, how do you know if it’s a good fit/culture? ... A: Go with your gut

Geri
• Consulting/contract project work is great for retirees
• Work through your contacts to get in front of the right people
• Q: What makes you run away from a resume?... A: More than 3-pages
• Likes the summary section of a resume (if well-done)
• To vet company, ask ex-employees and the Admin. Assistant

No matter how you slice it, finding the right work home is challenging for all parties. It doesn't matter what your profession is. Impersonally speaking, when you play The Hiring Game, you are a salesperson and marketer of yourself as a product. As a company shops to buy, there is no way around this. Your CV is your marketing document that does or does not inspire conversation—its primary purpose.

If you succeed, you rise to phase 2: The live conversation of “Interview Road.” Want success on this path? Work hard to shine more brightly than your competition. Consider your audience and speak their language. Be relevant to their world. Give a good record of evidence that demonstrates your immediate and continuing high value—as the hiring team defines it.

Career Month continues with more chances to networking with recruiters at the Recruiter Networking and Advanced LinkedIn Training this Thursday, July 23 and Speed Dating with Recruiters next Thursday, July 30. Specialized panels will be held at the Agile Forum July 21st and the Governance Forum on July 22nd.