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by duckboxxer 1 view

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Currently I am in search of a new job and it has been a couple of years since I was in the job market. What are the best places to look?

I know the number one is networking. That's hunky dory, but when moving to a new state, face to face networking isn't always a huge option. And to add to this, I am looking to move from my developer/ analyst role to project management.

Are there other options? Things beyond the basics like mass job sites(indeed.com), email lists (finding the right ones!), going straight to company sites and even Craigslist?

9 replies

by the ref

Moving states and job types might appear as risky to employers. I would suggest either trying to get a project management contract in your existing city before moving, of look for a development contract in the new city.

Not having the experience may make it harder to get a phone interview, as it makes it more difficult for the employer. Recently I was looking for staff and the effort involved in helping someone move was not worth the hassle when local candidates were good and i could interview them in person.

However in saying that, there is a job shortage so getting good people with string PM skills is difficult.

by duckboxxer

The moving is happening regardless, so getting a job locally and then moving isn't a possibility. The truck will be here in the morning.

I do have listed on my resume I'm in the progress of getting my PMP, but that's more than just passing a test these days.

So I am looking for a PM type job in DC. I don't want to code and honestly, nor should an employer. I've spent more time using old software and in Office than coding in the past 2 years. Sure I could get a job coding, but these days, I'd go nuts.

Any other thoughts on where to look for leads? Beyond the standard websites? Going to track down the local Adobe user groups as well as PMI groups. Would Toastmasters or something like that help get leads?

by tig2

Start with the local brand of PMI. It will give you an opportunity for networking and will put your face and name out among the masses.

You are working on PMP but need to have time in rate. Find a Mentor as quickly as you can on arrival. Not only can that person help you with breaking into the market, they can also help you re-create yourself as a PM.

While it may signal a pay cut, look for short contract work as a BA or Project Coordinator. This is a good "natural" progression to Project Management.

Take a very hard look at your resume. Are there things that you have done that suggest Project Management? Are you calling those things out?

Finally, get your tail to the DC unemployment office. They will offer classes and counseling on the free that will help you to re-work your resume to speak meaningfully to that job market. The tools I use to market myself in MN may not work where I am going.

I wish you the very best of luck in negotiating this change. Please let us know how you get on.

by wayne m.

Contact an employment agency in the area you will be moving into. I'm sure you can find some on Google. Also, go to the library and check the classified in the Washington Post and Washington Times. These will provide a list of job openings, but a lot will be from employment agencies. Try to get your resume in the hands of as many employment agencies as possible and set up a meeting with one.

Do not, under any circumstances, send any money to an employment agency. The good ones will collect their fee from the employer; the bad ones will collect money from you and not do anything.

by duckboxxer

What is the difference between a headhunter and a recruiter? What side of the job they are on?

by dr dij

for recruiter or employment agency.

as long a syou remember they are there to find a person to fill a job vacancy, NOT find a job for you, you will be OK with them (from your point of view). If that job happens to be able to be filled by you, everyone is happy.

I have no problem going to several. Both gneralists and IT specialty agencies. And there are hybrids: semi consulting, will put you in a job sort of like a consulting agency, can be temp to perm.

Read on ittoolbox, pick a group related to PM careers to see what is happening in PM real world managers, could help.

by duckboxxer

First off, I never thought about the unemployment office. Will have to look into that. I'm also checking into the local PMI chapter.

As far as my resume, a resume specialist friend helped me craft a very polished resume. My experience dances all around project management, but always including the development as well. My last job had me straddling both sides of the fence, now it's time to go to the junior PM role and leave the coding to someone else.

by dr dij

polished or not, (and I presume you've done this) it should be oriented towards the job you are seeking. e.g. PM mention more of this and emphasize it more, leave off some of the other stuff, e.g. developer. And vs if you wanted a developer job again.

by jamesrl

Taking short term contracts is one way to build up your own network for long term stuff. If you impress the people you work for on a contract, you can ask them to talk to their contacts to see if they know of anything.

I also used to belong to a networking group - an executive job hunting club which met weekly - look for one.

And be flexible, as one of the previous posters said, take what you can find in order to build you contact base. I took a job at a bank as a BA, enjoyed it very much and 3 years later am still in touch with the management there.

James

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