How to Dress for a Project Management Job

Related

• How to Impress Your Boss at an Interview
• How to Answer Job Interview Questions About Working With Difficult Team Members
• Who to Address a Thank You Letter to if You Forget the Interviewer’s Name?
• How to Start a Project Management Consulting Business
• How to Deal With Coworkers Who Don’t Do Their Part in the Project

A project manager oversees the planning and implementation of various activities in a business environment. A project manager typically leads a team of employees and assists with setting goals, deadlines and developing work flow charts and project plans. An individual in this position should have both leadership and people skills as well as good written and verbal communication skills. These traits should be showcased during the job interview.

Dress professionally and be well-groomed. For men, a suit and tie or a jacket and slacks is appropriate. For a woman, a business suit or tailored slacks and fitted blouse is recommended.

Show up on time and prepared. Know in advance where the interview location is and budget your time for traffic so you can arrive early enough to compose your thoughts and review your notes. This type of advance preparation will demonstrate your reliability, promptness and professionalism.

Answer all questions in a confident manner while maintaining eye contact and engaging interviewers in back-and-forth dialogue. Refrain from overtalking or interrupting others to demonstrate your respect for your colleagues.

Respond to questions with well thought-out and detailed answers. A large part of a project manager’s responsibility is to thoroughly think through and analyze projects before moving forward. Interviewers will appreciate seeing you give thought to your responses during the interview.

Use real-life examples to extrapolate on your experience and your areas of expertise. In particular, share stories of how you successfully handled difficult or challenging projects, met tight deadlines or saved a previous employer money through innovative project-planning strategies.

Explain to interviewers the methodology behind the way you assemble project teams, develop project plans, allocate time and resources and see a project through from start to completion.

Be prepared to answer questions about how you negotiate conflict, deal with unexpected delays and maintain high morale among your project team members.

Emphasize your ability to stay calm under pressure, bring out the best in your colleagues, encourage team members to perform at optimum levels and consistently deliver high-quality projects to your employer.

Develop a PowerPoint presentation or bring along a portfolio that helps you visually demonstrate the steps you typically follow in a project-planning process. This will allow you to go in-depth and explain your methodology as well as answer questions from interviewers regarding why you take the approaches you do.

Promptly follow up your interview with a personal thank you note to your interviewer.

Interested in a Career in Project Management? Three Ways to Test Your Readiness

By: Veronica Thraen

Looking for a career change? Or are you just starting your professional career journey and not sure which road to take?

Project management is a growing profession with endless opportunities, whether in IT, construction, automotive, aerospace, or other industries. Consider this: Through 2027, the project management-oriented labor force in seven project-oriented sectors is expected to grow by 33%, or nearly 22 million new jobs.

Perhaps you know someone who is currently a project manager. Or you’ve heard about the profession and it sounds interesting, but you don’t know much about it. As a PM, leading teams to a successful project outcome is challenging and rewarding. But it’s not for everyone. So, a bit of research will go a long way to ensuring it’s the right move for you.

Consider these three tips to test the waters before diving into expensive formal training or certifications.

Tip #1

An Artist With Down Syndrome, A Tote Bag, And Joe Biden: How One Man’s Work Led To A Zoom Meeting With His ‘Hero’

How Breast Cancer Turned This Entrepreneur Into A Better Business Woman

The Biggest Mistakes An Author Makes When Launching A Book

Observe how PMs operate in real time. Sit in on some of their meetings or presentations to understand how they work with teams and stakeholders.

Ask how they approach a new project — the process they follow from project start to finish — and how they manage roadblocks or team conflict. On-the-job shadowing is the most effective way to learn the ropes.

If you work for a company that does not have PMs on staff, consider connecting with local project managers on LinkedIn or other social media outlets. You may find that they are open to spending an hour or two out of their day to help someone interested in their profession. And, who knows, they could end up being a valued mentor during your career.

Tip #2

Attend project management networking events as a guest. You can find events across North America and abroad, and many of them are little to no cost. Check the Project Management Institute (PMI) local chapter events calendar or Meetup.com. There, you will have the opportunity to meet PMs in all types of industries.

Be prepared to ask questions like, “What do you enjoy most about being a PM?” and “What’s the most challenging part of your job?” Inquire about the lessons learned on the most complex project they’ve managed. Most people will not pass up an opportunity to talk about what they do for a living!

All project managers have the same objective – to successfully lead teams to achieve an agreed-upon end goal — but they may have different ways of getting there. I’ve worked with many project managers over the years and I’ve learned something new from all of them. They provide a different perspective that you may not have even considered before.

Tip #3

Search for PM podcasts, blog articles, videos, or webinars that talk about the most critical skills required and pros/cons of project management. There are a wide variety of online resources available – resources that I did not have when I began my career in project management years ago.

There are also some great discussion groups you can join on LinkedIn and other sources where you can post questions for the general project management community or an industry-specific community. The purpose of these groups is to share ideas and resources and network with project managers across the globe.

Still unsure if project management is right for you? Try jumping into the role with both feet and learning as you go. Or take an entry-level position in a company with a Project Management Office (PMO) that will allow you to work alongside other project managers with varied experiences.

Whatever strategy you take, you’ll gain the valuable experience needed for a thriving career in project management for years to come. Good luck!

Veronica Thraen is the Owner and Principal Consultant at Maven Project Management, a technology project management consulting firm in Phoenix, Arizona that helps growing organizations put processes and tools in place to keep projects on track for long-term growth and success.

For any business to be successful, project management is essential; it is the core of nearly all daily operations. A project manager is responsible for grouping skilled workers into teams, constructing and instituting team plans, and facilitating the execution of all projects. This is all done to achieve the company’s goals. Specific duties and roles for each project manager depend, to a large extent, on the company the manager works for and the industry in which the company operates.

Often, a project manager begins his or her career in management at a consulting firm. This firm provides training in management methodology. In many cases, this individual starts as part of the team working under a project manager and works his or her way up into a management position.

Key Takeaways

• Project managers plan, develop, monitor, control and execute projects, doing everything from putting together groups of skilled workers to designing the structure and schedule of the project.
• Project managers often have an undergraduate degree in management and some have a master’s degree; internships, on-the-job training or experience in other areas of business management are also helpful.
• Established project managers, with 10 or more years of experience, can move up the corporate ladder to senior management positions or eventually become the chief operating officer (COO) of a company.

Principal Responsibilities

For any project manager, organization is the essential quality to possess. When a business assigns a project manager to a project, multiple factors and elements are involved and must fall into place seamlessly for the project manager to execute the project and achieve the company’s desired result.

In some instances, multiple departments within a business must work together to complete a project. Under these circumstances, the project manager must direct and oversee each department’s plans, ensure all departments are functioning effectively and staying on task, and combine all aspects to complete a project on time and within its budget. Staying within the company’s established budget and meeting the deadline for every project are the two primary responsibilities of every project manager.

To succeed, project managers must have excellent communication and motivation skills, enjoy working with others while maintaining a leadership role, pay close attention to details, and be organized.

Qualifications and Requirements

Earning an undergraduate degree in management is generally the place to start for an individual interested in pursuing a career as a project manager. This degree provides the individual with a background in critical areas, including overall management and human resources skills, that pertain directly to the job. The courses an individual takes to obtain this degree also strengthen communication and interaction skills. Both are essential assets needed to be successful as a project manager.

Some of the requirements for this position vary and depend on the company the individual applies to and the industry in which the company operates. Certain companies are more apt to require a person to have a master’s degree in project management to be considered for the position.

Gaining higher education that specializes in this particular field adds knowledge and value to any individual applying for a position as a project manager. Most companies see the greater potential a well-educated candidate can offer. Having a higher degree also generally increases the pay level in this field.

Internships for Project Managers

Individuals interested in this position also typically find some type of internship to gain on-the-job experience. Most internships involve working as part of the team being managed but allow the individual easy access to the project manager they work under; this gives the person the opportunity to observe how the project manager operates.

Certain skills and abilities that are necessary for this position can only be learned by actually working in a management environment.

$74,172

The average salary of a project manager in the United States, as of 2019, according to Salary.com; however, the figure can vary considerably, depending on the field and whether the person is in a junior or senior level position.

Career Path

There are often established project managers who wish to move up the ladder or move to a different position. There are a number of different jobs that project managers may pursue. These jobs include chief operating officer (COO) and a senior management role that falls under various different titles depending on the company and the industry.

For an established project manager—specifically one with at least 10 years of experience—moving into the position of COO is a fairly smooth transition. The work the project manager has done, interacting and working with all levels and all departments within his or her company, along with the skills and assets acquired during years on the job, easily prepare the project manager to graduate to this position.

If the manager does not already have one, it may be a good idea to earn a Master of Business Administration or MBA. Transitioning to the role of COO inevitably leads to an increase in responsibility and also a substantial increase in pay.

Senior Project Manager Roles

A senior delivery role may sound like a downgrade in position, but the job goes by different names in different companies and industries. As an example, in a vendor environment, software vendors typically use titles such as business development director, senior managing consultant, and senior project manager.

Essentially, the project manager is moving up to a senior management position. It depends, of course, on how long the manager has worked for the company and how effective and successful he or she has been. Again, moving into this position surely increases duties and the level of responsibility, but it also includes a significant increase in salary.

The Bottom Line

Project managers oversee groups of skilled workers and teams to facilitate the completion of projects. Project managers’ roles and duties vary depending on the company and industry. Careers in project management can be lucrative and a successful project manager may rise up to a senior management position in time.

There are a whole range of skills you need to be a successful project manager, and they’re not necessarily all technical. They may be skills you already use in your day to day life as well as being job-specific abilities developed through education and training.

We call these soft skills and hard skills, which can range from leadership, being able to motivate and encourage others, have good communication and decision making abilities, to managing risk, budgeting and project planning.

Project management skills are transferable from one industry to another. The tools and techniques of project management are universal and a good project manager should be able to add value in any environment.

It is important to have the right balance and combination of the various skills needed to be a successful project manager, as explored within this blog.

Project management is a growing profession and changing fast. It has never been so important for project professionals to demonstrate their skills and for organisations to assess their capability. Project management skills are transferable. The tools and techniques of project management are universal and a good project manager should be able to add value in any environment.

A project manager should:

• be effective at planning, monitoring and reviewing;
• be able to manage resources;
• be able to motivate and encourage others;
• be decisive and able to work well under pressure;
• be aware of who the project will affect and manage the effect it will have on them;
• command respect and trust;
• be able to resolve conflicts;
• be good at problem solving;
• have an understanding of health and safety;
• possess excellent communication skills both verbal and written;
• be able to co-ordinate work carried out by different people and organisations;
• be able to work as part of a team and on their own initiative;
• be able to control and monitor budgets;
• possess good IT skills.

It is also important to:

• be interested in seeing a project through from start to finish
• enjoy taking responsibility
• be motivated by achieving set goals or targets.

The APM Competence Framework is a resource that reflects the complexity of the modern project management profession. It describes APM’s new view of the competences necessary for effective project, programme, portfolio management and PMO in today’s environment and in our view of the future needs of the profession. It allows professionals to measure their skills, knowledge and professional needs against specific roles and competencies. Now you can marry the skills you have to the skills you require.

Selecting the job interview attire for women that makes the right impression and fits in with the company image can make you anxious. Follow these simple guidelines on how to dress for your next interview and be ready for success.

The rule of thumb is to dress in a professional and neat manner. It is generally better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.

The job candidate who arrives in a smart outfit will always make a great first impression, whatever the work environment.

The Right Job Interview Attire for Women

The classic black business suit is a clever option when deciding on your interview attire. It always looks professional and smart.

It can be worn in any environment and can be paired with either the basic white blouse or a colored blouse if you prefer.

The business suit can be dressed up or down according to the job interview dress code with a different type of blouse and leaving the jacket buttoned or open.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a business suit. Using these resources you can get hold of a suit on a limited budget.

What is the appropriate hem length?

These interview dress tips will help you select the right job interview attire for women.

The hem of your skirt should fall just above or on your knees. When you sit down at the interview your skirt always rides up a little. A shorter skirt often results in having to tug it down during the interview!

What kind of shoes should a woman wear to an interview?

Classic black or neutral color pumps are appropriate for any job interview. Look for a medium heel that is not too difficult to walk in.

How should I wear my hair?

What to do with your hair? The most important thing is that your hair should look neat and tidy. If you have long hair you can brush it behind your ears.

Or put it up neatly in a style of your choice. The important thing is that your hair should not fall over you face in any way or require you to keep pushing it off your face during the interview. This will only irritate the interviewer.

Job interview attire for women in a more casual environment

If you are looking for interview attire ideas that do not involve wearing a classic black suit view these job interview clothing suggestions. These clothes will be more suitable for a less formal interview environment or for younger job candidates who are interviewing for junior positions.

What not to wear to an interview

Avoid basic job interview dress mistakes. What are the interview clothes do’s and don’ts you should be aware of?

How to find out the right interview dress code

It is important that your job interview attire fits in with the company dress code. Find out more at job interview dress code.

Project management is a growing profession and changing fast. It has never been so important for project professionals to demonstrate their skills and for organisations to assess their capability. Project management skills are transferable. The tools and techniques of project management are universal and a good project manager should be able to add value in any environment.

A project manager should:

• be effective at planning, monitoring and reviewing;
• be able to manage resources;
• be able to motivate and encourage others;
• be decisive and able to work well under pressure;
• be aware of who the project will affect and manage the effect it will have on them;
• command respect and trust;
• be able to resolve conflicts;
• be good at problem solving;
• have an understanding of health and safety;
• possess excellent communication skills both verbal and written;
• be able to co-ordinate work carried out by different people and organisations;
• be able to work as part of a team and on their own initiative;
• be able to control and monitor budgets;
• possess good IT skills.

It is also important to:

• be interested in seeing a project through from start to finish
• enjoy taking responsibility
• be motivated by achieving set goals or targets.

The APM Competence Framework is a resource that reflects the complexity of the modern project management profession. It describes APM’s new view of the competences necessary for effective project, programme, portfolio management and PMO in today’s environment and in our view of the future needs of the profession. It allows professionals to measure their skills, knowledge and professional needs against specific roles and competencies. Now you can marry the skills you have to the skills you require.

Struggling to decide on an outfit for your upcoming job interview? What you wear to an interview creates an image or perception of the type of person you are, so choosing your attire is critical to presenting yourself as the right candidate to hire.

How interview attire has shifted

The dot-com era ushered in a more casual approach to workplace attire, including during interviews, in the past 10-15 years. When the economic recession hit, job seekers began dressing up as a way to differentiate themselves from other candidates. The recession created a heightened awareness by hiring managers of what candidates wear to interviews. Interview attire is also often seen as a test of a candidate’s familiarity of the company and industry.

Tips to dress for positive impact

The appropriate interview attire depends on the industry in which you’ll be interviewing, as well as the geographic location and time of year.