Sometimes, artificial intelligence knows better than us how to fix our job search; sometimes, it doesn't.
Our profession is transforming substantially to meet future challenges.
Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and automation, mean that the pace of delivery is accelerating exponentially. In the evolving landscape of perpetual change, we are shaped by emerging technologies and improving business practices.
So, how do you master the technology to enhance your soft skills? I'm talking about the most effective job hunting aided by the latest technology, speaking tactfully to our stakeholders, finding the best gigs, creating effective Curriculum Vitae documents, sailing through job interviews, and wooing recruiters and social media sites. All these activities should soon be reaping tangible benefits, culminating in receiving and accepting the best job offers.
Perhaps you strive to drive a sky-blue Bentley convertible and explore the world in eighty days. Maybe we want more stability, or we crave some exciting new challenges.
So, how do I know what works?
Like most of you, I have been living and breathing project management over the past twenty-five years. As a self-employed project professional, I've been highly successful in targeted job searches for the past thirteen years. We all know effective communication is pivotal for successful working relationships with recruiters. Here is where the most valuable sales and marketing skills came in. How much of this is part of our career development as project professionals?
As a project professional, let's shake up things on your CV and give up on bad habits. Enhance your job hunt to the maximum efficiency to ensure success.
So, release your inner hunter with these Ten Easy Tech Fixes, as follows:
1) Stop using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for CV templates.
"Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human intelligence; it is a tool to amplify human creativity and ingenuity." – Fei-Fei Li, Co-Director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence and IT Professor at the Graduate School of Business
Professional recruiters are good at their jobs. In today's challenging job markets, they aim for a quick turnaround. Time is of the essence, just like with the critical path activities. Something we seasoned project professionals know very well. Sending your CV as an MS Word document rather than a PDF makes everyone's life easier. It allows agents to optimise it for the Applicant tracking system (ATS) and to eliminate bias before forwarding to clients.
2) Stop using Chat-GPT to write your keywords solely and exclusively.
"I apologise if my previous response came across as another apology" – Chat-GPT
While we must include keywords such as agile, effective communication, problem-solving, and budgeting, we should not overdo it. The AI-powered websites use the exact buzzwords they put in their CV suggestions to promote themselves. So, if you trust Chat-GPT more than you trust yourself, you may be in for a nasty shock when your CV gets ditched at the first hurdle.
3) Use your project management skills to design, build and test collaboratively with fellow professionals.
"Many hands make light work." – John Heywood
We are indestructible when we effectively use our technical skills with collaboration techniques. Asking others, mentors, colleagues, partners, and family members to keep us right will set a constructive pace for the CV delivery. Our natural ability to stay ahead can crystallise a common goal like this. Accepting that you are not perfect takes weight off your shoulders.
4) Focus on creating a 'wow' factor for your unique selling point (USP).
"Remember you're the one who can fill the world with sunshine." — Walt Disney Studios
When you have done your homework and have a good understanding of your Unique Selling Point (USP), make sure you highlight it. If you have obtained professional qualifications, such as PMP, IPMA, and ChPP, please put them next to your name. Enhancing the wow factor is stating the outstanding quality and expertise. Check out what the competitors offer on LinkedIn and how your products compare.
5) Stop sending the same CV – plan and tailor it to the job specification instead.
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Seldom is it that you find two jobs that are the same, especially in a fast-paced world of project management. Most recruiters agree that you should write in the first person, i.e. "I am a seasoned project manager". Tailoring your CV to the role you are applying for is essential. It may be too easy to get carried away and attempt to state all relevant experiences. Instead, it would be best if you switched the mindset, taking time to plan each segment and highlight specific technical skills.
6) Ditch generic descriptions of your achievements.
"Don't mistake activity with achievement." ― John Wooden
Working out the proper wording can be tricky, especially if you are a novice to CV writing. It isn't easy to fit all skills and experience into a short paragraph. Including the right words and active verbs with measurable achievements to showcase your accomplishments is even more critical. One recent job ad was for a project manager with expertise in managing matrix teams and dealing with senior stakeholders. The closer you match job titles, skills and achievements, the higher your chances of success.
7) Give up on replaying the exact words from previous jobs.
"Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it."— George Santayana
Focus on the impact you made during your career rather than describing everyday activities. Demonstrate your problem-solving, organisational and analytical skills to earn some serious brownie points. Quantifying your contributions as an autonomous project leader who works collaboratively to get the most out of team members is the ticket, rather than solely describing what you did.
8) Quit putting yourself down.
"Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses."— Roy T. Bennett
As project managers, knowing our strengths and weaknesses is essential. It helps us better manage projects and identify where we may need training. However, it's vital to focus on strengths. Your CV is yours and yours only; embrace what you have achieved. Be proud of your accomplishments, and show it appropriately. Make sure you act as a reservoir of technical competencies. You understand how to harness and inspire project team members.
9) Stop ignoring advice from recruiters.
"The earth has music for those who listen."— William Shakespeare
The objective of your project management CV is to get you to the job interview, so keep that in mind.
Recruiters frequently use artificial intelligence tools to search electronically for keywords to eliminate unsuitable candidates quickly. You may not be shortlisted if your CV does not contain those keywords, especially those stated in the job description for the specific roles. Reread the job specification, discuss it with the recruiting managers, and make sure you apply their advice to showcase your technical skills.
10) Give up on quitting altogether; keep going until you succeed!
"Believe you can, and you're halfway there."―Theodore Roosevelt
Our excellent track record of seamless delivery in challenging environments builds resilience. If project management is your career destination, you have strong organisational, analytical and leadership skills. If the critical job requirement is 'managing teams in a matrix environment to see the project to completion', you must stay focused and show that on your CV to take a step closer to that well-deserved job offer!
Call to Action:
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About the Author:
Sunchana Johnston FAPM CHPP MSP P30 is a hard-working project management professional with over 20 years of experience across different sectors and roles. She went from short-term, low-paid jobs at the start of her career to growing business in public and private sector management positions working with large ERP TECH corporations in the US, UK, and across Europe. Visit our website at www.sunchanaplans.com for more information.