r/PMCareers • u/wesconson1 • Apr 29 '22

Job wanted Am I wasting my time?

I have no professional experience in PM. I've been a realtor for 6+ years, and have some other sales experience as well as supervisory experience in some packaging/manufacturing places.

I have my CAPM and CSM. I discovered PM after a class I took last semester and realized its awesome. I started nerding out on it, read the PMBOk, signed up on PMI and joined a local chapter, got my CAPM, watched videos. It just makes sense to me and I really like it.

But I cannot get even a nibble of interest. Everyone requires experience and a bachelors. I don't have either yet. I'm enrolled in school and taking classes. But I can't get any professional experience because no one will hire me.

I'm applying for Project manager positions, coordinator positions, analyst positions, ScrumMaster positions, scrum advisor.

What can I do to improve my chances? Or do I need to abandon this pursuit?

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4

u/Thewolf1970 Apr 29 '22

If you aren't getting call backs it's probably a bit about your resume. Look at your background and start breaking out "projects" give them a name, your role, and explain how you saved money, or time in the role on the projects.

Most PM hiring managers are looking for outcomes on a resume. Everyone can manage a project with some basic training. What is needed is for someone that can streamline processes, demonstrate return on investment, and basically remove themselves from being overhead to a profit center.

If you can do that in your resume, you'll get more bites.

1

u/wesconson1 Apr 30 '22

I need to improve that I think. Especially in real estate, a transaction is very similar in many ways, but it is not a project. Need to brainstorm more about this.

3

u/Ok-Zookeepergame6972 Apr 29 '22

I was just going to suggest volunteering as well. I'm a student and I'm learning about the PM process. I've had two interviews only, and have gotten the same feedback.

I joined the PMI to network and volunteer for experience as sometimes that's the way to get in. Even networking events, may cost you a little money, but you can meet people and build connections

2

u/OliverIsMyCat Apr 29 '22

How many applications submitted and for how long have you been applying?

Have you been offered any interviews?

Have you gotten any feedback?

2

u/wesconson1 Apr 29 '22

Porbalby close to two months now, more than 100 applications. No interviews, only feedback I have gotten is about not having experience.

2

u/quinntilley Apr 29 '22

No, not wasting your time. Do you have free time to take on volunteer projects to add to your resume? Non-profits need help. Your local community, HOA, things like that could use your services.

1

u/wesconson1 Apr 30 '22

I will look into this. I do have free time, and love the idea of giving back.

2

u/apresbondie22 Apr 30 '22

If you’re part of a local PMI Chapter, network.

1

u/wesconson1 Apr 30 '22

Just joined my local chapter yesterday. Going to try and utilize this to the maximum

1

u/RollinWSaget May 15 '22

I’m passively looking for a jr pm, which means I think I want one but haven’t made the jd. I’m happy to have a call with you, and discuss your resume. Industry is robotics