Quite a conundrum and I imagine quite common
Peter Kelly
Co-Founder at imployable, improving the prospects for youth through world beating technology | NatWest Entrepreneur of the Year Winner | Featured Forbes, BBC, Telegraph #futureofwork
When I left the Royal Marines last year I was invited to many interviews for project management jobs around Devon, every time I was told I interviewed really well, but alas I never got the job. Every time the reason was that although I had demonstratable experience involved in military projects I didnt have enough 'commercial' experience. So I decided to apply for project office jobs to get my foot in the door, I had one of my best interviews and was positive I would get the job for a project support officer. But guess what..I didnt get the job, the reason was that I was over qualified. I must admit I was throwing out qualifications that the Project manager wasnt even aware of. I have Prince2, APMP and IPMA certification, as well as Lean Organisational Management, Business administation and Management coaching and mentoring certificates, so it seemed I was stuck in this little grey area where I was under experienced for PM jobs but over qualified for PMO jobs. I even tried dumming my CV down, when I did this I didnt even get an interview.!!
With this I took matters into my own hands, became self employed and run projects for small businesses, now bearing in mind 'small' businesses dont have large scale projects and massive budgets I was limited. However, I have run 7 agile web development projects using Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology inline with project management principles (SDLC & PMLC are completely different, shouldnt be confused but compliment eachother very well). 1 growth project which has completely changed this businesses stance, views and opportunities with a projected increase of at least 400% in annual turnover this year, as long as they continue with the benefits realization and dont slip into their old ways (Change management experience gained here) and 1 marketing project that has developed a fully workable marketing plan that will not only increase profit from new customers but also increase and improve previous and current customer relationships (CRM), identifying a whole new revenue stream that had been completely overlooked.
All of these projects have also incorporated and developed my skills not only in PM but SEO, web development (Inc content marketing, linking strategies etc. etc.), marketing, B2B Relationships, tendering, CRM, business analysis, competitor analysis and a whole host more. So where do I go next??
Someone please tell me what happens next, doing this self employed is very hit and miss and I will more than likely never get contracted for a large scale project, in my opinion it is now time to get on the employed ladder. However I cannot prove management of a budget of ￡10m, simply because I havent, I can take pressure, its proved in my Royal Marines career, and lets face it, ￡10,000 can be just as important or more to a small business than ￡10m is to a large business. To be honest I found it much more challenging to work with a stakeholder with a small budget for the simple fact that the money they have trusted in me is simply ALL they can afford and they MUST get a return on their investment...quickly.
If anyone can offer any help to my situation or advice please feel free to contact me, at the same time please share and tag anyone who can help. I cant even re-join the Marines as they are no longer taking on hahaha! :-(
Director at Veteran's Change Partnership & AF Sp Hub - Advice, Guidance, Support to veterans in need, incl offenders
8 年Hi Peter, I can understand your frustrations. I was once advised to turn rejections on their head. The more rejections you have, the closer you are to getting to the ideal job / opportunities you seek. Remain positive and keep going; the break will come.
Framework Director at Amentum
8 年Hi Peter. Have you tried getting in touch with the C Group? They have a very well developed network of employers that they could introduce you to. Ask to speak to Catherine. She is very helpful, really understands Royal - and ex Royal's - and may just be able to help you get that big break you feel your missing. Good luck https://www.thecgroup.org/
Sharing my time between advisory and non exec roles
8 年Its a sad fact that when "Civvie" interviewers come across well qualified, confident ex-forces personnel they are often embarrassed and feel inadequate (and so they should), there appears to be a fear of employing people with a strong sense of discipline and a true work ethic and desire to succeed. These traits are lacking in "Civvies" so they tend to recruit their own kind, so they can stay in their comfort zone. It is over 30 years since I left the Royal Marines and during my time in the Oil industry I have seen this played out in many organisations. I can also say that as i managed to climb the corporate ladder i have gone out of my way to employ ex service personnel. In thirty years I have only been let down once, whereas I can count many occasions where i have been let down by "Civvies". I know this doesn't really solve your problem Peter, but keep pushing, never give up and try and use some of the ex-forces specific recruiters. Hopefully you will come across decision makers that have the same background as we have. Good Luck
Consultant at Spencer West Solicitors
8 年Hi Peter, I don't profess to know anything about your industry but recognise that you are experiencing the frustration of not being able to get on the ladder. Perseverance remains the key (you are familiar with that) as does keeping faith that the breakthrough will happen. You just need to believe it. To get a foothold in the legal profession I had to start as office junior. I was then 27 and my line manager 19. Once the break happens you will take off big style. Don't get into the transport!!! Best wishes, Tony