Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep from Coursera

The demand for project managers in on the rise across different industries, including construction, healthcare, Information Technology, and finance. According to the Project Management Institute's (PMI) most recent Talent Gap report, 2.3 million people will be needed each year to fill all of the project management-oriented positions expected to open in the near future.

If you are exploring how to go about the job search, how to prepare for interviews, and what to expect

during interviews, sign up for this IBM course. You don't need any prior project management experience to get started. This course is suitable for those looking for a project management job as well as practicing project managers who want to enhance their careers.

This course will help you understand the role of a project manager and potential roles that require project management skills. You will also get started with critical career support activities, including job search, building a portfolio, drafting an elevator pitch, resume, and cover letter, interview preparation, the interview experience, and next steps when the interview is complete. The course provides several best practices and checklists to help you be successful in your job search and landing a job!

Throughout the course you will hear from various project management experts who will share their experiences, insights and tips for getting hired and succeeding as a manager.

This is a five module self-paced course that you can take at your own pace. Each module has 2 lessons, which contain conceptual and expert videos. You will also have the opportunity to practice what you learn and test your understanding.

The wait is over! Come join us on this job search journey!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Building a Foundation

In this module, you will learn about the role of the project manager and the required skills and competencies. You will be introduced to the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Talent Triangle, which categorizes and lists key skills and competencies essential for a project manager's success. The module will also introduce you to the career opportunities in project management. You will also learn about using online sites for building a network. Finally, you will have the opportunity to create a portfolio and an elevator pitch.

Identifying Jobs, Creating Resumes, and Drafting Cover Letters

In this module, you will learn about the methods used to conduct research on the company and industry that you want to work in. You will also learn about how to read a job posting and working with third-party recruiters to apply for jobs. Next, you will create a basic resume and understand why it is important have an Application Tracking System (ATS) software compatible resume. Finally, you will draft a basic cover letter that can be tailored based on the requirements in a job posting.

The Interview Process

This module is all about the interview process. You’ll gain advice for submitting a professional application and interview preparation. Delve into Human Resource (HR) screening considerations, the technical screening, and the first stage interview process. The module will provide various tips for overcoming common interviewing challenges and for effectively responding to questions. Finally, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge of the STAR technique to practice responding to some behavioral questions.

Understanding Interview Questions and Post-Interview Next Steps

In this module, you’ll focus on preparing and answering interview questions and recommended post-interview actions. Learn effective techniques for responding to core and behavioral interview questions, including tips and techniques for project management-specific responses. You’ll learn how to handle challenging, tricky, and illegal interview questions and what to do if you encounter inappropriate interview actions. In addition, you will learn what to do if you receive a job offer and if you do not receive a job offer, and get valuable tips for successful salary negotiations.

Final Project, Final Quiz, and Course Wrap-Up

In this module, you have the option to work on a project where you will be apply your knowledge to apply for a job posting with the relevant updated documents. Next, the final exam will test your knowledge of the course’s content.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Outlines the responsibilities, skills, and career paths for project managers and potential roles that require project management skills

Introduces the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Talent Triangle, a framework that categorizes key skills and competencies essential for success in project management

Discusses job search strategies, resume writing, cover letter writing, and interview preparation

Provides guidance on identifying challenging, tricky, and illegal interview questions

Includes expert insights and tips from project management professionals

Provides opportunities to practice answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR technique

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep with these activities:

Review project management fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of project management fundamentals to enhance your learning in the course.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Review the five phases of the project life cycle.
Identify the key elements of a project plan, such as goals, objectives, and timelines.
Practice using project management tools and techniques, such as Gantt charts and project management software.

Review Foundational Concepts of Project Management

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Refresh your understanding of basic project management concepts, including scope, time, cost, quality, and communication, to strengthen your foundation for this course.

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Revisit fundamental project management terminologies and definitions.
Review the project management life cycle and its phases.
Practice identifying project constraints and dependencies.

Review critical thinking skills

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Reinforce your critical thinking skills to better understand and apply project management concepts.

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Identify a problem or challenge you've faced in the past.
Analyze the problem, breaking it down into smaller parts.
Generate multiple possible solutions and evaluate their pros and cons.
Select the best solution and develop a plan to implement it.
Reflect on the process and identify areas for improvement.

Eight other activities

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Follow tutorials on project management methodologies

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Explore different project management methodologies to broaden your knowledge and enhance your understanding of project implementation.

Browse courses on Project Management Methodologies

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Identify different project management methodologies, such as Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall.
Locate online tutorials or resources that provide detailed explanations of these methodologies.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes on key concepts and best practices.

Explore Project Management Tools and Techniques

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Enhance your knowledge of practical project management tools and techniques, such as Gantt charts, PERT diagrams, and agile methodologies, to gain a deeper understanding of project planning and execution.

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Enroll in online tutorials or workshops on project management tools.
Experiment with different project management software to find one that suits your needs.

Engage in Peer Discussions on Project Management

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Connect with fellow learners or professionals in the field to exchange ideas, share experiences, and broaden your perspective on project management practices.

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Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to project management.
Organize study sessions with peers to discuss course materials and assignments.

Attend project management meetups or conferences

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Connect with project management professionals to gain insights, expand your network, and learn about industry trends.

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Identify upcoming project management meetups or conferences.
Register for the events and prepare to actively participate.
Network with other attendees, including speakers, industry experts, and potential employers.

Develop a Project Management Plan

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Apply your learning by creating a comprehensive project management plan that outlines the scope, objectives, timeline, budget, and risk management strategies for a hypothetical project.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Define the project scope, goals, and deliverables.
Develop a detailed project schedule and budget.
Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Participate in peer-led project management discussions

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Engage in discussions with peers to reinforce your understanding, share experiences, and gain diverse perspectives on project management.

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Find or create a peer group of project management students or professionals.
Choose a topic for discussion related to course concepts or industry best practices.
Prepare for the discussion by gathering information and formulating your thoughts.
Actively participate in the discussion, sharing your insights and listening to others' perspectives.

Develop a project proposal for a real-world project

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Apply your learning by creating a comprehensive project proposal, simulating the real-world experience of planning and defining a project.

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Identify a real-world problem or need that could be addressed through a project.
Develop a project scope statement and project charter.
Create a detailed project plan, including timelines, resources, and budget.

Practice mock project management interviews

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Simulate the interview process to build confidence, identify areas for improvement, and prepare for future job interviews.

Browse courses on Interview Preparation

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Review common project management interview questions and prepare your answers.
Find a partner to conduct mock interviews with.
Take turns asking and answering questions, providing constructive feedback to each other.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

A Project Manager is a professional who leads and manages projects from initiation to completion. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the project team, as well as ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course will teach you about the role of a project manager, the required skills and competencies, and the career opportunities in project management. You will also learn about job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

A Program Manager is a professional who manages a group of related projects or programs. They are responsible for overseeing the overall planning, coordination, and execution of the program, as well as ensuring that the program is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course will teach you about the role of a program manager, the required skills and competencies, and the career opportunities in program management. You will also learn about job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Product Manager

A Product Manager is a professional who is responsible for the planning, development, and launch of a product. They work with cross-functional teams to identify customer needs, develop product specifications, and ensure that the product meets the market requirements. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course will teach you about the role of a product manager, the required skills and competencies, and the career opportunities in product management. You will also learn about job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Operations Manager

An Operations Manager is a professional who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business or organization. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations team, as well as ensuring that the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. The course will teach you about the role of an operations manager, the required skills and competencies, and the career opportunities in operations management. You will also learn about job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is a professional who is responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to improve business processes. They work with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop recommendations for improvement. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Consultant

A Consultant is a professional who provides advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including project management, business strategy, and operations management. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

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Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst is a professional who is responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. They work with users to identify needs, develop system specifications, and ensure that the system meets the requirements. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is a professional who is responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. They work with users to identify needs, develop software specifications, and ensure that the software meets the requirements. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst is a professional who is responsible for testing and evaluating software applications to ensure that they meet the required quality standards. They work with developers to identify and fix bugs, and they also develop and execute test plans. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is a professional who is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify trends and patterns. They work with businesses to help them make better decisions. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst is a professional who is responsible for analyzing financial data to make investment recommendations. They work with clients to develop investment strategies and manage portfolios. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

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Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is a professional who is responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. They work with cross-functional teams to identify target audiences, develop marketing strategies, and execute marketing initiatives. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

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Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is a professional who is responsible for managing a sales team. They are responsible for setting sales targets, developing sales strategies, and coaching and motivating the sales team. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

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Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager is a professional who is responsible for managing the human resources department of a business or organization. They are responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

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Accountant

An Accountant is a professional who is responsible for managing the financial records of a business or organization. They are responsible for preparing financial statements, managing accounts payable and receivable, and preparing tax returns. The Project Management Job Search, Resume, and Interview Prep course may be useful for those interested in this role, as it can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant