to much experienceI have over 20 years experience in a trade. I went back to school and earned a degree in business. I would now like the opportunity to work in project management and project controls for a large construction company. I know I have many transferable skills and I have some general construction knowledge that I have picked up over the years. Am I to old and have to much experience to apply for entry-level positions with these companies even though I have never worked in the industry before? At what level should the positions be that I apply for?(experienced, mid-career, trainee, etc.)
I need some practical advice about how to get these companies to notice me. Steep,
I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be applying for positions at your current level, unless you're running into roadblocks and are feeling that entry-level is the only way into the industry. Don't sell yourself short just on the basis that you're switching industries. As you say, you have transferrable (and scalable) skills, so write your marketing communications in a way that highlights these, and don't make a point of your lack of industry experience. Make sure that your resume's objective statement mentions that you want to apply those relevant skills and experience to a project management position in the construction industry. And, in your cover letter, express why you're passionate about the industry, etc. At the risk of sounding like a broken record (anyone remember those), like any good salesman, sell what you have, not what you don't have. Good luck. Two years ago Lennar had a training program for project managers that pays reasonably well. The trainee attended Lennar classes two days a week and worked the other three days on a construction site with a mentor project manager. It was a great program for someone with little to no construction experience looking to get into the business. I don't know if they still have the program, or if they're hiring as aggressively now, due to the slump in residential builiding and real estate. Could be they've discontinued it due to the current state of the economy, but you may want to check into it. You should be able to apply for whichever jobs you feel that you are qualified for. If you have the skills for a job that is labeled as experienced; go for it and be sure to highlight the skills which set you apart from other candidates. Specifically, the ones you are taking with you from another industry. During the interview, you may have to fight a little harder via your explanations on why and where those skills are transferable. The "fight" may include the need to actually come up with areas within the scope of the known job description in which you know a particular ability would be more apt to complete the project better and more efficiently than the norm. The same goes for a mid-level position. You are going to have to do some to a lot of research and prepare for the position and the company. But, you can do it. | |
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