Monthly Archives: February 2013

Agile Project Management, Book review, Project Management, Project Management Books, Project Management Careers Advice

Agile Project Management for Government – book review for APM Project Magazine

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In Agile Project Management for Government, Brian Wernham refers to three main agile approaches, providing examples of how combining these produces a rounded guidance to how governments should work. He claims this is the first book of its kind and, by demonstrating successes, hopes to change the minds of those leading Government projects to a proven approach. By working closely with global project management leaders and sponsors, Wernham has successfully managed to convince me that an approach which delivers the earliest benefit, receiving honest feedback on what actually works and changing as you go along – rather than sticking to rigid process – can yield a much more realistic benefit to large and complex pieces of work. Another key element is not being afraid to close down projects which simply will not be delivered or have become – or by the time they are delivered will become – obsolete.
Agile Project Management for GovernmentThe book is broken down into three parts: Stories of Agile Success in Government; The 9 Agile Leadership Behaviours; The 6 barriers to Agile Success.
There are 23 chapters containing real case studies and various aspects of approach such as change, leadership, organisation and contracts.
For those new to Agile, this book gives a good overview and easy to understand description of what Agile is and why it can play a key role in successful delivery.

I particularly liked the chapter on `work face-to-face’, which broke down the different elements of communicating in a physical sense and concluded with some leadership exercises which could be utilised in the government environment but, practically, these could be used in any organisation.
It is more than a book about Agile, it’s an essential piece of learning kit. I think the writing style is easy for anyone to get to grips with, which makes the content easier to embrace also. The author has really taken the time to consider elements of projects and explain how they were a success, without moving away from the fact that – regardless of any approach – leadership is the basis of any triumphant release. Everyone working within the IT project management domain will benefit from reading this book, especially those who have had little or no exposure to Agile.

Agile Project Management for Government is a must-have for IT project management professionals – a book which you can keep close to hand as a reference when starting up new projects (and indeed identifying projects which need closing down). It’s definitely worth picking up to read and returning to over time.

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This review has been publish in the Jan 2013 edition of APM Project Magazine.

Job Applications, Job Hunting, Project Management, Project Management Job Boards, project management jobs, project management recruitment, project management resume, Q&A

Which Project Management Agencies should my friend be using – Q&A

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Hi Nicola, a friend of mine who has been living and working outside the UK for some time has decided to move back to the UK with his new wife and has asked me which project management recruitment agencies are best for him to sign up to. He has a background in delivering software implementations on a contract basis and is keen to pick up where he left off. – Chris, Manchester.

Hi Chris, many thanks for your question. A starting point for your friend would be my blog on project management job boards as this lists some of the forerunners in the field both recruitment agency wise and good PM related job boards. However I also would like to point out that your friend will need to make sure he has his CV up to date and is in-line with current requirements of the employer as he has been away for a while. Being a contractor one of the first things I would suggest is to make sure the CV talks through his assignments and pays particular attention to why he was brought in and the state of the project on arrival (including how he picked it up and led it to success). Contractors are generally paid a premium day rate to “hit the ground running” and as such demonstrable experience of this is what hiring managers are looking for in a CV.

Coming home

Next I would suggest your friend creates a LinkedIn account (if he hasn’t already got one) and brings it up to date, ensuring it is searchable by everyone – this will open up opportunities for employers proactively searching for fresh talent. He should also make sure he has some recommendations from previous clients and managers so he has some good references to back up his work.

Job hunting also requires some further input from your friend such as posting his CV on the job boards – personally I would recommend some of the larger general job websites and also the specialist job websites such as the ones mentioned in my article. It is important to keep refreshing the CV on these websites as the longer they are in the databases the further down the searches they go. From a recruiter perspective I have found that when searching for CVs through such databases that I am offered a date selection – I would automatically assume that those over a month old have now secured a new position so they would be discounted from the search.

It is also good practice to keep abreast of organisations local to you to understand any changes and jobs which may pop up on their websites – your friend can set up google alerts on companies so he is emailed when something new is published online about them. Any changes such as new service offerings / mergers / product launches etc are a fantastic opportunity for your friend to make a speculative approach to the business and really sell himself to how he could add value. The speculative letter needs to be really tailored to the organisation and its changes and highlight examples of when he delivered similar changes.

Careers Advice, guest blogger, Job Hunting

Get back to work! Tips for the long-term unemployed

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The reasons for which people find themselves out of work for long periods are many and varied. Whether you have been out of work for personal reasons (illness, family crisis, raising children) or by choice (ski seasons, summer seasons, an unintentionally extended career break), the results are always the same: a great yawning hole in your CV. Getting back to work can then be considerably trickier since you now lack recent and relevant experience, and most companies seem incapable of taking a chance on their next recruit. However, an incomplete CV may not be the sole cause of the problem. For instance, many job seekers target niche markets or simply aim too high, while others have not yet discovered that they interview poorly or have bad references. Fortunately, these are all factors which can be improved with a little perseverance and some external careers advice.

If you feel your CV is holding you back, there are several ways in which you can fill in the gaps. Consider further education, which either adds another academic qualification or provides you with a trade skill, putting you a step ahead of the competition, though beware that this could be a costly affair. Volunteering and charity work are great ways to keep active, meet people and make job networking links. If possible, subscribe to a temping agency and take on any part-time work you are offered. This will prove that you do not wish the grass to grow under your feet any longer. Try not to lose any existing skills you have, such as languages and sports, so your CV remains up to date.

Back to work

Once you are happy that you are doing everything possible to enhance your CV and your employment chances, it is essential to keep the job hunt going. The first step is to subscribe to a recruiting agency, which will help link your CV to relevant job descriptions while you search yourself. Spending 20-30 hours per week looking for work is recommended, time which is best spent targeting jobs you are truly qualified for or writing to your most desirable employers. In applications, always try turning a negative into a positive. For example, your long-term unemployment means you fully appreciate the value of a job. You can get further advice from careers centres where advisors provide interview coaching and often highlight strengths which you had not seen for yourself.

It can be an emotional and difficult time but it is essential to remain positive and not become despondent or desperate. Do not isolate yourself from friends and family (nor burden them continuously with your problems) but keep enjoying doing the things you can afford. When you find that much desired job, everyone will be delighted for you and you can really thank them for their support.

http://www.itris.co.uk/