Deconstructing One Component Of The Unknown (i.e. The Interview)

"But I don't know how to use X piece of project management software; what do I say if I am asked?" is a statement I hear consistently during the course of my work with hundreds of transitioning military Members, Veterans, and Retirees ("Veterans") as they leave the service and enter the civilian workforce, i.e. the CIVDIV.

They are often surprised when I follow up with "What tool do you currently use to manage projects, i.e. their schedules, budgets, scopes, resources, etc.?" They then begin to tell me all about the tool(s) they do use, and it doesn't just work for projects, it works for healthcare, logistics, engineering, producing OPORD, etc.

The thought exercise is simple, the tool is not the end, but a means. Find out what tool the organization does use, and then compare and contrast it to the one you are familiar with. Talk about what you do know and what you can do. This shows you understand the task/purpose at hand, and can adapt to meet it in their environment using their tools and their methods.

The interviewer is more interested in whether you know how to use automation and technology to help you do things better, faster, cheaper, and accurately. The specific type of tool is only that, a tool. They want to see that you can learn to use the one they'll provide you.

Think about it; if I am hiring you for my company, even if you're a civilian with twenty years using X PM software, we have our own! Regardless of what you currently use or have used, you're going to have to learn to use ours. Show me you can adapt, talk to me about what a project management software tool does and how, and how you'll be able to use it effectively. The reasons you're using it don't change.

So don't be discouraged if you see "X project management software experience preferred". Do the analysis, demonstrate you can learn to use the one they use, and go deliver a confident interview! This one item often won't stop the show.

Additionally, even if the announcement says "X project management software experience is required", still apply. If you get a call, you know they saw many things that did interest them, and, during your transition, you should be taking several "informational interviews" anyway. It conditions you to this new activity; interviewing! If you make it to the interviewer, ask them about the answer they were looking for right. Now you have ammo for the next time. That's learning from the situation at hand; something we've all been trained to do.

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Please 'Like' and ‘Share’ this post liberally if you are a transitioning military Service Member, Veteran, or Retiree or spouse of one; a military transition assistance professional; a Veteran Employment/Retraining Organization or Recruiter; or if you found it helpful. Additionally, please attend our free weekly Missing TAP Class at www.vets2pm.com to learn how to quantify and qualify your project management experience, and please email any questions or inquiries you may have to me at eric@vets2pm.com. I'm here to help, and I thank you! Warmest regards, Eric.

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Eric is a two-service, two-era Military Veteran; Co-Founder and CEO of Vets2PM; an experienced, credentialed project manager and mentor; and an entertaining instructor/public speaker on project management, PMI’s PMP® and CAPM® exams, and on project manager development. He helps Military Veterans become successful as PMs in the CIVDIV through inspiration, training, and translation.