top 3 skills employers are looking for in project managers right now.

Whether you’re looking for a new role as a project manager or considering the profession for the future, it’s important to understand the key skills you will need to succeed.

Project Managers in the consultancy space are in strong demand right now, but it takes a particular finesse and technical know-how to work on Melbourne's most exciting new property projects.

So what skills are project management consultancies looking for in 2022?

1.   end-to-end experience.

By the time you have become a fully-fledged Project Manager, you will be expected (in most instances) to not only have experience across the full project life-cycle, but to have seen multiple projects through from inception to project close.

If this is the kind of experience you're still working on, seek out (and see through) any opportunities that will allow you to work through from:

1. conception and planning

2. execution and performance management

3. project close

2.   communication.

In property project management, having good communication skills means, first and foremost the ability to adapt to your audience. Whether you’re on the phone negotiating with a supplier, in a toolbox meeting, or presenting a progress report to the client, you need to be able to get your ideas across clearly and succinctly.

How you show it:

• Show you are articulate in verbal communication by clearly expressing your ideas at interview.

• Show you have a clear, succinct written communication style - your CV, cover letter, and any email communications are a good opportunity.

• Give examples of your success building rapport with a range of stakeholders from labourers to management.

3. sector specialisation.

The vast majority of consultancies don’t want a ‘jack of all trades’ for a Project Manager, they want a specialist with proven expertise in their sector.

Demonstrate your expertise by building a narrative around your specialised sector experience across roles.

Specialisations in particular demand at the moment include:

• Commercial projects

• Industrial projects

• Government projects

• Education projects

How did you score? If you’re 3/3 here you might be up there with some of the top talent of the moment, so tell people about it and get the recognition you deserve!

But don’t fret if you can’t demonstrate all or even any of these skills in your work experience so far. Your ability to demonstrate that you have a DESIRE for professional development in these areas and that you are ACTING on this by pursuing formal education or training in the workplace is just as important.

A final note, one size does not fit all. These are the most common skills our employers are asking us for right now, but it is your unique skill set, values, and career goals that will ultimately drive the best match with your dream job!

Get in touch to find out how you can maximise your strengths, find your perfect role, and take control of your building and construction career.

And in the meantime, keep in touch to stay in the know.