Struggling to Land a Job as an Experienced Project Manager: Is My Salary Expectation the Issue?

Hi All,

I need some suggestions and help required from senior folks here to understand what could be the problem of not getting a job. I am an 11+ years experienced Project Manager with a strong technical background, and for the last 3 years, I have been in a PM role. I had joined a startup company during the peak time of 2008 (March) and got a very good package. Unfortunately, the product didn't fly due to recession conditions, and the company had to let go of a lot of team members, including myself.

For the last 4 months, it has been tough to get interview calls, and recruiters or company HR do not proceed further when they hear my last CTC. Is it okay to quote my last CTC lower than actual? Also, lately when walk-ins are conducted, usually a 2-3 round interview happens with folks who do not have hiring power for a senior position, but from there, it doesn't take off, either maybe due to my experience level or maybe CTC.

Please suggest how to solve this problem? Any suggestions would be greatly helpful.

Thanks

Hi Ranger,

I suggest that you consider taking a salary cut if the position is promising and offers growth opportunities. The market is showing signs of opening up, and there should be numerous good opportunities for you. Do not despair; instead, be patient. Reach out to the companies where you have interviewed during this period to gain insights into why you were not selected. This feedback will provide you with valuable information.

As we progress to higher levels, the competition naturally becomes more intense. However, if you have the skills and experience, you will secure a better job. Have confidence in yourself. All the best.

Thank you, Ramesh. I appreciate it.

Definitely, I am ready to take a 10% to 20% salary cut. Unfortunately, after hearing my last CTC, consultants/HRs do not give a positive response, although I tell them clearly that a salary cut is what I was looking for. I know it is unethical to give a lesser CTC figure and bargain from there. But my situation is strange enough, I guess. But why wouldn't hiring managers or HR/consultants understand that the pre-recession market was damn good, and folks used to get that CTC? Sometimes it looks hypocritical, where once I quoted a lesser CTC and HR was happy to say that they are open to giving a 10 to 20% hike on that, which comes to the same if I take a cut :-)

Regards, M

Hi Ranger,

As a person involved in the executive hiring process, I would suggest that the normal recruitment cycle time for senior roles is longer compared to middle or junior-level positions. Therefore, those HR professionals may need a bit more time to fill the position. Similarly, you have to be patient and wait a little longer.

Please don't judge the industry based on conversations with just a couple of hiring managers or HR consultants. There are still companies that value talent beyond just salary considerations.

So, I recommend waiting a few more months. I am confident that you will find an excellent role where you feel comfortable in all aspects.

Thanks,
Ram.

Dear Ranger,

I understand the current position you're in. I would recommend that you wait for some more time. The industry is picking up fast, and there are expected to be good job prospects by June and July.

Meanwhile, while you are vacant, I suggest you work towards developing your network and also acquiring some new skill sets. Remember, after every fall, there is a rise. It's just a matter of time.

Regards,
Octavious

Don't worry. The industry is coming out of sluggishness. Please be patient, continue the search, improve networking, try to attend some good profession-related conferences, and talk to specialists in technical executive hiring.

If salary is a concern, propose performance-based pay (both parties will get an opportunity to understand each other without financial loss, right?)

Hi Ranger,

I felt sorry for your condition. Mine is also the same. But due to financial problems, I joined a company with a steep salary cut of 40%.

I think the recession is a big game played by the corporates. There is very little change in the US financial status compared to last year. However, in India, the situation has drastically changed. Last year, there were no jobs, but now there are plenty of jobs. Additionally, all these companies are seeking freshers and recruiting through campus interviews. Nobody is thinking about the senior people.

Thank you all for the encouragement and suggestions.

I have also understood that this break was needed to enhance some of my new technical skills and project management certifications. I have been involved in both of them as well. Maybe acquiring a new language skill would also be a good idea, isn't it? German/French/??? Any suggestions please.

Regards, M