In this Project Management Recruitment Ideas, All the Gear and No Idea refers to project management training and accreditations that some individuals have but lack the practical application experience. Great phrase isn’t it? I also like “All mouth and no trousers!”. You’ve probably met people throughout your career who are the epitome of this; you know, those project management types that can regurgitate word for word what a process or action should be but actually has never had to really do it before. The trouble is with some people who have project management training and accreditations coming out of their ears (but have no real “fly by the seat of your pants”, really real project experience) is that they can actually be quite good in an interview situation. They know their limitations and therefore plan for them upfront before the interview; in other words, they prepare well, talk a good talk and unfortunately sometimes get selected for the job. This article is about you, the project professional who has both the training and the experience; who may have some of the gear and a lot of ideas.
All the Gear and No Idea
So how do you ensure you shine at the interview and blast your competition out of the water? When faced with questions at the interview that are focused on your understanding of project management, do you find yourself answering the question theoretically? For example, if the question posed is “what are the constraints on a project?”, do you launch into a theoretical answer that talks about scope, time, costs etc?
Sure, the interviewer has asked a theoretical question, therefore in your mind you’re thinking they’re wanting to assess your great project intellect and wisdom; which of course they do. But what sets you apart from the candidate before you who is also well read and has attended the courses but is a bit of an “All the Gear”? If both of your answers are purely based on the theoretical there is probably nothing much to distinguish between the two of you and let’s face it, that’s a crazy situation to be in!
So what could you be doing with your interview technique to ensure you are the stronger candidate? Now this might sound like common sense but sometimes we all need a reminder – ensure your answers actively demonstrate that not only do you understand the best practice approaches to project management (the course content, the books, the exams etc) but also that you are able to apply that theory to your day to day work. The final element, that really sets you apart from other candidates, is your own opinion or something that you’ve learnt that can only come from actually performing the role of PM day in and day out.
Back to our question then; “what are the constraints on a project?”. Position your answer in three parts (a) the theoretical answer (b) how you have managed constraints in a project that you know the interviewer will be interested to hear about (i.e., a project which closely mirrors their own business) (c) add in something else that takes the question to a new level; is there some latest thinking and theories on the topic you’ve picked up on recently that has helped you form a new opinion? Have you implemented or used this in some way in your role? Did something happen on a particular project that made you think there are other constraints? Share it with the interviewer. By going the extra mile in your answer you are proving to the interviewer that you’re a real life practitioner – someone who practices what you’re talking about – and someone who is an avid self developer and takes an interest in the advancement of your profession. All great qualities that employers look for in their prospective employees.
Ooh yes nearly forgot, the Gearer will also have been blown out of the water because now you’re standing out of the crowd as someone who has all the gear, the ideas and the best trousers 
BTW – Read our guess bloggers piece on “What’s Wrong with the Triple Constraint” if you’re interested in how you could have answered the third part of the interview question above
*Thanks to Chris W for reminding me about the wonderful saying All the Gear and No Idea – who we were talking about shall remain anonymous
