Tips for finding and securing PM employment in London (and elsewhere) might include:

• Track previous advertisements as well as finding current vacancies to understand trends, applications, arrangements and appropriateness.
• Research the market well in advance of needing a position – don’t leave it until the last minute of need or visiting.
• Identify communities and institutions by types of project, types of roles and sectors.
• Contact as many prospective employers as possible by as many means as possible – emailing, telephoning, writing or calling in on them – by agreement.
• Check the locations of possible interviews, place(s) of work and places of activity. They may not all be the same.
• Compose a covering letter and CV relevant to the position on offer – not general material.
• Have copies of certificates available for all relevant qualifications, valid driving licences, passport etc.
• If you may need a permit to work or visa, check out the arrangements. The latest information about immigration and permits can be obtained from the UK Border Agency at ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
• References to support applications should be relevant to the position – in English – as written or available to be contacted.
• Check your profiles on social media are appropriate and supportive to your application.
• If English is not your first or best language ask someone to check your application.
• If from abroad or with a non-UK passport it is advisable to know the location and contact details of appropriate embassies, high commissions or consulates. Every country has some sort of representation in London.
• If you are called to an interview check the arrangements and locations – if over the internet or in person, in Central London, Outer London or elsewhere.
• London can be an expensive place to live compared with other parts of UK and other countries. Check that you are going to receive suitable remuneration to cover all your living costs for your position. Check against the information in the APM Annual Salaries and Market Trends Survey and in the market place.
• If appropriate before acceptance obtain advice on any offers, appointments, descriptions, terms and conditions, notice periods, holidays; remuneration packages (salary, benefits, pension payments, health insurance and cover, bonuses, etc.), etc..
• If possible it is advisable to visit likely places of work and meet work colleagues in advance of accepting an offer of a position – to avoid any misunderstandings.

In seeking positions on projects and in project and programme management it is as well to have and present suitable qualifications, training and experience for the posts of interest – rather than in other fields; in other words to be “qualified for what you do”.

For employers in London there are diverse candidates for project management positions from residents, other parts of UK and abroad; with diverse backgrounds, qualifications and sector experiences.

The supply and demand for project managers is very much affected by the state of the world, European and UK economies overall and in individual sectors. Suffice to say London always feels like a relatively busy place with opportunities irrespective of other trends or influences.