Trying to land a job in resource management but hitting a wall? Here are a few expert tips to help you break through.
Today’s job market has resource managers between a rock and a hard place. Sadly, we see a lot of professionals in resource management being laid off and seeking new employment opportunities.
However, the demand for resource management skills has not tapered off. Anecdotally, the resource management profession might be undergoing a transformation.
During our recent webinar on trends and predictions, we've asked three resource management professionals to share their tips on how to get unstuck in the job-seeking process and adapt to the new reality.
For anyone who's feeling the pinch, here are their recommendations:
I think resource management is becoming an antiquated word in the industry, and folks are moving away from using that terminology. So one quick hit is that there could be resource management buried under various different terms. - Andrea Davis, Founder & CEO at Linked Workforce LLC
When searching for a new job as a resource manager, it's crucial to think beyond the obvious "resource manager" title, Andrea points out. Many companies use varying terminology for similar roles, so broaden your search by including titles like "workforce planner," "capacity analyst," "demand planner," "resource coordinator," "project staffing manager," or even "talent optimizer."
I even heard a very interesting title the other day. It was a Chief Utilization Officer, who oversees resource management and operations at the firm that they're at. - Andrea
Each of these titles may encompass aspects of resource management, such as forecasting resource needs, allocating resources to projects, or optimizing resource utilization. By expanding your search terms, you'll uncover a wider range of opportunities that align with your skills and experience.
There are so many directions you can go in this field, and the transferable skills are key. Resource managers bring diverse skill sets and backgrounds to the table, so it's all about discovering areas where you can excel. Once you find what you’re passionate about, it can open up entirely new opportunities. - Nikki Cherpak, Manager of Resource Planning Analysis at Acentra Health
In a volatile labor market like today, looking for a job can feel like swimming against the tide. There may be too few opportunities, and the competition can be fierce. So why not consider changing your course a tiny bit? Fortunately, resource managers have a lot of transferable skills that could be valuable in the field of operations, project or program management, business development, recruiting, and more.
From my background, I started in project management, transitioned into resource management, and I see this progression all the time. Resource managers often move into program or project management roles. Sometimes, it's a team-building position where you're responsible for assembling and overseeing a team.
I've also seen many resource managers transition into business development because of the relationships they build with team members. You start to learn that side of the business—working on proposals, for instance—because you’re familiar with resourcing. You understand what roles are required for specific contracts or project work. This leads to skills in proposal development and identifying what roles are necessary for different types of projects. Additionally, overseeing PMOs and RMOs often becomes part of the role.
Resource managers may also take on recruiting responsibilities. Since they understand the strategy behind hiring, they can work closely with recruiters to identify and fulfill hiring needs. - Nikki Cherpak
The upshot is for resource managers to recognize and capitalize on the transferable nature of their skills, while also considering their own passions and interests. By doing so, they can identify new career paths and growth opportunities that may not be immediately obvious within the traditional resource management function.
I think that another piece of the resource management puzzle is how to be a great storyteller, to build business cases and help the C-suite understand the impact of resource management to the organization. So I would say, really hone in on those skill sets and be able to explain the impact that you can make to an organization. - Andrea Davis
Resource managers are often at the forefront of driving change and process improvements, and being able to leave your mark through compelling storytelling is a key part of the role.
The ability to think and negotiate and focus on how to make things better requires resource managers to go beyond just the tactical aspects of their job and become strategic partners who can influence decision-making.
Developing strong storytelling skills can help resource managers:
🎥 Watch our webinar to learn more: What the C-Suite Expects from Resource Managers
You can't argue with the numbers. So if you're able to do a data analysis and add that to the storytelling, I think it's it's a great way to be heard. - Cindy Mills, Operations Manager at Mission Cloud
If we gather resource managers in one room and ask them to name one thing they want to improve next year, it would be data. In fact, our recent poll shows that building a more data-driven RM approach is a top area organizations want to focus on in 2025.
It stands to reason that your competitiveness will increase the more you expand your knowledge of data, analytics, and emerging technologies such as AI. Data quality and data consistency have been top of mind for organizations of all shapes and sizes.
Resource managers need to leverage data and analytics to not only understand current resource needs, but also proactively plan for future requirements by collaborating with other business functions.
The ability to create data-driven dashboards and reports is a key skill that will enable resource managers to provide valuable insights to support organizational planning and budgeting.
I think forecasting and capacity planning are going to be two topics that will be important this year, as businesses plan out the year and budget for the year, and having data analysis and dashboarding report creation around that, I think will be a big thing. - Cindy
Join us for our next webinar Making Sense of Data Governance in Resource Management to learn more about the recommended processes, metrics, and tools.
Connecting with other resource managers, really hearing their stories and their journeys and how they came to be where they're at is essential. - Cindy
Networking can be a valuable tool in your job search, and this is especially true in the field of Resource Management. Cyd encourages those looking for work in this area to reach out to other professionals in the field. This could involve connecting with former colleagues or even individuals you admire in the industry. Joining online communities and groups related to Resource Management can also be beneficial. These platforms often provide opportunities to ask questions, share insights, and learn about potential job openings.
Additionally, attending industry events, such as conferences, workshops, and seminars, can provide valuable opportunities to meet and connect with other professionals in the field.
Given that Resource Management often falls under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) umbrella, networking within STEM-related organizations and events could also be useful. These could include professional associations or even online communities focused on STEM careers.
Read on: 7 Conferences for Resource Managers to Attend in 2025
In today's job market, resource managers face unique challenges and opportunities. While the demand for their skills remains strong, the profession is undergoing a slight transformation. To thrive, resource managers need to adapt their job search strategies, showcase their transferable skills, develop strong storytelling and communication abilities, and enhance their data and technology skills.
By embracing these recommendations, resource managers can position themselves for success in the current job market and contribute significantly to their organizations' growth and competitiveness.
