Showing That You Are Qualified for a New Project

Dear Deb:

What is the best way to show that I am qualified to handle a large, complex project if I have never led a project of considerable scope before?   I am in the running to lead a $5.3 million implementation of a new data storage system for 43 sites across North America.  The largest project that I have managed to date is $502K, involving 20 sites.  I delivered it on-time and just shy of the budgeted amount. 

Each of us is to meet with the portfolio manager and give our ideas.  I’ll have 5 minutes to sell myself.  Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Carlos

Dear Carlos:

Definitely seize this opportunity!  This is a career-changing moment for you, Carlos.  Treat this as a job interview.  Update your resume with a listing of your recent accomplishments with focus on the ones that relate to the upcoming project.  Include facts of project success, such as cost savings, challenges that you overcame, formation of partnerships, quality metrics, improvements to project delivery procedure, and so on. Make notes of your ideas for the new project based on research.  Be honest and don’t say you know or have done anything that you have not. You should, however, take every opportunity to promote the skills that you have to succeed in the new project.

Wishing you all the best!

Deb