It is your job to figure out, how much the project is going to cost, what resources you are going to need, such as project management software, and how long it will take to complete. Once that has been established, you can move onto the monitoring aspect of your project.
Monitoring is necessary to keep your team informed as to the progress of your project. You may use simple project management software to help keep track of this. If the project is straying off the time-line and budget, it is the software project manager's job to get everything back in line with the schedule. For smooth functioning, you will need to have constant interaction with your team, which will involve status meetings and the gathering of information. As different situations arise and complications are met, control is used to regain the focus and keep your product up to date.
In order to be successful as a software project manager you will have to be skilled in many areas. Good project management software will also help. This will include being very organized, good planning skills, decision making and the ability to perform under pressure.
Now that you have a better idea as to what is entailed in the position, you have to locate on what fits your skill set. There are many options available for a successful search and exploration. First, and foremost, you are going to use the Internet.
When you first go to job boards, you will do a search for the types of positions that you are looking for, in this case a software project manager. While searching, check to see the exact requirements for each company. If you have experience, you may be less apt to go after a job that requires a sting of project manager training. However, if this is your first time then these will be the exact types of jobs, you should focus on.
Once you have started your searches, prioritize the position as you would prefer. Use a simple ranking system to establish which positions you will be most focused on. This will also be a great time to consider relocation. If you are checking your local market and coming up dry, it may actually be your only option.
Next you will go to industry specific job boards. Just about every facet of every industry has one of these popping up nowadays. These will probably be your best source as you are able to narrow down your search to exactly what you want. Most general job boards will merely allow you to search and then you have to sift through all of the scams and useless positions. Industry specific boards allow you to customize your searches and will generally offer the service of emailing you each and every time a position is posted that falls into your requested categories.
While the pickings will be much slimmer, you would want to stay up on your local publications help wanted ads and any industry specific periodicals that are on the market. This is something you should check every day, as you never know when a new listing is going to come through.
You will have to get your resume in line. This means making sure that all of your recent positions and accomplishments are updated. Make sure it is accurate and that you know it inside and out, especially for a job like this. You should give a copy of your resume to your references. The last thing you want is for one of them to be giving a reference and have them give numbers or information that does not jive with what you have already told your prospective employer. You will be immediately disqualified from consideration.
One aspect in job searches that many people forget to do is to track the jobs that they have applied to. Whether you mark them on the site or create a spreadsheet (recommended) that you can quickly glance at, you must NEVER apply repeatedly for the same position. That is a sure fire warning sign to a prospective employer that you do not pay attention to detail. If you can't keep track of the jobs you are applying for, how in the world are you going to run their project?
As you are searching for software project manager opportunities keep these hints in mind and you will be successful. Be patient even if you do not succeed early on as the job market is very competitive, but eventually, you will break through with a great opportunity.
