Doing Things Our Way: Maintaining Synergy through Project Management

by Lhander Miranda | June 19, 2023

Behind The Scenes

In our line of business, RareJob PH aims to provide top-notch services through continuous improvement in our systems and online platforms. To be able to do so, our technical teams tirelessly collaborate on various projects to provide solutions and innovations in our sites and its features.

For this month’s Behind the Scenes blog, we are featuring Lhander Miranda, who shares his experience on being a Project Manager in RareJob PH, and what it takes to be successful in the field.

A Fulfilling Journey

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

When did you start working at RareJob Philippines, Inc.?

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

I began my tenure at RareJob Philippines, Inc. in 2022. I have been a part of the team for over a year.

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

What made you choose RareJob as your company?

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

I chose RareJob for several reasons. Firstly, their strong reputation in the industry caught my attention. I was impressed by the company’s consistent track record of delivering high-quality products/services and its commitment to innovation. Additionally, during the interview process, I had the opportunity to interact with members; their passion for their work, and the company’s mission and values resonated with mine. Moreover, the company’s culture, which emphasizes collaboration, growth, and work-life balance, aligns with my values and career aspirations. The opportunity for professional development and advancement within the organization was also a significant factor in my decision. As a final point, the combination of the company’s stellar reputation, inspiring team, positive work culture, and ample room for growth made it the ideal choice for me.

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

As a Project Manager, how has the experience been so far?

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

As a Project Manager at RareJob, the experience has been incredibly fulfilling. I have had the opportunity to lead and collaborate with talented individuals across various teams, fostering a dynamic and productive work environment. The company’s emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement has allowed me to implement efficient project management methodologies and processes, resulting in successful project outcomes. The support and resources provided by the company have been instrumental in my role. I have been able to access training programs and professional development opportunities that have enhanced my skills and expanded my knowledge. Additionally, the company’s open communication and transparency culture has facilitated effective stakeholder engagement, enabling smoother project execution and stronger relationships.

The diverse range of projects I have managed has been both challenging and rewarding. The company’s commitment to taking on ambitious and impactful initiatives has allowed me to work on complex and high-profile projects, pushing me to grow and develop as a professional. The collaborative nature of the organization has also fostered cross-functional teamwork, allowing for creative problem-solving and driving successful project delivery. Overall, my experience as a Project Manager at RareJob has been positive. The combination of a supportive work environment, growth opportunities, and engaging projects have made it an ideal place to thrive and contribute my expertise in project management.

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

What do you think are the pros and cons of being in a WFH set up in relation to your duties and responsibilities as a Project Manager?

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, the WFH setup presents both pros and cons regarding my duties and responsibilities. On the positive side, remote work offers increased flexibility, allowing me to manage my time effectively and achieve a better work-life balance. I have the freedom to structure my day and allocate time for project planning, monitoring progress, and communicating with team members. Another advantage of WFH is the potential for increased productivity. With fewer interruptions and distractions from the office environment, I can focus on critical tasks and deliverables without sacrificing quality. Additionally, the elimination of commuting time allows me to invest that time into project-related activities, such as conducting research, attending virtual meetings, and providing timely feedback. Remote work also enables better access to a global talent pool. As a Project Manager, I can collaborate with team members and stakeholders from different geographical locations, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise. This expands the potential for innovation and creativity within projects.

However, one challenge is the potential for decreased collaboration and communication. In an office setting, spontaneous conversations and face-to-face interactions can lead to faster decision-making and problem-solving. Remote work requires deliberate effort to maintain regular communication with team members, utilizing tools like video conferences or project management software. Additionally, the lack of physical presence may impact team dynamics and camaraderie. Building trust and rapport with team members becomes more challenging when interactions are primarily virtual. To overcome this, scheduling regular team meetings and organizing virtual team-building activities can help foster stronger relationships. A potential drawback of WFH is the blurring of work-life boundaries. Without a clear separation between work and personal life, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Setting boundaries, such as designating a dedicated workspace and establishing specific work hours, can help mitigate this challenge.

Overall, while the WFH setup offers flexibility, increased productivity, and access to global talent, it also requires proactive measures to maintain effective communication, manage work-life boundaries, and mitigate technical challenges. With the right strategies and tools in place, a Project Manager can successfully navigate the pros and cons of remote work to ensure project success.

A Day in the Life

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

Share with us what a typical day is like in Project Management.

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

In project management, each day brings a dynamic mix of tasks and responsibilities. A typical day involves coordinating with team members to discuss project progress, identifying and resolving potential issues, and ensuring that project objectives are being met. It often entails monitoring project timelines, allocating resources, and communicating updates to stakeholders. Additionally, project managers regularly engage in planning sessions, documenting project milestones, and evaluating risks to ensure successful project delivery.

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

What do you think is the most critical aspect of your job, and which part do you enjoy the most?

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

The most critical aspect of being a Project Manager is effective communication. Clear and concise communication ensures that project objectives, expectations, and progress are understood by all stakeholders, minimizing misunderstandings and increasing project success.

As a Project Manager, I find the most enjoyment in the problem-solving aspect of my role. Overcoming challenges, finding creative solutions, and keeping the project on track brings a sense of fulfillment. It is rewarding to see the team’s efforts come together and witness the project’s successful completion, knowing that effective project management played a crucial role in its achievement.

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

From your experience, what skills should a Project Manager have to be efficient in the role, and how were you able to develop these?

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

In my experience, a Project Manager should possess strong leadership and communication skills, as they are responsible for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. Equally important, skills in strategic planning, problem-solving, and risk management are crucial for effective project delivery. I was able to develop these skills through a combination of professional experience, continuous learning, and seeking mentorship. Engaging in project management training, gaining hands-on experience, and actively seeking opportunities to lead and manage projects allowed me to hone these skills and become more efficient in my role as a Project Manager.

Staying Focused

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

How did you manage to build a good working relationship with your teammates and other colleagues, considering that you joined the company in the midst of its work-from-home setup?

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

As a Project Manager who joined the company during its work-from-home setup, I focused on building a good working relationship with my teammates and colleagues through effective communication and collaboration. I ensured to participate in regular virtual team meetings to foster an open dialogue and address any concerns or questions. I actively engaged in virtual activities to promote camaraderie and create a positive work environment. By being accessible, supportive, and encouraging, I fostered trust and teamwork despite the remote work setting.

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

Working remotely, what are some of the activities that you do to destress and relax?

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

As a Project Manager working remotely, I have discovered a few activities that help me destress and relax. Firstly, I make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to engage in short mindfulness exercises or stretching routines. These moments of relaxation help clear my mind and improve my focus. Secondly, I find solace in listening to calming music or nature sounds while taking short walks, or practicing deep breathing exercises. Additionally, I enjoy reading books unrelated to work during my downtime, allowing me to escape into different worlds and recharge. Lastly, I make it a priority to maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring me joy outside of work.

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Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

For those who are interested in being in Project Management, in the ESL field or otherwise, what advise can you provide for them to better understand this role, and how they can be successful in it?

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Lhander Miranda

Project Manager

For those aspiring to be in Project Management, whether in the ESL field or any other industry, here’s some advice to better understand the role and achieve success. Firstly, gain a strong foundational knowledge of project management principles and methodologies through training or certification programs. Secondly, seek practical experience by participating in projects, even in supporting roles, to understand the intricacies of managing timelines, budgets, and resources. Lastly, develop excellent communication and organizational skills, embrace adaptability, and continuously learn and improve to effectively lead teams and deliver successful project outcomes.

Interested to become a part of our Project Management Team? You may view the details and other vacancies here.