I've got a couple of thoughts on your problem. First, and there's nothing you can do about this, there is more demand for .Net developers than managers. A short visit to any of the on-line job search sites will bear this out. That might explain the recruiter hearing but not listening.

Second, most companies will promote from within if possible for a management job. They know the person's personality, capabilities, etc and lessens the possibility of a failure.

I'm in a similar position to you. I have a programming backround (15+ years) but has spend the last 4 in support management and special projects. All anyone sees is my support responsibilities and not my earlier programming or project leader experience. I finally redesigned my resume to deemphasize the support. Maybe that's where you should head. Emphasize any leadership, either formal or informal, and almost include the programming experience as an "Oh, I can also program".

Hope this helps.

A possible avenue is to join a company where promotions are usually easier to get, like systems integrators or IT outsourcing companies.

You can gain a solid project management experience by spending 3-4 years there, and then apply back for a management position with a more "traditional" company.

By the way, chances are that the customer you have been assigned to by your employer will be delighted to make a job offer to you.

Remi

Hi Skelly24,

I hear your frustration; recruiters are tough because they are keen on filling a specific job position fast and they want to put you into the job that best matches the skills and experience you already have. They don't get paid to take risks on candidates who don't already have a track record. So when moving into new career roles, you usually have to do that yourself.

I agree with Remi's comment; go to work for a consulting firm or a systems integrator to get the management experience you want. Consulting firms often highly value the mix of technical programming experience plus an MBA or similar degree from a well respected school, and it sounds like you have both those things. Consulting firms will give you a shot at project manager and account manager and even practice director if they see you are up to the role. They are motivated to move fast and make money and that's your opening if you can help them.

That's what I did when it was time for me to break out of the programmer role and get into management. I got my MBA from a fancy business school and went into consulting. Then after several years I was able to get a director of development position with a billion dollar company here in Chicago. After five years of that I went back into consulting and over five more years I worked into a Practice Director position and from there became a CIO for another company in Chicago.

And one more thing - keep a sense of humor and don't take it too seriously because at times all this stuff gets way too silly for words.

Best regards,
Michael