How to write a project manager resume
Want to land the project manager role of your dreams? You’re going to need to build the best project manager resume!
Creating the perfect resume begins with understanding all of the parts that make a resume. From the design to the header to the work history section, you need to look for ways to play to your strengths and put your best foot forward.
A good place to start is by making a resume outline, which will always include the following:
Let’s take a deeper dive into each of these points.
STEP 1
Start with your header
A successful resume results in getting contacted for an interview. This means that your resume must include accurate and up-to-date contact information. The header might seem like a minor detail, but providing contact information is one of your resume’s biggest jobs. These are the essential components of a resume header:
Some resume headers use design elements to add a bit of color or character to the resume. As a project manager, this can be appropriate, especially in creative industries. Just be sure to choose something professional and not distracting.
Writing Tip
Double and triple check that your contact information is accurate. Even a flawless resume can’t help you if your potential employer can’t reach you!
STEP 2
Add a professional summary or resume objective
Your header is the first step, but your resume profile is your real opener. This is where you get to introduce who you are as a professional and why you’re applying for the role.
There are two main types of resume profiles, each with their own strengths. Let’s look at what makes them different:
Both resume profile choices introduce you and your strengths as a candidate. The important part is deciding the best way to showcase those strengths.
Writing Tip
Don’t forget to highlight your specialties in your professional summary. As a project manager, you could be targeting a number of industries. Use this section to state your career’s focus.
Professional summary example for a project manager resume:
Seasoned project manager with nine years of rich experience in the construction industry. Proven track record in managing over 40 large scale projects from conception to completion, consistently meeting tight deadlines and budget constraints. Skilled at leading diverse teams, streamlining operations and implementing effective project management strategies. Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, improve operational efficiency and introduce process improvements. Committed to ensuring the highest level of client satisfaction, fostering strong relationships and driving business growth. Known for excellent leadership skills, attention to detail and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Sample objective for a project manager resume:
Motivated and detail-oriented professional with a diverse background seeking to use new skills honed in the Google Project Management Certification in a challenging role in project management. Bringing four years of experience in technical writing, along with strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities and a proven track record in managing complex projects within tight deadlines. Eager to apply my leadership abilities, time management skills and project coordination expertise to a dynamic project management role to drive efficiency and productivity. Passionate about continuous learning and excited to transfer my unique skill set into the project management sphere.
STEP 3
Showcase your skills
Your project management skills are your bread and butter. From managing deadlines to promoting accountability for cross-functional teams, your skills range from highly technical to subtle and interpersonal.
Your skills section should highlight your full spectrum of project management skills. You utilize hard skills to make the most of project management software, manage budgets and perform technical analyses. Your soft skills help you motivate your team and delegate your time effectively.
While understanding hard vs soft skills might not seem necessary, it’s important that your resume incorporates both. A well-rounded skill set is essential for a project manager and prospective employers will be looking for both hard versus soft skills.
Writing Tip
Project management is a profession which involves a lot of technical skills. Be specific when listing them. Instead of listing computer skills on your resume, for example, name the specific software that you use.
Hard and soft skills for a project manager resume
STEP 4
Fill in your work experience
Unless you’re applying for your very first job, the work history section of your resume is going to be one of the most important sections.
Your project management roles have come with lots of different responsibilities, from managing budgets to delegating tasks. Representing all of your competencies might seem tough, but your work experience section is the place to do it and we’re here to help you succeed.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you write your experience section:
Writing Tip
The skills section might be finished, but the work history section gives you new opportunities to highlight both your technical skills and your soft skills.
Sample project manager work experience entry:
Technical Project Manager, Intuitive Solutions
Baltimore, MD
November 2020 – Present
- Lead and manage a diverse team of 10+ members working on multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring timely and quality delivery.
- Develop detailed project plans, including scope, budget and schedule, resulting in an average of 15% cost savings across all projects.
- Manage stakeholder relationships, effectively communicating project status and addressing concerns, leading to a 30% increase in client satisfaction.
- Supervise contract negotiations with vendors and suppliers, ensuring the best quality and cost-effective resources.
- Successfully delivered 20+ projects within scope, time and cost constraints, enhancing the company’s reputation and client base.
- Implement Agile methodologies to improve efficiency, enhance collaboration and accelerate project completion by 20%..
STEP 5
Highlight your education
Becoming a project manager usually requires some level of education. Whether you’ve got a bachelor’s degree or a master’s, use the education section of your resume to highlight your training and expertise. Begin by listing your highest degree earned.
The education section is also a great place to list one or two certifications. If you have multiple awards or certifications, it might be better to list them within their own special section.
Project manager education entry example:
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Project Management
Stanford University, Stanford, CA | 2019
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Writing Tip
If you’re a recent graduate, you may want to list relevant coursework with each degree. This showcases expertise in lieu of experience.
STEP 6
Consider adding special sections
No two resumes should be exactly alike. Everyone has unique experiences that should guide the direction of their resume. Use your unique experiences to determine whether your project manager resume would benefit from extra sections. Some of the special sections that are common on successful resumes are:
Writing tip
For project managers, a special section detailing some of your most noteworthy completed projects is a great way to go the extra mile..
Now that you’ve got the resume sections covered, don’t forget to choose a project manager resume template. Resume templates offer a variety of designs and styles, from creative templates that are eye-catching and bold to simple templates that are straightforward and easy to scan.
And, for people who want immediate access to a template, there are free downloadable options for Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.