In today’s competitive job market, you need an accomplishment-driven resume that explores the most impressive aspects of your career. A resume is more than just a piece of paper summarizing your work history; it represents everything you’ve achieved as a project manager. The key is illustrating notable projects that capture your ability to manage cross-functional teams, devise innovative strategies, and execute at the highest level. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips to walk you through each step of the resume-building process.
Key Takeaways:
Feature your leadership capabilities: Demonstrate your experience building, developing, and leading cross-functional teams to execute projects in alignment with quality standards and budgetary requirements.
Quantify your projects: Include hard numbers, such as budgets, cost savings, and timeline reductions, to establish a sense of scope for the projects you’ve managed.
Customize for applicant tracking systems (ATS): Incorporate relevant keywords that match the job posting to ensure compliance with ATS, such as Agile methodology, strategic planning, and stakeholder management.
Project Manager Resume Examples and Templates [Download in App]
1. Select a suitable layout and design for your project manager resume
A clean, professional design sets the stage for you to showcase your project management expertise. Opt for an easy-to-read and aesthetically pleasing template, allowing hiring managers to engage with your content fully. Prioritize resume designs that avoid distracting visual elements in favor of clear headers and readable fonts.
2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your project manager qualifications
Think of your opening summary as a value proposition that provides a snapshot of your unique talents as a project manager. Start with a sentence that details your title, years of experience, and three to four skills that match the role you’re targeting. Emphasize your most notable projects and achievements to show how your expertise can generate results for future employers. Avoid generic statements and provide engaging insights into your project management background.
For instance, rather than mentioning that you’re “skilled at solving complex problems,” emphasize that you have a “proven track record of developing innovative strategies to reduce roadblocks for multi-million dollar projects.”
Strong summary example for a project manager
A technical project manager with over 10 years of experience, specializing in Agile methodology, quality assurance, risk management, and application development. A proven track record of managing information technology (IT) and software development projects valued at up to $5 million. Adept at identifying opportunities to enhance project delivery through cross-functional collaboration.
Weak summary example for a project manager
I am a project manager with over 10 years of experience. I handle teams and ensure projects finish on time and within budget.
3. Incorporate a results-focused work history section for your project manager resume
The work experience section of your resume should explore your projects and career accomplishments in greater detail. When crafting your bullet points, establish an appropriate context for your projects while conveying the end results. For instance, if you managed a large construction project, incorporate numbers to establish a sense of scale, including the square footage of the building and the size of the budget. Leadership and people management skills are equally important for a project manager role, so it’s important to demonstrate that you can collaborate effectively with cross-functional groups and stakeholders.
Strong experience example for a project manager
Senior Project Manager, Harrison Construction, Charleston, SC | August 2018 to present
Lead cross-functional teams with up to 60 personnel to execute infrastructure projects with budgets of over $20 million, including bridges and urban highways
Liaise effectively with stakeholders, contractors, local government agencies, and construction teams to reduce project delays by 23%
Oversee procurement, sourcing, and supply chain management activities and secure new vendor contracts, resulting in a $317,000 reduction in material costs
Weak experience example for a project manager
Project Manager, Global Construction Inc., Atlanta, GA | July 2016 to present
Responsible for managing projects and teams
Worked on budgets and timelines
Communicated with clients and stakeholders regularly
Ensured that projects were completed
4. List your education and any pertinent certifications for a project manager
In addition to your college degrees, highlight notable industry certifications to enhance the appeal of your application further. A Project Management Professional (PMP) is a must, but obtaining other credentials helps demonstrate your commitment to professional growth within the field. For instance, you might consider pursuing a Certified Agile Practitioner (PMI-CAP) or Certified Scrum Master designation to demonstrate your advanced knowledge of specific project management methodologies.
Education example for a project manager
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA
Relevant certifications
Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute | February 2021
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | Scrum Alliance | June 2020
5. Highlight your essential abilities and technical proficiencies for a project manager
A robust skills section allows you to fully optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating key terms directly from the job description. Feature a blend of project management, technical, and interpersonal skills to show potential employers you have many talents. In addition to creating a list, don’t forget to provide examples of leveraging these skill sets throughout your work history. Below are potential keywords to build your project manager resume.
Over 20 hard and soft skills for project manager resumes:
Agile methodology
Budget management
Construction management
Cross-functional collaboration
Jira
Kanban
MS Project
Operations management
Process improvement
Project management
Project roadmaps
Quality assurance
Risk assessment
Scrum
Stakeholder management
Strategic planning
Strategy development
Team management
Technical project management
Vendor management
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How To Pick the Best Project Manager Resume Template
Select a resume template that emphasizes clarity and professionalism. A minimalist design with clear section headings ensures easy readability while showcasing your achievements. Only use creative designs that could detract from your content. Opt for templates highlighting your project management skills, technical expertise, and quantifiable results.
Project Manager Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Technical Project Manager
Assistant Project Manager
Senior Project Manager
John Bergsen email@example.com | (123) 456-7890 | City, ST | LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
A technical project manager with over 10 years of experience, specializing in Agile methodology, quality assurance, risk management, and application development. A proven track record of managing IT and software development projects valued at up to $5 million. Adept at identifying opportunities to enhance project delivery through cross-functional collaboration.
Professional experience
Project Manager, Tech Innovators Inc., San Francisco, CA | October 2018 to present
Oversee a software development project valued at $12 million to deliver an innovative HR management solution for large businesses
Manage the design, development, and launch of a mobile application supporting 4 million users, coordinate with software developers and user experience (UX) designers to develop new features based on feedback, and increase user engagement by 27%
Lead a cross-functional team comprised of over 30 software engineers, UX developers, and quality assurance specialists
Project Manager, Cadence Technologies, San Francisco, CA | June 2014 – October 2018
Managed over 18 technical projects valued at $100,000 to $500,000 for a major technology consulting firm, including cloud integrations and application development initiatives
Coordinated with internal and external cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment with client vision and business objectives
Key skills
Agile and Waterfall methodologies
Budget management
Cross-functional leadership
Quality assurance
Risk assessment
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science | 2014 Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Certifications
Project Management Professional (PMP) | 2014
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) | 2014
Why this technical project manager resume example is strong:
In this resume example, the candidate paints a vivid picture of their technical expertise by featuring a variety of eye-catching projects. The bullet points show that the applicant can manage multi-million dollar budgets, lead cross-functional teams, and drive innovative technology initiatives, which will stand out from the competition.
Aliya Jackson email@example.com | (123) 456-7890 | City, ST | LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
An assistant project manager with five years of experience within the construction industry, specializing in procurement, logistics, and cross-functional leadership. A strong history of coordinating with project managers to execute multi-million dollar construction build-outs.
Professional Experience
Assistant Project Manager, Williams & Sons Construction, Worcester, MA | August 2021 to present
Support project managers in the execution of over 25 residential and commercial build-outs valued at $300,000 to $2 million, including office renovations and custom homes
Collaborate cross-functionally with architects, contractors, engineers, and to ensure alignment with building codes, safety regulations, and client specifications
Deliver weekly status reports and provide recommendations to project managers and stakeholders to identify solutions to project roadblocks and scheduling conflicts
Assistant Project Manager, Miller Construction Group, Hartford, CT | June 2019 to July 2021
Oversaw procurement and logistics for 20 residential construction projects, negotiated vendor contracts, and generated over $120,000 in annual cost savings
Performed comprehensive site inspections to resolve potential safety hazards and ensure adherence with OSHA safety regulations, resulting in a 30% reduction in work-related incidents during project delivery
Certifications
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training Certificate | 2020
Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Construction Management Association of America | 2019
Key Skills
Construction management
Procurement
Logistics
OSHA safety
Resource allocation
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) Construction Management | 2019 University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Civil Engineering | 2017 Springfield College of Engineering, Springfield, MA
Why this assistant project manager resume example is strong:
In this resume example, the candidate leverages their experience as an assistant project manager to position themselves for higher-level positions. The bullet points draw attention to their leadership background and knowledge of the construction industry, making them a strong applicant for project manager positions.
Raheem Richardson email@example.com | (123) 456-7890 | City, ST | LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
A senior project manager with 12 years of experience managing large-scale infrastructure and commercial projects, including transportation systems, office parks, and housing developments. A proven track record of spearheading initiatives to refine project strategy and resource allocation to reduce overhead costs and project timelines.
Professional Experience
Senior Project Manager, Harrison Construction, Charleston, SC | August 2018 to present
Lead cross-functional teams with up to 60 personnel to execute infrastructure projects with budgets of over $20 million, including bridges and urban highways
Liaise effectively with stakeholders, contractors, local government agencies, and construction teams to reduce project delays by 23%
Oversee procurement, sourcing, and supply chain management activities and secure new vendor contracts, resulting in a $317,000 reduction in material costs
Project Manager, Southern Build Group, Savannah, GA | May 2012 to July 2018
Managed construction teams to execute 19 commercial and residential developments and oversaw budgets ranging from $200,000 to $5 million
Developed comprehensive project schedules, led weekly meetings with stakeholders, and maintained a 92% on-time delivery rate
Spearheaded initiatives to cultivate an impactful safety culture centered around accountability, resulting in a 19% reduction in site incidents
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Construction Management Clemson University, Clemson, SC | 2012
Certifications
Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Construction Management Association of America | 2012
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training Certificate | 2012
Key Skills
Construction management
Strategic planning
Change management
Contract negotiation
Risk assessment
Stakeholder communication
Why this senior project manager resume example is strong:
This resume is a great example of properly capturing your project management experience at the senior level. Emphasizing the size and scale of the infrastructure projects they managed sends a clear message to potential employers that they have the talents to execute construction build-outs at the highest level.
Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for project manager resumes?
Incorporating powerful action verbs is essential for maximizing the impact of your professional achievements. Leading each bullet point with a strong verb allows the hiring manager to visualize better your contributions and role in executing complex projects. For example, let’s compare these two bullet points.
Attended meetings with stakeholders and project teams to discuss roadblocks and solutions
Delivered recommendations to stakeholders during high-level meetings to resolve project roadblocks and reduce delays by 17%
Notice how the second bullet emphasizes the candidate delivering valuable insights, whereas the first bullet focuses more on them simply attending the meetings. Using action verbs effectively can bring a whole new dimension to your writing that will grab the reader’s attention. Below is a list of potential verbs to craft the work experience section of your resume:
Action Verbs
Analyzed
Built
Collaborated
Communicated
Conducted
Coordinated
Created
Delivered
Developed
Drove
Enhanced
Evaluated
Executed
Identified
Implemented
Improved
Led
Managed
Oversaw
Spearheaded
How do you align your resume with a job posting?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, project management occupations are expected to grow 7% between 2023 and 2033. Despite these encouraging growth rates, competition remains fierce for the most lucrative opportunities. You must align your resume with each job you apply for to separate yourself from other applicants.
For example, if an organization seeks a candidate with a strong background in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, emphasize how you blended these disciplines to enhance project delivery and reduce delays. If a company is seeking a construction project manager with expertise in logistics, provide insights into how you consistently found creative ways to lower procurement costs.
What is the best project manager resume format?
Reverse chronological is the ideal format for project manager resumes. This approach ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is placed towards the top of your document, enabling the hiring manager to see your most impressive projects immediately. Combination formats are better suited for entry-level candidates, making them a poor choice for PMPs.
Irina Pichura, founder of Resumeology, is a renowned career coach with over 10 years of recruiting experience at Fortune 500 companies like Goldman Sachs and ADP, as well as startups such as Investopedia. With a degree in Psychology from Fordham University in New York City, Irina offers a unique perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive job market.
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