How to build an effective project manager resume

As a project manager, you are the one responsible for planning, spearheading and delivering a project.

Your role encompasses so many challenging duties and responsibilities.

However, you are a skilled professional who sees obstacles as opportunities. Your innovative ideas are ahead of the curve, and you can easily align with stakeholders in order to set desired outcomes.

Air France Team Manager Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Air France

Project Manager Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Apex Engineering Services

Senior Creative Operations Manager CV Example

Hired by:

Hired by: Aspen Dental Management, Inc

See more examples like these

Any company or organization would be over the moon to have you.

There is a catch though. Before all else, you will have to successfully execute your very first project — your project manager resume.

Luckily, the following tips will help you plan and build your CV in a professional manner.

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. How to neatly format your project manager resume

Your work breakdown structure skills become handy even when it comes to planning your resume sections. As a skilled project manager, you will certainly choose the best template possible to catch a hiring manager’s eye. 

Make your resume easy to read and easy to navigate with the following tips:

• Maintain your page count low when designing your CV. Even if you are a seasoned project manager whose CV could explode with experience, try not to exceed two pages. Going for a two-column layout may perfectly solve this matter.
• Use white space between individual sections, ensuring that you give your resume room to breathe.
• Employ a reverse-chronological format, showing your most recent experience first. This will give the hiring manager a clear idea of your career path.
• Avoid stylish fonts. After all, your CV content is more important. Do not distract a recruiter’s attention from it. Use a good old classic font such as Calibri, Cambria or Arial.
• Save your resume as a PDF document unless the job posting in question states otherwise. You will maintain your formatting intact.

2. How to write an eye-catching professional summary for your project manager resume

Your resume professional summary, also called a professional profile, is the very first opportunity for you to market your experience, achievements and skills.

In order to put yourself on the map, and ensure that the hiring manager carries on reading your project manager CV, you will need to make your professional summary relevant, clear and concise.

• Tailor your resume to each job offer, and use keywords from the job posting in question.
• Specify your years of experience.
• Mention your most relevant responsibilities and your best quantifiable achievements.
• Use interesting adjectives and impactful action words.

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

Our AI Resume Writer can generate a great first draft of your resume in seconds. Simply enter your job title and let artificial intelligence find the right words for your resume.

Try AI Resume Writer

3. What are the most impactful skills to put on your project manager CV

Having knowledge of project management is important, but so is to have the right soft skills.

If you are wondering what skills will best work for your resume, wonder no more. Refer back to the job posting in order to use the most relevant ones at the top of your list.

For instance, your collaboration with different key stakeholders will certainly require outstanding communication, negotiation, leadership or motivation skills.

Compile your most effective project management skill set choosing from the following competencies.

Find out your resume score!

Our AI Resume checker can scan your resume for issues and give you tips on how you can improve it.

Get my resume score

4. How to make your project management work experience count

A well-crafted work experience is your selling point. 

Selecting the most important projects of yours should be as easy as winking. You may, however, want to ask yourself if they are relevant enough to the job you are applying for. Choose the projects that best convey what is expected from you by your potential employer.

Combining keywords from the job posting with your best, quantified achievements is just what you need to make your work experience section shine.

5. How to properly list education in your project management CV

You may not necessarily need a degree in project management to become a PMP. Regardless of your field of study, your education section is the part where you can showcase your relevant coursework, areas of interest or accomplishments that count.

Will adding these make a difference? It surely can. And as a skilled project manager, you will not take any chances.

Dell GCP Program Manager Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Dell

Project and Grant Manager Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by: Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

GlaxoSmithKline Manager Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by: Glaxo Smith Kline

See more examples like these

6. What are the best fitting additional sections for your project manager CV

Never underestimate the power of extra sections in your resume. Whether you pick certifications, language skills, passions or volunteering activities, they can certainly turn into your golden ticket if you just use them right.

Adding your language competencies will, for instance, convey your communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills. These might just perfectly fit a project manager, right?

Do you lack a degree in a related field? You have surely taken one or two relevant courses, or have gained certifications that will boost your chances of landing the job you want.

You may select your preferred extra sections from the list below:

• Language Skills
• Certifications
• Conferences
• Publications
• Accomplishments
• Awards
• Projects
• Interests
• Volunteering Activities
• Training