Project Manager Resume: Content, Tips, and Samples (2023)

As a project manager, you oversee and coordinate all aspects of a project to ensure that it is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

This requires various skills and abilities, including strategic planning, budgeting, team leadership, and problem-solving.

If you're having difficulty creating a resume that effectively showcases your project management skills and experiences, this article can help.

 We'll provide a project manager resume example, a step-by-step guide to writing your resume, and a list of the essential skills to include.

Following these tips and examples, you can create a resume that impresses potential employers and help you land the job you want.

Project Manager Resume Example

The key elements that make the project manager resume example above practical are its reverse-chronological format, eye-catching resume summary, achievement-focused work experience section, relevant education and additional sections, and well-organized skills section. Using these elements in your resume, you can create a professional and effective document that will help you stand out from other candidates and land the job you want.

Related Articles:
Resume Headline: Best Headlines to Use in 2023-Drjobpro.com

Resume Photo: Yes, or No?-Drjobpro.com

How Many Jobs Should You Put on Your Resume?

8 Samples of Career Objective for Resume

15 Essential Job Skills to Put on a Resume in 2022|Drjobpro.com

Here is a step-by-step guide to writing your project manager resume:

• Start with a strong resume summary. The first thing recruiters will see on your resume is your summary statement, so make sure it's engaging, informative, and attention-grabbing. In a few sentences, describe your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that will make recruiters want to learn more about you.

• List your work experience in reverse-chronological order. This section includes your current or most recent job, and then work backward, detailing your previous positions and responsibilities. Use bullet points to organize the information and make it easy for recruiters to scan.

• Include relevant education and training. In this section, list your relevant educational qualifications, such as your degree, field of study, and any relevant certifications or training courses. You can also include academic achievements, such as scholarships or awards if they are relevant to the job.

• Highlight your skills and abilities. In this section, list the skills and abilities most relevant to the job you are applying for. Include hard skills, such as technical expertise or software proficiency, and soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, or leadership.

• Add additional sections if necessary. If you have any other relevant information to include, such as language proficiency, publications, or presentations, you can add different sections to your resume to highlight these achievements.

• Proofread and edit your resume. Before you submit your resume, take the time to carefully proofread and edit it to ensure that it is free of errors and typos. Ask a friend or colleague to review it to get a second opinion.

By following these steps, you can create a professional and effective project manager resume that will help you stand out from other candidates and land the job you want.

The key elements of a well-designed project manager resume:

Font Style

When choosing a font style for your project manager's resume, selecting a professional and easy-to-read font is essential. Some common font styles that are well-suited to resumes include:

• Arial
• Calibri
• Helvetica
• Times New Roman
• Verdana

These fonts are commonly used in resumes because they are straightforward to read, even in small font sizes. Avoid using decorative or fancy fonts, as these can be difficult to read and may make your resume look unprofessional. Instead, stick to a simple font that will help you make a good impression on recruiters.   

Font Size

The font size you use on your project manager resume should be easy to read and appropriate for the length of your document. For the body text of your resume, a font size of 11-12 points is typically best. This is small enough to fit a lot of information onto a single page but still large enough to be easily readable.

You can use a larger font size of 14-16 points for section headings. This will help these headings stand out and make it easy for recruiters to quickly scan your resume and find the information they are looking for.

Bullet Points

Using bullet points in your project manager's resume is a great way to make it easy to read and well-organized. Bullet points help to break up long blocks of text and make it easier for recruiters to quickly scan your resume and find the information they are looking for.

Using bullet points, use concise phrases that clearly and effectively describe your skills and experiences. Avoid using long sentences or complex language, as these can be difficult to read and may make your resume look cluttered and unprofessional.

Resume Length

When writing your project manager's resume, it's essential to keep it concise and to the point. Recruiters often have to review hundreds of resumes, so they may not have the time or patience to read a lengthy document. As a result, it's best to keep your resume to a single page, if possible.

To ensure your resume fits onto a single page, use a font size of 11-12 points for the body text and limit the amount of information you include. Focus on the most relevant and essential information and leave out any unnecessary details.

File Format

When submitting your project manager's resume, it's essential to save it in a file format that is professional and easy to read. The best file format to use is usually a PDF, ensuring that your resume looks the same on any device or operating system the hiring manager uses.

PDF files are also widely accepted by employers and are easy to open and view on most devices. Additionally, PDF files are typically smaller than other file formats, making them easier to attach to emails and submit online.

The key is saving your project manager's resume as a PDF file unless the employer specifically requests a different file format. Using a PDF file ensures that your resume looks professional and is easy for hiring managers to read and review.

Contact Details in Project Manager Resume

In the first section of your project manager resume, you should include your contact information so recruiters can quickly get in touch with you. This information typically includes your first and last name, title, phone number, email address, and location. You can also have relevant social media handles, such as LinkedIn or Twitter if you feel they are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Make sure that your contact information is accurate and up-to-date and that it is presented clearly and professionally. This will help recruiters easily find and contact you and increase your chances of being invited for an interview.

Here's An Example:

Jane Doe

Project Manager

(123) 456-7890

[email protected]

New York, NY

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jane-doe

Twitter: twitter.com/jane_doe

Project Manager Resume Summary

A powerful resume summary for a project manager should provide a quick overview of your professional background and highlight your relevant skills and achievements. It should be concise and to the point, ideally consisting of 2-3 sentences.

Here is an example of a strong project manager resume summary:

Experienced project manager with 10+ years of experience in the IT industry. Skilled in project planning, budget management, and team leadership. Successfully delivered 15+ projects on time and within budget, with a 100% customer satisfaction rate.

In this example, the candidate has included their title, years of experience, and relevant skills in project management. They have also highlighted one of their top professional achievements: delivering projects on time and within budget with a high customer satisfaction rate.

Overall, this resume summary effectively showcases the candidate's expertise and experience and is likely to grab the attention of recruiters and encourage them to read the rest of the resume.

Project Manager Resume Work Experience

In your project manager resume, the work experience section should provide a detailed and impressive overview of your professional background. To make it stand out, follow these tips:

• Use the reverse-chronological order to list your positions, starting with your most recent or current job.
• Include your job title, the company's name and location, and the dates of employment.
• Use action verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities, and focus on your successes rather than just listing your duties.
• Only include relevant work experience, and make your achievements quantifiable wherever possible.

Here is an example of a practical work experience section for a project manager resume:

Project Manager

XYZ Corporation, San Francisco, CA

07/2018 - Present

• Spearheaded the successful delivery of 15+ IT projects on time and within budget, with a 100% customer satisfaction rate.
• Managed a team of 20+ employees, providing regular feedback and support to ensure their professional development.
• Developed and implemented effective project management processes, reducing project delivery time by 20%.
• Resolved complex project issues, resulting in a 15% increase in project profitability.
• Executed the project communication plan, ensuring regular and effective communication with stakeholders.

Project Manager Resume Education Section

The education section in your project manager's resume should provide a brief overview of your formal education. You should list your highest degree and give the name of the institution and the dates you attended. You can also include your location and any relevant minors or specializations.

Here is an example of a good education section for a project manager's resume:

Bachelor of Science in Project Management

The University of California, Berkeley, CA

09/2015 - 06/2018

Minor in Business Administration

Project Manager Resume Skills Section

To list your project management skills in your resume, you should follow these steps:

• Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying any specific skills that the company is looking for. Make a list of these skills and ensure that you include them in your resume.

• Research the most in-demand project management skills in your field and list any relevant skills you have.

• Take a closer look at your achievements and identify the skills needed to accomplish those achievements. Make a list of these skills and include them in your resume.

• Organize your skills into two separate lists: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are specific technical abilities required for the job, such as project management software or budget management. Soft skills, on the other hand, are personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively with others, such as communication or leadership.

• Use bullet points to present your skills in a clear and organized manner. Avoid using vague or general terms and focus on specific skills and experiences that impress the hiring manager.

• When listing your skills, use action verbs to describe your abilities and achievements. For example, you could use words like "managed," "led," or "executed" to describe your experience.

• Finally, tailor your skills section to the specific job that you are applying for. This will show the hiring manager you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed.

Project Management Resume Certificates Section

It is essential to include any relevant certifications or professional licenses in your project manager's resume, as this can help to demonstrate your expertise in the field and show that you are qualified for the job. Certifications and licenses can also increase your chances of being hired and earning a higher salary.

To include your professional certificates in your project manager's resume, list them in reverse chronological order, including the name of the certification, the name of the agency that issued it, the year it was obtained, and the location (if applicable). Include this information if the certificate has an expiration date or you are currently working towards getting it.

Here is an example of how to list your professional certificates in your project manager resume:

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Institute (PMI)

2022

New York, NY

Expiration: 2025

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Scrum Alliance

2020

Boston, MA

Expiration: 2023

Project Management Resume Additional Section

In this section of your project manager resume, you can highlight any relevant associations or organizations you are a part of and include your role in them. You can also include any publications, conferences, or awards you have received, as well as any language skills. This will help showcase your experience and skills as a project manager and make your resume stand out to potential employers.

Attach A Cover Letter to Your Project Manager's Resume

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and provides additional information about your skills and experiences to the hiring manager. It is an opportunity to elaborate on your qualifications and highlight why you are the best fit for the position.

When attaching a cover letter to your project manager's resume, tailor it to the job you are applying for. Begin the letter by addressing the hiring manager and thanking them for considering your application. Then, provide specific examples of your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job.

In the final paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and mention any relevant certifications or awards. End the letter by thanking the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and professional, and avoid repeating the information on your resume. Instead, use the cover letter to provide additional information and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job.

Congratulations, you now know how to create a successful project manager resume and are ready to write one for yourself!