As a program manager, you are an asset in every company as you coordinate various programs and implement strategies that ensure organizational goals are achieved. Without a program manager, it may be challenging for a company to work on multiple projects successfully.
Harry Owens Program Manager 212-543-778 harryowens@gmail.com Austin, Texas linkedin.com/in/harryowens
Technical Program Manager with eight years of related experience in cutting-edge environments. Decisive leader with the ability to encourage teams to produce high-quality work consistently. Highly organized with a strong background in prioritizing tasks and conducting needs assessments.
Work Experience
Plaxonic Technologies Program Manager February 2016 - Today
Managed resources needed according to specifications given by various stakeholders and supervised schedules of projects.
Created strategic plans outlining the feasibility of company projects and analyzed ROI and cost benefits.
Managed the software development life cycle from end to end and gave strategic direction to ensure on-time delivery.
Technosoft Assistant Technical Program Manager May 2014- January 2016
Assisted with training end-users on the new SAP system saving the company $1M annually.
Supervised on-site and off-site multiple project teams of up to ten in completing diverse IT projects.
Worked with the senior project manager to develop project plan templates which streamlined project management processes.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration The University of Texas, Austin 2015
Skills
Cloud computing
Report generation
Object-Oriented Programming
Operational support
Information Systems Integrity
Strong communication skills
Excellent problem-solving skills
Software Testing
Additional Section
Awards
Employee of the Month (December 2015) at Technosoft
The first step in getting a job in this field is crafting a job-winning program manager resume that will set you apart from all the other applicants. Our resume examples can help guide you if you have the experience and skills but don’t know how to present them on your resume.
The perfect program manager resume template or resume builder can also help you structure your resume and ensure you do not leave out any important sections. We’ll also help you in this guide with resume tips that will ensure you write a resume that gets the hiring manager’s attention.
As a result of new organizations being formed and expanding existing ones, employment in management occupations is expected to increase by five percent from 2019 to 2029 (Source: U.S Bureau of Statistics). This will result in over half a million new jobs! So it’s a great career to be in.
The average yearly salary for a program manager, including tips, bonuses, and overtime pay, is as follows:
Entry-level $63,000
Early-career $74,000
Mid-career $88,000
Late-career $99,000
Experienced $108,000
The average salary for a Program Manager is $84,000 (Payscale).
How to make a Program Manager Resume
A program manager position requires you to showcase your expertise in the industry you want to get into; otherwise, you will not get the program manager job. You need to personalize your resume for each job and show the hiring manager you are the best person for that position.
You can personalize your program manager resume in the following ways:
Using the right format for your resume because it determines whether the recruiting manager reads your resume or not.
Choosing the right keywords and action verbs for your resume from the job description to ensure it is not filtered out by the applicant tracking systems.
Adding a resume summary that highlights your top accomplishments to compel your potential employer to read the rest of your resume.
The layout of the Program Manager Resume
The reverse-chronological format is the best layout for your program manager resume. It gives you a chance to showcase your professional experience, which most hiring managers want to see.
The structure of the Program Manager Resume
You can also consider the functional resume format or the combination resume format. The functional resume which focuses on your skills is perfect if you don’t have much experience.
The combination resume works well for candidates with some experience since it focuses on your experience and skills. It also blends the best features of the reverse-chronological and functional resume.
The structure of your program manager resume should have the following sections:
The header section
Resume summary/resume objective
Work experience
Education section
Skills section
An additional section (interests, certifications, computer skills, awards/honors, and volunteer work)
Start with the Header of the Program Manager Resume
The header section should have your full name, job title, contact information, and a link to your career blog or Linkedin profile. Your contact information should be accurate to ensure the recruiting manager can reach you.
Example of a good header for a Program Manager
CORRECT
Jessica Loyd
Program Manager
487-975-214
jessicaloyd@gmail.com
Osceola, IA
linkedin.com/in/jessicaloyd
Example of a bad header for Program Manager
INCORRECT
Jessica Loyd
Program Manager
487-975-214
jessicaloyd@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/jessicaloyd
84 Southern Avenue
House number 12
Osceola, IA
Date of birth 07/06/1990
Header sections should be brief, precise and contain only necessary information. Personal information doesn't need to be overly detailed.
Is a photo required in the Program Manager Resume?
There is no need for a photo on your program manager resume. Hiring managers from most U.S companies say they would not consider an applicant with a photo on their resume. However, if a potential employer requires a photo on your resume, it should be professional.
Choosing your Program Manager Title
You need to personalize each title to ensure it matches the job you are applying for. If you use one title for all your job applications, you will probably miss out on your dream job.
Professional summary for Program Manager
A professional summary highlights your top relevant achievements and experience and should capture the hiring manager’s attention to ensure they read the rest of the resume. The program manager resume summary should be short and precise but have enough information to convince your potential employer you are the best candidate for the job.
CORRECT EXAMPLE
Experienced program manager with nine years of experience in the FMCG industry. Passionate about creating first-rate, effective programs and identifying and meeting multiple training requirements. Strong background in building relationships with diverse people, including key stakeholders, and comfortable working with senior leaders to ensure continuous improvement.
INCORRECT EXAMPLE
Creative program manager with experience leading cross-functional teams. Highly skilled at problem-solving and running results-driven projects. Looking for an opportunity in your company.
A resume objective is a perfect option if you don’t have much experience as a program manager. It gives a brief overview of your professional goals and skills and how they will be useful in the new job.
Work Experience in the Program Manager Resume
The program manager experience section allows you to list your work experience, which gives your potential employer an idea of what you can do. An experienced program manager should have the required experience to be a right fit for a company. You can check out our resume templates that will help you present this section correctly.
Describe your professional experiences on your Program Manager Resume
It is always advisable to focus on the relevant program management experience to the job you are applying for. You can also list any other experience if you don't have relevant experience and mention the transferable skills useful in the new program management position.
You will start with the name of the most recent workplace, the job title, and the years of service at every workplace. If you want to beat the competition, don't stop at that.
Under each workplace, mention three to five duties and your achievements. Quantify these achievements with figures and facts to show your value to the recruiting manager.
Examples of professional experiences for a Junior Program Manager
Align Technology Inc
Junior project manager
July 2018-December 2020
Collaborated with project personnel to determine problems and resolve issues quickly to ensure customer satisfaction
Worked with the project team to complete projects at the set time reducing project budgets by 16% and increasing the cost savings by $1.1M.
Assisted the senior project manager in managing projects and improved outbound logistics efficiency by 20%.
Examples of work experience for Senior Program Manager
Braidy Industries
Senior Program Manager
August 2015-October 2019
Supervised a team of twelve skilled workers, improved supply chain infrastructure, and ensured compliance with all codes and safety regulations.
Responsible for preparing annual operating and capital budgets for key accounts, cash flow requirements, and status reporting.
Improved manufacturing flow by 25% by documenting the business requirements and implementing the correct strategic plan.
Education in the Program Manager Resume
The education requirements will vary from job to job, so check the job posting to ensure you do not leave out any relevant information. Whether you are writing a technical program manager resume, an acquisition program manager resume, or a senior program manager resume, you need to have this section in your resume. Your high school diploma, bachelor's degree, and Master's degree will all be in this section.
Should you start with education or work experience for a Program Manager Resume?
You will start with experience if you choose the reverse-chronological format, and start with education and skills if you choose the functional resume.
How to properly list your education in a Program Manager Resume?
You will list all your educational qualifications starting with the most recent qualification. If you have a Master's degree, you don't need to add your high school diploma.
When listing your education, you will start with the degree, the school's name, location, and the graduation year.
Example of the education section of a Program Manager Resume
Bachelor's degree in Program Management
The University of Iowa
November 2016
Skills to put in the Program Manager Resume
A program manager requires specific skills on their resume to show the hiring manager they have what it takes to do the job. Some of these program manager resume skills are usually in the job description and can help you beat the ATS systems if you add them to your resume.
What are the main skills sought for in a Program Manager Resume?
Some of the program manager skills you need on your resume include:
Hard skills
Strategic planning
Risk assessment
Risk management
Project management
Resource planning
MS Office
Operations management
Database management
Soft skills
Excellent communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Leadership skills
Analytical skills
Attention to detail
Excellent customer service
Administrative skills
Time management
What skills for a Junior Program Manager?
Client relationships
Reporting and documentation
Basic math skills
Supply chain management
Quality management systems
Design coordination
Project scheduling
Financing structures
What skills for a qualified Senior Program Manager?
Staff training and development
Financial management
Material and labor scheduling
Critical thinking
Business development
Creative problem solving
Inventory management
Market analysis
Write the Ideal Resume Hook for a Program Manager Resume
Creating a program manager resume that stands out can be a challenging task. You have to find different ways to ensure your resume gets the hiring manager's attention. A resume hook is a great addition to your resume and helps you further showcase your value and professional achievements. Quotes, testimonials, personal descriptions, or achievements are all great options for a resume hook.
Example of a tagline for a Junior Program Manager
Talented Program Manager with two years of experience in the construction industry. Highly skilled at supervising subcontractors and collaborating with other program managers to deliver projects on budget and meet deadlines.
Sample tagline for a senior-level Program Manager
Seasoned Program Manager with more than ten years of experience with a proven track record in operations, customer care, and project management. Experienced in delivering strategic approaches to drive profitability and sales. Highly skilled at reducing operational costs, increasing profits, and continuously improving processes. Successfully trained and developed colleagues to increase profits in a highly competitive sector.
Additional Headings for your Program Manager Resume
Every hiring manager is looking for that one thing in your program resume that makes you a unique candidate. The additional section allows you to include any other qualifications or skills that will interest your prospective employer. Many program manager resume samples can help you figure out what you'll add to this section.
Computer skills and certifications in a Program Manager Resume
If you have any special computer skills, you should list them under this section to make sure they stand out. Most hiring managers only spend a few seconds on each resume and might easily miss them if they are in the skills section. Knowledge of programming languages and proficiency in various software will help your program manager resume look good.
The certifications should also have their section. Some of the certifications that help a program manager resume stand out include:
Program Management Professional (PgMP)
PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
Interests in a Program Manager Resume
The interests are a good addition, but they only help your resume if they fit the profile. Interests that involve social interaction look good on a program manager resume because they interact with many people.
Languages in a Program Manager Resume
A bilingual candidate always stands out, so you need to ensure the hiring manager does not miss this qualification. You will list your language skills in their section using the official language reference as follows:
(60%) and higher Goethe Zertifikats in German
French DELF (70 percent or higher)
TOEFL for English
Summary: Key Points for Writing a Perfect Program Manager Resume
This article provides the following key takeaways:
Your resume format should be well-organized to present your experience and skills in the best way.
Constantly tailor your resume and avoid using one resume for multiple applications.
Choose the right keywords and action verbs for your program manager resume.
Check the job requirements and add the essential information to your resume to ensure you stand out.
Write a Cover Letter That Goes With Your Program Manager Resume
If you want your job application to stand out, you should accompany your program manager resume with a cover letter. Cover letters help to summarize some of your achievements and give you a chance to express your passion for the program manager job.
Frequently Asked Questions for a Program Manager Resume
How do you describe a program manager on a resume?
You will describe your work experience and skills that showcase your expertise as a program manager. The resume summary also helps you highlight some of your top professional accomplishments as a program manager.
What are the responsibilities of a program manager?
Formulating, organizing, and monitoring inter-connected projects.
Developing the best strategies to ensure organizational goals are achieved.
Monitoring the progress of a project and resolving any issues that could affect its success.
Coordinating time, budget, and resources to ensure the work is completed.
What skills does a program manager need?
Leadership skills, communication skills, quality management systems, operations management, project scheduling, business development, analytical skills, and inventory management.
How do you write a resume for a manager?
You will add a header section, resume summary/objective, work experience, education, skills section, and an additional section(volunteer work, interests, languages, certifications, awards, and honors)
CORRECT
INCORRECT
