Project Manager Resume | Examples and Templates

Unlock the door to your next project management role with a resume that stands out like a project delivered ahead of schedule and under budget.

Last update:
01/01/2024
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Senior Project Manager Resume

John Smith
Project Manager
johnsmith@gmail.com
(234)567 8910

Professional Summary
Highly experienced Project Manager with 7 years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver successful projects. Proven track record of implementing new systems and utilizing Agile methodologies for increased efficiency and project success.

Experience
June 2019 to Present
XYT Group

Project manager

  • Successfully managed multiple projects with budgets over $1 million, delivering projects on time and under budget
  • Implemented a new project management system, resulting in a 25% increase in team efficiency
  • Led a team of 10 project management professionals and engineers, providing guidance and mentorship for professional development

June 2016 - June 2019
KL Group
Project manager

  • Managed a portfolio of projects, with a focus on meeting deliverables, timelines, and budgets
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies
  • Developed and maintained project schedules using MS Project and other project management tools
  • Utilized Agile methodologies to manage projects, resulting in a 30% increase in project success rate

Education
Master's in Project Management
University of Wisconsin
2015-2016
Bachelor's degree in Finance
Michigan State University
2012-2015

Skills

  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • Proficient in project management tools such as MS Project, JIRA, and Asana
  • Experience with Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in budget management and cost control

Certificates
Project Management Institute Certificate


As a project manager, your job is to plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of the project, from start to finish. With so much responsibility, it's no surprise that competition for project management jobs is fierce. In order to stand out from the crowd, you need a strong project manager resume.

A well-crafted resume will showcase your project management skills and experience and make a strong impression on the hiring manager. But a poorly written resume could land your application in the trash.

This article will guide you through the process of creating a project manager resume that will make you stand out from the competition.

In this article, you will learn:

  • How to pick the right layout and format for your resume.
  • How to write each section of your project manager resume.
  • Pro resume writing tips to make it stand out from other applications.

This also includes 2 complete resume examples that you can copy and edit.

Simplify the resume writing process by using a pre-made template from our resume builder, rather than starting from scratch.


project manager resume

Junior/ Assistant Project Manager Resume


Jane Doe

Assistant Project Manager

janedoe@gmail.com

(234)567 8910


Professional Summary

Enthusiastic and driven Entry-level Project Manager with 6 months of internship experience in project management looking forward to joining AT Holdings to lead their new projects. Proficient in project management tools, such as MS Project and JIRA. A recent graduate in project management with a strong desire to grow and develop in the field.


Experience

June 2022 to present

ABC Holdings

Project Management Intern

  • Assisted Project Managers in creating and maintaining project schedules using MS Project
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies
  • Assisted in monitoring project progress, and helped to keep the project on schedule and within budget
  • Worked with project managers to develop project timelines and deliverables

Education

Bachelor of Science in Project Management

University of Wisconsin

2018-2022


Skills

  • Project schedule preparation
  • Project plan creation
  • Knowledge of MS Project, JIRA, and Asana
  • People management skill
  • Communication skill

You could get more inspiration to write your project management resume by referring to other relevant resume guides:


project manager resume

How Much Does a Project Manager Earn?

According to payscale, the average salary of a project manager is $77,000. As project management is a broad area with different specialties, the pay will vary significantly based on the industry.

Here’re the average salaries for popular project management specialties from the same website:

  • IT project manager $90,000
  • Senior project manager IT $118,000
  • Project manager construction $78,000
  • Assistant project manager construction $65,000

How to Write a Project Manager Resume from Scratch?

To stand out in a crowded field of applicants for a project manager position, a well-crafted resume that adheres to standard guidelines and best practices is essential.

A hiring manager in a reputable organization will be reviewing many applications, so it's crucial that your resume effectively showcases your organizational abilities and presents them in a clear and professional manner.

The format and layout of your resume should be carefully considered to make a strong first impression and demonstrate your qualifications for the role. That’s where you should start!

Resume Layout for Project Managers

The layout is the plan you draft to write the resume. It includes the headings, subheadings, and other important information you are planning to write.

Starting with a layout makes it easy for you to manage the resume space. Further, you won’t miss any important information along the way.

Here’s a sample layout for a project manager:

  • Header with name and contact information.
  • A professional summary.
  • Work experience.
  • Education.
  • Skills.
  • Additional sections (certificates, achievements, and interests).

project manager resume

Resume Format for Project Managers

When crafting your resume as a project manager, it's important to pay special attention to the format of your experience section. There are three main ways to format this section, each with its own benefits:

  • Reverse chronological format: This is the most popular format, and it involves listing your most recent experience first and working backward. This is a great option if you have a strong, consistent work history in project management.
  • Functional (skills-based) format: This format emphasizes your key skills and highlights relevant experience under each skill. This is a good option if you have a diverse work history or if you want to emphasize specific skills.
  • Hybrid format: This is a combination of the above two formats, and it allows you to highlight both your work history and skills.

The reverse chronological format is the most popular one and it is the most common format seen by hiring managers. So, we recommend you use this format.

Also, use a modern resume template to stand out from the others. Avoid using templates from MS office and instead, look for professional and modern templates.

Keyword Research for Technical Project Manager Resume

Keyword research is a crucial step in writing a resume for a project manager position. This is because many organizations use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help them sort through the large number of resumes they receive.

An ATS is software that scans resumes for specific keywords related to the job. If your resume does not include enough of the right keywords, it may not make it through the initial screening process and reach the hiring manager.

To ensure that your resume is optimized for ATS, start by researching the keywords used in the job advertisement.

The company will have listed the qualifications, skills, and experience they are looking for in the ideal candidate. Make sure to include these keywords in your resume.

Additionally, research the company's website and learn about their current projects and clients. This will give you a better understanding of their business and the specific skills and qualifications they are looking for in a project manager.

Tailor your resume to match these requirements.

For more information on keyword research and how to use keywords in your resume, check out our complete guide.

Start Your Project Manager Resume with Header

The header consists of your name and contact information.

This is a short and straightforward section. But still, a mistake in this section could be costly.

Because this section makes the first impression about your application and the accuracy of the information in the section is critical.

Here is an example:

CORRECT
Charles Miller

Project Manager

charlesmiller@gmail.com

(234)567-8910

https://www.linkedin.com/charlesm


INCORRECT
Project Manager

Charles Miller

charles@abcholdings.com

(234)567-8910

809, Park Street Bldg,

New Hampshire,

USA


To help you write your header, here are some general guidelines:

  • Start with your name: state the first and last names.
  • Add the job title of the position you’re applying for.
  • Write your mobile number and personal email address.
  • Add the link to your LinkedIn account.
  • Don't add your physical address.

project manager resume

Grab the Hiring Manager's Attention with a Resume Summary

The professional summary, also known as a resume summary, is a short statement at the top of your resume that quickly highlights your qualifications and qualifications for the job you're applying for.

It's your chance to make a strong first impression and grab the hiring manager's attention.

Here’re some project manager resume summary examples:

CORRECT

Results-driven Project Manager with 7 years of experience delivering projects on time and under budget. Achieved a 25% increase in team efficiency and a 30% increase in project success rate through implementing new systems and utilizing Agile methodologies. Led teams of up to 10 members and managed budgets of over $1 million.


INCORRECT

Experienced project manager seeking a new opportunity in the construction industry. Skilled in budget management and team leadership.


When writing your professional summary:

  • Keep it to 2-3 sentences.
  • Use the first sentence to express your greatest achievement or your most relevant experience.
  • Use the second sentence to explain what you can bring to the company.
  • Use numbers and specific data to demonstrate your qualifications.
  • Tailor it to the job you're applying for.

These tips will help you create a professional summary that effectively showcases your qualifications and stands out to hiring managers.


project manager resume

Differentiate Yourself With The Right Experience

The experience section of your resume is one of the most important parts of your application as a project manager.

It's where you showcase your qualifications and accomplishments, and it's often the first thing that hiring managers look at.

Unfortunately, many project manager resumes have boring experience sections that just list duties and responsibilities copied from a previous job description.

To stand out, it's important to focus on what you actually did in your previous roles, and the results you achieved. Include specific details about projects you managed, challenges you overcame, and the impact your work had on the business.

This information is much more valuable to hiring managers and will help them decide whether to shortlist you for the position.

Here are some example achievements for a project manager resume:

  • Managed and completed a $2M construction project on time and within budget, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction.
  • Led a team of 5 project managers to deliver 10 successful product launches, increasing company revenue by 25%.

By focusing on your achievements and results, you can make your experience section stand out and increase your chances of getting shortlisted for the job.

Experience section for a senior project manager

INCORRECT

Aug 2016 to Present

Project Manager

SRT Investments

  • Managed and completed infrastructure projects within company standards.
  • Led a team of project managers to deliver product launches.
  • Managed and completed projects using project management software.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to deliver projects.

CORRECT

Aug 2016 to Present

Agile Project Manager

SRT Investments

  • Successfully managed and completed a $5M infrastructure project on time and within budget, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction and a 25% increase in company revenue.
  • Led a team of 10 project managers to deliver 20 successful product launches, increasing company revenue by 35% and improving customer retention by 40%.
  • Implemented an agile project management method which resulted in a 20% increase in project completion rate and a 25% decrease in project costs.
  • Received numerous accolades from clients and upper management for delivering projects within scope, on time, and under budget.

The CORRECT example continues to provide specific results and accomplishments, highlighting the implementation of an agile method, which is a relevant skill for many project manager positions.

The example also mentions accolades, which can provide credibility and demonstrate the candidate's ability to deliver results.

On the other hand, the INCORRECT example continues to provide only general information and does not provide any specific details or achievements.

It does not give any indication of the impact of the work or any specific numbers or metrics to back up the claims. It also does not mention any relevant methods or tools used in the job, like project management software.

Experience section for an entry-level project manager

INCORRECT

Aug 2021 to Present

Project Manager

Avondale

  • Worked under a technical project manager.
  • Showcased project management skills throughout.
  • Broaden my project management experience.
  • Involved in construction projects.
  • Created project plans.

CORRECT

Aug 2021 to Present

Junior Project Manager

ADC Developers

  • Successfully managed a project budget of $500,000, delivering the project under budget by 8%.
  • Worked in a 5 member team, resulting in the successful launch of a new product line, increasing company revenue by 15%.
  • Implemented a new project management system, resulting in a 20% increase in project efficiency and on-time delivery rate.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to deliver a complex project, resulting in a customer satisfaction score of 95%.

It is important to focus on the results of your actions and not just the actions themselves. Using numbers or percentages to quantify your achievements will make them more impactful even for a junior project manager.


project manager resume

Let Your Education Shine

The recruiter will state the education qualifications they are looking for in the ideal candidate. In most cases, a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree will be stated in the job advertisement.

However, most recruiters are flexible about the education qualifications provided that the candidate has the required experience.

When writing your education section, use a consistent format to list all your Bachelor’s, Master’s, and High School education.

Education

Master's in project management, 2015-2016

Stanford University

GPA 3.5/4.0

  • Agile business
  • Finance
  • Marketing

Bachelor's degree in computer science, 2015-2018

Stanford University

GPA 3.2/4.0

  • IT
  • Telecom
  • Programming

The name of the degree, institution, and year of graduation is all you need if you are a senior project manager. If you’re just starting, write more about your education including the key learning outcomes.

Top Project Manager Skills

The skills section in your project manager's resume is a critical component for many reasons.

  • It helps your application rank well in the ATS test.
  • It helps the hiring manager quickly check whether your skills align with the job description.

Find the right skills they are looking for – align them with your technical and soft skills – and pick 5-7 skills to write on your resume.

Write a mix of soft skills and hard skills.

Soft skills for project managers

  • Time management
  • Team building
  • Problem-solving
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Written communication skills
  • Negotiation
  • Leadership skills
  • Verbal communication skills
  • Networking
  • Decision making
  • Supervisory skills
  • Active listening
  • Active learning

Hard skills for project managers

  • Progress tracking
  • Performance tracking
  • MS Office and MS Project
  • Kanban
  • Lean six sigma
  • Project variance analysis
  • Strategic planning
  • Inventory management
  • Project finance management
  • Investor relations
  • Commercial strategies

You need to work long-term to build and refine soft skills – they come with experience. On the other hand, hard skills are easier to master. Find the right technical skills the hiring manager is looking for and make sure you know inside out.

Additional Sections for a Project Manager Resume

Your project manager's resume is ready with the above sections and that’s how 95% of the resumes look like.

But we’re making something that’s outstanding – better than most other candidates.

So we suggest you write a couple of additional sections to give a pleasant surprise to the hiring manager.

Here are some additional sections you could write for a project manager's resume:

  • Computer skills & certifications
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Awards & media recognitions
  • Languages
  • Interests

Computing Skills & Certifications

If you have completed a certificate course in computer technology or a course on project management software, you could list it in this section.

If you’re a construction or architectural project manager, your skills in using relevant design and measuring software would be extremely important.

Project management certifications are the highest demanding qualifications for project managers and some of them could even outweigh your Master’s degree.

Check out the following list of skill certifications:

  • Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
  • Certificate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • Certified Project Manager (CPM)
  • Certified Practicing Project Manager (CPPM)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Awards & media recognitions

Media recognitions are a major part of a project marketing strategy. If a previous project you managed got media recognition or ran a PR campaign, you could include that in your resume as a separate section.

Example:

My previous construction project in LA was recognized by the Construction Week Magazine as the most efficient construction project in 2021.


These awards and recognitions not only get you the job but also might turn the tables and allow you to set your price.

Make them pop out in your resume with small targeted sections that usually get the hiring manager’s attention.


project manager resume

Tips to Improve Your Project Manager Resume

  • Include specific and quantifiable achievements in your resume, such as, "Managed a team of 15 engineers and successfully completed a $2 million dollar project on time and under budget."
  • Use industry-specific keywords to make sure your resume gets past any applicant tracking systems.
  • Make sure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read. Use bullet points, headings, and white space to make it easy to scan.
  • Tailor your resume to each job you're applying for.
  • Use a modern resume template to create your project manager resume.

Write a Cover Letter that Complements Your Resume

A cover letter is an important complement to a resume for a project manager job application.

It allows you to express your interest in the position and highlight how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.

A well-written cover letter can help to set you apart from other candidates and make a strong impression on the hiring manager.

It also provides an opportunity for you to show your communication skills and personality, which can be difficult to convey through a resume alone.

It is also a good way to address any potential concerns or gaps in your resume.

It should be tailored to the specific job and company and should be kept short, ideally one page with 3-4 paragraphs. It's an effective way to show your fit for the role and increase your chances of getting an interview.

The process of writing cover letters for each job can be tedious.

However, our ready-to-fill cover letter templates have changed the game saving you hours of time.

FAQ

What does a project manager do?

A project manager is responsible for leading a team to achieve specific goals and objectives for a project. This includes planning, organizing, and overseeing all aspects of the project, from start to finish.

They also manage and allocate resources, such as personnel and budget, to ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget.

They also act as the main point of contact for stakeholders, such as clients and upper management, and must effectively communicate progress and any issues that arise.

In short, a project manager is responsible for the overall success of a project, from conception to completion.

What are the different project management specialties?

There’re many specialties and the listed are the most common:

  • Construction Project Management: This specialty involves managing the planning, design, and construction of buildings, infrastructure, and other physical structures.
  • IT Project Management: This specialty involves managing the planning, development, and implementation of technology-based projects, such as software development or network infrastructure.
  • Operations Project Management: This specialty involves managing the ongoing operations and processes of an organization, such as supply chain management or process improvement.
  • Agile Project Management: This specialty involves managing projects using Agile methodologies, which prioritize flexibility and adaptability over strict adherence to a set plan.

Healthcare Project Management: This specialty involves managing projects related to the healthcare industry, such as implementing new medical technologies or building new healthcare facilities.

Create your resume with the best templates

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