As a project manager, you're in the hot seat, steering the wheel of success for every project. You're the lighthouse, guiding your team through unsteady waters to achieve set goals. As important as those skills are, recruiters want to see them reflected in your CV, the hologram of your abilities.
The journey of a project manager often begins in team-focused roles, where leadership traits are nurtured. With time, these individuals ascend, applying their hard-earned skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and strong communication. What's forecasted ahead? In 2024, distinct trends will shape the project management landscape. We predict an increased focus on soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, set amidst the rising prevalence of remote and flexible work set-ups.
Now, let's discuss CVs versus Resumes. In this industry, the term you use doesn't matter. You might call it a CV in the UK or Australia, while someone in the US may refer to it as a resume. It's not about the title. These documents are twins, differing only in name. It's true you may have heard that CVs are longer. But that's usually only accurate for academic or research roles, not here.
In the remainder of our article, we will navigate the waters of Project Manager CV crafting. You'll discover templates that work in 2024, key skills to spotlight on your CV, and much more. We take complex and make it simple, ensuring you have easy-to-follow steps to create a CV that shines to hiring managers. Trust us, we've been on both sides of the hiring desk.
Jump to a template:
Project management roles are a blend of leadership, technical abilities, and practical knowledge. As a project manager, you're the linchpin holding together diverse tasks, people, and timelines, so your CV should reflect the breadth of your experience and skills. With the recent trend of remote work, companies also want to see evidence of digital proficiency and remote team management, not just the usual suite of project management methodologies. When crafting your CV, it's important to show that you can handle the complexities of the role, while adapting to the evolving demands of the industry.
In your CV, provide concrete examples of how you've led teams to solve complex problems. Did you coordinate a team to complete a project under tight deadlines? Have you guided software developers through a challenging build? Evidence of your leadership in problem-solving tells hiring managers that you can handle project challenges.
As remote work becomes more prevalent, your familiarity with digital project management tools, like Asana, Trello, or Jira, is crucial. In your skills section, list the digital tools you're proficient in. It shows that you can manage projects efficiently, even if your team is scattered across different locations.
A project manager's CV is an important tool to showcase not just your skills and qualifications, but your ability to lead, communicate, and deliver results. It's a role that requires numerous competencies, such as multitasking and strategic decision-making abilities. These days, companies are seeking project managers who can navigate complex digital systems and lead remote teams. Remember, a CV is more than just a list of accomplishments; it's a reflection of who you are as a professional.
In the fast-paced digital era, demonstrating that you can keep up with new methodologies and innovations is crucial. Prove your adaptability by showing that you've successfully handled a range of projects and that you're comfortable with the latest project management tools and software.
In today's world, project management often involves working with remote or distributed teams. Your CV should make it clear that you're comfortable with this. Showcase your proficiency in digital project management tools and highlight examples of remote team management.
When crafting your CV for an entry level project manager role, it's important to understand this is a unique blend of leadership and coordination. You'll be ushering projects from initiation to completion, making sure everything is on track. The demand for project managers is increasing, with industries such as IT and construction seeing a surge in demand. Your CV should reflect your understanding of project life cycles and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. It's also crucial to show how you've developed essential skills like communication, risk management, and stakeholder management, even if you've not held the official title of 'project manager'.
As an entry-level project manager, you might not have direct project management experience. However, you can draw attention to your project coordination involvement, where you've juggled tasks, resources, and timelines. Frame these experiences to showcase your understanding of project management principles.
Project management isn't just about processes; it leans heavily on soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. On your CV, provide examples where you've used these skills within a project context, explaining the outcome and how it contributed to project success.
Breaking into project management as an entry-level candidate can be an exciting journey. You're not expected to have a deep portfolio of completed projects, but a prospective employer will want to see a clear demonstration of transferable skills. Recently, there's been a shift in the industry, with many companies looking for candidates who are adaptable and can easily navigate digital project management tools. So, when crafting your CV, consider how your past experiences have equipped you with a solid understanding of coordination, communication, and resource allocation. Don't forget to reflect on any exposure to digital tools, even if it came from a non-project management role.
As an entry-level candidate, highlight your transferable skills in your CV. Recount experiences where you've managed resources, met deadlines, and coordinated teams or projects, even on a small scale. Use quantified achievements to illustrate these skills.
With many companies moving towards digital project management, show off any familiarity with these tools in your CV. Perhaps you've used Trello in a previous role or juggled multiple Slack channels during a group project. Use specific examples to demonstrate your comfort with technology.
As a Senior Project Manager, you're the organizational maestro who ensures everything runs like a well-oiled machine, from the concept stage to the final execution. This role has evolved lately, with a greater emphasis on change management and digital transformation, requiring a blend of technical, managerial, and strategic skills. In crafting your CV, remember that your potential employer will be particularly interested in your experience managing complex projects, your leadership style, and how you've utilized your skills to achieve tangible results.
In a world where projects are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, your CV should reflect a broad understanding of multiple business functions. Don't merely list the projects you've managed; instead, explain the impact they had on the company, the challenges you overcame, and the learnings you've gained. Try to demonstrate your strategic thinking, your ability to navigate uncertainty, and your talent for turning plans into reality.
Your CV should reflect your leadership approach. As a Senior Project Manager, it's not just about getting the job done, it's also about how you manage and motivate your team, resolve conflicts, and foster collaboration. Illustrate this through specific examples of team successes, problems handled smoothly, or instances where you've led your team through tough times.
Being a pro at different project management tools and methodologies is a given for a Senior Project Manager. Include these in your skills section, but also provide examples of how you've applied them in project scenarios. This could mean explaining how you used Agile methods to expedite a project, or how a specific tool aided in better resource allocation.
As a Senior Project Manager, the game changed for you a long time ago. Your CV isn't just about showing you can manage a project, but demonstrating your capacity to lead and deliver complex and multi-faceted initiatives with significant impacts. The work environment is evolving, with an added emphasis on remote work and digital technology, so your CV must reflect these trends. The way you present your ability to guide teams, handle budgets, and deliver results should tell a story of adaptability and resilience in the face of change.
A CV for a Senior Project Manager should illustrate a balance between technical skills such as risk management and IT proficiency, and soft skills like leadership and negotiation. You should allocate equal space to both area because being a project manager is as much about people as it is about processes.
The field is rapidly evolving, so you should outline your familiarity with modern methodologies such as agile, scrum, lean, or Kanban. Demonstrating your awareness of and ability to utilise these methods will show potential employers that you can stay abreast of industry changes.
Technical Project Managers are at the helm of IT project execution, navigating through the complex waters of stakeholder expectations and team dynamics. Given the tech-savvy nature of the role, you're likely to face competition from a host of equally capable candidates. Thus, your CV needs to stand out by exhibiting a blend of technical acumen and leadership abilities. Industry trends point towards the growing importance of agile methodologies, cloud computing, and AI, so showcase your familiarity with these concepts. Remember, your CV is not just a list of skills and work history, it's a narrative of your journey as a professional balancing technology and people.
With the IT world leaning more towards AI and cloud computing, you should detail any projects or roles where you've had exposure to these technologies. This will show recruiters you're in tune with current industry trends.
As a Technical Project Manager, you'll be the linchpin between various teams - taking complex, technical jargon and translating it into something digestible for stakeholders. It's essential your CV reflects this unique bridging capacity. The industry is seeing a surge in remote and flexible work, meaning effective remote teamwork and communication skills are more important than ever. When crafting your CV, consider how you can demonstrate not only your technical prowess but also your abilities in these soft skills. Your CV should tell a story of a tech-savvy leader who can smoothly guide a team through any project's lifecycle, no matter the distance separating team members.
As a technical project manager, your CV must do more than just list out your technical skills. You should give tangible examples of projects where you've applied these skills successfully. This gives a clearer picture of your hands-on experience and proficiency in the technical domain.
In today's world, being able to manage remote teams effectively is a key skill. Highlight instances where you led virtual teams or worked with remote stakeholders. This will help you stand out, demonstrating that you're up-to-date with modern work trends and can lead teams regardless of location.
As a Marketing Project Manager, you're the conductor of a complex orchestra. Your role isn't just about delivering campaigns, it's about understanding the market, the industry and the customer. You're part historian, part fortune teller – researching past successes and failures, watching trends, and predicting what's next. Over the past few years, the ability to adapt to new digital platforms and analyze data has become increasingly important. When crafting your CV, remember that it's not just a list of accomplishments, it's a narrative that tells the story of your unique journey as a Marketing Project Manager.
In your CV, it’s crucial to illustrate your ability to interpret and analyze data. Talk about a specific project where your data-driven approach led to tangible results. Quantify that success if you can, be it in percentages, dollar amounts, or audience reach.
A Marketing Project Manager works with various departments such as Sales, Product and IT. Make sure your CV reflects your experiences in cross-functional collaboration. Provide examples of projects where your collaborative efforts resulted in a successful campaign or product launch.
As a marketing project manager, your CV should reflect your ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and have a solid understanding of marketing strategies and trends. This role often sits at the intersection of creativity and analytical thinking, making it a unique and exciting challenge. In recent years, there's been a shift towards greater focus on digital marketing, so showcasing your competency in this area is essential. When crafting your CV, keep in mind it's not only about demonstrating your skills and experience, but also about showing how you can bring value to the company you're applying to.
In today's tech-driven world, companies are looking for marketing project managers who are adept at digital marketing. On your CV, it's crucial to detail your experience with digital marketing tools, social media platforms, SEO, and email marketing campaigns. Show how you've used these tools to drive success in previous roles.
Rather than simply stating that you're a competent project manager, provide concrete examples on your CV. For instance, you might mention a marketing campaign you led where you coordinated team members, managed the budget, and met deadlines, resulting in increased brand awareness or sales.
As a Construction Project Manager, you're a maestro orchestrating numerous elements simultaneously. From planning to execution, your role involves leading cross-functional teams, managing budget and schedule, and ensuring safety and compliance. Your CV should reflect these complexities. Recently, we've seen a trend in the industry towards a strong focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and risk management. So, a nod to these areas in your CV would give you an edge. Keep in mind, your CV is a story of your professional journey, not just a list of duties. Showcase how you navigated through challenges and turned them into success.
In your CV, don't just list projects you've managed. Instead, provide some context and discuss the outcomes achieved. How have you ensured projects were completed on time and within budget? Have you introduced cost-saving measures or improved efficiency?
As a Construction Project Manager, you're essentially the captain of the ship. Your job is to plan, coordinate, budget and supervise construction projects from start to finish, and it's not an easy task. Construction intricacies demand your fluency in everything from reading blueprints to effectively managing teams. When it comes to your CV, it's all about showcasing your leadership and project management skills, alongside a demonstrable understanding of the construction industry.
Hiring managers are specifically scouting for experience managing budgets, schedules, and people. The trend these days is more towards CVs that highlight quantifiable results. For instance, how many projects you've completed successfully, and how you've contributed to cost savings or efficiency. Remember, your CV is your tool to demonstrate that you're the right leader for their project.
You're going to be working closely with architects, engineers, and other construction professionals. Your CV needs to reflect your ability to effectively coordinate with diverse teams. Include specific examples of how you've managed or worked in multidisciplinary teams.
As a construction project manager, having relevant certifications like PMP® (Project Management Professional) or CCM® (Certified Construction Manager) can be a big plus. It's not just a badge but a testament to your skills and dedication to the field. Make sure these certifications are prominently displayed on your CV.
As a Construction Project Manager, your CV needs to be a well-constructed blueprint of your professional life. In recent years, companies have begun to value not just technical skills, but also softer skills like communication and leadership. It's not just about managing materials and manpower anymore, you're also expected to handle technology, contracts, and stakeholders. So, your CV should communicate your ability to balance various responsibilities. Plus, given the rise in sustainable and digital construction methods, showcasing your familiarity with these trends can give you an edge.
Your CV should demonstrate a balanced mix of your technical know-how and your leadership abilities. Don’t just list your technical skills, also include specific examples of projects where you led teams, handled budgets, or resolved conflicts.
As an Agile Project Manager, you're in a unique position where traditional project management meets Agile methodologies. You're expected to keep your finger on the pulse of Agile trends, such as SAFe and Kanban, while juggling project timelines and team dynamics. When writing a CV for this role, it's essential to showcase your balance of soft skills and technical expertise, as well as demonstrate your ability to adapt in an ever-evolving industry.
In recent years, the demand for Agile Project Managers has grown significantly, with many companies now prioritizing Agile experience due to its flexible and interactive approach to project management. This means there's a heavier focus on your Agile credentials, so it's crucial your CV is up-to-date and reflective of the latest Agile practices.
As an Agile Project Manager, you'll be balancing team dynamics and getting the best out of people. So, detail instances where you have facilitated communication, resolved conflicts, or coached teams for optimal productivity in an Agile environment.
Engineering project management is a dynamic role that sits at the unique intersection of planning, design, production, and team leadership. As the industry is becoming more digitally-focused, it's crucial to stay on top of the latest software and methodologies. Moreover, as sustainability becomes a core focus in engineering projects, companies are increasingly looking for project managers with knowledge in green technologies and eco-friendly practices. Your CV should therefore reflect your ability to lead teams and manage complex engineering projects, showcasing your up-to-date technical skills and highlighting your sustainability know-how.
For an Engineering Project Manager, it's vital to demonstrate your impact as a leader. Instead of simply stating that you managed a team or led a project, quantify it. For example, if you reduced project delivery times by 15%, that's a powerful detail to include on your CV.
Prove that you're not just tech-savvy but that you can apply technology to solve real-world engineering challenges. Mention the software tools you've mastered, particularly if they're industry-specific, and give examples of how you've used these tools to improve efficiency or solve problems on your projects.
Picture the Assistant Project Manager role as akin to being the backbone of a project. You're the silent key player, managing details and ensuring smooth operation from initiation to completion, so your CV should reflect your ability to handle all these aspects. Given the recent trend towards remote working, companies are looking for Assistant Project Managers who are adept at managing virtual teams and projects. So, when you're crafting your CV, keep in mind that it's not just about showcasing your ability to manage and coordinate tasks; it's about proving you can do so in an increasingly digital environment.
Many employers are now focusing on remote project management. If you've managed projects or teams remotely, specify it. Discuss the tools and platforms you've used, and any strategies you've implemented for efficient remote collaboration.
In this role, you'll likely handle a wide array of projects. On your CV, provide examples of the diverse projects you have managed. Have you navigated logistical challenges? Handled cross-functional teams? Dealt with rapidly changing project scopes? These tidbits can set you apart from others.
As a Healthcare Project Manager, you're the puppet master, pulling all the right strings to ensure that every healthcare project rolls out successfully. It's not just about keeping an eye on deadlines and budgets - you're also navigating the unique challenges of the healthcare industry. This can include everything from complying with numerous regulations to managing frontline medical staff. These days, you might also find yourself leading digital transformation projects, as healthcare providers increasingly move their services online. So, when you're crafting your CV, you need to demonstrate both your project management expertise and your understanding of the healthcare landscape.
For your CV, it's crucial to keep in mind that hiring managers will be looking for specific examples of your project management successes, but also for evidence that you understand the healthcare industry. This is an industry that values continuous learning, so be sure to include any recent training or certifications. Also, think seriously about the layout of your CV. In a sector that values clarity and efficiency, a well-organised, succinct CV can help you stand out.
In the healthcare industry, regulations and best practices change frequently. Demonstrate your adaptability and commitment by including recent training or relevant certifications in your CV. Perhaps you've completed courses focused on new healthcare privacy laws, or you've updated your understanding of the ICD-10 coding system.
With the healthcare sector increasingly moving online, your ability to manage digital transformation projects can be a real advantage. Have you overseen the implementation of a new electronic health records system? Or managed the rollout of a telemedicine service? Include these details in your CV.
As a junior project manager, your job revolves around thriving in a dynamic environment, working closely with various stakeholders and ensuring projects are delivered within deadlines and budget. Trends show that employers look for applicants who demonstrate an understanding of agile methodologies, as companies in all industries increasingly adopt iterative approaches to project management. Writing a CV for this role requires a focus on showcasing your capability in handling multiple projects, your competency with project management tools, and your adaptability to change.
In recent times, companies are particularly appreciating a blend of 'hard' project management skills and 'soft' people management skills. So, the type of CV you write should demonstrate your ability to manage tasks efficiently while dealing effectively with team members or clients. This will help you stand out from other applicants.
In your skills section, show your proficiency in relevant project management tools like MS Project, Basecamp, or JIRA. It's a solid way to showcase your technical competence, which is essential as project management becomes increasingly digitized.
While discussing your previous roles, highlight situations where you used your communication and teamwork skills to solve problems or achieve project goals. Remember, employers are looking for project managers who can handle both tasks and people.
As an IT Project Manager, your CV will be your ticket to show potential employers your unique skill set. It's a highly technical position that requires a great deal of specific knowledge and experience, so your CV must communicate this effectively. Moreover, given recent trends in remote work and increased digital transformation, highlighting your experience with managing remote teams and leading digital projects is more important than ever.
Moreover, it's not all about technical skills, though. As project management involves quite a bit of people coordination, you should also show how you've demonstrated leadership and effective communication in previous roles. Remember, your CV is a professional story of your career, so it should not only include hard facts, but also your achievements and how you made a difference in your previous roles.
As an IT Project Manager, familiarity with project management software like Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project is a must. This demonstrates to employers that you have the technical aptitude to manage IT projects effectively. So, make sure you list these in your 'Skills' section and give examples of their use in your 'Experience' section.
It's important to balance your technical skills with demonstration of leadership and communication skills. Use your 'Experience' section to provide examples of projects where you led a team, facilitated communication between different stakeholders, or resolved conflicts. This will help employers see your value beyond simply managing IT tasks.
A Project Management Office (PMO) Director operates at a nexus of strategy, implementation, and effective project delivery within an organization. If you're penning a CV for such a role, it's crucial to convey your leadership qualities and strategic foresight alongside your proven track record of steering large-scale projects to successful conclusion. In our fast-paced digital era, PMO Directors are expected to be fluent in using project management software and have a keen understanding of Agile principles. So, when crafting your CV, ensure you showcase these features, as well as indicate your ability to adapt to shifting trends and overcome unforeseen project hurdles.
As a PMO Director, you'll be expected to manage multiple projects simultaneously. So, demonstrate your proficiency in utilizing project management software like MS Project, Jira, or Trello on your CV. It's not just about listing the tools you've used; throw some light on how you've used them to enhance project delivery.
As a Process Manager, you're the mastermind who ensures everything runs smoothly in a company's operations. Think of yourself as the company's heart; pumping life into every function. Lately, companies crave experts who can lead digital transformation, so knowing your way around the latest tech tools can be a bonus. When writing your CV, it's crucial to showcase your abilities to optimize, tweak, and improve processes for efficiency and quality.
In the ever-evolving world of process management, recent trends lean toward data-driven decision-making and agile methodologies. Many businesses are looking for managers who can leverage big data and statistical analysis to identify opportunities for process enhancements. It's about showing you can marry your technical skills with a strategic mindset in your CV.
Process Operators are key to the smooth and efficient running of industrial plants. It's a critical role that involves everything from operating machinery to monitoring and troubleshooting plant processes. If you're crafting your CV for such a position, it's important to remember the big picture. This isn't just a role; it's part of a broader system. Stay updated with industry trends like the increasing automation, which is transforming the role and requires operators to have strong technical skills. Moreover, companies are now particularly looking for Process Operators with good problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a team as they will often work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and other staff.
In the second decade of the 21st Century, we're seeing a shift in what companies value from their Process Operators. No longer solely focused on machinery operation, they’re seeking individuals with a more well-rounded skill set that incorporates areas like process optimisation, data analysis, and even some project management. Your CV should therefore reflect a balance between technical proficiencies, practical experience, and these 'softer' competencies.
As a Process Operator, you're the heart and muscles of a factory. Show your prospective employer that you understand key machinery and process control systems. Mention any related certifications or training courses you have completed, and use specific examples to illustrate your experience.
Process Operators are the front-line troubleshooters. Your CV should convey that you have a strong knack for diagnosing issues and implementing corrective actions. Use specific examples to show how you have previously identified and solved problems in a timely and effective manner.
In the project management arena, it's all about steering the ship to success. Essential skills need to shine bright on your CV. As a project manager, your job is to plan, execute, and close projects — making skills like leadership, communication, risk management, and problem-solving key. Showcase these skills either in your CV's 'Skills' section, or weave them into the fabric of your work experience.
Don't forget, your CV is the first hurdle, and it's often vetted by an automatic filter called a Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Too many irrelevant details and you might get cut early. To swing past this, match your skills with those listed in the job description. If they need a project manager expert in Lean Six Sigma methods, make sure its there in your CV, e.g. "Led a team using Lean Six Sigma to cut costs by 20%".
Lastly, keep it simple and to-the-point. No fluff, just facts. Remember, your CV isn't an advertisement but a passport to your interview. Show them who you are and what you can bring to the table.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Project Manager job descriptions and CVs. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.
The core role of a project manager swings around steering, leading, and inspiring a team. Your CV should light up with action verbs that show you can play this role well. Think of verbs like 'spearheaded', 'directed', 'orchestrated', or 'motivated'.
For better impact, nest these verbs into your CV's body. Example: "Spearheaded a team of ten to complete a six-month project in three months, saving company money." Or how about, "Orchestrated a process to lessen waste in the supply chain, increasing profits by 15%." These examples can give your CV the power it needs.
Yes, crafting a CV is a project in itself. But with the right words, you can show a hiring manager you're up to the task. Tailor it well, use the right action verbs, and you'll build a stepping stone to the job you want.
For more related action verbs, visit Leadership Action Verbs.
For a full list of effective CV action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.
You should use bullet points to describe your achievements in your Project Manager CV. Here are sample bullet points to help you get started:
Streamlined internal approval process for transactions by standardizing approval forms, decreasing approval time by 12 hours
Managed a 10-member cross-functional (engineering, product, sales, support) team and coordinated with five business partners towards the successful launch of an e-commerce website
Created knowledge base of 80 internal resources, improving employee onboarding and reducing time spent per project on administrative tasks by 40%
Led and coached Product Owners to improve story writing, feature discovery, and requirements gathering process which led to an increase in customer satisfaction and a decrease in time-to-delivery by 20%
Enforced Kanban principles as a scrum master that reduced cycle time by 25% and increased the team's throughput in less than 9 weeks.
For more sample bullet points and details on how to write effective bullet points, see our articles on resume bullet points, how to quantify your resume and resume accomplishments.
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
