How to write a resume
Writing a resume is an art form. You want to show the hiring manager that you’re the best person for the job. Before you start, you need some expert advice to help you along the way. Here are some of the tips to keep in mind when writing your project manager resume.
Make sure it fits on one page
First things first, your project manager resume should fit on one page. Yes, you might have a ton of experience and qualifications but you need to keep it short. Hiring managers don’t have endless time to review each new application that lands on their desk. Eye-scanning research suggests that they spend just seven seconds reviewing each resume. To make sure that you grab their attention and keep it, ensure that your resume is not too long.
Showcase the value your bring
One of the biggest mistakes that candidates make is simply listing their skills, experience, and qualifications. These elements need to be on your resume but it’s how you show them that matters. When a hiring manager looks at your application, they want to know what value you bring to the table. What is it that makes you unique? What sets you apart from the hundreds of other candidates who have applied for the same role as you? When you're writing your next resume, consider the ways that you can answer these crucial questions.
Research the business first
Sending out the same project manager resume to multiple companies is a mistake. Hiring managers can detect a standard resume at a mere glance. Using a “one size fits all” approach says that you want any old job. However, the reader wants to know why you are the right fit for this particular opening. Take the time to learn about the business, its values, vision, and future plans. Weaving this information into your resume is the way to go here.
Include keywords and phrases
Before your project manager resume is seen by a human, it has to beat the bots. Most application portals now include Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software. The program acts as a filter, ranking incoming resumes by how well they fit the job criteria. If your application doesn’t hit the mark, it will end up in the trash before the hiring manager sees it. One of the most effective ways to get past the system is to include keywords in your resume. Refer to the original job advert and pick out any industry or job-specific words. Including these in your project manager resume may increase your chances of success.
Quantify your experiences
The realms of project management are governed by metrics. When you’re writing your next resume, you need to showcase the results that you can achieve. You can do this by quantifying your experiences wherever possible. When you are writing your experience section, you can bullet-point your achievements below the main headers. In each case, quantify the results that your action gained. For example, rather than simply saying that you “implemented a new workflow process,” you can write that you “implemented a new workflow process within the team which increased departmental productivity by 17%.”
Avoid using industry jargon
Industry jargon can be a major turn-off for hiring managers. If you are guilty of using convoluted language, you might want to change tack. Project managers play an important role connecting and liaising between departments. If you find it hard to communicate clearly and concisely, that is going to be a problem. Cramming your application with industry jargon shows that you lack the proper communication skills needed for this role.
Project manager resume examples
Now that you know how to write a project manager resume, let’s take a look at some inspiration. If it’s been a while since you last wrote an application, you may have a case of writer’s block. That happens to the best of us. Take a look at our resume example here:
As you can see in the resume example, you can pique the hiring manager’s interest with just a single-page document. The key to your success is writing a first draft and then editing it well afterward. You may find that it is handy to have a friend or trusted person take a look at your project manager resume and provide you with constructive feedback.
Key hard & soft skills for project manager
Your resume skills section can make or break your application. When you’re writing this part of the application, you should include a mixture of hard and soft skills. Soft skills allow you to work well as part of a team and collaborate with others. Hard skills, on the other hand, tend to be technical and relate directly to your role. Here are some you can include:
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Workflow management
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Leadership
- Organization
- Project planning
- Time management
Think about the unique talents that you have under your belt. What is it that makes you an effective and inspiring project manager? If you can answer that simple question, you should have no problem creating a skill section that wows the hiring manager.
Summary & last words
Writing an engaging project manager resume doesn’t have to be difficult. In this guide, we have covered everything you need to know about getting started. When you’re applying to top-level jobs, you need a resume that speaks the hiring manager’s language. Follow this guide to help you get the main points right and write your next interview-winning resume.
Introduction to TopResume: Professional resume writers
At TopResume, we know what it takes to make you more valuable in recruiters’ eyes. Using our services means that you are two or three times more likely to land an interview than candidates who use a self-written application. We have experience of 65+ careers and boast a roster of 1,200 writers, including certified career coaches, former and current hiring managers, HR professionals, recruiters, and other professionals.
