Project management is one of the most in-demand job functions in a fast-paced, collaborative business environment. To stand out from the pack, you’ll want to leverage your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences as they pertain to this position. With so many different resumes for different jobs and fields, it can be challenging to know which one you should use when applying for a project manager position. After all, each resume has different goals and audiences in mind. However, with some research and preparation, writing a standout project manager resume will be much easier than you think. This guide will provide an overview of what to include and avoid in your resume if you are looking to break into the world of project management as either an entry-level candidate or a lateral hire. Read on for tips about how to tailor your resume for success!
Project Manager Resume Example
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Assistant Project Manager Resume Example
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Project Manager I Resume Example
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Project Manager II Resume Example
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Senior Project Manager Resume Example
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Project Coordinator Resume Example
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Associate Project Manager Resume Example
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What Is a Project Manager?
A project manager is responsible for the planning, executing, and closing of one or more projects. Depending on the position level, you may also need to be in charge of leading and managing a team of other project managers and team members. Project managers are responsible for ensuring that a project is completed on time, on budget, and with the desired outcome. Project managers have various tools and skills that allow them to do this well. For example, they are responsible for identifying the project’s goals, developing a timeline and budget, managing the project’s resources (human and otherwise), and communicating project information to stakeholders.
Why Is a Good Resume Important for Project Managers?
Like all other jobs, the first thing a potential employer will notice when reviewing your resume is the quality of the document you have created. Then, they will move on to checking your experience and skills to see if they are a fit for the job. In many cases, employers will be reviewing hundreds of applications for each position they hire. So, they need to find the top candidates quickly. So, surprisingly, they’ll often choose the applicant with the best-looking and most informative resume.
Responsibilities of a Project Manager
As a project manager, you will ensure that a project has a strong foundation for success. You will most likely work with a team of individuals and stakeholders to achieve this goal. While every project manager’s responsibilities will be slightly different based on the industry and company at which they are employed, there are several everyday responsibilities you can use to inform your resume.
Recommended Language and Skills to Include in Your Resume
– Project management experience – This should be a no-brainer if you’ve worked as a project manager. Your experience will likely be the basis of your resume, so it’s essential to highlight the relevant skills and tasks in this position. – Excellent communication skills – Communication is vital when working as a project manager. You must effectively communicate with your team members, stakeholders, and other project managers. On your resume, include all the ways you’ve used communication to impact your work positively. – Strong organizational skills – You’ll need to be very organized to be a successful project manager. You’ll need to be able to break down the project, organize your team members, and effectively manage the budget.
Exclusion Words and Behaviors to Avoid
Depending on the position you’re applying for and the company culture you’re hoping to join, some of the skills and language you’ve used in the past may hurt your chances of getting hired. For instance, if you’ve worked in consulting, you’ve likely developed strong analytical and critical thinking skills. While this is great for consulting, it may not be so great for project management. People in these industries often want to avoid critical thinking and rely more heavily on facts and accurate data. So while your analytical skills are valuable, you may want to avoid highlighting them on your resume if you don’t want to appear as a potential problem solver.
Summary
To successfully land your dream job as a project manager, you must present yourself as a well-qualified candidate. Your resume is one of the first ways you can do this. While many people think creating a great resume is difficult, it doesn’t have to be. All you need to do is ensure that it highlights your relevant skills and experiences. With a bit of research, you’ll be able to identify the best keywords for your industry and job function. Next, you’ll want to outline the experience and skills that make you a great candidate for the job. Then, you can write your resume, and finally, you’ll want to proofread it for any grammatical errors.