project management summary of qualifications

Project Manager Resume Summary Examples

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #1

I collaborate closely with business heads, corporate executives and technology partners to seamlessly fuse functional and technical fields to achieve business goals.

Related : Our guide on how to write a resume summary .

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #2

I am a finance domain expert and a technologist rolled into one with a deep understanding of the business intricacies and modern technology.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #3

As a Project Manager, I focus on making things happen against all odds keeping business objectives in the centerI can innovate to boost operational efficiency; STP over 95%, and operating cost reduction by at least 30%. I can identify and leverage cutting-edge tech to save costs and penalties by over $1M on average.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #4

Self-motivated, results oriented and highly organized project management and communications professional with 16+ years experience in planning and executing cross-functional projects and managing and writing internal communications.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #5

Analytical mindset and collaborative approach to solving complex problems; strong communication, project management and negotiation skills to develop and maintain stakeholder relationships.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #6

Excited and passionate about the opportunities for disruption in the financial services industry using blockchain technology. Project management professional with strong interpersonal skills and experience of working in 7 cities across Europe, Asia and Australia. Team-oriented and enjoys working in dynamic fast-paced environments.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #7

A 10+ years experienced Project Manager, his deep knowledge in handling complex projects and attention to detail is his greatest asset in the construction industry and currently serves as General Foreman for just over 2 years at his current place of employment. He has managed over 7 projects and continues to pride his clients with excellence.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #8

Exceptional teaming skills in driving recruiting strategies, influencing leaders, and delivering on high volume recruiting. 8+ years of experience across all functions of Talent Acquisition and HR within large, global organizations.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #10

Proven high performer with a track record of project management excellence, effectively partnering with hiring managers, and proactively addressing business needs in a competitive market.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #11

Recognized creative & digital project manager with 15+ years delivering results and guidance for digital brands. Demonstrated skills in the migration from print to digital for 5+ large digital brands. Led PM practice for national and international teams.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #12

Dynamic, results driven, and customer focused Product Management Director with over 22 years of experience successfully growing off-the-shelf and cloud integration solutions.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #13

Successfully led the direction of overall product strategy and is directly responsible for developing and driving the product roadmaps. Proven and consistent track record of developing winning solutions and products that have resulted in propelling the business forward.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #14

Transformational and change management leader, with 20 years of experience driving complex projects from initiation through execution. Approachable and insightful leader with proven success in problem solving and developing high-performing teams.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #15

Multidisciplinary, self-motivated, energetic Project Manager with a flexible and adaptable approach to work seeks hands-on experience within a company that embraces creativity and innovation. Subject matter expert of design, modular construction, and project cost estimation.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #16

I am a professional in the telecommunication industry with more than 8 years of experience in network quality measurement and optimization projects for mobile networks in the North America and EMEA region as a project manager and measurement systems expert.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #17

A high-motivated, strategic, and results-oriented project manager who has developed a diverse skill set to meet the ever-changing requirements within the industry. Known for being a self-starter as well as a great team player. Looking for an opportunity to assist companies of any sector in becoming more successful by contributing my knowledge, creativity, and vigor to their problem-solving needs.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #18

Visionary and strategic technology leader with repeated success leading enterprise IT operations and developing scalable architectures. Extensive experience directing cross-functional teams in the design and integration of leading-edge technology solutions. Launched technology programs that streamlined operations, drove innovation, and advanced business strategies.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #19

Highly accomplished result-oriented Program management professional with 19 years of extensive experience in managing programs & portfolio, service delivery, client-relation and customer success for strategic business clients across diverse industries.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #20

Enthusiastic team player, experienced and a motivated Project Manager with 8+ years of monitoring project performance to ensure company success. Hard worker, strives to be better in everything, led a corporate project from initiation to closure to deliver 150 elaborate real estate market reports. Maintained 90 positive stakeholder relationships and scored all 7 of the most challenging deals in the last 12 years.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #21

A team player with the interpersonal and leadership skills to effectively communicate and build trusted relationships at the CXO level and amongst peer groups to drive results.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #22

Analytical mindset, highly organized and collaborative approach to solving complex problems and ability to translate technical complexity and ambiguity into business language to ensure effective stakeholder engagement.

Project Manager Resume Summary Example #23

To discern an organization for challenging assignments and responsibilities where there is a high avenue of demonstration, thrive an imagination and passion, set the level of standards that exceeds the expectations, be an astute learner and best performer which provides me job satisfaction & self-development and help me achieve the organizational goals and responsibilities.

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Project manager resume summary examples.

Approved by hiring managers, here are proven resume summary examples you can use on your Project Manager resume. Learn what real hiring managers want to see on your resume, and when to use which.

• Project Manager
• Agile Project Manager
• Digital Project Manager
• IT Project Manager
• Junior Project Manager
• Project Coordinator
• Project Management Consultant
• Project Management Intern
• Project Management Officer
• Senior Project Manager
• Project Manager resume templates
• Similar summary examples

Project Manager Resume Summary Example

Showcasing leadership and successful delivery.

By stating that you've spearheaded a team and successfully delivered a high-value project, you're demonstrating strong leadership and ability to manage large-scale tasks. It shows that you're capable of taking charge and handling responsibility. Also, mentioning that the project was delivered ahead of schedule gives you extra brownie points on time management.

Highlighting efficiency improvements

Stating that you've increased efficiency by a significant percentage across multiple companies, displays your ability to streamline processes and bring about positive change. It emphasizes your performance and gives a concrete measure of your impact.

Agile Project Manager Resume Summary Example

Demonstrating transformational leadership.

When you say you 'led an agile transformation that increased project delivery speed by 30%', you're showing your ability to initiate and manage change effectively. This speaks volumes about your leadership style, agility, and adaptability.

Promoting continuous improvement

Claiming that you 'improved team velocity by 20%' and fostered a culture of continuous improvement indicates your understanding of Agile methodologies and your commitment to efficiency. This sends a strong message about your dedication to excellence and productivity.

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Digital Project Manager Resume Summary Example

Managing digital projects.

By mentioning that you 'managed the successful delivery of 50+ digital projects', you're showcasing your expertise in digital project management. This indicates your familiarity with digital tools and technologies and your ability to navigate the challenges that come with digital projects.

Driving online conversions

Stating that you 'increased online conversions by 20%' shows your understanding of digital marketing and UX principles. This proves your ability to manage projects that drive tangible business results, which is a valuable asset for digital project managers.

IT Project Manager Resume Summary Example

Handling complex it projects.

When you say that you've managed the successful delivery of numerous IT projects and improved system efficiency significantly, you're showcasing your technical project management skills and your effectiveness in improving systems. It gives a sense of your tech-savvy nature and your ability to navigate complex IT-related tasks.

Reducing project delivery time

Stating that you've reduced project delivery time showcases your efficiency and indicates that you are adept at streamlining processes to save time. It speaks to your ability to work under tight deadlines and still deliver quality results.

Junior Project Manager Resume Summary Example

Contributing to company revenue.

Stating that you contributed to a significant increase in the company's revenue through your project work establishes the direct impact of your role on the company's bottom line. It highlights the value you bring to the organization and your ability to drive financial growth.

Emphasizing consistent performance and communication skills

By mentioning that you consistently meet deadlines and facilitate clear communication, you're demonstrating that you're reliable, diligent, and an excellent communicator. These qualities are vital in project management roles, as they directly impact the smooth running of projects.

Project Coordinator Resume Summary Example

Showcasing multitasking skills.

Clarifying that you 'coordinated 10+ projects simultaneously, ensuring 100% on-time delivery' emphasizes your multitasking and time management abilities. It tells recruiters that you can handle high-pressure situations and still meet deadlines.

Focusing on team collaboration

By stating that you 'improved team collaboration by 25%', you're proving your leadership and interpersonal skills. This implies your ability to foster a positive team environment and improve overall productivity, which is essential for project coordinators.

Project Management Consultant Resume Summary Example

Impact on project success rates.

By stating that you've increased project success rates significantly, you're showcasing your effectiveness as a consultant. It directly speaks to your ability to bring value to your clients and help them achieve their goals.

Mentioning negotiation skills

Mentioning your excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills gives an insight into your ability to manage relationships and secure beneficial terms in vendor contracts. It shows that you can handle tough negotiations and maintain good relations with all stakeholders.

Project Management Intern Resume Summary Example

Proving your impact with numbers.

By specifically stating that you 'delivered 10 projects on time and within budget', you're showing your ability to handle multiple projects and keep them on track, which is crucial in project management roles. Adding quantifiable data gives recruiters a clear view of your capabilities.

Highlighting customer satisfaction

Mentioning a '10% increase in customer satisfaction' shows your focus on delivering quality results and meeting client needs. It gives recruiters an idea of your client-facing skills and your dedication to maintaining business relationships.

Project Management Officer Resume Summary Example

Evidence of improving project delivery rates.

When you specify that you oversaw a major increase in project delivery rates, it portrays your effective management skills and showcases your ability to enhance organizational performance. It shows that you can implement effective methodologies to improve processes and results.

Improving reporting accuracy

Mentioning that you improved project reporting accuracy speaks volumes about your attention to detail and commitment to excellence. It shows that you understand the importance of accurate information for decision-making and have the ability to enhance existing systems.

Senior Project Manager Resume Summary Example

Demonstrating budget management skills.

When you say that you've delivered a multi-million dollar project under budget, it paints a picture of your excellent budget management skills. It shows your ability to efficiently use resources and achieve financial savings for your organization.

Showcasing cost reduction

By mentioning that you've cut costs by a significant percentage in previous roles, you're demonstrating your ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies that benefit the organization financially.

Project Manager Resume Templates

Architecture.

Project Administrator

Special Projects

Manager Resume Summary Examples

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Manager Resume Objective Examples

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Project Manager Resume [2024] - Example & Full Guide

As a project manager, you’re the be-all and end-all of any project.

So, you’re great at setting goals, strategic planning, creating budgets, leading a team towards a common goal, keeping tabs on everyone and everything… 

Actually, is there anything you can’t do?

Well, if you’re here, chances are your weak point is writing a job-landing project manager resume .

And, yes—it may seem hard to transfer all of your work experience, skills, and professional achievements onto a single piece of paper. With the right guidance, however, it doesn’t have to be!

So, in this article, we will cover everything you need to know about writing an effective project manager resume, including:

Project Manager Resume Example

Step-by-step guide to write your project manager resume, 50 project manager skills to put on your resume.

Like the look of Jennifer’s IT Project Management resume? Create your own modern project management resume in minutes with these easy-to-complete resume templates and get started on your journey to earning the best PMP certification . 

Quite impressive, right?

These are the elements that make this project manager resume an example to follow:

• Reverse-chronological format. This resume format is the most popular around the world and effectively shows off the candidate’s work experience.
• Eye-catching resume summary. The project manager resume example above includes a brief and to-the-point resume summary that highlights the candidate’s skills and area of expertise.
• Contact information. The project manager resume example above includes all the necessary contact details, such as the candidate’s email address, location, phone number, and relevant social media handles.
• Achievement-focused work experience section. In this project manager resume example, the candidate doesn’t simply mention their responsibilities - they also include their work achievements to help them stand out from other candidates.
• Relevant education section. The candidate only includes their key education details, such as their Bachelor’s degree and a field-related minor.
• Use of bullet points. The candidate uses bullet points to organize and present the information which makes this project manager resume example look neat and structured.
• Well-organized skills section. This project manager resume example includes the candidate’s soft and hard skills that are relevant to the IT industry and project management.
• Effective use of additional sections. The candidate takes advantage of the extra space on their project manager resume by including relevant additional sections, such as their industry-related certifications and academic achievements to show off their professional background.

We've also got more resume examples that you might want to check out:

• Program Manager Resume
• Operations Manager Resume
• Business Development Manager Resume
• Human Resource (HR) Resume
• Office Manager Resume

Writing a project manager resume is no different than working on any other project - you definitely need to have a plan and know the exact steps you’re going to take.

Luckily, you don’t need to figure it out yourself!

We’ve covered each step of writing a powerful project manager resume for you, so let’s dive in:

#1. Pick the Right Format for Your Project Manager Resume

The reverse-chronological resume format is by far the best option for your project manager resume. 

As we’ve mentioned above, the reverse-chronological format is the most popular resume format worldwide. It’s also a recruiters’ favorite!

Here’s what it looks like:

This resume format gives the recruiter a clear picture of your professional background and work achievements by putting your project manager's work experience in the foreground.

Now that you’ve chosen a format for your project manager resume, let’s address the resume layout . 

These are the resume layout elements you should pay attention to:

• Font style . Your project manager resume has to be easily readable, so choose a professional font style that looks good on both PDF and paper.  
• Font size. Keep your font size at 11-12 pts for body text and 14-16 pts for section headings, so that your project manager resume is easy-to-read and fits into a single page.
• Bullet points. Whenever possible, use bullet points to present information and make your project manager resume easy-to-scan as well as well-organized.
• Resume length. Recruiters go through hundreds of resumes every day, so it’s best to fit your project manager resume in one page to make sure they actually read it.
• Resume file format. If not asked otherwise, always save your resume as a PDF file so that it looks the same no matter the device or OS the hiring manager uses. 

Use Our Tried & Tested Templates 

As a project manager, you’re great at time management.

So, you probably aren’t too excited about spending hours on pointless tasks… like formatting your project manager resume.

And especially so when you could be focusing on more important things instead, such as perfecting the contents of your project manager resume.

What if we told you there’s a quick and easy shortcut?

Instead of wasting your time on designing your resume, just pick one of our professional resume templates and dive straight into filling in the contents of your project manager resume!

Besides, our resume templates are far more visually appealing than basic text-editor resumes.

Check it out for yourself:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that you’ve dealt with formatting your project manager resume, you can start filling in the contents.

Let’s begin with the basics - simply add your contact information , including:

• Your first name and last name
• Your title 
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Your location
• Relevant social media handles (optional)

Here’s an example of a contact information section that includes all of the above:

Lauren Anderson

Project Manager

012-345-6789

[email protected]  

Boston, Massachusetts

linkedin.com/in/laurenanderson29

This step is as easy as it looks - you just have to make sure to fill in the contact details correctly.

Otherwise, you may leave a bad impression which can hurt your application. 

After all, no company wants a project manager who’s sloppy and doesn’t pay enough attention to details.

#3. Write an Impactful Project Manager Resume Summary

The next step is writing an impressive project manager resume summary .

Your resume summary is meant to provide a quick overview (2-3 sentences) of your professional background to let the hiring manager see whether you’re a relevant candidate.

So, to make sure the recruiter doesn’t put your project manager resume aside after taking just a glance (and actually reading the whole thing), your resume summary has to be effective.

Here’s what a powerful resume summary includes:

• Your title and years of experience
• Your most relevant skills in project management
• Your top 1-2 professional achievements

And here’s an example of an impactful project manager resume summary:

• Strategic and detail-oriented Project Manager with 7+ years of experience. Outstanding organizational, time management, planning, and problem-solving skills. Met all project deadlines for 5 years straight and increased Company X’s market share by 12% through successful branding projects. 

#4. Make Your Project Manager Work Experience Stand Out

As a project manager, you have tons of work experience , so the next step is to list it effectively.

First things first - let’s get the formatting right.

Here’s how you should format the work experience section in your project manager resume:

• Follow the reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent (or current) position and go backward in time. 
• Add your job title. This is supposed to give the recruiter a clear idea of the role you had in the previous workplace.
• Include the company's name and location. You can also briefly describe the company if it’s not a well-known name.
• Add the date of employment. To show how long you worked at the company, use the mm/yyyy format.
• Write down your achievements and responsibilities. Stick to 5-6 bullet points for the most recent roles and 2-3 for older jobs.

Now, no doubt you want your project manager resume to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager and help you land the job. 

So, filling in just the basic work experience details isn’t nearly enough - you’ll end up with a project manager resume that’s similar to other candidates’ resumes.

If you want to make your project manager resume stand out, ask yourself - what exactly are hiring managers looking for?

Sure, it’s your years of experience, but the responsibilities you had in previous roles weigh in much less.

To recruiters, the most important part of your professional background is a proven track record of success . 

As such, the key to a job-winning project manager resume is this: 

Make your work experience section stand out by focusing on your achievements over your responsibilities whenever possible.

So, here’s what you can do to take your work experience section to the next level:

• Use action verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities, e. g. spearheaded, managed, resolved, executed, etc.
• Only include relevant work experience, e. g. you already have relevant project management experience, so the recruiter won’t be impressed that you scooped ice cream in high school.
• Make your achievements quantifiable , e. g. ”Consistently delivered projects up to 12% below the budget” instead of “Consistently delivered projects under the budget”.

Here’s an example of what an impressive work experience section could look like:

IT Project Manager

08/2017 - 01/2022

• Led and coached a team of 16 IT specialists.
• Managed the Lean Training project for all 54 IT department employees.
• Consistently delivered projects up to 12% below the budget.
• Initiated and managed the project to replace all aging equipment, lowering monthly electricity costs by 23%.
• Introduced a project performance management system that increased project efficiency by 18% over the period of 3 years.

#5. List Your Education Right

Whether you have a degree in project management, business administration, or any other related field, what matters most is your work experience, so keep your education section brief. 

Simply list your education starting with your highest degree as such:

• Degree Name
• University, college, or other institution
• Location (optional)
• Years attended 

As a project manager, technically you aren’t required to have a degree (though this can make competing against candidates with a diploma much harder), so only include your high school education in your project manager resume if you don’t have higher education .

Here’s an example of the education section:

BSc in Project Management

Colorado State University Global

09/2012 - 06/2016

#6. List Your Project Manager Skills

The skills section shows the recruiters your professional abilities, so it’s one of the most important sections (alongside the work experience section) in your project manager resume.

Here are some tips on how to list your skills effectively:

• Tailor your skills section for project management. The point of the skills section is to prove to the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for this position, in particular, so listing all of your skills is redundant.
• Include any of the skills you have that the company is looking for. Carefully read the job description and see whether the company has listed any specific skills - if you match them, make sure to include them in your project manager resume. 
• Research the most in-demand project management skills. The skills you need largely depend on the field (IT, marketing, retail, etc.), so research the project management field you’re specifically applying to and write down any of the industry-related skills that you have.
• Take a look at your achievements. Not sure which skills you have? Your achievements are proof of your skills, so go back to the work experience section and take a closer look. For example, if you consistently deliver projects before the deadline, you’re likely skilled at time management, planning, delegation, etc.
• List your soft skills and hard skills separately. This will make your project manager resume well-organized and easy to navigate.

Need some inspiration on which skills to include in your project manager resume?

Take a look at our list of the 50 most in-demand project management skills!

Soft Skills for a Project Manager

• Public Speaking
• Active Listening
• Communication Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Problem-solving
• Negotiation
• Conflict Resolution
• Analytical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Stress Management
• Time Management
• Collaboration
• Compromising
• Organizational Skills
• Emotional Intelligence
• Resourcefulness
• Decision-making
• Attention to Detail

25 Hard Skills for a Project Manager

• Business Strategy Knowledge
• Forecasting
• Project Management Methodologies
• Microsoft Office Proficiency
• Technical Documentation
• Project Management Software Proficiency
• Process Management
• Strategic Planning 
• Statistical Analysis
• Risk Evaluation 
• Risk Management
• Database Management
• Programming Languages
• Technical Writing
• Prioritization
• Evaluation of Project Performance Metrics
• Goal Setting
• Financial Management
• Contract Management
• Vendor Management

#7. Include Your Project Management Certificates

While some companies don’t require project managers to have a degree, many are looking for certified project managers.

Having a project manager certificate also means that you’ll get paid more - in fact, certified project managers earn up to 16% more compared to their uncertified colleagues. 

So, don’t let your certificates go to waste and include them in your project manager resume (in reverse-chronological order, of course, in case you have multiple certifications )!

Here’s how to do it:

• Certification name
• Name of agency 
• Year of obtainment
• Location (if applicable)
• Date of expiration (if applicable)
• Expected date of obtainment (if applicable)

And here’s an example:

Certified Project Manager Professional (2019-2022)

Project Management Institute

#8. Make Use of Relevant Additional Sections

Do you still have some extra space on your project manager resume?

Take advantage of it!

Show off your project management experience by adding one or more of these additional sections:

• Associations and organizations you’re a part of, alongside your role in them.
• Publications , such as studies, interviews, and others.
• Conferences , whether they’re on project management or industry-related subjects.
• Awards , if any of them are related to project management.
• Languages are always a plus, but even more so if you’re applying to an international company.

And here’s an example of how to put these extra sections on your project manager resume:

Conferences

• BRIDGE 2021
• English - Native or Bilingual Proficiency
• Russian - Professional Working Proficiency

#9. Match Your Project Manager Resume With a Cover Letter

Now that you know how to write an effective project manager resume, there’s one more thing we need to address - how to write an impactful cover letter .

The point of a cover letter is to prove to the hiring manager that you’re the full package - a competent project manager and the perfect fit for the company.

So, your cover letter should be personalized for the position and include any important details that you haven’t mentioned on your project manager resume.

Here’s how to write a compelling cover letter (even if you aren’t confident in your writing skills!):

• Start your cover letter by putting your contact information in the header.
• Directly greet the recruiter and mention your top 1-2 achievements in the first paragraph.
• In the body of your cover letter, describe your professional background (work experience, skills, etc.) in detail, explain why you want to work for this particular company, and stress why you’d be a great asset to them.
• To end your cover letter , include a call to action.

Check out our guides on cover letter writing tips and cover letter mistakes to make sure your cover letter is top-notch. 

Here’s an example of a convincing project manager cover letter :

Want to show the hiring manager that you are thinking of every detail from A to Z? Match your cover letter to your project manager resume with our cover letter templates !

Key Takeaways

Congrats - now that you know the step-by-step plan of writing a project manager resume, you’re prepared to write a job-winning project manager resume for yourself! 

Before you start, let’s run over the main elements of writing an effective project manager resume:

• Use the reverse-chronological resume format to put your project manager work experience in the center of attention.
• Write an eye-catching resume summary to spike the recruiter’s interest in reading your project manager resume.
• To land the job, focus on your achievements over responsibilities when describing your work experience.
• Only add industry-related soft and hard skills to your project manager resume.
• Add extra sections, such as certificates, awards, associations, etc., to paint a full picture of your professional background.
• Convince the hiring manager you’re the perfect candidate by attaching a compelling cover letter to your project manager resume.

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25 Project Manager Resume Examples for the Job in 2024

• Project Manager Resumes by Experience
• Project Manager Resumes by Role

Writing Your Project Manager Resume

According to the  Project Management Institute (PMI) , the demand for project managers is expected to grow a whopping 33 percent through 2027.

The need for project managers and the  increase in pay transparency laws  means it’s an excellent time to pursue a project management job.

But that’s easier said than done. 

Whether an entry-level or senior project manager, you must  build a resume  showcasing your ability to plan, manage budgets, produce reports, and ensure projects are on schedule.

We’ve handcrafted 25 project manager resume samples that  have helped candidates get jobs at great companies like Lyft and Atlassian.  Plus, our writing guide can help you navigate the  resume writing process  to help you land that first-round interview. You’ve got this!

Assistant Project Manager Resume Example

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• A resume objective is for candidates with less than two years in the field. It demonstrates your eagerness for the role, your relevant skills, and your goals for the future. It’s a lot to ask in two to three sentences, so you’ll likely need to take a few whacks at it before you’ve cut it down to the proper size. We believe in you!
• Including relevant courses or awards is a great way to show hiring managers that you’ve learned the skills necessary for the job. Only include the courses or awards that are most relevant to increase your credibility immediately.

Entry-Level Project Manager Resume

• Our top tip? Make sure your  entry-level project manager resume  is easy to read.
• Make your body font size relatively big, include section headers, and leave white space (especially in the margins).
• Always customize your experience to match the  project manager job description  as much as you can. If you lack technical skills, highlight transferable skills like communication, collaboration, and time management.
• If you don’t have any experience relevant to project management, that’s okay, too. Employers know you’re just starting, so include any job experience you have, including projects, internships, or even volunteer work.

Associate Project Manager Resume

• Including a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), for example, on your associate project manager resume will immediately tell recruiters you know the principles and best practices required.

Project Management Intern Resume

• For instance, in project planning, you must’ve picked up on leadership, time management, and technical expertise—all transferrable to project management.

Junior Project Marketing Manager Resume

• Your cover letter and resume should form one cohesive whole without being complete copies of each other.
• The goal is to expand on your achievements in your cover letter while still covering most of the abilities mentioned in your resume. So, once you’ve finished building your resume, a free AI cover letter generator can make sure the two documents share similar keywords and achievements.
• If you have more experience in the field, you can consider getting a PCDM or becoming a PCM.
• If you’re newer to the role, try getting entry-level certifications like those offered by Hubspot or Google Ads.

Senior Project Manager Resume

• Employers expect more from senior employees, so they’ll pay extra attention to minor details like punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Always  check your resume  multiple times before you submit your application. We’d recommend having several friends look it over, too, just to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
• Always list your highest level of education, whether a college degree or a high school diploma.
• Unless you’re an entry-level candidate, don’t worry about adding your GPA, any awards, or relevant courses. Those are all secondary to work experience.

Senior DevOps Project Manager Resume

• Say, you’ve worked extensively as a product manager in finance and insurance. Including this info in your career objective makes you a notably more eligible prospect for another organization in a similar industry.

Software Project Manager Resume

• A software project manager resume with proof of operating below budgets and optimizing savings will be a favorite among hiring managers. Therefore, including achievements such as saving an estimated $51.2k annually would get you closer to winning the job.

Project Management Professional Resume

• Your soft and hard skills have a place here to set you apart from any other average project manager. Go on a full display mode to highlight your competencies in RiskWatch, Zapier, Harvest, and so on, and show how you’ve used them to optimize project budgets and timelines.

SAP Project Manager Resume

• Numbers matter most here so quantify all past project achievements, success rates, etc. Have a habit of submitting work before deadlines are even close? Mention it! Clearly state how many SAP projects you’ve delivered on time. Adding a project management certificate has also never harmed any candidate!

HR Project Manager Resume

• Make sure your HR project manager resume consists of tools like these in the skills section . Further, write down any instances of you helping a company retain or acquire the top talent for a position while lowering extra costs such as overtime wages.

Project Manager Scrum Master Resume

• Accordingly, align your entire project manager Scrum Master resume around the description and mention how you’ve tackled mishaps, boosted efficiency, and improved a team’s overall productivity. Throwing in a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certificate will greatly help if you’re still an intermediate in this field!

Digital Project Manager Resume

• Therefore, your digital project manager resume must embed metrics in every client satisfaction rating, early delivery time, cost reduction, and proper team management strategies.

Clinical Project Manager Resume

• In your clinical project manager resume, you should therefore highlight your project management metrics, including and not limited to cost reduction, timely completions, team collaborations, and resource prioritization to meet preset goals.

Risk Management Project Manager Resume

• You’ll likely need a master’s degree for this advanced role, and be sure to use your job experience bullet points to highlight specific and successful stories on your risk management project manager resume.

Agile Project Manager Resume

• Even if you lack direct work experience, you can emphasize other relevant achievements or projects that align with you’re desired role. For example, a candidate with experience in Scrum and finance will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of an Agile project manager position at Goldman Sachs.

Healthcare Project Manager Resume

• If you don’t have adequate paid experience to add to your healthcare project manager resume , a globally recognized certificate like the Project Management Professional (PMP) can help prove you’re a leader and have the relevant expertise to be successful.

Creative Project Manager Resume

• For example, the responsibilities of a project manager at a magazine will share many similarities with that of a creative project manager at an advertising agency. Try to think of similar projects you can use to highlight your competency to come across as a well-rounded candidate.

Marketing Project Manager Resume

• Adding measurable results to your marketing project manager resume is a fantastic way to spotlight the magnitude of your achievements. It also showcases the potential you bring to your next employer.

Engineering Project Manager Resume

• For example, you can really boost your chances of being hired by including your knowledge in management tools like Trello and Confluence, not to mention expertise in engineering software like AutoCAD and ANSYS.

Technical Project Manager Resume

• In your skills section, use primarily hard skills like “SQL,” “Agile Development,” and “Google Analytics,” to show off your training. You can add a few soft skills, but most of the list should be learned, technical abilities that you can demonstrate if needed.
• LinkedIn and GitHub are excellent links to add since they show employers you’ve got the connections and the skills to succeed.

IT Project Manager Resume

• Stuck on how to alter your resume? Start by highlighting keywords and phrases in the  project manager job description . Then find a way to incorporate a few of those highlighted phrases in your work experience bullet points and skills.
• You can start by ensuring you have colored section headers in different fonts than your body text. Then play around with the layout, margins, and font size until you hit the sweet spot.

Integrated Project Manager Resume

• Consider using a  resume template  to make your resume aesthetically pleasing and easier to read. It also allows you to let your personality show; pick a template that speaks to you! 
• For project managers, try to include metrics relating to the number of projects you’ve managed or the number of teams you led. Any percentages relating to relevant KPIs are also a good idea, but if you’re just starting, don’t worry about it. That can come later!

Architectural Project Manager Resume

• Of course, don’t make your skills section a complete copy-paste of the employer’s requirements! Simply use it to tailor your skills section and add a few keywords from the job description in your work experience and skills section.
• As a rule of thumb, highlight six to eight up-to-date and in-demand skills in your  resume skills section .

Electrical Project Manager Resume

• Reverse-chronological is the best format for managers since it shows your career progression. Plus, it’s easier for employers (and ATS!) to scan at a glance. It’s a win-win!
• Start by nailing your technical abilities as an electrical engineer. We’d recommend making each work experience bullet point focused on a different skill (such as communicating with vendors, coordinating schedules, or maintaining equipment).
• Then add your project manager skills into the mix, again using each work experience bullet point to highlight one skill.

Related resume guides

• Account Manager
• Business Analyst
• Product Manager
• Construction Project Manager

Regarding the “skills” section, it can be tough to find the right balance between listing too many  skills on your resume  and including all areas of strength. It’s a push-and-pull for two reasons:

• You need to include enough relevant skills to get past automated filters companies use (called an ATS) that grade resumes based on keyword matching.
• The person reviewing your resume, either an HR professional or a project manager themselves, will be wary if you list more than 10 skills on your resume.

To strike the right balance, ask yourself if you’d be comfortable answering questions about a given skill in an interview.

For example, if you list “reporting” as one of your skills, you should be able to immediately answer the question “How do you know if a project is on track?” by pointing to specific metrics or reports on your resume or cover letter.

Another good litmus test to determine whether or not you should include a skill is if you can discuss using that skill in one of the projects you list on your resume. This accomplishes two things:

• Reinforces that you’re only including strong skills.
• Provides more context regarding how you deployed your skills in project management (making your resume and candidacy even better).

After all, what would be more convincing to you: a candidate listing a skill or discussing how they used it to achieve a specific outcome? When in doubt, put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes and ask yourself what they would like to see on a project manager resume.

So, what are some common skills you should include on your project manager resume? Look no further than our list!

Skills to include on your project manager resume:

Hard skills.

• Project Management Software (Jira, Trello)
• Microsoft Office/ Google suite (Excel/Google Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides)
• Project Management Frameworks and Methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Kanban)
• Programming Languages and Frameworks (JavaScript, Node.js, Python, Django)
• Data Analysis
• CRM Experience (HubSpot, Salesforce)
• Digital Marketing

Soft skills

• Public Speaking and Communication
• Problem-solving
• Prioritization
• Conflict Resolution

If you’re in a more senior role and have many of these skills, you should focus on the skills mentioned in the job description.

Yes, customizing your resume like this means more work. However, it’s worth it—our data suggests that this practice alone increases your chance of getting an interview by 11 percent.

As a practical example, look at this sample project manager job description. Look at the underlined skills—they’re what you might want to include if you applied for this position. Try to match the language in the job description as best you can.

Sample project management job description and skills:

• Be accountable for the entire project lifecycle: develop scopes of work and associated project plans and own the day-to-day operations to ensure that projects remain on track and within budget
• Lead internal and external status meetings: capture notes, assign action items to team members and own all necessary follow-up
• Relay clear and specific expectations, timelines, priorities, challenges, and new developments in detail to key internal and external team members/parties
• Own daily project plan components, including task estimation, resource allocations, and new work requests
• Coordinate internal reviews and implementation-related quality assurance efforts
• Come from a place of perpetual learning, always seeking to improve and optimize processes, develop new ones, and participate in the overall growth of the department and agency
• Work with Jira, Smartsheet, or other project management tools
• Eliminate scope creep by ensuring that projects remain within parameters identified in the scope of work
• Communicate issues, bug reports, and change orders to leadership

Project manager resume summary or objective

Before we dive into the topic of resume objectives and summaries, let’s first set the stage with some definitions:

• Resume summary: A short summary of your work history and accomplishments as a project manager. Recommended for professionals with 10+ years of experience in the industry.
• Resume objective: A short statement expressing a few of your skills and what you’re looking for in your next project manager role. Recommended for entry-level candidates.

Although they might sound drastically different, they’re pretty similar in reality, so don’t get too hung up on specific definitions. The key is that you should only include a  resume objective  or summary if it adds real value to your resume.

Resume real estate is valuable since you’re limited to one page, so you can’t waste words. Hiring managers spend, on average, six seconds reviewing a given resume. Don’t divert attention from your work experience and skills if your objective or summary doesn’t provide anything of value.

Senior project managers should use a  resume summary  since it’s a high-level highlight reel showcasing your most significant accomplishments or goals in two to three sentences.

WRONG – generic resume summary

“Experienced project manager with a history of working across departments to achieve goals and positive outcomes on the projects I manage.”

RIGHT – specific project manager resume summary

“PMP certified project manager with 5+ years of experience owning all stages of the project lifecycle from inception through monitoring and closing to deliver projects that exceed expectations on time and under budget.”

The second resume summary works well because it leads with this PM’s certifications (we’ll touch on this more below) while also showcasing their experience delivering projects on time and within the allotted budget. The first example will take up space on the page.

On the other hand, an objective should be used by more junior project managers to talk about your skill set and what you’re looking for in your next role. It can also be used by PMs who are undergoing a career change or looking for something specific in their next role.

WRONG – vague resume objective

“I’m looking for an opportunity to work as a project manager at a growing organization where I can utilize my unique abilities to plan, scope, and deliver projects.”

RIGHT – resume objective tied to experience

“Project manager with experience building web apps as a software engineer and leading projects that have a meaningful impact on the company’s bottom line. I’m looking for a role where I can utilize my ability to communicate effectively with developers and executives alike.”

The second resume objective is a great way to call attention to the fact that this project manager has experience as both a software engineer and a project manager, which can manifest itself in more effective communication between those two groups.

Projects and work experience

When it comes time to talk about your work experience on your project manager resume, you must tell the story of the projects on which you worked. You’ll have more room to dive into this in your  project manager cover letter , so how do you keep it short and sweet in your resume? 

Rather than talking about one-off tasks you completed, focus on one to two of the biggest projects you led. The beauty of being a project manager is that the experience you should discuss is right in your job title.

Here are some questions you might want to answer about the projects you worked on when talking about them on your resume:

• What was the scope or goal of the project?
• How big was the budget, and what was the timeline? Was it a year-long project, or was it a short-term one?
• How large was the team involved, and with what departments did you collaborate?
• What kind of reporting or metrics did you use to determine success?
• Did you encounter any major roadblocks? How did you remove them?
• What kind of collaboration did you have with the executive team? Did you give a presentation upon project completion?
• You can and should use quantifiable metrics here!

Remember that you should also mention some of the skills listed in your official “skills” section. For example, did you use Trello to ensure the project was on time? Did you build reporting to measure project success?

Let’s describe a specific example of how all of this might work when describing your work experience as a project manager.

WRONG – non-specific work experience

Feedzai August 2016 – May 2018, New York NY Project Manager

• Managed several projects in collaboration with the executive team from inception through to closing
• Regularly removed roadblocks to ensure projects were delivered on time
• Presented the results of each project in a clear and efficient manner
• Worked collaboratively with the engineering, product, marketing, and customer success teams

RIGHT – work experience detailing a specific project

• Led the development of content prediction engine, which grew to $1.5M in annual revenue
• Analyzed the scope of the project based on competitive analysis, interviews with customers, and customer feature requests
• Set deadlines for incremental goals, allocated budget, and worked across software, marketing, and executive teams to ensure all teams were properly resourced
• Communicated progress and roadblocks to stakeholders, including executive management, and made proactive recommendations to remove roadblocks leading to the on-time and on-budget delivery of the project

Specialization and industry experience

Since project managers are in such high demand, they can work in various industries and have a wide range of specializations.

So, if you’re looking for a more specialized PM role, you must highlight your experience in that specialization on your resume. If you’re looking for an I.T. project manager or technical project manager role, you should focus on your experience shepherding projects related to software.

Conversely, if you’re applying for a construction project manager role, your field experience will be more valuable. Focus your resume on the position you’re applying for, and pay particular attention to the  project manager job description .

Education and certifications

No matter what you went to school for, you should include your highest level of education on your resume. If you’re an entry-level project manager, you should include relevant classes you took in school that will convince the hiring manager you’ll make for an effective PM.

When you’re a senior PM, you should avoid listing relevant classes because you want the focus of your resume to be your work experience. Since you want to keep it to one page, you can’t afford to use that space for classes.

No matter where you are on the career ladder, certifications can help your candidacy as a project manager.

Top program manager certifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
• Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
• Kanban Management Professional (KMP)

If you have one of these certifications, you should include it in your education section and your resume objective or summary, should you include one.

Finalizing your project manager resume

Don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of “great.” Building a project manager resume can be daunting, but the hardest part is getting started. Don’t worry about perfection just yet; instead, focus on making your resume great. No one-size-fits-all “perfect” resume exists because each person has different experiences and skills. Just do the best you can!

If you need a launching point, feel free to use our  free resume templates  or choose a  Google Docs resume template . Or you can try a  resume outline  to give you a relatively blank slate to build on. Add on to include your experience, skills, education, and contact information until it’s complete. Then, and only then, do you need to worry about the details (in which case, go back and reread this guide to make sure you’re hitting all the right notes). 

Feel free to edit any of the resumes above in our resume builder or download the project manager resumes as PDFs. Then as you write, follow the rules in this guide. You’ll be well on your way toward landing your next (or first) role as a project manager!

Here’s a quick summary of our  resume tips :

• Only include skills you’d be comfortable being interviewed on in your resume. Include these keywords both in your skills section and in your work experience bullet points.
• Make sure your resume objective or resume summary adds value to your candidacy. Avoid vague or generic statements.
• When discussing your work experience, highlight the details of one to two major projects you worked on instead of focusing on one-off tasks you completed.
• Be sure to include your highest level of education and any certifications you have in your resume objective or summary.

And that’s it! We wish you the best of luck in whatever role you hope to land!

• • Accelerated outbound sales cycle by 330% by designing and implementing customer acquisition platform for training and managing technical and IT teams
• • Established and curated strategic partnerships with 6 out of 10 top state manufacturing companies which resulted in $20M additional annual revenue
• • Led re-architect effort of a core SaaS product to reduce the platform deployment time for clients by 2 months
• • Lead a team of developers to build a proprietary CRM system for enterprise and its strategic partners, optimizing sales process and increasing sales revenue by 24%
• • Curated a $2M business implementation project that saves ~ $3.5M on operational inefficiencies between sales and development departments
• • Researched user behavior and led strategic product roadmap discussion across multi functional teams
• • Integrated Tableau reporting system into BI sales workflow, which led to 23% increase in post-meeting inquiries for technical sales department
• • Streamlined post-sales support to increase customer retention rate among enterprise clients by 27%
• • Acted as liaison between 3 country offices
• • Maintained and documented inventory of over 4,000 items
• • Led a team of 15 as a project manager, creating a trusting, respectful team in the process
• • Consistently ranked in the department's top 3 for completed tasks
• • Trained over 270 temporary remote workers

26 Project Manager Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Customize this resume with ease using our seamless online resume builder.

All resume examples in this guide

Senior Project Manager

Junior Project Manager

Entry Level Project Manager

Agile Project Manager

Assistant Project Manager

Associate Project Manager

Business Project Manager

Clinical Project Manager

Commercial Project Manager

Creative Project Manager

CRM Project Manager

Digital Project Manager

Electrical Project Manager

Engineering Project Manager

Event Project Manager

Financial Project Manager

Freelance Project Manager

Implementation Project Manager

Infrastructure Project Manager

SAP Project Manager

Software Project Manager

Technical Project Manager

Web Project Manager

Marketing Project Manager

Certified Project Management Professional resume example

Resume Guide

Project manager resume example

Formatting Tips

Resume Experience

Skills On Resume

Certifications & Education Tips

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Project managers need to have strong resumes – not only to stand out from other applicants but also to show their experience and accomplishments in a manner that shows recruiters quantifiable achievements.

See, as a project manager, you play a key role in ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Furthermore, you are responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and objectives.

This is a huge investment for any business, and it’s the reason why recruiters evaluate all project manager applications with scientific accuracy. Including yours.

Let’s see what you’ll learn here:

• Begin with a Project Manager resume example to understand the layout and essential information.
• How to list your skills in managing projects, leading teams, and meeting deadlines.
• How to share examples of successful projects you've led, highlighting budget management and problem-solving.
• How to phrase specific parts of your resume, e.g. how you coordinate with different departments and stakeholders to ensure project success.

If you’re specializing in a specific field of project management, we’ve got guides that cover it all:

• Program manager resume
• Program analyst resume
• Project analyst resume
• Scrum master resume
• Product manager resume
• Operations manager resume
• Systems analyst resume
• Change management resume
• Management resume
• IT manager resume
• IT project manager resume

Project manager  resume example

Here's what this applicant does well in their resume:

• Quantifiable achievements : Demonstrates impact with specific, measurable results, such as increasing sales revenue by 24% at Tesla and improving outbound sales cycle by 330% at Rover Games.
• Professional progression : Shows a clear career trajectory from Project Coordinator to Senior IT Project Manager, underscoring increasing responsibility and expertise.
• Technical skills and certifications : Lists relevant technical skills and certifications like PMP and Agile Certified Practitioner, aligning with the demands of project management roles.
• Key achievements section : Highlights significant accomplishments, like saving Tesla $100M, which adds credibility and draws attention to major successes.

How to format a project manager  resume

A reverse-chronological resume format  is a gold standard for resumes. The experience (listed from most recent to oldest), is going to be the centerpiece of your resume. This should be your first choice too.

Here are the most common resume layout elements to be aware of:

• Font family. Choose a professional font  that looks good both on PDF and printed on paper. Our recommendations are Lato, Rubik, Arial, Calibri, Bitter, or the classic Times New Roman.
• Font size.  The standard font size for resumes is 12p., but it can vary slightly between 10p and 14p so that you can fit your resume on a single page. Anything above or below will make it difficult to read.
• Color . Use color sparingly. We suggest using one base color for your content, and a secondary one for highlights, such as your section headings.
• Margins.  Use a standard 1-inch. A smaller margin will make you want to cram too much unnecessary information.
• Length . Keep to a maximum of two pages. The rule of thumb is to go back up to 10 to 15 years of relevant experience.
• Create a resume header  with your basic content information, including your phone number, a professional email address, your location, and a link to your professional LinkedIn profile. Don’t add a photo if you’re applying for a US or a UK company - it’s frowned upon.
• File format . Save your resume as a PDF , to preserve your formatting. Modern applicant tracking software can read them flawlessly.

If you’re wondering whether your resume format ticks all the ATS boxes, give our Resume Checker a spin:

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The top sections on a project manager resume:

• Contact information : Provides recruiters with necessary details to get in touch.
• Summary statement : Presents an overview of qualifications and expertise relevant to project management.
• Project management experience : Demonstrates your background in and knowledge of managing successful projects.
• Skills : Highlights your project management abilities - both soft and technical.
• Education and certifications : Proof of professional development, showcasing relevance to the project management field.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Project execution history : Recruiters prioritize this to understand your experience in leading and managing projects from initiation to completion.
• Leadership skills:  Essential for a project manager's role, recruiters look for this to ensure you can guide, motivate, and monitor a team effectively.
• Time management skills : Critical in meeting project deadlines, recruiters prioritize this to confirm your ability to allocate resources and time efficiently.
• Risk management skills : A key element in project management, recruiters value this to ensure you can identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks in a project.
• Certification in project management : Recruiters prioritize qualifications like PMP or Agile certificates, which are specifically relevant and demonstrate your proficiency in project management.

How to write your project manager resume experience

Use your resume experience section to prove exactly why you’re the right person for the job.

The experience section is less about efforts and more about accomplishments. HRs will hire people who have a track record to show it, and this is the place to do so. Here’s how to frame your experience:

• Use direct action verbs  to highlight the work you achieved as a project manager.
• Feature relevant, strong project management skills that are most required in the job application.
• Include precise numbers and business results to showcase the value you provided.
• Tailor your resume to the job description. For example, if it uses terminology, such as “Prince2”, and what you use is “Prince 2”, or “Prince II”, chances are this mismatch will affect your ATS (applicant tracking system) score.

Now, let’s look at some practical examples.

• • Responsible for project management processes and procedures for contracted work.
• • Reviewed customer specifications and requirements for potential future product development.
• • Handled communicating with project progress and challenges to stakeholders.
• • Responsible for the reporting and documentation of all departmental activities.

Notice how shallow the example above is.

Although it shows some of the tasks you handle, it doesn’t highlight any of the results. It also includes basic job duties that any candidate can copy from resumes online.

That keeps you away from getting hired.

We’ll show you a better example of how you can improve your experience section.

Let’s make some simple tweaks.

• • Introduced an expense tracking strategy to stay within yearly budget goals which reduced business costs by $1.2M.
• • Developed strong cross-functional relationships with big clients and stakeholders across different levels of the business.
• • Lead monthly meetings with 8 project teams to identify challenges and resolve software development issues.
• • Conducted post product launch evaluation to identify successful software features and find ways to improve on them

The second example, on the other hand:

• Shows enough details about your past work.
• Demonstrates more metrics and examples, which enhances trust and shows credibility.
• It portrays you as a professional project manager who contributed a lot to the company.

Need more work experience section tips? Go through our guide here: How to Describe Your Work Experience on Resume .

How to quantify impact on your resume

You’ve heard many times that quantifying your achievements makes it easier for hiring managers to evaluate your performance in previous companies. To kick off your brainstorming process, let’s look at a few work situations in project management that you can use to show numbers in your resume :

• Include the number of projects you've managed: This demonstrates the breadth of your experience and your hands-on expertise.
• List the sizes of teams you have led: Showing the number of people you've managed can indicate your leadership and coordination skills.
• Mention the budgets you have handled: This reflects your ability to manage resources, which is key for any business.
• Detail the percentage by which you've completed projects under budget: This showcases your financial management skills, and how you save resources.
• State the average percentage of projects delivered on time: On-time project delivery is crucial and this shows respect towards deadlines and efficiency in project execution.
• Quantify the overall project performance improvement under your management: This can help demonstrate your value-add in improving operational effectiveness.
• Provide the number of risk assessments performed or handled: This indicates your active involvement in risk management, a critical aspect of project management.
• Include the number of successful stakeholder negotiations: Demonstrating your skills in managing stakeholder expectations can indicate your communication and negotiation abilities.

How do I write a project manager resume with no experience

Let's be honest here for a second:

Having experience is a plus to your resume. It makes hiring managers more confident in recruiting you.

But, HRs understand well that job success isn't only about experience. Many attributes can make a difference in an applicant.

Here's the deal:

The hiring company is looking for an entry-level project manager to handle specific tasks. You'll be able to find more details about that in the job application. Here’s how to build your resume:

• Read the job description, identify those duties, and prepare to include them in your resume.
• Feature the specific skills you have that allow you to perform those tasks.
• Support that with your educational background and unique certificates.

We'll teach you in the rest of this guide how you can do all that. Learn how to read a job description and extract the main resume keywords in this guide .

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Since project managers cover a wide field of responsibilities, it doesn't help to list a handful of skills that are of the same nature.

You must pick the most relevant skills for the position you're applying to. Then use them to show that you can guarantee objectives, ensure quality, mitigate risk, etc.

14 technical skills on a project manager resume

• Project development
• Project Management Software
• Project Schedule
• Data processing
• Microsoft Office: Word, MS Excel, Project, PowerPoint
• ProjectLink
• Oracle Project Accounting
• Project Management Tools
• Risk Management
• Project Deployment

As you may have noticed, these technical skills  are specific to the job duties of any project manager.

Of course, you shouldn’t list them all in your resume.

Identify which skills are most required for the job you’re applying to by reading the job description carefully.

17 important soft skills to include in your resume for a project manager job

• Leadership skills
• Negotiation
• Communication Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Strategic project planning & Project scope
• Multitasking
• Detail-oriented
• Analytical skills
• Team management
• Customer Focus
• Interpersonal Skills
• Business Analysis
• Decision-Making
• Problem-Solving
• Resource Allocation
• Vendors Management
• Project Budgeting

These skills are a must-have for any applicant that’s serious about getting hired. But don’t limit yourself to the skills section for them.

The best way to showcase your soft skills  is in other parts of your resume.

For example, you can include them within your experience section. Or list your skills in your summary section to capture the HR’s interest .

Also, don’t lean too hard on buzzwords. If you decide to use buzzwords  in your Project Manager resume, make sure to use them in the right context and in the right place.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Project management is a role that requires lots of human interaction, flexibility, and creativity.

And you don’t learn this anywhere in school.

So you might ask:

Why do I need to include an education section in my resume anyway?

Think of it this way:

If you’re the hiring manager and had to cut a list from 1000s of candidates down to a dozen ones, what would your criteria be?

You’ll now focus on the secondary features of the applicants.

You want to hire someone who has all that, plus some relevant educational background .

Your resume needs an education section. Of course, you won’t detail everything you learned since primary school. In fact, you’ll do the exact opposite.

You’ll list your highest school degree, the university or college you went to, and the duration you spent there.

Check out this example:

All in all, the required degree depends on the industry the hiring company operates in.

Most often, those companies ask for a Bachelor’s in management or business. But sometimes they only hire candidates from technical fields such as computer science and IT.

It doesn't matter how strong your resume is. Featuring certifications in project management on a resume is always a plus.

It shows that you've invested lots of time to boost your career and learn new skills. And it also proves that you're experienced in your work.

But the most important thing is this:

It makes the hiring decision easier on recruiters and allows them to feel good about their choices.

If lots of trusted organizations are vouching for a candidate, it's a good thing to trust their judgment.

What are the best project management certificates to feature on your resume?

Top 10 certificates for your resume

• Project Management Professional (PMP) from Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP)
• Master Project Manager (MPM)
• Lean management

Project management and PMP from PMI – the gist of it

Let’s do a blitz round of the hottest questions about whether a PMP certification is worth the money or not.

Is PMP certification still relevant today?

Yes, there’s a growing demand for certified project managers. The demand for project managers is likely to continue to grow as organizations increasingly rely on project-based work to achieve their goals.

Can a PMP certificate increase my salary?

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the median annual salary for non-certified project managers in the United States is $93,000. On the other hand, Project Management Professionals (PMPs), who are certified by PMI, earn a median wage of $123,000 per year, which is a 32% increase compared to their non-certified colleagues.

Should I invest in a master's degree or PMP?

A PMP certification is considered superior to a Master's degree in Project Management. This is because a PMP certification requires at least 7,500 hours of hands-on experience leading and directing projects, as well as an objectively assessed level of theoretical knowledge. In comparison, a Master's degree in Project Management is focused primarily on theoretical knowledge and may not provide the same level of practical experience.

How to write your project manager resume summary or objective

Not sure what the utility of a summary in a resume is? It’s meant to provide a quick overview of your career so that hiring managers can learn more about you at a glance.

Generally, you want to include:

• Most successful projects you worked on
• Strongest project management skills that allowed you to thrive in your past jobs
• Best results and accomplishments you achieved in your career
• Types of projects you were responsible for implementation

To take this a step further, you’ll:

• Include precise metrics to support your claims.
• Use short, direct sentences to keep HRs interested.
• Personalize it by including specific project management keywords, skills, and achievements.

Let’s take a look at some project management resume summaries.

This barely scratches the surface as to who the candidate is and what they’re up to. Instead, it makes them look too uninterested and lazy to update their resume.

Let’s make this better with a few simple changes.

This is a better summary, because:

• It contains precise numbers that serve as strong evidence of your competence.
• It’s more personalized and speaks directly to the hiring manager.
• It features real examples of what the candidate worked on and achieved in their past job.

Finally, the question begs…

Do you need a resume objective ?

We say - you don’t. A project manager is usually an experienced candidate for whom a career objective won’t greatly help.

Additional sections for a project manager resume

You feel you need to add more depth to your resume, but you keep repeating the same bullet points over and over again? Let’s look at some additional sections that can put your experience beyond just professional roles and settings:

• Languages : Demonstrates multilingual abilities, beneficial in global project teams and diverse work environments.
• Professional affiliations : Lists memberships in relevant organizations, indicating engagement with the professional community.
• Volunteer experience : Showcases leadership and teamwork skills in non-professional settings, reflecting personal values and work ethic.
• Awards and honors : Presents achievements and recognitions, underscoring excellence and dedication in the field.
• Publications : Includes articles or papers written, reflecting expertise and thought leadership in project management.
• Personal projects : Describes relevant personal or side projects, showing initiative and passion beyond professional work.

Key takeaways for making an outstanding project manager resume

• Read the job description carefully . Understand what the hiring company is looking for, then craft your resume accordingly
• Use your resume header to grab attention and prove your competence
• Highlight your greatest accomplishments throughout your resume to remind people of your worth
• Use your experience section to feature your relevant expertise in cross-functional teams, and strongest skills
• When faced with competition, add an education and certificates sections to stand out from other

Project Manager resume examples

Explore additional project manager resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

• The career objective clearly states the candidate's career goals and relevant experience.
• The internship experiences provide specific examples of the candidate's relevant experience in the IT industry.
• The strengths and skills sections include specific examples of the candidate's soft and hard skills, providing evidence of their abilities in real-life situations.

• 10 years of work experience as a project manager in Agile teams
• Project Manager Professional Certification
• Bachelor degree in adjacent to project management industry

Looking to build your own Project Manager resume?

• Resume Examples

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Project Management Qualifications: The Definitive Guide

APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)

For those new to project management

APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

For project managers who want to control projects better

• APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)

For experienced project managers who want to advance their career

Project Management Chartered Standard (ChPP)

For project professinals who want to gain chartered status

Introduction

If you are involved in projects or project management then you already know that in 2021 there are many professional qualifications available for people at different levels of experience. Project management is a fast growing profession in which qualified project managers are much in demand. This demand is expected to grow throughout 2021 and the PMI expects there will be nearly 22 million new jobs by 2027 in project-oriented sectors.

Regardless of your current career stage and existing project management experience a professional PM qualification will distinguish you in the job market and improve your ability to deliver successful projects effectively.

It is well-known that qualifications can boost your career prospects and your salary , and provide access to new opportunities and professional roles. However, different countries, industries and organisations value specific credentials more highly than others. Some certifications test knowledge, others assess competence or performance; many require pre-existing qualifications and experience. Some certifications, such as PRINCE2®, describe a step by step method to deliver projects. Other qualifications, such as those from PMI and APM are knowledge and competence based. So, the decision about which PM certification to choose is not always straight-forward.

Training courses that lead to project management qualifications are a significant commitment of time and money. Once you go beyond the foundation level, most involve a substantial amount of reading and preparation before the course. During the course itself, further revision and exam preparation is often necessary. So to pass a PM exam and reap the benefits of a recognised credential, candidates will need to choose wisely and prepare thoroughly. In this guide, we have set out most of the current options for you. If you would like to discuss you the best option for you, please do get in touch .

APM – Association of Project Management

The Association for Project Management (APM) is the only chartered body for the project profession, based in the UK. It offers internationally recognised professional PM qualifications that are valued across a wide range of industries and organisations. Based in the UK, they primarily focus on UK organisations, with some representation overseas. Projects are carried out using the APM approach in colleges and universities, international engineering and technology companies, government departments and major organisations. These include as Admiral Group PLC, Balfour Beatty Plc, Capita IT Professional Services, BAE Systems, BT, GSK, Costain, MoD, Network Rail, Mace, Arcadis, BAA, Shell and Siemens. See here for a full list .

The APM is the UK member of the International Project Management Association (IPMA), the global professional body for project, programme and portfolio management.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a USA based project management organisation with over 500,000 members around the world. There are more than half a million PMI certification holders worldwide and they work in every industry, from healthcare, telecommunications and finance to IT and construction.

A PMI certification provides:

• Credibility . An unbiased way of validating your knowledge and professional experience.
• Transferability . PMI certification is not tied to any one specific methodology, industry, or region. A PMI certification can move and adapt with your career.
• Competitive advantage . Many certification holders achieve salary increases, career advancement opportunities and employer recognition.
• Commitment . Emphasises your commitment to professional growth. By earning and then maintaining a PMI certification, you continue to develop your knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Relevance . Certifications are developed by practitioners, upheld by rigorous standards, based on ongoing research and always reflect current industry practices.

PRINCE2® is a widely recognised approach that offers best practice guidance on project management and a clear road map for the delivery of successful projects. It is used extensively by the UK Government and by private sector organisations in the UK and worldwide.

Since the beginning of 2014, PRINCE2® certifications have been managed by Axelos, a joint venture between the UK Government and Capita.

A focus on business justification

A defined structure for the project management team

A product-based planning approach

Emphasis on dividing the project into manageable and controllable stages

Flexibility that can be applied at a level appropriate to the project.

Step 1: Project Management Introductory Qualifications

While most project management qualifications have prerequisites, there are some introductory courses that enable new project managers, project team members or project support staff to gain a good, basic understanding of why structured project management is needed and how it is implemented.

Key Facts Introductory Qualifications

Apm pfq* the apm project fundamentals qualification.

The Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession, is a practical qualification for new project managers or members of project teams who want a better understanding of the processes, tools and language of project management.

There are no prerequisites to attending a training course, so it is suitable for anyone involved in project work.

At the end of an APM PFQ course, you will be able to:

Apply the fundamental principles of project management including:

• Defining the business case
• Establishing the scope for the project
• Drawing up a plan for delivery
• Identifying and managing risks
• Monitoring and tracking project progress
• Controlling change

Be conversant with the words and language associated with project management

Understand how project management can enhance your effectiveness in your organisation

Ideal for those who are new to project management and want to understand the language and principles of project management.

The exam consists of a 1-hour multiple-choice paper comprising 60 questions

*APM PFQ was formerly known as the Introductory Certificate (IC)

PRINCE2® Foundation

The PRINCE2 Foundation qualification is designed for aspiring project managers, project team members and those supporting project work. You will gain a detailed understanding of the terminology and principles behind this structured project management method. PRINCE2 is the leading “best practice” project management method that can be tailored to suit any type of working culture and any size of project in any industry.

At the end of a PRINCE2 Foundation course, you will be able to:

Understand the need for project management

Understand how PRINCE2 meets that requirement

Understand the principles, themes and processes of PRINCE2

Participate as an informed member of a PRINCE2 project team

No prior qualifications or experience are required. This is typically a 3-days classroom course, but it is also available as a distance learning course. The exam is a 1-hour multiple-choice with 75 questions.

PRINCE2® Agile Foundation

The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation qualification is designed for aspiring project managers, project team members and those supporting project work. The course helps them blend PRINCE2 management controls with agile techniques to deliver agile projects.

At the end of a PRINCE2 Agile Foundation course, you will be able to:

Display a detailed understanding of the PRINCE2 governance requirements.

Develop knowledge of agile concepts and techniques such as Scrum and Kanban

Explore how the PRINCE2 method can be used with an agile approach.

No prior qualifications or experience are required. The exam is a 1-hour multiple-choice with 50 questions.

Training Courses that prepare candidates for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification are based on the essential book Project Management Body of Knowledge, PMBOK® Guide from the Project Management Institute (PMI). You will learn about each phase of a project from the PMBOK.

At the end of a CAPM course you will be able to:

Define the differences between project and operational work

List the key initiating activities that help determine whether to start and/or continue with a project

Create a detailed plan for the project which will include scope, time and cost baselines as well as the management strategies for the project

Outline the purpose of quality planning, assurance and control

Identify, analyse and manage project risks

List several reporting and control techniques that used to help manage the project

Define the interpersonal skills that will help engage and manage the team and other stakeholders

List the key activities that will bring the project to an orderly close

The PMI do set prerequisites for this qualification. You can apply with either 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project management education. You also need a secondary degree (high school diploma) or higher in order to qualify.

The exam consists of a 1-hour multiple choice paper with 150 questions.

Step 2: Project Management Knowledge Based Qualifications

As people progress in their career, they often want a professionally recognised project management qualification. At step two, a course traditionally involves 35 hours of classrooms study, plus some self-study and an assessment at the end of the course. To pass the test, you need to know a Body of Knowledge or manual reasonably well. They vary in required prerequisites as described below. Unlike level three, these courses do not include any assessment of competence by interview.

Key Facts Knowledge Based Qualifications

Apm pmq the apm project management qualification.

APM PMQ: The APM Project Management Qualification is an internationally recognised qualification developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession. It is designed for those who see project management as a key part of their role. It establishes a solid foundation in project management behaviours, skills, processes and tools. It is ideal for those with a few years’ experience in project delivery, who are seeking to consolidate a structured approach to project management. It is the next career progression step for anyone holding the APM PFQ qualification.

Training courses are based on the 73 assessment criteria from the APM Body of Knowledge and at the end of a training course you will be able to:

Confidently apply the principles of project management to your project including:

• Defining the different roles in a project
• Describing the difference between a project, programme and portfolio
• Understanding the impact of a volatile and ambiguous project context on success
• Understanding the different types of project lifecycle, including linear, iterative and hybrid and which is best for different types of project
• Developing a project business case
• Preparing a project management plan with the associated baselines including critical path, critical chain and agile approaches
• Describing the way in which project managers lead and develop teams including virtual teams
• Describe how to control a project including applying earned value management
• Explain how to procure external resources
• Explain how quality can be managed during project delivery

Explain the benefits of project management to your organisation.

Ideal for those with some project management knowledge and want to further their knowledge to manage and control projects.

Applicants typically have some pre-existing project management knowledge, although this is not essential.

There is a 3-hour written exam where candidates must answer ten out of sixteen questions.

APM PMQ for PRINCE2 Practitioners

This is an alternative route to gaining the APM’s flagship qualification, APM PMQ, designed for project managers who are already registered PRINCE2 Practitioners. It involves a shorter training course and a 2-hour exam rather than the 3-hour exam in recognition of the existing experience and knowledge of PRINCE2 practitioners.

APM PMQ develops knowledge and understanding beyond PRINCE2, such as budgeting and cost management, conflict management and teamwork.

Training courses and the exam only cover the assessment criteria from the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition that are not covered by the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification.

The benefits of this qualification:

APM PMQ fills the knowledge gap beyond PRINCE2 Practitioner

Increased likelihood of project success

Enhanced recognition of project management capability

PMP Certification from PMI

PMP training courses typically do not include the PMP exam, which needs to be booked directly with the PMI 3-4 weeks after the course. This will allow fuller preparation for the exam and maximise the chance of success.

PMP certification from the Project Management Institute® (PMI) is the most widely recognised global project management qualification. PMP certification demonstrates that you have the experience, education and competency to successfully lead and direct complex projects. In addition to your knowledge of project management it also takes account of your experience and evaluates your ability to take critical decisions in difficult situations.

Once you gain the PMP you must also commit to continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain the credential, which is one of the reasons the qualification is so highly regarded.

It is the perfect choice of qualification for those project managers who work, or aspire to work, in an international market.

At the end of a PM training course you will be able to describe in detail the PMI approach to project management as described by their Project Management Body of Knowledge, PMBOK® Guide, and demonstrate how the PMI processes can be used to improve project management in your organisation.

Detailed Prerequisites for PMP Certification

The PMP credential is designed for experienced project managers who are looking for recognition of their experience competence to deliver projects. The PMI have specific prerequisites depending on the level of academic qualification and experience in project management.

PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification

This qualification provides a good understanding of how to apply the PRINCE2 method to projects to improve the chance of project success. Candidates learn how to prepare project plans using product-based planning techniques, how to undertake risk analysis and risk management for the project and how to implement quality control and change control techniques.

The exam consists of a challenging two-and-a-half hour multiple choice paper based on 9 project scenarios.

Candidate must have passed the PRINCE2 Foundation exam or hold an equivalent qualification before taking the practitioner exam although in practise many training providers run a single concurrent 5-day course covering both syllabuses.

Other qualifications that meet the pre-requisite requirements for PRINCE2 Practitioner are:

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

IPMA Level A® (Certified Projects Director)

IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)

IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)

IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)

Step 3: Project Management Application Based Qualifications

At this level you will need to demonstrate that you have and can apply the principles of project management to projects of reasonable complexity. The assessment methods move from knowledge-based exams to interviews, assessment centres and application of skill to scenario based case studies and interviews.

Key Facts Application Level Qualifications

Apm ppq apm project professional qualification.

The APM Project Professional Qualification (APM PPQ) is the next step from the APM for those people working towards Chartered Project Professional. It is a recognised route towards chartered project professional. It develops and evaluates competence in the key areas for project managers. Using a multifaceted approach, it evaluates your overall capability to deliver medium complexity projects.

The APM PPQ is assessed against three mandatory core modules which are essential to project management:

Professionalism and managing others

Planning and control

Plus one of three elective competencies:

Project Management

Programme Management

Portfolio Management

For existing project managers who want to progress their career and prospects.

Each of the 6 modules has a syllabus containing the assessment criteria and learning outcomes.

The APM is currently reviewing the evaluation process but we expect this to be a combination of a practical case study exam, a portfolio of your projects and an interview.

Prerequisites

Typically, you will have

• 3-5 years’ experience as a project professional successfully delivering projects
• Project professionals who already hold the APM PFQ or APM PMQ qualifications, although this is not a pre-requisite
• Individuals who are aiming to become a Chartered Project Professional

PRINCE2 Professional

The PRINCE2 Professional qualification is the next level for PRINCE2 Practitioners and is the highest level of the PRINCE2 qualifications. This level tests a project manager’s ability to manage a PRINCE2 project across all aspects of the project lifecycle.

There is no exam; instead a candidate takes part in a two-and-a-half-day residential assessment at an assessment centre. During that time, candidates work in groups of 3-4 people on a project while being observed by a qualified Evaluator. Candidates also have an individual interview and also need to submit written work.

You must be a registered PRINCE2 practitioner and should have 1-2 years of real-world project experience before applying for the PRINCE2 Professional accreditation.

Step 4: Chartered Project Professional

Currently, this is the highest standard for project management professionals. To become a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) you need to demonstrate that you have the competence and capability to deliver complex projects. Currently, this is the only project management standard at this level.

Key Facts Chartered Level Qualifications

Chpp apm chartered project professional standard.

The Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard is a professional benchmark that demonstrates attainment of a defined level of technical knowledge, professional practice and ethical behaviour. Applicants are assessed against this benchmark to gain ChPP status and be included in the Register of Chartered Project Professionals.

There is no exam for the ChPP; instead, there is an application process followed by an interview, which varies in length and detail depending on a candidate’s existing qualifications (recognised assessment***) or prior experience.

The application process is designed to assess the following:

Technical knowledge : advanced technical knowledge and understanding of how to deliver projects, programmes or portfolios.

Professional practice : applying your knowledge to deliver projects, programmes or portfolios that have conflicting objectives or uncertainty and high levels of unpredictability or risk.

Commitment : to professional ethics and continuing professional development (CPD).

The APM ChPP credential is the most advanced project management accreditation available.

Experienced project managers wishing to gain this coveted standard must submit a written portfolio of evidence detailing their on-the-job experience on complex projects and undergo an interview by 1 or 2 assessors.

The interview is compulsory for all applicants and is based on the information you submit in your application. The purpose of the interview is to explore and validate your written submission as well as assess your technical knowledge. The interviewer(s) will make their judgements based solely on the information in your application and your performance during the interview.

You must sit the interview within a year of receiving your successful written submission results.

***ChPP Recognised assessment providers

• APM Practitioner Qualification (PQ)
• Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University – MSc Project Management
• Anglia Ruskin University (London) – MSc in International Project Management
• Cranfield University – MSc in Programme and Project Management
• APM Registered Project Professional (RPP)
• Australian Institute of Project Management – RegPM Certified Practising Project Director (CPPD)
• Australian Institute of Project Management – RegPM Certified Practising Portfolio Executive (CPPE)
• Siemens – Senior Project Management Certification
• Royal Dutch Shell Level 2 and 3 project professional roles via the Shell Project Academy’s Assessment and Accreditation Process.
• Cobham – Cobham Senior P3M Certification Academy

You will need a valid certificate for each of these recognised certifications.

Agile Development

The focus of agile project management is on developing solutions incrementally, enabling project teams to react effectively to changing requirements, whilst empowering project personnel and encouraging increased collaboration and ownership.

Many people talk about agile development sitting alongside and complementing a project management approach. For example RPINCE2 and APM approached now include Agile development techniques.

The APMG-International AgilePM® certification aims to address the needs of those working in a project-focused environment who want to combine the flexibility of an agile approach with a proven process for successful project delivery. It is well-suited for integration in a PRINCE2 project environment.

It is based on eight principles for effective agile project delivery:

Focus on the business need

Collaborate

Build incrementally from firm foundations

Communicate continuously and clearly

Deliver on time

Never compromise quality

Develop iteratively

Demonstrate control

The AgilePM certification is aimed at aspiring and practising project managers, and at team members wishing to adopt a fast-paced, flexible and collaborative approach to project management whilst maintaining standards and rigour.

The exam consists of 2 parts:

• Foundation , which is a 40 minute multiple choice paper with 50 questions
• Practitioner , which is a two-and-a-half hour written exam in which 4 questions must be answered. In order to sit this exam you must hold an AgilePM Foundation Certificate.

PRINCE2 Agile™ Practitioner

PRINCE2 Agile™ is a solution combining the flexibility and responsiveness of agile with the clearly defined framework of PRINCE2®. It covers a wide range of agile concepts, including SCRUM, Kanban, Lean Startup and Cynefin, and provides guidance on tailoring PRINCE2 in an agile context including:

How to tailor the integrated set of PRINCE2 principles, themes and processes

How to produce the PRINCE2 management products

How to map the common agile roles to the PRINCE2 project management team structure

How to incorporate the fundamental agile behaviours, concepts and techniques into PRINCE2

The strength of PRINCE2 lies in the areas of project direction and project management whereas agile has a very strong focus on product delivery. When PRINCE2 and agile are combined, project direction, project management and project delivery are optimised to create a complete project management solution.

PRINCE2 Agile is an extension module tailored for forward-thinking organisations and individuals already benefiting from PRINCE2. It provides further guidance on how to apply agile methods in a PRINCE2 project environment. The purpose of the qualification is to demonstrate that you can apply and tailor PRINCE2 Agile in a scenario situation.

As a pre-requisite candidates must already hold a current PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification (i.e. to have passed the PRINCE2 Practitioner or PRINCE2 Practitioner Re-registration exam within the last 5 years).

The exam is a two-and-a-half-hour multiple choice paper consisting of 50 questions.

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner

The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® certification recognises knowledge of agile principles, practices, and tools and techniques across agile methodologies, and is not limited to one agile approach. It spans many approaches to agile such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, extreme programming (XP) and test-driven development (TDD.)

The certification exam is 3-hours long and has 120 multiple-choice questions. To maintain your PMI-ACP, you must earn 30 professional development units (PDUs) in agile topics every three years, so it also provides evidence of continued real-world, hands-on experience and skill.

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Top 10 Project Management Qualifications

What qualifications do you need to land a project management job? It depends on what’s required by your potential employer.

What Are Project Management Qualifications?

Being qualified for a position as a project manager means you have the skills, experience and temperament for the job. Therefore, qualifications in this context can have a variety of meanings, depending on the organization and the position they’re looking to fill.

Some of the more general qualities associated with being qualified for a project management position include:

• Being able to communicate is the thread that runs through all the responsibilities of project managers.
• Having three years of experience as a project manager, or thereabouts, shows you have relevant experience.
• Having formal training is another indication that you’ll be able to walk into the job and know what to do.
• Having PMP certification is an industry standard to show that you’ve learned the basics and know the various project management methodologies .

Video: Project Management Qualifications Overview

Learn about the top-10 project management qualifications in this tutorial video featuring Jennifer Bridges, PMP.

Thanks for watching!

There are many project management qualifications. It’s a discipline that wears many hats, as the saying goes. Here are 10 of the most important.

1. Project Planning

Project planning is organizing tasks, the resources needed to complete them, costs and schedules to deliver a product or service by the deadline. Project planning is the second stage in project management, after initiation and before execution, monitoring and controlling and closing.

2. Project Scheduling

The project schedule is the organization of the project tasks from the start of the project to its completion, which is usually a hard deadline. Each task will have a duration with its own start date and end date.

3. Project Budgeting

The project budget is what the project will cost to complete. It includes all project resources, from people to equipment and materials, which are needed to execute the project. Project budgets are estimated by project managers and then approved by the project client or stakeholders.

4. Risk Management

A project risk is an unexpected event, which can be positive or negative. Risk management is a process to identify, manage and resolve these risks, whether it’s to take advantage of a positive one or mitigate a negative one. Risks are identified, a plan of action is devised and the impact and likelihood of the risk occurring are determined.

5. Resource Management

As mentioned above, a resource is anything needed to execute the project . These resources must be sourced, scheduled and managed so the right amount is on hand when needed. This is done through a resource management plan.

6. Business Analysis

Business analysis is the process of understanding the needs of business stakeholders and defining how to meet those needs. The project should be driven by business analysis that directs the benefits of delivering its product or service.

7. Team Management

Team management is the actions, strategies and methods used to get a group of people working better together. The goal is team building, which leads to a more effective project team . It also involves monitoring the team and their workload to make sure they’re working at capacity without being overburdened.

8. Leadership Skills

Leadership skills refer to the ability to strengthen and guide a group of people to work together as a team and achieve a common goal more effectively. Some leadership skills are being able to motivate others, communicate effectively and resolve conflicts.

9. Stakeholder Management

Stakeholder management is a process of maintaining productive relationships with project stakeholders. Stakeholders are those people who have a vested interest in the project. They need to be informed and their expectations met, all of which is helped by good stakeholder management .

10. Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are the ability to work with a wide range of people on a project . Projects are made up of many different people, with different responsibilities, from teams to managers and executives to suppliers, vendors and more. Each requires a slightly different approach and the better one can communicate with everyone clearly, the better for the project.

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Types of Project Management Qualifications

These are the four core qualifications, broken down into their basic components.

Project Management Skills

• Project management: Naturally, you’ll have to start with an understanding of project management, which can itself be broken down into four core competencies: Time, as in the time it takes to complete the project; cost, which involves the financial investment; scope, or the work that the project requires; and quality, meeting the needs of the customer.
• Business: There’s a business component to project management, of course. That includes knowledge of the project financials, an understanding of profit and loss, as well as the skill of creating and sticking to a project budget .
• Leadership: Leading a project inherently means being a leader. Leadership is not a technical skill, but it can be studied and taught. Some leadership skills include being able to resolve conflicts, communicating, speaking and writing clearly, having negotiating skills, being persuasive and leading teams.

Project Management Training

Training is one of the most important project management qualifications. There are two channels that lead to learning the skills necessary for being a project manager.

• Formal: There are many structured courses of study devoted to the skill of managing a project, from getting a degree at an institution of higher learning to any number of certification programs (more on that later).
• Informal: Some organizations have in-house programs to help you transition into project management or offer to mentor and shadowing programs. There is also volunteer work you can do to get the experience an employer will want from a candidate.

Project Management Experience

Speaking of experience, let’s dive deeper into that asset:

• Volunteering: As noted, volunteering is a way to get the experience you need. This can be through seeking projects that need guidance or leadership, or you might find such opportunities at your current place of employment. Raise your hand when there are requests for extra work, don’t be shy. It’ll pay off in the long run.
• Internships: Look for opportunities to intern at some business or organization that is looking for people to help with managing their projects. This could lead to full-time employment, but at the very least it adds real experience to your project manager resume .
• Co-Op: This is just another way to volunteer or intern at an organization. It usually applies to students who are seeking professional experience and consists of both formal training and learning experience.
• Entry level/advanced level: Depending on your level of experience, newcomers to the industry can seek entry-level positions, while those with some years of project management experience can look for a more advanced-level position.

Project Management Certifications

There are various project management certifications offered to individuals looking to make themselves more viable candidates for project management positions:

• PM/BA: You can receive certification or a degree in project management from any number of undergraduate and graduate education programs.
• PMP: PMP stands for Project Management Professional, and is an internationally recognized certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
• Agile/Scrum: Organizations, such as the Scrum Alliance, offer training and certification in these newer project management practices.
• Take it further: And once you land that dream job, you’ll want to equip yourself and your team with the best project management software for your needs.

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Summary of Qualifications for a Resume (With Examples)

11 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Learn how a summary of qualifications can boost your job search

To capture an employer's attention and compete for a fantastic job, you need a truly compelling resume that conveys your qualifications in the best way possible. But how can you maximize your chances of ensuring that employers spend more than five or six seconds skimming your resume? The answer is simple: you need a great resume profile that can capture your reader's attention! And when you need a profile that really stands out, a summary of qualifications can be a great option.

In this post, we'll explain this type of resume profile and examine how it differs from a resume summary or objective statement . We'll also provide the tips you need to learn how to write a summary of qualifications for your resume and some useful examples that you can refer to for inspiration and guidance.

What is a summary of qualifications for a resume?

If you're familiar with objective statements and resume summaries, then you should readily understand the purpose of a summary of qualifications in a resume. Like those other types of resume profiles, a summary of qualifications - also sometimes referred to as a statement of qualifications - serves as an introduction to your resume. It is also exactly what the name suggests: a summary of the qualifications highlighted in your resume.

An effective summary of qualifications will provide key details about your skills , experiences , and accomplishments . Done properly, this brief summarization of those qualifications should spark enough interest in the reader's mind to entice them to read the rest of the document.

Resume summary, objective statement, and summary of qualifications: how they differ

It's also important to understand the differences between a summary of qualifications for a resume and the other two main resume profile options - the objective statement and resume summary. Each of these profile types is designed to introduce you to an employer. However, they each do that in a unique way:

The objective statement

The resume objective statement has been around for many decades. These statements tend to focus on the job seeker's career goals and how the desired job aligns with those objectives. Though the objective statement remains popular with many recent graduates, it is increasingly viewed as obsolete by job seekers who want to focus their profiles on how they can meet the employer's needs.

The resume summary

The resume summary fulfills that goal by emphasizing the job seeker's relevant skills and experiences. In addition, an effective summary also highlights how the job seeker used those skills to achieve measurable results for past employers. In short, it focuses on the type of value that you can provide to a prospective employer by citing specific examples of your notable achievements, using real numbers.

Summary of qualifications

As great as a resume summary paragraph can be, there may be times when you need a profile that can pack an even greater punch. That's where the summary of qualifications can be your best option. Like the resume summary, this profile option focuses on the skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a great candidate for the job. However, it does it in a different way.

You see, it doesn't use the same formatting that you see in standard objective statements or resume summaries. Those two profile types are written as three to five-sentence paragraphs. The summary of qualifications uses a different format altogether. Instead of being written in paragraph form, with complete sentences, it presents your qualifications in bullet point form, using achievement statements like those you would include in your professional experience section.

Related post : Resume Profile Explained (with Examples)

How do you write a summary of qualifications for your resume?

To create your own summary of qualifications for a resume, it's helpful to have a step-by-step guide for creating those bullet point details. The following tips and strategies should provide you with all the information you need to know to draft your own summary.

Select the details you want to include

Before you can create your bullet point summary, you need to decide which information you want to highlight. It's usually best to stick to your most compelling resume details and rewrite them for this summary. You should always start with a bullet point listing your professional title and length of experience in that role, and then include several bullet point examples of notable achievements.

Align your achievements with the role's qualification requirements

When you pick those accomplishments, make sure that they relate to the job you're seeking. Each achievement needs to demonstrate that you have what it takes to not only perform the job's duties, but to do so in a way that adds real value to the organization.

Use numbers to quantify results

To show value, you should ensure that your achievements show measurable results. Some possible examples of quantifiable achievements can include:

Revenue that you brought in for the company

The value of client accounts that you worked with

The number of customers you served

The size of any budget or project that you managed

Numbers related to increased profits, productivity, efficiency, and so on

Use your active voice for these bullet points

Each achievement should be described using an active voice to ensure that your resume summary of qualifications is as compelling as possible. To do that, you should use action verbs and make sure that the reader can understand that your actions produced the results. Consider the differences between these two achievements:

Passive : Inefficiencies were reduced by 12% over three years

Active : Implemented new workflow process that reduced inefficiencies by 12% over three years

The passive example is unclear about how those inefficiencies were reduced. The active example not only ensures that the reader knows you reduced those inefficiencies but also explains how you did it. While both examples do a great job of including real numbers to highlight measurable results, the active example is a far more compelling way to convey that information.

Note also that neither example uses first-person words like “my'' or “I” to describe the job seeker's actions. When it comes to resume writing , you should never begin your bullet points with that first-person emphasis. Instead, start each example with an action verb.

Related post : 100 + Keywords, Verbs and Action Words for Your Resume

Use keywords from the job posting

Your resume profile can be the perfect place to use the keywords your resume needs to get past any applicant tracking systems that the company may be using to screen applicants. You'll need a reasonable concentration of those keywords in your resume if you want your resume to be found in searches. 

To identify likely keywords, review the job posting to find any words or phrases related to specific qualifications - like needed skills, educational credentials, and experience. You can insert those keywords into your achievement bullet points to ensure that the ATS can find the words and phrases it's looking for.

Make sure that your achievements highlight your unique value

Finally, you should always strive to ensure that the summary of qualifications in your resume accurately reflects your personal skills, experience, and value as a potential hire. Don't be afraid to boast about your accomplishments here, as long as you're not stretching the truth. Remember, it's up to you to sing your own praises - none of your rivals are going to do it for you. Focus on the actions you took and the results you achieved.

At the same time, you want to be relatively brief. This is, after all, a summary of qualifications, not a comprehensive essay. Try to limit your bullet points to no more than five or six important statements. That should be enough to capture the hiring manager's attention and make them want to read on to learn more about you.

Summary of qualifications for a resume: examples

We'll end this by looking at some summary of qualifications examples to see how these tips can be used to craft your own summary. We've included examples for several distinct job roles. You can use or customize them to fit your employment needs.

1.     Salesperson summary of qualifications example

• Sales Account Representative with eight years of experience in product sales and client management

Led sales team campaign, doubling sales revenue each year for four consecutive years

Expanded seven major accounts, boosting combined revenue by $2.3 million

Developed and implemented training program, reducing team onboarding time by 43%

Recognized as Salesperson of the Year for 2019 - 2023

2.     Marketing Manager summary of qualifications example

• Dynamic marketing manager with six years of experience in brand enhancement

Led effort to rebrand ABC Corp, increasing market share by 12% and boosting profits by 12%

Designed and implemented digital marketing campaigns for client accounts valued at $15 million

Reorganized DeltaOne's marketing department, reducing costs by 19%

Launched more than two dozen social media advertising campaigns, increasing client customer engagement by an average of 75% per client

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Anytown College, Anytown (2017)

3.     Software Engineer summary of qualifications example

• Creative Software Engineer with seven years of experience in game and app design

Led seven-person team that designed three of the most popular idle hero games for mobile

Designed characters and locations for definitive version of Big Dog console game

As Mega Media Head Designer, created concept art for company's online and television advertisement campaign, expanding market reach by 16%

Master of Arts, Graphic Design, Pretty Pixels University (2015)

4.     CPA summary of qualifications example

• Data-driven CPA with ten years of experience in payroll management, tax filing, and accounts auditing

Implemented new payroll system that reduced administrative costs by $10,000 annually

Streamlined tax filing process, while identifying more than $30,000 in unused deductions

Executed audit that identified $8,000 in monthly waste and redundancies

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Money University (2011)

5.     Summary of qualifications example for entry level workers

You may be wondering whether newcomers to the workforce can use this type of resume profile to summarize their qualifications. After all, what achievements can they point to if they've just graduated from school and lack any meaningful work experience? Well, we've put together a summary of qualifications example for students that shows how recent graduates may be able to use this option too.

• BS in Marketing, Marketing Experts University (2024)

Creative marketing specialist, specializing in digital marketing and eCommerce

Partnered with ABC Corp for lab project, revamping their branding and contributing to 23% increase in customer outreach and sales

Internship with ABC Corp, serving as understudy to firm's Marketing Director

Three summers active in Search Engine Marketing bootcamp

You can also employ a similar technique if you're a career changer - even if you lack any direct experience in the industry you're trying to join. All you need to do is focus on transferable skills - skills that you've used in your previous career that can also prove valuable in your desired job - and identify achievements that used those skills. You can think of them as transferable accomplishments, or simply achievements that demonstrate your capability to do the job you're trying to land.

When choosing transferable accomplishments, focus on past achievements that demonstrate vital transferable skills. Those skills can include things like collaboration, leadership, conflict management, communication, and other broad interpersonal skills that are invaluable across a wide array of industries and job roles.

Related post : Make the Perfect Resume for a Career Change

Use a summary of qualifications to capture employers' attention!

To break out of a crowded field of rival candidates, you need to make sure that your resume quickly earns the attention it deserves. Using a summary of qualifications for your resume can be a fantastic way to ensure that employers see your best qualifications laid out right at the beginning of your resume, capturing their interest and increasing the chances of an interview and eventual job offer.

Need more tips on using a summary of qualifications for your resume? Get your free resume review from our team of experts today and find out how we can help you create the resume you need for job search success.

Recommended reading:

9 Soft Skills Employers Want in 2024

Make the Perfect First Impression with Your Resume

Create a Personal Brand That Sets You Apart

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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24 Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

A resume summary statement usually comes right after a job seeker’s contact info and before other resume sections such as skills and work experience. It provides employers with a brief overview of a candidate’s career accomplishments and qualifications before they read further. Because of how early it appears on the document, your resume summary statement (or your CV “profile” in the UK) is one of the first places recruiters and employers look. And without the right information, they’ll doubt that you’re qualified and may move to another resume.

So I got in touch with a select group of professional resume writers, coaches and career experts to get their best resume summary examples you can use and adapt to write a resume summary that stands out and gets interviews.

As a former recruiter myself, I’ll also share my best tips to write your resume summary effectively.

Why the Resume/CV Summary is Important

You may have heard that recruiters only spend 8-10 seconds looking at your resume. The truth is: they spend that long deciding whether to read more. They do glance that quickly at first and may move on if your background doesn’t look like a fit. However, if you grab their attention, they’ll read far more. Recruiters aren’t deciding to interview you in 8-10 seconds, but they are ruling people out in 8-10 seconds. And this is why your resume summary is so crucial. It appears high up on your resume (usually right after your header/contact info) and is one of the first sections employers see. So it’s part of what they’ll see in the first 8-10 seconds.

Your resume summary statement is one of your first (and one of very few) chances to get the employer to stop skimming through their pile of resumes and focus on YOU.

Watch: Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

10 resume summary examples:.

These career summary examples will help you at any experience level – whether you’re writing a professional summary after a long executive career, or writing your first resume summary without any experience! After you finish this article you’re NEVER going to have to send out a limp, weak resume summary statement again (and you’ll get far more interviews  because of it).

1. Healthcare Sales Executive Resume Summary Example:

Turnaround & Ground Up Leadership – Concept-to-execution strategies for untapped products, markets + solutions that yield 110% revenue growth – Negotiates partnerships with leading distributors + hospitals—Medline to Centara + Novant Health to Mayo Clinic –  Revitalizes underperforming sales organizations via scalable, sustainable infrastructures emulated as best practice –  C-Level networks of clinical + supply chain leadership acquired during tenures with XXX, XXX and XXX

Why this resume summary is good:

This resumes summary example’s strength lies in the detailed, unique information that has been included. By including revenue stats, names of past employers and partners, the reader right away sees that this person will bring to the role a strong networking ability with key players in his industry, and more importantly can build, grow and revitalize a sales organization, market or product.

By:  Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

2. 15+ Year Business Owner Resume Summary Statement:

Dynamic and motivated marketing professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, designing educational strategies, and coaching individuals to success. Skilled in building cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, and making critical decisions during challenges. Adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently, creating effective presentations, and developing opportunities that further establish organizational goals.

Why this is a good summary section:

This is a resume summary statement that was for  a candidate returning to work after having her own business for 15+ years. Because of this, we needed to emphasize her soft skills and what she can bring to this potential position. In addition, we highlighted the skills she has honed as a business owner so that she can utilize these qualifications as a sales professional, account manager , and someone knowledgeable about nutrition, medicine, and the overall sales process.

By: Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish. MBA, Ph.D., CPRW, and Founder of Feather Communications

3. Human Resources Generalist Resume Summary Example:

Human Resources Generalist with progressive experience managing employee benefits & compliance, employee hiring & onboarding, performance management processes, licensure tracking and HR records. Dependable and organized team player with the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Skilled at building relationships with employees across all levels of an organization. Proficient with HRIS, applicant tracking and benefits management.

Why this is a good resume summary:

The applicant highlights their experience across a wide range of HR functions from the very first sentence, and continues this pattern throughout the rest of the summary. They then use easily digestible langue to showcase their hard skills (in the first & fourth sentences) and soft skills (in the second & third sentences). They also integrate a variety of keywords to get past automated job application systems , without sounding spammy or without overdoing it.

By: Kyle Elliott, MPA/CHES,  Career Coach and Consultant

4. Social Media Marketing CV Profile Example (UK):

Social media expert with successes in the creation and management of social media strategies and campaigns for global retail organisations. Extensive experience in the commercial utilisation of multiple social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; I build successful social strategies that increase brand awareness, promote customer engagement and ultimately drive web traffic and conversions.

Why this summary is good:

This summary is well-written, short, sharp, and gives recruiters a high-level explanation of the candidate’s core offerings in a persuasive and punchy style. A quick scan of this profile tells you the exact type of social media platforms the candidate is an expert in, as well as the campaigns they have experience running and types of organizations they have worked for. Most importantly, the summary is rounded off by showing the results that this person achieves for their employers, such as increased web traffic and conversions.

Editor’s note: This CV profile summary was written for the UK market… this is a great one to use/copy, but make sure you put it through a spell-checker if you’re applying for jobs in the US (utilisation vs. utilization, etc.)

By: Andrew Fennell, Director at StandOut CV , contributor for The Guardian and Business Insider

5. Marketing Manager Professional Summary Example:

Marketing Manager with over eight years of experience. Proven success in running email marketing campaigns and implementing marketing strategies that have pulled in a 20% increase in qualified leads. Proficient in content, social media and inbound marketing strategies. Skilled, creative and innovative.

This resume summary stands out because it gets straight to the point. By immediately introducing the number of years of experience the candidate has, the HR manager doesn’t need to spend time adding up years. The candidate also jumps right into his or her strongest skill, provides a statistic , then gives additional skills.

By: Sarah Landrum, career expert and contributor at Entrepreneur.com and Forbes

6. Warehouse Supervisor Resume Summary Example:

Warehouse Supervisor with Management, Customer Service, & Forklift Experience –  Dependable manager with 15+ years of experience in warehouse management and employee supervision. –  Skilled at managing inventory control, shipping & receiving, customer relations and safety & compliance. –  Certified Power Equipment Trainer, Forklift Operator and Reach Operator skilled at coaching other staff. –  Promoted to positions of increased responsibility given strong people and project management skills.

The applicant was applying for a warehouse supervisor position that required them to have demonstrated management, customer service and forklift experience. As such, the applicant showcased their experience in these areas with a few keywords in the title, followed by additional details in the accompanying bullet points. Their final bullet shows a record of promotions, while reinforcing the applicant’s customer service and project management skills.

7. IT Project Manager Resume Summary Example:

Experienced Project Manager with vast IT experience. Skills include computer networking, analytical thinking and creative problem solving. Able to apply customer service concepts to IT to improve user experience for clients, employees and administration.

Because this candidate is switching career paths, it’s important he or she take skills used for previous positions and apply those skills to the new job listing. This is a great example because the candidate makes it clear that his or her experience is not in the new field, but that they are still able to bring relevant experience to the table. When writing your resume summary, keep these tips in mind: Use writing that is straight to the point, clear and concise, you’ll have a higher chance of getting noticed by the hiring manager.

8. Career-Changer Resume Summary Example:

Earn trust, uncover key business drivers and find common ground as chief negotiator and identifier of revenue opportunities in sales, leadership and account management roles spanning e-Commerce, air travel and high-tech retail. Navigate cultural challenges while jumping time zones, lead international airline crews and manage corporate accounts to deliver an exceptional customer experience. A self-taught techie sought after as a go-to for complex billing systems and SaaS platforms alike—bridging the divide between technology and plain-speak. – Tenacious Quest for Success + Learning . Earned MBA and BS in just 3 years while working full-time – gaining hands-on experience in research- and data-driven product roadmap development, pricing and positioning. – Results-Driven Leadership. Whether leading Baby Boomers, Gen X or Millennials—figures out what makes teams tick, trains and transforms individuals into top-performers. – Challenger of Conventional Wisdom. Always ask the WHY. Improve the user experience through smart, strategic thinking that anticipates outcomes. Present cases that influence, and lead change that drives efficiency and profitability.

This client was eager for a career change and had moved from role to role and industry to industry. After completing her Master’s degree, she was eager to tie her skills together to land a role – which she did – as a Senior Technology Account Strategist for a global travel company. Although a bit longer than a traditional summary, its strength lies in the details. Without ever getting to the experience section, the reader gets a clear idea of the scope of responsibility, and hard and soft skills the candidate brings to the table.

By: Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

9. Project Management Executive Professional Summary Example:

15+ years of initiating and delivering sustained results and effective change for Fortune 500 firms across a wide range of industries including enterprise software, digital marketing, advertising technology, e-commerce and government. Major experience lies in strategizing and leading cross-functional teams to bring about fundamental change and improvement in strategy, process, and profitability – both as a leader and expert consultant.

Why this resume summary is good:

“Project Manager” is one of those job titles that’s REALLY broad. You can find project managers earning $50K, and others earning $250K. The client I wrote this for was at the Director level, and had worked for some of the biggest and best tech companies in her city. So this resume profile section shows her level and experience, and the wide array of areas she has responsibility for in her current work. You can borrow or use some of the phrasing here to show that you’ve been responsible for many important areas in your past work.

By: Biron Clark, Founder of  CareerSidekick.com.

10. Startup And Finance Management Consultant Career Summary Example:

Experienced strategist, entrepreneur and startup enthusiast with a passion for building businesses and challenging the status quo. 8+ year track record of defining new business strategies, launching new ventures, and delivering operational impact, both as a co-founder and management consultant. 

Why this resume summary example is good:

This summary was for a highly-talented management consultant looking to break out of finance, and into trendier tech companies like Uber . His track record and educational background were great, so the goal of this summary section was to stand out and show he’s more than just the typical consultant with a finance background. So we emphasized his passion for startups, and his ability to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. That’s something that companies like Uber and other “disruptive” tech companies look for.

14 Resume Summary Examples for Various Industries

Compassionate and effective 5th-grade teacher with experience overseeing the classroom and preparing lessons. Extensive experience encouraging students through positive reinforcement and motivational techniques. Collaborate well with school administration and other members of the teaching team. Ensure all students meet learning requirements, including literacy, social, and arithmetic skills.

2. Teacher’s Assistant

Goal-oriented teacher’s assistant with ten years of experience working with elementary school children. Aid teachers with lesson planning, classroom settings, and group instruction. Model positive behavior and maintain order in the classroom. Willingness to take on additional responsibilities to meet learning objectives.

Tech Industry

3. computer programmer.

Innovative computer programmer with a proven track record of writing high-quality code and supporting team needs with subject matter expertise. Adept in multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and C++. Ability to troubleshoot complex programming issues with inventive solutions. 

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Dedicated cybersecurity analyst with ten years of experience in online security research, execution, planning, and maintenance. Proven track record of identifying business risks and proactively resolving them. Experience designing and instituting layered network security for large-scale organizations. Train users and other staff members on IT safety procedures and preventive techniques.

Skilled healthcare professional with ten years of experience in patient care, diagnosis, and providing appropriate treatments and medical services. Manage medical staff and resolve complex medical cases with maximum efficiency. Communicate the patient’s condition and treatment plan in easily understood terminology. Remain current with the latest advancements in medicine and research to ensure patients receive proper care.

6. Registered Nurse

Seasoned registered nurse offering comprehensive patient care in emergency room settings. Experience handling diverse patient populations and caring for various conditions. Proven leadership managing nursing teams and other staff. Focus on enhancing patient care and satisfaction through empathetic communication and excellent customer service. 

7. Digital Marketing Manager

Forward-thinking digital marketing manager experienced in all facets of digital marketing, including social media management, PPC advertising, SEO, and email marketing. Proven experience creating comprehensive marketing plans that improve lead prospecting and enhance brand awareness. Up to date with the newest tools available for digital marketing campaigns.

8. Marketing Analyst

Industrious marketing analyst well-versed in analyzing marketing campaign analytics and making recommendations to improve performance. Collaborate with account managers and use KPI metrics to explain the results of marketing initiatives. Meticulous with a strong work ethic and robust communication skills.

Food and Service Industry

Experienced wait staff member capable of managing orders, processing payments, and upselling menu items. Ensure restaurant guests feel welcome with attentive service catered to their needs. Remain current on updates to the menu and assist guests with selecting orders to meet their dietary requirements. Maintain a positive attitude and focus during busy restaurant periods.

10. Hotel Receptionist

Friendly hotel receptionist with extensive experience handling guest check-ins, check-out, and payments. Facilitate a positive guest experience with polished customer service skills and a readiness to address common inquiries and complaints. Collaborate well with other hotel team members, including executive administration and on-site restaurant staff.

Business/Office Jobs

11. financial analyst.

Highly motivated financial analyst with a proven track record of recommending appropriate financial plans based on financial monitoring, data collection, and business strategizing. Experienced in qualitative and quantitative analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling. Excellent communication skills for building and fostering long-term business relationships across the organization.

12. Tax Accountant

Experienced tax accountant with ten years of experience preparing federal and state tax returns for corporations and partnerships. Monitor changes in laws to ensure the organization properly complies with reporting requirements. Assist with tax audits, ensuring the team receives proper supporting evidence for tax positions. Analyze and resolve complex tax issues. Look for available tax savings opportunities for corporations with an aggregate savings of $500K last year. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

Sales and Customer Service

13. sales representative.

Enthusiastic sales representative with expertise in identifying prospects and converting qualified leads to paying customers. Provide quality customer service and contribute to team sales success. Offer exceptional communication skills and seek to understand client needs before making the appropriate product recommendations. Continually meet and exceed sales goals. Leverage extensive knowledge of available products to provide appropriate client solutions and enhance customer loyalty and retention.

14. Customer Service Associate

Knowledgeable customer service professional with extensive experience in the insurance industry. Known as a team player with a friendly demeanor and proven ability to develop positive rapport with clients. Maintain ongoing customer satisfaction that contributes to overall company success. Highly articulate, with a results-oriented approach that addresses client inquiries and issues while maintaining strong partnerships. Collaborate well with the customer service team while also engaging independent decision-making skills.

Now you have 24 professional resume summary statements and some explanations of why they’re effective. Next, I’ll share tips for how to write your own in case you’re still unsure how to begin based on these examples above.

How to Write a Resume Summary: Steps and Hints

We’ve looked at 10 great resume summary examples above. As you begin writing a resume summary for yourself, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Read the employer’s job description. Your career summary shouldn’t be a long list of everything you’ve done; it should be a refined list of skills and experiences that demonstrate you’re a fit for their job.
• Mention your current job title if relevant. One common way to begin your resume summary is to state your current job title.
• Explain how you can help employers achieve their goals or solve their problems.
• Consider using bold text to emphasize one or two key phrases.
• Include any relevant metrics and data like dollar amounts, years of experience, size of teams led, etc. This helps your resume stand out.
• Focus on making the employer want to read more. The goal of your resume summary isn’t to show everything you can do, but to grab their attention and show enough that they continue reading.

Creating a Customized Resume Summary

While general summaries are appropriate when applying for jobs requiring similar skills and experience, a customized resume summary can enhance your chances of moving on to the next step in the hiring process. 

That’s because most companies use automated tracking systems (ATS) to review submitted resumes for content directly related to the job posting. If you use keywords and natural language phrases in your summary that interlink to the job description, you’ll have a much higher chance of passing the ATS review.

Let’s look at an example of a resume summary that is customized for the specific job description below:

“Highly motivated social media specialist with strong project management skills. Creative marketer skilled in crafting innovative social media campaigns that resonate with a target audience. Regularly develop compelling copy and social media content to enhance lead generation and brand awareness. Detail-oriented with extensive project management skills that ensure proper prioritization of tasks and projects. Work with various social media management and analytics tools to examine results and make adjustments as necessary.”

This summary directly addresses the key points in the job description but rewrites them so the customization is natural and flows well. It’s personalized for the open role and uses similar terms with a few strategically placed keywords, such as “social media content” and “project management.”  

How Long Should a Resume Summary Be?

As you read the resume summaries above, you probably noticed there are some short single-paragraph resume summary examples and much longer career summaries that are two to three paragraphs plus bullet points. So how long should YOUR professional summary be? If you have relevant work experience, keep your summary to one or two paragraphs. The piece you really want the hiring manager to read is your most recent work experience (and you should make sure you tailored that info to fit the job description). The resume summary is just a “bridge” to get the hiring manager into your experience.

If I were writing my own career summary right now, I’d likely use one single paragraph packed with skills, accomplishments, and exactly why I’m ready to step into the job I’ve applied for and be successful!

Even for a manager resume summary, I recommend a very short length. However, if you’re changing careers, or you’re looking for jobs without any work experience , the summary section needs to stand on its own, and should be longer. That’s why some examples above are a bit longer.

Formatting Your Resume/CV Career Summary

You may have noticed a variety of different formats in the career summary examples above. There isn’t one “right” way to format this section on your resume or CV. However, I recommend either using one or two brief paragraphs, or combining a short sentence or paragraph with bullets. Avoid writing three or four long paragraphs with no special formatting like bullet points. That’s simply too much text for your summary section and will cause recruiters and hiring managers to skip over it in some cases.

Should You Include a Resume Objective?

You do not need to include an objective on your resume, and doing so can make your resume appear outdated. Use a resume summary instead of an objective. Follow the resume summary examples above and focus on discussing your skills, qualifications, and achievements, rather than stating your objective. Employers know that your objective is to obtain the position you’ve applied for, and the resume objective has no place on a modern resume/CV in today’s job market.

Examples of Bad Resume Summaries

Now that we’ve seen a few exemplary resume summaries, let’s look at some that you should avoid at all cost.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

“Experienced cashier who knows how to run the register cash. Responsible with the money and can talk with the customer. Knows when to stoc up the invenory and checks it all the time. Can count change and run credit card tranactions. Get the customer happy by good service. I am always cheerful and organized.”

Why this resume summary is bad:

If you read the summary carefully, you’ll notice several spelling errors. The words “stock,” “inventory,” and “transactions” are all spelled wrong. Grammatical errors make the summary choppy and difficult to follow (“Get the customer happy by good service”).  A summary like this probably won’t fly with a company looking for a detail-oriented cashier responsible for managing in-person sales.

2. Lacks Relevant Keywords

“Talented worker with experience managing a team of staff. Creative and responsible with knowledge of organizational processes. Can keep up with the busiest of environments. Stays focused when at work, ensuring prompt task completion. Dependable and willing to collaborate with a team to get things done.”  

In this example, the chef doesn’t use keywords relevant to cooking, restaurants, or kitchens. The summary is very generic and can apply to nearly any job. A manager who receives the application isn’t likely to understand what value the candidate can bring to the restaurant.  To fix the summary, the applicant must rewrite it to include relevant keywords and phrases. 

3. No Numbers to Quantify Achievements

“An experienced and hardworking manager ready to align procedures for maximum revenue and profits. Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in higher sales and better customer satisfaction. Collaborate well with sales team members, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge to support customer purchases and inquiries. Develop strong rapport with clients and maintain ongoing relationships.”

This isn’t a terrible summary for a sales manager, but it has room for improvement. For one, the first two sentences essentially duplicate each other, mentioning an aptitude for improving processes with the objective of higher sales. The other issue is a lack of quantifying achievements. 

The applicant mentions they have a proven record of increasing sales, but they could strengthen the summary by quantifying their results. For example, they might say, “Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in a 25% increase in sales over the past year.” The quantifier provides additional credibility. 

4. Not Targeting the Specific Job

“Looking for work in a role that requires great customer service, project management, and communication skills. Able to collaborate with people from diverse and varying backgrounds. Highly organized and reliable worker with a strong work ethic. Responsible and reliable worker you can count on.”

While the candidate lists various skills they have, including customer service and project management, there’s no indication of prior roles held or what position they’re applying for. The summary could apply to numerous positions in a variety of industries. To improve the resume summary, the applicant must specify the job they’re applying for and indicate their prior experience in a similar role, if they have any.

After You Start Getting Interviews, Make Sure to Take Advantage…

If you follow the advice above, you’ll have a great professional resume summary to make your qualifications stand out to employers. But landing the interview is only half the battle… So make sure you go into every interview ready to convince employers that they should hire you, too! If you write a great resume summary example that gets employers excited to interview you, they’re going to ask you questions like, “tell me about yourself” early in the interview to learn more about your background. So make sure you’re prepared with an answer.

I also recommend you review the top 20 interview questions and answers here.

Your resume caught their interest, so naturally, they’re going to follow up with a variety of questions to learn more about your professional background.

The bottom line is: A strong professional resume summary, followed up by other well-written resume sections will get you the interview, but your interview performance is what determines whether you get the job offer!

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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I would recommend to customise the skills section of your resume, and ensure that it matches the job posting. The higher the number of phrases within the resume matching the job requirements the more are the chances that the recruiter will pick you for the job.

I just wanted to say, “thank you!”. This was very helpful. Instead of jumping from one website to the next there’s so much useful, relevant information right here.

Hi, I have been having trouble creating a resume as My old one is so long, I’ve worked for a government agency for the past 14 years and held multiple positions doing many different duties for each and now I have to relocate to another area where they do not have an agency like mine in my new area within a 3 hour drive, how can I squeeze all my experience and duties on one page and where do I even start, I’m so nervous, it’s been so long since I’ve attempted the job hunt. So I’m wondering, I do not want to cut anything out that may hurt my chances and I can’t afford to have my resume rewritten by a professional. Can you guide me as to where you think would be a good place to start, I’ve been staring at this laptop for weeks trying to decide on a resume template, there are so many. I thank you for your time and any input will help.

Hi, I am a new graduate and do not have any experience in my field which is Nursing. I want to apply for the jobs but I have no idea about what to mention in my resume.

Hi, this article should help with the resume summary, at least: https://careersidekick.com/summary-for-resume-no-experience/

Other than that, you need to put your academic experience. And internships/part-time jobs if you’ve had any.

Dear Biron,, Thanks for sharing the 10 examples of professional summaries in your article, and especially the reasons why they were considered to be good. However, as a HR professional, I would most likely skip over most of them and would not read much past the first or second sentence. The summaries were mostly too wordy and boring, and did not demonstrate ‘oomph’ at first cursory reading. Simply indicating certain skills or behaviors does not give an idea of the level of expertise, and could simply be wishful thinking on the part of the resume writer.

Just goes to show that there are many ways to see what makes a good summary.

I am a chemical engineer and project management professional with 15+years experience. My experience is between process engineering and project management . How can I marry the two in my profile summary?

It’s not about showing everything you’ve done. It’s about showing employers evidence you’ll succeed in their job. You can show a bit of both but focus heavily on what’s most relevant for the jobs you’re applying for right now. 80/20.

This was absolutely helpful and amazing! Thank you very much!

Hello, I am an active job seeker. I hold a law degree from a foreign country and currently in college for an associate degree. My question is, how do I blend both my foreign job experience with that of the United States in my resume. Thank you.

I’d put your work history in chronological order, starting with the most recent up top. That’s what I’d recommend for 95% of people actually. Then it doesn’t matter where you held each job.

And then in your Education section, I’d include your foreign degree and the current degree you’re pursuing in the US, too (for the US degree, you can say “in progress” or “graduating May 2019” for example).

I am 40 years old & B.A degree holder I have experience in many fields.I would like to join any one fields

I am a fresh graduate, who has five years teaching experience and some months customer service representative experience. Pls kindly assist me to put the resume summary together

I’m an active duty service member and finding in a little difficult creating a good transitional summary from 20 year profession in tactical communications to a drug and alcohol counselor. Do you have any recommendations how I should approach this? Any assistance would be helpful. Thanks

Great piece

How to write the CAREER ABSTRACT in resume for ware super visor retail business?

Just wanted to say thank you.Your advise and information was clear and easy to understand , sometimes there is nothing pertaining to what im looking fot in particular, buy you have sermed to cover everything I n a short quick easy to understand method.It will help tremendously.

Thanks! Glad to hear it helped :)

Very informational

What if you have work experience, but the job your going for(teachingeducation) has nothing to do with warehouse work? How should I build my resume?

In the summary, describe yourself and then say, “…looking to transition into ___” (the type of work you want to be doing now).

This is a bit like a resume “Objective”. I normally don’t recommend an Objective section (and I recommend a Summary section instead), however the one time an Objective does make sense is when you’re trying to change industries or make a big change in the type of role you have.

So that’s why my advice here might seem like I’m telling you to combine an Objective with your resume Summary.

Then “tailor” your previous work to be as relevant as possible. Even if you worked in a different industry you can still show things like leadership, accountability, progress/improvement, hard work, achieving goals, strong teamwork skills, etc. You can do all of that in your resume bullets and work history.

Don’t u have Resume Summary of legal secretary/legal assistant?

No, sorry about that. There are hundreds of different professions/job titles, and we aren’t able to include an example for every scenario out there. These resume summary examples are designed to give you a general idea of how to write yours.

The summaries listed are excellent example and have helped me develop a stand out summary for a new position.

Hello, I been trying to land the job of my dreams. I need help with my resume if i want the recruiters in airlines to notice me. I’ve applied before but haven’t had complete success to making it to a face-to Face Interview. It is a career change – yet i feel i am a great candidate bc i have had many customer service and I even attended an academy for that specific position. Can you please tell me what I am doing wrong on my resume ?

what if i never had a job experience?

Great question. If you don’t have any work experience, take one of the formats/examples above and put your accomplishments and qualifications from your academic studies.

Your headline could say: “Motivated Bio-Sciences Graduate With Expertise in ____”.

And then you might talk about accomplishments in school, group projects you worked on or led, etc.

Basically, when you have no work experience, your school/studies BECOMES your recent work. You should talk about that like it’s a job, because that’s the experience you do have.

really amazing article and too useful , thanks

Hi Mr. Clark, I have been out of the work force for about 18+years and I have been a small business owner for the same number of years. However, I want to go back to the work force. But my problem is that, I don’t know how to prepare my resume or resume summary statement. I had a degree in Communication,Arts and Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Public Administration. I’m a bit confused as to how to incorporate all these experiences into my resume. Please can you help?

Hi Dorothy, I can recommend a professional resume writer if you want. But they’re typically not cheap, so it’s something you’d have to be willing to invest in. If not, there’s a lot of free info online about how to “tailor” your resume for specific jobs. I can’t help one-on-one unfortunately, but I’d recommend thinking about which type of jobs you want, and think of what experience you have that is most relevant. that’s what to put on your resume. Your resume isn’t only about you, it’s about them – what do they want/need? (if you want to get a ton of interviews, that’s how to do it :) ).

Can I have a professional resume writer?

I use a similar format when writing my opening statement for my coverletter. How do you recommend differentiating the two? Or is it ok to use largely the same language?

I think it’s okay to use something similar. I might be more brief in the cover letter… it needs to be about them just as much as it’s about you. Whereas the resume is all about you, at least in the summary section. (The later sections should still be tailored to THEIR needs..)

Struggling to write a Summary Statement for a Secretary/Administrative Assistant position. I have 15 years government experience but have been away from the government since 9/1993 and have spent 15 years as a Substitute Teacher after taking off for 10 years to raise my children.

Hiya! I am a mother of three attempting to return to the workforce. I have been a stay at mom for about 13 years, so I have a (large) gap in my employment history; which doesn’t look great. I have a college education and have obtained a few certifications whilst not employed, plus many volunteer hours. I know that I should probably use a functional resume format. Would love some advice on what I should include in my summary statement.

Hi Juniper,

I rarely like functional resumes, but it might be worth trying. I’d “split-test” it (a marketing term). Create two resume styles, send out 50% one way, 50% the other way, and track results for a week.

I’d treat the resume summary statement just like any other resume. Highlight your skills and past wins/accomplishments.

how do i explain long term gaps in employment? leave them out?

Hi Paulette,

Don’t mention them on a resume summary. But do mention the gaps on a cover letter or lower down on the resume. Here’s an article on how to explain gaps in employment:

https://careersidekick.com/explaining-gaps-in-employment/

I am student in civil engineering field. Have 1.5 yrs of work ex. How should i structure my resume. Thanks.

Hello My name is Shataka and I’m a current job seeker trying to land my dream job as a Counselor. I have Master degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. My experience lies in many different fields. I’m currently a Substance Abuse Counselor, with a teaching background and over 5 years of social service experience. I guess my question is how would I sum up all my experience to help me find a job as a Counselor.

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