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Summary. To put projects on your traditional chronological resume , include a separate projects section beneath the education or work experience section. In a project based resume, rename the work experience section to be named “projects” and you can avoid the standard chronological resume format and instead focus on your most relevant projects and professional skills.

No matter where you are in your career journey, adding projects to your resume can highlight your key qualifications and help your application make more of an impression.

In this article, you’ll learn how to add projects to your resume and when it’s a good idea to take this route.

Key Takeaways

You can work projects into your work history section, organize your resume around your projects, or create a separate section for your projects.

You should list your most relevant projects first and leave off any irrelevant projects.

Freelancers, entry-level job candidates, and people who are changing career paths could benefit most from project-based resumes.

How to List Projects on a Resume

Examples of ways to list projects on a resume, tips for listing projects on a resume, why should you put projects on a resume, what is a project-based resume, who should use project-based resumes, putting projects on a resume faq, final thoughts.

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To list projects on a traditional chronological resume , you should include a separate projects section beneath the education or work experience portion of your professional resume. This can be easily accomplished by including a “key projects” section below the bullets detailing your previous job responsibilities and accomplishments.

Listing projects on a traditional date-ordered resume can be a great option for professionals who want to showcase their project management expertise while also detailing their prior work titles and chronological job experience.

If you’re looking to ditch your traditional chronological resume altogether, a project-based resume is a great way of showcasing your most desirable professional skills outside of the tight confines of a standard cookie-cutter resume that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order.

By renaming the “work experience” section of your resume to “projects,” you can easily avoid the standard chronological resume format and instead focus on your most relevant projects and professional skills. This unique structure focuses more on practical, hands-on experience and less on how long you held a certain job title.

To list projects on a resume:

Contextualize the project’s details. You don’t want each project to take up too much space, but you do need to describe the key who, what, where, when, and why of the story. Most importantly, bring in numbers as often as possible.

Highlight your accomplishments. “Ideally, your resume is a list of achievements,” says resume expert Don Pippin . When describing your projects, be sure that the direct impact that you had on the end result is apparent.

Tailor your resume for each job. Again, this applies to all resumes, not just project-based ones. In the context of projects, though, be sure to think about how each entry relates to the specific job you’re applying for.

Provide examples. If you’re emailing your resume, including some hyperlinks to documents relating to past projects can be really impactful. Not only can the hiring manager see the results of your work, but also how you and your team approached projects in general.

Below are three examples of ways you can list projects on your professional resume or CV . Using these examples as a template when writing your job-specific resume can help you advance in the hiring process and land the job of your dreams.

Listing Projects in the Education Section of Your Chronological Resume Example:

Education Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, Massachusetts B.S. in Mechanical Engineering , May 2020 | GPA: 3.8 Key Projects: Led a team of three engineering students to execute blueprints and coordinate the production of state-of-the-art air filtration systems for the university hospital. Production and installation came in 12% under budget and were completed 2 weeks ahead of schedule.

Listing Projects Below Previous Job Responsibilities and Work Descriptions in Your Chronological Resume Example:

Work Experience Sales Associate Baker Technologies | March 2019-present Drove revenue by 13% year-over-year by initiating increased customer engagement policy Oversaw a team of five cashiers, who collectively processed average credit card and cash payments of over $20,000 daily Key Projects: Worked with a software developer to redesign and launch Baker Technologies’ online marketplace, resulting in a $2 million increase in profits for 2019.

Listing Projects in a Projects Section of Your Project-Based Resume Example:

Professional Project Highlights App Development Camping With Oliver , July 2020-November 2020 Developed and coded a complex app, compatible with iPhone and Android devices, designed to help hikers locate free campsites in their area. Increased digital revenue stream by 55% following launch Private Web Design Bobbi’s Bakery , January 2021-March 2021 Built a multifunctional website with a complex ordering system using HTLM 5, CSS, and bug-free code Managed all custom graphics, page composition, and branding for this client, leading to a 30% Q/Q jump in sales

If it’s your first time listing projects on a resume or ditching your traditional chronological resume or project-based one, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to craft an effective resume and impress hiring managers.

By following these five tips, you’ll be able to perfectly listing projects on your professional resume and allow your key skills and job qualifications to shine.

Lead with the most relevant projects. One of the biggest advantages of a project-based resume is having the ability to list your work experiences and skills in order of the most relevant projects, instead of arranging them chronologically.

Highlight leadership and job-specific skills. If you’re listing projects on your resume, it’s important to be deliberate and meticulous in the projects you include. Your project list should be presentable, professional, and perfectly convey your leadership and job-specific skills.

Show how you achieve results and meet company goals. Another substantial perk of listing projects on your resume is the ability to clearly illustrate and verify how you are results-driven and ready to meet company goals.

Illustrate how your experiences align with company values. Not only is it important to showcase the skills and qualifications required for a job opening, but it’s also essential to illustrate how your work style and professional goals align with the values a company prides itself on.

Keep project descriptions short. To emphasize your strongest skills and professional abilities, it’s important to keep project descriptions short, concise, and to the point. Providing only the essential details to demonstrate your skills, achievements, and experience will allow hiring managers to easily read and review your resume.

Listing projects on your resume will help you get a leg up over other qualified competing applicants.

A project-based resume, similar to a functional resume , is highly effective in conveying your unique qualifications, work style, field of specialization, and areas of expertise.

Project-based resumes are great tools for illustrating hands-on experience and your decision-making and conflict resolution skills. Describing projects you’ve been involved with can give hiring managers a glimpse into how you operate as an employee.

Submitting a project-based resume with your job applications can allow you to position yourself as the best candidate for the role by highlighting and describing projects that closely align with the job description included in the advertisement.

Including a list of projects on your resume will allow your job application to shine and illustrate your work capabilities and well-rounded personality; to hiring managers and job recruiters.

A project-based resume is a professional resume that focuses on accomplishments rather than chronological job titles and previous work responsibilities.

Where a traditional resume lists work experience and academic degrees in date order, a project-based resume instead does one of two things.

It either lists a job seeker’s relevant academic, work, and personal projects in order of most to least compelling or includes specific projects beneath the education or work experience sections of a resume.

Project-based resumes effectively provide hiring managers and prospective employers with verifiable proof of a job applicant’s industry expertise, achievements, and experience.

Anyone can use project-based resumes, but the following groups might find additional benefit:

Freelancers. Project-based resumes can be an especially worthwhile option for freelancers , as it allows you to ditch the traditional chronological resume and instead focus on projects you have worked on that are most relevant to the position you’re applying to.

Entry-level candidates. Not only is a project-based resume a great alternative for freelance workers, but it can also be equally as enticing for traditional employees or recent graduates since projects can be easily listed beneath education and work experience sections, as you would normally list accomplishments, skills, and previous job responsibilities.

Career changers. Writing a project-based resume can be a great option for people looking for their first job, changing careers, coming off a long sabbatical or personal leave, or searching for a full-time job after a series of freelance gigs.

Should I put my projects on my resume?

Yes, you should put your projects on your resume. Listing a few of your most impressive professional projects on your resume can help hiring managers see what you’re capable of.

What kind of projects should I put on my resume?

You should put successful, professional projects that relate to the job you’re applying for on your resume. Think of a few of the projects that demonstrate the skills that are listed on the job description you’re applying for and put them on your resume.

Do personal projects count as experience?

No, personal projects don’t count as experience. They don’t usually count as formal work experience, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put some of them on your resume, especially if they demonstrate your professional skills.

is it OK to put project details in a resume?

Yes, It’s OK to put project details in a resume. Projects are a great addition to your resume when your experience section doesn’t already show that you have the background or experience for a job. Recent graduates or entry-level candidates are the ones who typically put projects on their resume.

Whether you’re a freelancer or a traditional employee, a recent graduate or a career changer, projects can make your resume pop.

By illustrating your hands-on work experience, verifying your skills and job qualifications, and marketing yourself as the best candidate for the role, you’ll have hiring managers who can’t wait to call you in for an interview to learn more.

Using the tips and templates included in this article can help you write a well-structured and effective project-based resume and make a great first impression on recruiters across industries.

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Elsie is an experienced writer, reporter, and content creator. As a leader in her field, Elsie is best known for her work as a Reporter for The Southampton Press, but she can also be credited with contributions to Long Island Pulse Magazine and Hamptons Online. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stony Brook University and currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee.

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How to List Projects on a Resume (with Examples)

10 min read · Updated on February 23, 2024

Projects on your resume can prove you have what it takes to succeed

You've likely heard a few catchphrases related to resume writing. Things like “show, don't tell” and “be an achiever, not a doer.”  One of the most effective ways to put these principles into action is by including projects on your resume. But how exactly do you list projects on a resume, and why are they so important?

You've come to the right place. Here, you'll learn how to list projects on your resume in a way that catches the eye of hiring managers and helps you to stand out from the competition. 

It doesn't matter if you're fresh out of college or have a decade of experience under your belt; including projects on your resume can significantly enhance your chances of landing your dream job.

Your old resume may have been a list of work experiences, but your new resume will outshine the competition and win you the interviews you seek. 

Projects vs work experience

Depending on where you're at in your career, it can be tough to separate projects from actual work experience, especially if you're a freelancer or regularly tackle projects as a part of your job. While both are exceedingly valuable in telling your career story, you have to be a bit discerning to determine which is more important. 

Obviously, you gain experience from working at jobs and completing projects, but listing projects separately can help you to highlight specific skills that might get lost when you explain work you did in a previous job. 

The main differences can be summarized as: 

Projects are concise and specific

Work history provides a broader view of your career trajectory

At the end of the day, you must pick the things you want to include on your resume with the aim of balancing your knowledge and skills with what's being called for in the job description. Relevancy and tailoring your resume are critical, allowing prospective employers to see what you have to offer their team. 

Why listing projects can be good for you

When you're trying to prove to an employer that you're an achiever rather than a doer, having a project or two to back up your claims can do wonders for your candidacy. Not only do projects on your resume have the ability to demonstrate relevant skills, but they also allow you to showcase initiative and accomplishments. 

In the context of standing out from the crowd, projects on your resume can add depth to your experience to paint a more well-rounded and comprehensive picture of what you bring to the table for the new employer. One thing that a lot of people miss is that you can also use projects on your resume to fill in any experience gaps that may be present. 

Types of projects you can highlight on your resume

While the projects you list on your resume are as unique as you are, there are some common types. Knowing what type of project you're going to list on your resume will help you to determine if the project is relevant and can also guide you in knowing where on your resume to list it. 

There are four basic types.

This is any project you've done in your position with a company. It was probably part of your job description, but it could've also been something you were called on to do outside of your day-to-day role. Perhaps you led a team to launch a new product or created a new process for doing something that saved time and money. Work projects are good to have on your resume because they demonstrate that you're the type of person to go above and beyond to achieve an objective. 

2. Academic

These are projects that you complete in a classroom or educational setting. You'll definitely need to include academic projects if you're fresh out of college and have little to no work history or relevant professional experience. Academic projects for your resume can be anything from conducting a research study and writing a thesis or dissertation to developing a software application as part of a class project. Including academic projects on your resume gives you a chance to highlight relevant skills and prove to a future employer that you have a passion for learning and development. After all, continuous improvement is a highly sought-after skill. 

3. Personal

Sometimes, you get bored at home and decide you want to build a personal website or create a blog. There have even been folks who've created apps that work with their smart home devices to automate activities. It doesn't matter that these are personal projects, if you find that your resume is lacking particular skills or achievements you can use these projects on your resume to round out your candidacy. That said, adding a personal project to your resume should be a last resort. 

4. Freelance

'Tis the time we live in – a lot of people work as independent contractors or freelance. It's a great way to fill in employment gaps or have some income if you're on a sabbatical . The most common freelance projects center around things like graphic design, marketing, tech, and writing. These types of projects can be valuable additions to your resume. 

How to add projects to your resume

Since you want to keep your resume relevant to the job you're applying for, the first step is to create a list of projects from your history and compare them to what employers need. 

Analyze the job description to dissect out the keywords and phrases. Once you have that list, compare it to the skills and achievements you can talk about with each project. Beyond picking the right project to match the job, you also have to consider space.

Bear these guidelines in mind:

Pick projects for your resume that match the job description

Pick projects that allow you to keep your resume on the right number of pages

The final step is to properly format the project entries in their respective sections. 

Where to include projects on your resume

For the most part, you'll format a project listing the same way you would a work history listing. The only difference is that you may not have a company to list indicating where you did the project. If you can't list the client or location associated with the project, don't let that stop you from adding it. 

As you would expect, work projects would be listed in the Professional Experience section, academic projects are best suited in the Education section, and some projects may even merit having their own special section. 

What does all of that look like? Let's take a look.

Projects in their own section 

For the most part, your resume should have at least five sections:

Contact information

Profile (which contains your title and summary paragraph)

Work history

You can also add an entirely new section called “Projects,” “Selected Projects,” “Relevant Projects,” or “Academic Projects.” 

Depending on how hard you have to lean on those projects to wow a hiring manager will be the deciding factor on whether you place this new section above or below “Professional Experience.” If you really need them to make your candidacy, then put them above. If you want them on there just to give the hiring manager one more glimpse into what you can do, then put them below. 

Example of projects in their own section

You should create a title for the section and then list each project with relevant bullet points that call out things you achieved in working on that project. It's also appropriate to put the dates you were working on each project. 

Selected Projects

Post Evaluation Platinum LEED Office Building | 04/2022 - 10/2022

Used advanced knowledge of Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey benchmarks and performed literature review / precedent studies to present data-driven solutions regarding visual and thermal comfort. 

Authored and presented findings related to underfloor air distribution (UFAD) system analysis. 

Integrated Façade Simulator: Hybrid Reality Simulations for Assessing Human Façade Interaction | 09/2020 - 05/2021

Created a novel integrated hybrid system that simulated a multi-sensory environment and observed participants and the impact of environmental stimuli for sensation, perception of comfort, and energy consumption. 

Projects in the experience section

If you're one of those people who get chosen by a boss to work on a project or if you've spent a significant time as an independent contractor , then it's probably going to serve you best to include projects within the “Professional Experience” section of your resume. 

Example of projects in the experience section

Format it like you would any other position within your experience section, including the name of the company, the dates you were employed, your position title, and some achievement bullets. Then, beneath those achievement bullets for your job, add “Noted Projects” and talk about the project as separate from what you accomplished as an employee. 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

XYZ Company | Location 05/2015 to Present

Senior Biologist

Achievement bullet #1

Achievement bullet #2

Achievement bullet #3

Noted Projects:

Major Development Plan and Infrastructure Project – 03/2019 - 06/2021

Monitored site conditions to ensure the protection of sensitive species, including California gnatcatcher, cactus wren, least Bell's vireo, arroyo chub, arroyo toad, and general nesting birds.

Oversaw end-to-end project management processes, including scoping, planning, timelines, delivery, execution, and status reporting. 

Subdivision Development Project – 04/2013 - 01/2017

Directed biological resource protection initiatives for a 180-acre development project, resulting in approximately 475 acres of preserved, restored, and enhanced habitats. 

Conducted protocol and non-protocol environmental impact surveys for 3 years, in the wake of a widespread wildfire, to assess gnatcatcher habitat, population density, and movement. 

Projects in the education section

It can be hard to craft a resume when you've just graduated college and have no real experience to show future employers. Fortunately, you can lean on things you did at school to inject experiences, achievements, and skills into your resume. You just write an expanded education section. 

Relate reading: How to List Education on Your Resume (with Examples)

Example of projects in the education section

Whether you're listing your GPA or relevant coursework, you can always add some college projects to your resume education section if you need to prove your salt to a new company. 

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Bachelor of Finance, | State University – Location (Expected May 2024)

Coursework : Current Economic Problems, Macroeconomics, Accounting Principles, Money and Capital Markets, Business Statistics, Spreadsheet Modeling in Finance, Global Financial Markets

Academic projects

Secured funding for a non-fungible token (NFT) from State University's Board of Trustees and generated a 100% return on investment (ROI). 

Placed in the top 10% of a financial modeling competition. Analyzed comparative values over time to predict future performance and identified a portfolio of stocks that were graded and ranked in terms of profit and loss and accuracy of predictions. 

Projects on your resume win interviews

Remember that the main goal of your resume is to win interviews. Adding projects can be just the thing that makes you stand out from the crowd of job seekers. Use projects wisely, though. Leverage them to boost your skills, enhance your achievements, and inject necessary keywords into your resume that align with what the job description asks for in a new employee. 

Once you get all of that written, we'll give it a once-over for you with a free resume review . After all, it's always good to get expert, objective feedback on your resume. 

Recommended reading:

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

Ask Amanda: How Do I List Self-Employment & Freelance Work On My Resume?

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• How to list projects on resumes?

People are more likely to believe in your potential when you’ve already demonstrated it in the past.

And recruiters are no different. If you want to make your resume all the more compelling and impressive, listing projects on your resume is the way to go.

Although you can’t exactly demonstrate your projects in action while applying for jobs, you can allow your resume to speak for it and give a chance to the recruiters to see your true potential.

Listing projects on resumes is especially helpful for job seekers who are fresh graduates lacking in professional experience and also for people who are switching their career trajectory.

Read on to get clarity on the following FAQs about listing projects on resumes:

• Why should you list projects on resumes?
• When should you list projects on resume?
• What type of projects should you list on a resume?

Importance of Listing Projects on Resumes

The primary idea behind listing projects on resumes is to put yourself forward as the best candidate for the position.

• By listing projects on your resume, you let employers see your skills, experience, achievements, and capability of executing tasks efficiently.

And of course, if you’ve been a part of or led a key project in your past roles, why wouldn’t you want to show it off and benefit from your efforts by showcasing it in your resume?

In fact, the same set of skills that you used to complete a past project may be the exact skill set that your next employer may be looking for.

Therefore, when the recruiters see these projects in your resume, it automatically doubles up your chances of getting shortlisted for interviews.

Also, listing projects on resumes serve as a proven track record of your efficiency, teamwork, leadership skills, and project management skills.

Also read: How to build an impressive IT project manager resume

When Should You List Projects on Resume?

Although listing projects on resumes can prove beneficial for any type of candidate, it is especially essential for the following groups of applicants:

Freelancers

Since most of the work done by IT freelancers is project-based, highlighting projects in your resume becomes crucial.

Given the fact students and fresh graduates don't have professional work experience to include in their resumes, including academic projects can be a game-changer.

List the volunteer projects that you may have been a part of or any of your academic projects.

Career Switchers

If you are making a career switch to the IT industry but don't have professional experience, listing independent projects in your resume will increase your chances of impressing the recruiters.

You can list the GitHub or Kaggle projects that you've worked independently on, in your resume.

How to Include Projects on Resumes?

Now that you see the importance of listing projects on resumes, the question that stands is, how to describe projects on resumes?

First things first, it’s important to ensure that you are listing the projects under the right section of your resume.

Meaning, if you are a fresher or a recent college graduate, the college projects on your resume can go under the education section or the volunteer section.

As for professionals with experience, projects can be listed in the professional experience section of your resume.

Regardless of the project placement, here are some guidelines you can follow to list projects on resumes:

Identify the Skills You Need to Highlight

Now, the relevance of the projects you include in your resume is crucial.

Throughout your career, you may have been a part of various projects. However, you need to identify the most suitable ones and the ones which fit well with the role you’re applying for.

The projects you choose to list in your resume must showcase the exact skills the employer is looking for. After all, isn’t that the whole point of listing projects on resumes?

You can understand the requirements of the recruiters by going through the job listing.

Ensure that you tailor the choice of your projects according to the job description of the different companies you are applying to.

Also read: What skills to put on a resume

Focus on Your Achievements and Use Figures

While you are listing projects on resumes, it is important to focus on your achievements and use figures to talk about the same.

For instance, if you led a team of software developers and testers to work on an application upgrade to increase the user base, ensure to mention the exact number or percentage increase in the user base that you achieved with the upgrade.

This way, employers can envision you as a valuable addition to their company workforce.

Call Attention to Key Details

Since the length of an ideal resume is only a page long, you can’t possibly include the entire how, when, and why details about the project in your resume.

Thus, you must only include details that are pivotal to exhibit the skills which the particular employer requires.

The key details of a project can include the strength of the team you led, the budget, scope, revenue generated, cost saved, clients increased, and so on.

For example, you can write:

“Led a team of 20+ software developers to design and implement OAuth2 based functionality as part of ensuring 100% data security for users.”

Link Your Online Portfolio

What better way than to let your projects speak for themselves right?

Linking your online portfolio while listing projects on resumes will allow recruiters to get a deeper insight into your skills and experience.

Providing proof and examples of your work will add weight to your resume and impress the recruiters even more.

Just ensure that your online portfolio is up-to-date and polished.

Also read: How to highlight GitHub projects on resume

Choose the Correct Section

As stated earlier, you can list projects on resumes under different sections (professional experience or education section) depending on whether you are a fresher or a professional with past experience.

Also, if you belong to the IT industry, you might have quite a number of projects under your belt.

Therefore candidates who have multiple key projects relevant to the job description can list their project under a separate project section in their resumes.

Also read: What are the best programming projects to put on resume?

Types of Projects on Resumes

You can add a variety of projects to your resume as long as they stand relevant to the description of the job you’re applying to.

Given below are 3 types of projects you can add to your resume:

Work Projects on Resumes

As the name suggests, work projects are projects that you undertake professionally while working for clients and companies.

Therefore these types of projects go under the professional experience section of your resume.

Here are some examples of listing work projects on resumes:

• Coordinated with IT team to develop a mobile and web-based data tracking application and closed $1.2 worth of deal
• Designed 10+ mock apps for collecting feedback from selected users as part of improving user experience
• Created 20+ cross-platform apps by utilizing C# in Xamarin Studio as per clients' requirements
• Formulated UI testing procedures to identify malfunctions and debugged apps before launch to optimize performance
• Developed 5+ android applications in an agile environment by deploying JavaScript and C++

Academic Projects on Resumes

If you are a recent grad, it makes sense to add academic projects that showcase the skills related to the role you’re targeting in your resume.

These academic projects can go under the education section or volunteer section of your resume and demonstrate the targeted soft skills, if not technical skills relevant to the job description.

Take a look at these examples of projects on resumes:

• Assisted in creating a group chat application using Java Platform SE 7 with additional functionalities for a group project
• Published a research paper on data modeling with a focus on its use for analyzing data requirements for the business processes
• Led the software department’s student exchange program to facilitate student-faculty coordination for departmental initiatives

Personal Projects on Resumes

Personal projects can also be a great addition to your resumes. Provided it is relevant to the job description.

Personal projects can be listed under the volunteer section or a stand-alone section titled “personal projects”, and is ideal for candidates who lack professional experience.

• Conducted door-to-door surveys while spearheading an awareness campaign for volunteer work
• Rendered assistance in the software testing phases for a college group project

Also read: How to draft a job winning project engineer resume

Concluding Points

• If you want to make your resume all the more compelling and impressive, listing projects on your resume is the ideal way to achieve the same.
• Listing projects on resumes serve as a proven track record of your efficiency, teamwork, leadership skills, and project management skills.
• List projects on resumes in suitable sections and ensure that it demonstrates the skills that the employer requires.
• Consider adding a link to your online portfolio and highlighting your achievements by using figures.
• You can add work, academic and personal projects to your resume, provided it stands relevant to the role you are applying for.

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How to Make Projects on a Resume Look Good (Including Examples)

Whether you’re applying for your first job or seeking a new challenge in your career, there are different types of projects to list that can fit into your application.

Projects on a resume are a good way to highlight relevant soft skills and hard skills. It’s not an essential resume section but it definitely helps prove that you’re qualified for the job even without having years of experience under your belt. 

4 Types of Projects to Put on Your Resume 

There are 4 main types of projects to put on a resume . Each of these is effective for showcasing your skills as well as traits or qualities that companies may want to see such as a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Academic Projects

Academic projects are tasks undertaken by students or researchers as part of their course. This type of project typically involves the application of theoretical knowledge to realistic scenarios.

Here are some examples:

• Dissertations: This is a research project that’s completed by students to achieve their bachelor’s degree. 
• Case studies: You may have had to research a specific scenario and write a detailed report about it.
• Group presentations: Part of your course could involve working as a group to deliver a presentation on a particular topic. 
• Scientific experiments: Those who are doing a STEM degree may have had to create and test hypotheses to answer questions requiring deep subject knowledge. 
• Study abroad programs: You may have managed to secure the opportunity at university to study and work abroad.
• Design projects: Students in engineering or design-related majors may have had to create a product prototype using a sample client brief. 

Freelance Projects

Freelancing is when a company hires you for a particular job as an independent contractor rather than an employee. However, this could also go in the professional experience section, which might be the better option especially when you have no direct work experience . 

Here’s a few examples:

• Freelance web designers – designing websites for individuals or businesses.
• Freelance writers – writing blog posts and social media content for companies. 
• Freelance video editor – editing YouTube and TikTok videos for content creators. 

Personal Projects

These are projects that you undertake in your free time. They’re also often referred to as passion projects because they’re purely motivated by your own interests and personal goals. 

• Learning a new language
• Building a website or app
• Volunteering
• Writing a book or starting a blog 

Work Projects 

Work projects are specific assignments or tasks that you completed during your employment at a previous company. 

For example, let’s say that you worked as a marketing assistant for a software company. 

Your manager assigns you to develop a social media marketing campaign for the company’s latest product release. Now although this can be mentioned in the work experience section, having a separate resume section allows you to elaborate on this project in more detail. 

A Note on Confidential Projects

A confidential project is one that includes sensitive data about a company. For example, you might’ve worked on a project related to future business expansion plans. In these cases, double-check the signed work agreements. 

But if you’re unsure, the safer option is to leave it out.

Where to List Projects on a Resume 

Work experience section.

Mention the project you carried out alongside what you achieved in the work history section . It’s no different than how you would normally write about your previous job position except you’re framing the project as an achievement. 

In short, here’s how to write about projects in the work experience section:

• Describe your project responsibilities
• Highlight the outcome of the project as a result of your own efforts

Now here’s some example bullet points:

• Managed a budget of $10,000 and ensured that the digital marketing project was delivered on time and within budget.
• Led the CRM project by overseeing the vendor selection process and organizing system implementation.

Additional Resume Section

An additional resume section could be:

• Extracurricular activities
• Involvement

See the example below. 

The heading could also be specified depending on the type of project you’re writing about. See an example of this below. 

Projects Resume Section

Lastly, another option is to create a resume section dedicated to listing and describing relevant projects. The header of this section should be “projects”. 

How to List Projects on Resume and Make Them Look Good

We’ll show you step-by-step how to create a resume projects section. 

We’ll also go through how to describe each project in a way that makes you look good by emphasizing your skills. 

Note: If you’d like to follow this process as we’re going through it, sign up here for free . You won’t be asked for any card details – simply enter your email and create a password to get started! 

1. Outline the Resume Section Format 

Start by considering the resume section format . This means taking into account the following details: 

• Resume font
• Horizontal lines
• All caps text

In other words, outline how you’re going to structure the projects section of your resume.

2. Enter the Resume Section Header

The header of your coursework section should either be “coursework” or “relevant coursework.” 

Use bold text for the resume section header so that it’s easy to find for the hiring manager. Feel free to also add a bold horizontal line to make this stand out.

See the examples below. 

3. Enter the Subheaders 

Include the following details as subheaders:

• Project name
• Organization
• Start and end date of project

This is how it looks from inside Rezi’s resume builder:

4. Describe Your Responsibilities

Inside Rezi’s resume builder in the projects section, the last box is where you write bullet points describing what you did. 

Now, there’s a few things to keep in mind to write bullet points about your projects in a way that impress hiring managers.

Start Your Sentences With Clear Verbs

Weak verbs are vague and overused. In contrast, strong verbs are specific. They make your contributions and actions clear, which highlights the impact that you’ve made. 

Examples of good verbs include:

• Accelerated
• Transformed

Examples of generic verbs include:

Highlight Your Achievements 

The first half of your bullet point is where you describe a responsibility. The other half is where you highlight the outcome that was achieved because of how well you carried out that responsibility.  

Now imagine that the project you’re writing about was the development of a new software app. 

Here’s some example bullet points to highlight your achievements: 

• Led a team of 5 developers and managed project timelines and budgets.
• Utilized Agile project management methodology to improve project efficiency by 30%.

On the other hand, you could highlight relevant skills that you learned or developed by writing bullet points such as:

• Developed strong communication skills by working with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills by motivating and coaching team members.

Use Numbers and Jargon Naturally

Let’s refer to the software developer resume example that helped one of our users secure a job interview with HubSpot. 

The key takeaway? Use technical language naturally and be as specific as you can when describing your responsibilities by using numbers. Jargon is generally okay as long as you’re not rinsing out buzzwords throughout your application or forcing them in bullet points where it doesn’t flow well.  

Tailor It to the Job Description

Match the company’s job description to position yourself as an ideal candidate with relevant experience. 

• Use resume keywords  
• Include projects that are closely similar to the responsibilities of the job position
• Embed the company’s values and terminology in a bullet point or two
• Showcase desirable skills and traits that were listed on the job ad

1 Bullet Point Can Be Enough

A single bullet point can be more than enough like the robotics engineer resume sample below.

Here’s a few reasons why you might only need one bullet point:

• Emphasis: a single bullet point makes what you’ve written stand out.
• Space: to give space to other sections that are more important while maintaining a one-page resume .
• Unnecessary: the other bullet points that you might write about the project aren’t as relevant. 

Use Rezi’s AI Resume Writer

You probably might’ve noticed that there’s a “generate bullet” button inside our resume builder for the projects section. After entering your project title, click this button to use our AI writer to draft bullet points for you based on the best resume writing practices. 

Then, either add it to your resume by clicking “apply suggestion” or click “AI writer generate” to try again. 

Watch the short clip below to see how our AI writer works.

5. Get Feedback Using the Content Analysis Feature 

The final step is to head over to the “finish up” tab where you can see the entire resume you created so far with Rezi.

Select “explore my rezi score.”

This resume checker tool gives you content and format suggestions to improve your application. Feel free to make adjustments based on the feedback provided. 

When to Include Projects On Your Resume

The goal of showcasing past projects is to highlight transferable skills to hiring managers. That said, there are 4 ideal scenarios for when to list your projects on a resume. 

It’s Directly Related to the Job Responsibilities

Let’s say you’re applying for an entry-level web developer job position. 

A personal project you might’ve worked on in your spare time was building a website purely with HTML. This would be worth mentioning on your resume because it shows that you have hands-on experience with a primary task.

You Have Little to No Work Experience in the Role 

Projects are good to include especially when:

• You’re a recent college graduate applying for entry-level roles 
• You’re writing an internship resume
• You’re making a significant career change 

Although you may not have experience in the field, listing projects helps highlight that you’re still a good match for the job. 

To Replace Outdated Work Experience

Writing about a recent project that showcases relevant skills is more impressive than an irrelevant job title from more than 5 or 10 years ago. In other words, use projects to replace outdated information. 

Here’s a good example below from the product marketing manager resume . 

You Have Employment Gaps

Employment gaps raise questions. Still, reassure recruiters that you’ve still got it. Reinforce your track record and prove that your skills haven't collected dust by describing the projects that you’ve been working on. 

When to Not Include Projects on a Resume 

These are common mistakes . If you find yourself in any of these situations, refrain from using a projects section. 

You Have More Direct Work Experience to List

Employers are usually more interested in reviewing your professional work history than past projects. So if you had a previous job that’s directly related to the role you’re applying for, it’s worth including this on your resume instead of a project. 

You Already Have 3 Projects Listed

Having too many projects strips away the focus from your actual work experience. This may not leave the best first impression, especially when applying for roles that require at least 2 years of experience. 

The only time this doesn’t apply is when you’re applying for an internship role or entry-level job . 

The Projects Are Outdated

Projects are outdated when they go as far back on your background as 10+ years ago. Although it could highlight passion and work ethic, it wouldn’t be as effective compared to describing a project completed a few months ago. 

If you decide you still want to mention the project, there are 2 alternatives:

• Bring it up on your cover letter instead of your resume
• Omit the dates 

3 Resume Examples With Well-Written Projects

Don’t see your job title listed below? No worries, you'll probably find it in our ATS library of 300+ free resume templates . 

Creative Producer Resume

Project Manager Resume

Software Engineer Intern Resume

Either create a dedicated projects section or mention it in another relevant resume section. 

When you’re writing about paid projects, consider listing them in the work experience section instead. And if you have too many projects to put on a resume, include a portfolio or website link. 

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

• Career Blog

Projects on Your Resume: Listing Work and Academic Projects

Including projects on your resume is a great way to highlight your skills and experience. This section will discuss the importance of highlighting projects and skills, the positive impact projects can have on job applications, and how to highlight individual work and team collaboration.

Importance of Highlighting Projects and Skills

When you include your project work on your resume, you are showcasing your ability to take initiative, work independently or collaboratively, and contribute to meaningful projects. Projects completed both in a work or academic setting can demonstrate your ability to solve problems, create solutions, and demonstrate your subject matter expertise.

Employers are looking for candidates who can make a positive impact on the organization, and projects provide evidence of your ability to do so. By highlighting projects and skills, you can show potential employers that you have a track record of delivering quality work and generating meaningful insights.

How Projects Can Positively Impact Job Applications

Including projects on your resume can help you stand out from other applicants. In particular, if you have completed projects that are relevant to the job you are applying for, you can demonstrate that you have the specific experience and knowledge needed to excel in that role.

Additionally, projects can also indicate your work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to take on new challenges. All of these attributes are highly valued by employers, and highlighting them on your resume can make you a stronger candidate in the hiring process.

Highlighting Individual Work and Team Collaboration

When highlighting projects on your resume, it is important to provide details about your individual contributions as well as your team collaboration. This can involve listing specific tasks you completed, detailing any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, and highlighting any specific skills you developed as a result of the project.

You should also describe how you worked with others on the project, providing examples of how you contributed to the overall success of the team. This can include detailing your team leadership skills, your ability to collaborate effectively, and your willingness to take on additional responsibilities to ensure the project’s success.

Listing your projects on your resume can add significant value to your job applications. By showcasing your skills, experience, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are a strong candidate for the role.

Identifying Relevant Projects

When it comes to crafting a winning resume, including the right projects can make all the difference. But how do you know which ones deserve a spot on your CV? Here are some tips for identifying the most relevant projects to showcase your skills and impress potential employers.

Identifying the Right Projects for Inclusion in Your Resume

First things first, it’s important to know which projects to include on your resume. Not every project you’ve worked on may be relevant to the position you’re applying for. To determine which projects to include, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does this project align with the requirements of the job I’m applying for?
• Did I contribute significantly to the project’s success?
• Does this project showcase skills that are relevant to the job?

By answering these questions, you can narrow down the projects that are most relevant to the position and highlight your strengths.

Differentiating Between Work and Academic Projects

It’s also important to understand the differences between work and academic projects. Work projects typically involve real-world problems, specific goals, and deadlines, while academic projects focus on theoretical concepts and often have more open-ended outcomes.

When including academic projects on your resume, focus on the skills and knowledge gained rather than the project itself. For example, if you worked on a research project, emphasize the research skills and analytical abilities you gained rather than the particulars of the project.

Identifying the Most Impressive Projects

Finally, once you’ve narrowed down your project list, it’s time to identify the most impressive ones. These are the projects that demonstrate your expertise, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. To identify these projects, consider the following:

• Projects with notable outcomes or achievements
• Projects that required innovative solutions or unique approaches
• Projects with clear metrics that demonstrate success

By highlighting these impressive projects on your resume, you’ll be able to stand out from the competition and showcase your potential as an employee.

Identifying the most relevant projects to include on your resume requires careful consideration of the position, your skills, and the projects themselves. By following these tips, you’ll be able to craft a winning resume that showcases your achievements and makes you a top candidate for the job.

Types of Projects to Include on Resume

When listing projects on your resume, it’s important to understand the different types of projects that can be included. These include academic projects, work-related projects, and personal projects. In this section, we’ll discuss each type and how to select the most relevant projects for your career.

Understanding Different Types of Projects

Academic projects refer to projects completed during your studies. These can be individual or group projects and can include research papers, case studies, presentations, or capstone projects. Academic projects demonstrate your ability to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in your studies to real-world problems.

Work-related projects include any projects completed during your employment, such as product launches, marketing campaigns, process improvements, or software development projects. Work-related projects demonstrate your ability to work in a team and deliver results in a professional setting.

Personal projects refer to projects you complete outside of work or school, such as volunteer work, blog writing, or creating a website. These projects demonstrate your personal interests and skills.

Selecting the Most Relevant Projects for Your Career

When selecting projects to include on your resume, it’s important to choose projects that are relevant to your career goals. For example, if you are applying for a job as a software developer, you should list work-related or academic projects related to software development or computer science.

It’s also important to choose projects that demonstrate your unique skills and strengths. For example, if you are an excellent communicator, you could include a project that required strong communication skills or involved leading a team.

Using Examples to Showcase Projects Effectively

When listing projects on your resume, make sure to provide specific examples of your accomplishments and contributions. For example, instead of simply stating that you worked on a team project, provide details on your role in the project and the results achieved.

Additionally, make sure to quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, you could mention how the project you worked on resulted in increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, or cost savings for your company.

By understanding the different types of projects and selecting the most relevant ones for your career, you can effectively showcase your skills and accomplishments on your resume.

How to List Projects on Resume

When it comes to listing projects on your resume, proper formatting and clear organization are crucial. A well-structured project section can showcase the depth of your experience and expertise and help you stand out from other applicants. In this section, we will discuss the different sections to include and how to give enough details to showcase the depth of the project.

Proper Formatting and Organization

The first step in listing projects on your resume is to ensure proper formatting and organization. This includes using bullet points to make your information easy to read, using clear headings and sections to highlight different projects, and ensuring consistency in font and formatting.

When listing your projects, consider breaking them down into sub-headings, such as Work Projects, Academic Projects, or Volunteer Projects. This can help to give context to the reader and make it clear what type of experience you have in each area.

Explanation of the Different Sections to Include

The following sections should be included in your project section:

Project Title: This should be the name of the project you worked on.

Description: In a few sentences, describe the project, your role, and your contributions. Be sure to highlight the skills you used and the results you achieved.

Date: Include the month and year of your involvement in the project.

Skill Keywords: Include keywords that are relevant to the skills you utilized in the project. This can include technical skills, such as programming languages, or soft skills, such as communication or leadership.

Results and Achievements: Where possible, include specific results or achievements from the project. This could be a successful launch, a positive feedback from superiors or increased engagement numbers.

Giving Enough Details to Showcase the Depth of the Project

When listing your projects, be sure to give enough details to showcase the depth of your experience. This can include the size of the team you worked with, the budget of the project, and any challenges you faced and overcame. Additionally, highlighting the specific skills you utilized and the results you achieved can help to demonstrate your expertise.

However, be careful not to insert too much detail. As a rule of thumb, your project descriptions should be no more than 3-4 bullet points. Keep your information clear, concise, and relevant.

When listing projects on your resume, proper formatting and organization are key. Include the project title, description, date, skill keywords, and achievements. Be specific in the details provided, but avoid overloading with unnecessary information. With these tips, you can create a clear and concise project section that showcases your expertise and experience to potential employers.

Tips for Describing Projects on Resume

When it comes to showcasing your work and academic projects on your resume, clear and concise descriptions are key. Here are some tips to help you effectively describe your projects:

Writing Clear Descriptions

Make sure your descriptions are easy to understand and free of technical jargon. Use simple language to explain what the project entailed and what you achieved. Consider including the problem you solved, the approach you took, and the outcome of the project.

Defining Your Role within the Project

It’s important to clearly define your role within the project. Did you lead the project or were you a team member? What were your specific responsibilities? This will give potential employers a better understanding of your skills and expertise.

Showcasing the Size and Scope of a Project

Use numbers and data to showcase the size and scope of the project. This could include things like the budget, the number of people involved, or the timeline of the project. Also, consider including any awards or notable recognitions the project received.

When describing your projects on your resume, be sure to focus on the impact and results you achieved. By outlining your specific contributions and showcasing the size and scope of the project, you can make a strong case for your experience and expertise.

Example: Listing Work Projects

When it comes to showcasing your experience on a resume, listing your work projects can be an effective way to demonstrate your skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments. This section will provide examples of project descriptions that can help you tailor your own resume to highlight your unique experience.

Each example project description should focus on the core skills you utilized during the project, the responsibilities you had, and any achievements or accomplishments that resulted from your work. By demonstrating your value through these descriptions, you can effectively communicate your potential to future employers.

Including relevant work projects on your resume can also help you stand out from other candidates. In today’s competitive job market, it’s important to show that you have real-world experience and have successfully tackled complex tasks related to your job or industry. Listing specific projects shows that you have a deep understanding of your current role and the skills necessary to excel in it.

When selecting which projects to include on your resume, consider the significance of each project. Did it have a measurable impact on your company, industry, or community? Did you play a key role in the project’s success? If so, be sure to highlight your contribution and the results of your efforts.

Including work projects on your resume can give you a significant edge over other candidates. By showcasing your skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments, you demonstrate that you are a valuable asset to any organization. So, take the time to carefully select and highlight your most important projects and watch as potential employers take notice of your experience and potential.

Example: Listing Academic Projects

This section is dedicated to showcasing examples of academic project descriptions that effectively highlight skills, knowledge, and academic accomplishments.

When it comes to crafting a compelling resume, it’s important to include relevant projects that showcase your abilities and achievements. Academic projects offer a unique opportunity to showcase your expertise in a particular area and demonstrate your commitment to your field of study.

Academic projects can range from research papers and case studies to group projects and presentations. When listing these projects on your resume, it’s important to highlight the skills and knowledge that you gained while completing them. This could include things like critical thinking, problem-solving, research, writing, presentation, and teamwork skills.

Including academic projects on your resume can also demonstrate your commitment to your field of study and your desire to continue learning and growing in your profession. It can show potential employers that you are dedicated to your craft and that you have a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Including academic projects on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and commitment to your field. When listing your academic projects, be sure to focus on the skills and knowledge that you gained from them and explain how they are relevant to the position or field that you’re applying to.

Including Non-Project Experience

When it comes to listing projects on your resume, it’s important to understand how to balance non-project experience with project experience. Non-project experience can include part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and personal projects.

While project experience can demonstrate your skills in a specific field, non-project experience can showcase your transferable skills, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.

To highlight your transferable skills, it’s essential to provide a brief description of your non-project experience on your resume. For example, instead of simply writing “Cashier at ABC Store,” you could write “Provided excellent customer service, handled cash and credit card transactions, and trained new employees.” This way, you’re not just listing your job title, you’re demonstrating the skills you gained from the job.

Another way to use non-project experience on your resume is to support your project descriptions. For example, if you completed a project that required you to work with a team, you could mention your experience as a team captain in your college club. Or, if you developed a website for a project, you could mention your experience in freelance web design.

Including non-project experience on your resume can be advantageous in showcasing your transferable skills and supporting your project descriptions. Remember to balance your non-project and project experience appropriately and demonstrate the skills you gained from each experience.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to your resume, showcasing your projects can be a great way to highlight your skills and experience. However, there are some common mistakes to avoid when listing your projects. Here are some tips to help you avoid pitfalls and strengthen your project descriptions:

Discussion of common mistakes when listing projects

Failing to provide context: When listing your projects, it’s important to provide context for each one. This includes explaining your role in the project, the goals and objectives, and the outcomes achieved. Without this information, your project descriptions may be unclear and unimpressive.

Being too vague: Don’t be afraid to get into the details of your projects. Give concrete examples of the work you did and the impact it had. Vague project descriptions can be a turn-off for potential employers.

Focusing only on technical skills: While technical skills are important, remember that your projects also demonstrate your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Make sure your descriptions highlight these important soft skills as well.

Avoiding common traps and pitfalls

Listing irrelevant projects: When deciding which projects to include on your resume, make sure they are relevant to the job you are applying for. Listing too many or irrelevant projects can be overwhelming for the reader and detract from your more important experiences.

Only including completed projects: If you have projects that are still in progress, don’t be afraid to list them. Showcasing your ability to manage ongoing projects can be an impressive quality to potential employers.

Not showcasing your unique contributions: Make sure your project descriptions highlight your specific contributions and achievements. This can help differentiate you from other candidates with similar project experience.

Pointers for strengthening your project descriptions

Use action verbs: Start your project descriptions with strong action verbs to emphasize your accomplishments. Words like “managed,” “developed,” and “implemented” can convey a sense of leadership and accomplishment.

Quantify your results: Whenever possible, include specific metrics to quantify the results of your projects. This can help demonstrate the impact of your work in a concrete way.

Keep it concise: While it’s important to provide details about your projects, make sure your descriptions are still concise and easy to read. Stick to the most important information and avoid rambling or unnecessary details.

By avoiding common resume mistakes and strengthening your project descriptions, you can make your resume an impressive representation of your experience and skills. Use these tips to showcase your project work and stand out from other candidates.

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More from ResumeHead

Projects In Resumes: Where Do They Belong? (And How to Make Them Shine)

3 key takeaways

• Why including projects in resume sections is important
• How to use the Teal AI Resume Builder to list projects on a resume
• Inspirational examples of projects on a resume across a variety of professional scenarios

They highlight your skills, showcase your impact, and elevate your professional profile. But where do you include projects in a resume to have the most impact in a way that differentiates you and impresses prospective employers?

Whether you're a freelancer with a diverse portfolio, a professional aiming to showcase your accomplishments, a recent graduate with academic projects, or someone looking to make a career change, effectively showcasing your project experience can distinguish you in a way that helps drive your career.

Why including projects on your resume can make a difference

Including relevant projects on your resume can significantly impact how hiring managers or recruiters view your qualifications. If you're wondering how to write experience on a resume , projects are a fantastic way showcase your skills, creativity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities. And they offer tangible evidence of everything you're capable of while adding depth to your resume beyond traditional work or educational experience.

What kinds of projects should you put on a resume?

• Academic projects demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
• Personal projects reflect your passion, self-motivation, and dedication.
• Team projects highlight your collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Freelance projects reveal your entrepreneurial spirit, client management skills, and ability to deliver results independently.
• Volunteer projects emphasize your commitment to community service, teamwork, and social causes.
• Leadership projects reveal your ability to take charge, inspire others, and drive successful outcomes.

And while most projects contribute to growth through the lessons or skills you’ve learned, the key to including projects in a resume is choosing ones relevant to the job description or industry you're targeting.

Choosing the right projects ensures that those you list resonate with the hiring manager, showcasing your expertise in a way that directly relates to the position you're applying for.

When should you include projects on your resume?

Deciding whether to include projects on your resume largely depends on your professional circumstances and the specific job you're applying for. 

So, which professional scenarios would benefit from the impact projects offer? 

When you're a freelancer or contract worker

Projects are often a primary form of work for freelancers or contractors. And, if you’ve found yourself in this professional realm, you should prominently showcase them as resume accomplishments within your “Work Experience” section. Think of creating your work experience as a more project-based resume section instead. (Just remember to be mindful of any non-disclosure agreements you may have signed before listing any client-identifying information.)

For example, imagine you're a freelance web designer who completed a website revamp for a client in coffee distribution. In this case, you didn't sign a non-disclosure agreement, so you're free to use their name, metrics, and more. Here's how you would highlight the project on your resume:

Website Redesign: Bigbie Coffee

• Created visually appealing and user-friendly website interface featuring responsive design, intuitive navigation, and enhanced branding.
• Received positive client feedback on new website's aesthetics, functionality, and improved user experience.
• Resulted in a 30% increase in website traffic within the first month of the redesign implementation
• Redesign resulted in a 20% increase in online orders and a 15% rise in average transaction value.

When you're a student or recent graduate

Especially if you're a student or recent graduate creating a resume with limited professional experience, showcasing academic projects in a resume can serve as valuable evidence of your skills, knowledge, and initiative—positioning you as a qualified and capable candidate.

For instance, if you've recently graduated college with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, a resume project could look like this:  

Senior CS-450 Software Development Project

• Developed a comprehensive task management application utilizing Java and JavaScript, allowing users to create, assign, and track tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with team members seamlessly.
• Received an outstanding grade of 99% for the project—showcasing excellence in software design, implementation, and functionality.
• Received positive feedback from both professors and classmates on the application's intuitive user interface, robust functionality, and efficient task management capabilities.

When you're changing careers 

Transferable skills are the bread and butter of any career changer's resume. They highlight valuable abilities, demonstrate soft skills, and convey knowledge you've acquired that applies to other careers, industries, or professional spaces.

As a career changer, key projects demonstrate transferable skills and showcase your passion and knowledge for the target industry or field you are transitioning into.

Let's say you're shifting from financial services to sales. In that case, showcasing a leadership project, like spearheading a cross-functional team to implement a CRM system that resulted in improved sales processes, streamlined communication, and increased client retention rates, would be applicable. This is because the leadership skills, communication, and problem-solving skills demonstrated in this project are highly transferable to sales. 

So how could that look as a project in a resume? 

CRM Implementation for Enhanced Sales Processes and Client Retention

• Led a team of 10 in successfully implementing a CRM system within the financial services department.
• Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between sales, marketing, and IT teams, ensuring smooth adoption and integration within seven business days.
• CRM implementation resulted in a 25% improvement in efficiency, reduced manual effort, and enabled teams to focus on client interactions, leading to a 15% increase in client retention rates within six months.

When you don’t have much relevant work experience

If you're trying to create a resume with no work experience or have minimal relevant experience, personal projects can help demonstrate ability, initiative, and dedication. 

Imagine you've been out of the workforce for some time. What personal projects might be relevant if you're applying for a job role in software marketing? Volunteering for a school PTO, organizing a fundraising campaign, maintaining a personal blog or website, or creating social media campaigns for various causes are all valuable and relevant in marketing.

 So how can you add one of those examples as a project description in a resume?

Culinary Lifestyle Blog: Gourmet Delights

• Successfully maintained and curated a culinary lifestyle blog, "Gourmet Delights," for four years, focusing on exploring unique flavors, recipes, and culinary experiences.
• Increased website traffic year over year, achieving a remarkable 200x growth in monthly page views and engagement YoY through effective content creation and promotion strategies.
• Recognized for consistent updating and high-quality content, leading to partnerships with renowned brands and selection for paid advertisements, establishing the blog as a trusted resource within the culinary community.

When you’re applying for project-based roles

If you're applying for a project-based role such as project manager, coordinator, or administrator, showcasing the skills you've developed by completing various projects demonstrates competence and experience. 

As a resume project, this could look something like the following: 

Software Implementation - StreamlineX

• Led the successful implementation of the StreamlineX software solution, overseeing a team of 10 developers, coordinating activities, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Met all project deadlines with 100% on-time delivery, effectively managing project milestones and dependencies.
• Completed the project within the allocated budget, achieving a cost savings of 15% by optimizing resources and streamlining processes.
• Improved overall efficiency by 20%, as measured by reduced processing time and increased productivity, resulting in a 30% decrease in customer support inquiries

Strategies for listing projects on your resume

Listing projects throughout different sections of your resume can be done strategically in a way that highlights your accomplishments and demonstrates relevant skills in an easily digestible format. 

Showcasing projects in a dedicated “Project” section

If your relevant experience is the sum of multiple projects, it might be worth adding a separate "Projects" section to your resume. 

Formatted the same way you would a comprehensive "Work Experience" section, a "Projects" section would include:

• Name of the project 
• The organization you were with while completing that project
• Dates started and completed
• The scope (for example, the size of the team, project duration, or budget)
• Any feedback received 
• Measurable results 

Including projects in your "Work Experience" section

When including projects that were part of your work experience, provide clear details of the project's scope, your role, and the outcomes achieved. Think of them as one part of your resume job description .

Be sure to use bullet points to showcase your contributions, skills utilized, and quantifiable achievements. 

As work experience, a project would look something like this:

Incorporating projects in your “Education” section

Incorporating academic projects within your "Education" section is valuable if you're a student or recent grad with limited work experience. As a bonus, leveraging this approach can be particularly beneficial when the school projects align closely with the skills and qualifications a prospective employer is looking for.

Highlighting projects in your professional summary

Your professional summary or the "About Me" section on a resume offers a high-level overview of your most impressive achievements.

If you have a standout project that showcases your technical skills, expertise, and accomplishments, including it in this section as an attention grabber can significantly enhance your resume's impact and pique the interest of hiring managers.

How to Use the Teal Resume Builder to showcase projects on your resume

Using the free Teal AI Resume Builder , you can quickly and easily incorporate past projects anywhere in your “Professional Summary,” “Work Experience,” or "Education" section.

Teal is more effective than trying to manipulate resume templates or create a resume from scratch because all the tools you need to put your resume together cohesively and professionally are in one place.

Note: Start with steps one and two, then follow the instructions for the specific section you want to add projects on your resume to. Be sure to click "Save" after Step 4.

Step 1: If you haven't yet, sign up for Teal . Or simply log in to your account. 

Step 2: Navigate to the Resume Builder icon in the left panel. Then, select the resume you want to add projects to or click the "New Resume" button at the top right. 

Listing Projects in Teal's "Project" section

Step 3: To list projects in Teal's "Project" section, scroll to "Projects."

Step 4: From here, click "Add Project" to include the project name, organization, start and end date, and any important details.

Incorporating a project in your professional summary

Step 3: To highlight a project as part of your professional summary, scroll to the "Professional Summaries" section. 

Step 4: From here, you can click "Add Professional Summary" to create one from scratch. Or, click the "Edit Professional Summary" pencil icon to incorporate a project into an existing summary.

Adding a project as work experience

Step 3: To highlight a project as part of your work experience, scroll to the "Work Experience" section. 

Step 4: From here, click "Add Work Experience" and complete the details followed by "Add an achievement." Or just click "Add an Achievement" to incorporate a project into existing work experience. You can also use Teal's generative AI to create an achievement with the click of a button. Then incorporate a specific project metric you want to highlight, and you're set!

Including a project in education

Step 3: To add a project or group of academic projects to your "Education" section, scroll to "Education."

Step 4: Then click "Add Education." Under the details, scroll to "Additional Information." Add your projects here.

Dos and don'ts for including projects on your resume

Now that you know how to add projects to your resume, let's talk about some best practices for incorporating them in an effective, compelling, and impactful way. 

Resume project dos

1. Choose relevant projects:  Recruiters and hiring managers seek specific skills that align with the role they want to fill. List projects relevant to the role you're applying for can help you stand out as a qualified candidate whose experience aligns with the job requirements.

2. Showcase your role in the project:  Were you collaborating with a large group? Leading a team? Exclusively responsible for the project's outcome? Clearly defining your role can offer prospective employers an idea of your abilities, responsibilities, and team interaction skills.

3. Include quantifiable achievements:  Showcasing numbers, metrics, and data whenever possible provides a tangible understanding of the impact of your work. 

4. Use action verbs:  Action verbs and keywords from the job description draw attention to your skills and experiences by conveying a powerful sense of movement.

5. Tailor the project descriptions for each job application:  Using keywords and language from the job description not only shows that your qualifications align with a specific role but also conveys your understanding of the role's requirements.

Pro Tip:  The Teal Job Application Tracker pulls keywords and other important language from the job description to help you tailor your resume for every role. 

Resume project don'ts

1. Don't overload your resume with projects:  Listing projects on a resume can be exciting! After all, you're proud of all you've accomplished. But unless you have limited or no work experience, don't include too many projects. It's best to include only those most relevant projects or impressive projects in addition to other achievements and impact.

2. Don't be vague:  Using specific details about your role, the project's objective, and the outcome can give recruiters or hiring managers a clear understanding of your key skills and abilities.

3. Don't forget to mention the team size:  If the project was a team effort, include the team size to offer insight into the work environment you're accustomed to. 

4. Don't neglect the job-specific skills used or gained:  Skills are often part of the keywords from a job description, and incorporating them into your projects helps showcase your alignment with the role.

5. Don't skip proofreading:  Show your attention to detail by proofreading your projects (and entire resume!) for spelling and grammar mistakes. 

Inspiring examples of projects listed on resumes

Highlighting impactful projects on your resume can show employers your capabilities, creativity, and motivation. Check out some inspiring examples below.

Academic projects for fresh graduates and entry-level applicants

Example 1: Computer Science capstone project: "Intelligent Chatbot for Customer Support" 

• Developed an intelligent chatbot using natural language processing algorithms to assist customers with common inquiries, resulting in a 30% reduction in customer support ticket volume.
• Received an A grade for the project, showcasing strong problem-solving skills, proficiency in Python programming, and effective communication with team members and stakeholders.

Example 2: Marketing course campaign project: "Brand Revive: Reimagining the Consumer Experience"

• Designed and implemented a comprehensive marketing campaign targeting Gen Z consumers, resulting in a 20% increase in brand engagement on social media platforms and a 15% boost in website traffic.
• Demonstrated exceptional creativity and strategic thinking, effectively utilizing digital marketing tools such as social media management, content creation, and data analytics.
• Received positive feedback from professor, who commended my ability to integrate consumer insights into the campaign and generate measurable results through a well-executed teamwork approach.

Work projects as achievements for professionals in project-rich industries

Example 3: Software development project achievement

• Led a team of 12 developers in successfully creating and implementing an automated inventory management system, resulting in a 40% reduction in stock discrepancies and a 30% increase in overall operational efficiency. Using project management expertise, implemented Agile methodologies, coordinated project timelines, and ensured seamless collaboration among team members to deliver implementation on time and within budget.

Example 4: Social media campaign project achievement

• Using data analysis, identified audience preferences, and optimized content strategy, designed and executed a social media campaign targeting millennial consumers, resulting in a 50% increase in brand followers across various platforms, a 25% boost in organic reach, and a 10% rise in conversion rates.

Work experience resume projects for freelancers or contract workers

Example 5: Brand redesign project - freelance graphic designer

• Client: Confidential, January 2022 - March 2022
• Successfully completed brand redesign project for client—a leading global company in the manufacturing industry—to enhance their visual identity and market positioning.
• Developed a comprehensive brand strategy, including logo redesign, color palette selection, and brand guidelines, resulting in a 20% increase in brand recognition and a 15% growth in customer engagement.
• Respected all non-disclosure agreements and maintained strict client confidentiality.

Example 6: New product launch - contract-based project manager

• Client: CuttingEdge Video, Project Duration: May 2021 - December 2021
• Title: Launch Operations Lead 
• Led a cross-functional team of 20 members to successfully launch CuttingEdge's new video automation product, exceeding revenue targets by 25% and achieving a 90% customer satisfaction rating.
• Oversaw project planning, resource allocation, and risk management, ensuring seamless execution and adherence to timelines.
• Received commendation from CEO, COO, and VP for effective stakeholder management, problem-solving skills, and the ability to deliver high-quality results within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Professional summary projects for career changers

Example 7: Former teacher transitioning to corporate training 

Formerly a dedicated teacher with 15+ years of experience, I'm transitioning into a corporate training role, leveraging my expertise in curriculum development. I've successfully designed and implemented an innovative training program, significantly improving employee performance and knowledge retention by 20%. My proficiency in instructional design, needs assessment, and adult learning principles allows me to deliver engaging and impactful training sessions.

Example 8: Former salesperson transitioning to project management 

With 9 years in SaaS sales, I'm now transitioning into a project management role, showcasing my ability to drive successful product launches. I've led cross-functional teams in executing a highly successful Stock Forecasting product launch, resulting in a remarkable 30% increase in sales revenue within the first quarter. My strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in developing effective marketing strategies contribute to the seamless execution of projects and achieving exceptional market penetration.

"Project" section examples for professionals returning to work

Example 9: Volunteer project for a professional returning to work after a sabbatical

• Project Title: Fundraising Campaign for Local Non-Profit Organization
• During my career sabbatical, I dedicated my time and skills to spearheading a successful fundraising campaign for a local non-profit organization focused on children's education.
• Utilized my expertise in marketing and event management to develop and execute a comprehensive campaign strategy, resulting in a 50% increase in funds raised compared to the previous year.
• Demonstrated strong leadership and project management skills by coordinating a team of volunteers, fostering community partnerships, and effectively leveraging digital platforms for campaign promotion.

Example 10: Personal Project for a professional returning to work after COVID-19 layoffs

• Project Title: Website Development for Freelance Portfolio
• During my unemployment period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I undertook a personal project to develop a professional website showcasing my skills and portfolio as a graphic designer.
• Designed and implemented a visually appealing and user-friendly website, highlighting my expertise in web design, branding, and digital marketing.
• Demonstrated adaptability and self-motivation by continuously updating and expanding the website to reflect new projects and industry trends, ensuring relevance and showcasing my commitment to staying current in the field.

Add projects to your resume today

Including projects on your resume highlights your skills and accomplishments in a way that impresses a recruiter or hiring manager and differentiates you from the competition in today's market.

With Teal's suite of tools, you can incorporate projects into your professional summary, work experience, or education quickly and easily.

Want to see just how easy it is to showcase your unique experiences in a professional, clear, and polished way?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are project examples for a resume.

Examples for a resume could include software development projects, marketing campaigns, engineering designs, research papers, community service initiatives, or event planning experiences.

How many projects should I list on my resume?

What's more important that a specific number is that the projects you list on your resume are 100% relevant to the position you're applying for, ensuring your resume remains concise and tailored to showcase your most applicable skills and experiences.

Should I include personal projects on my resume?

Yes, if they're relevant! Personal projects can be a great way to demonstrate passion, initiative, and relevant skills, especially for early-career professionals, career changers, or those re-entering the workforce.

Kayte Grady

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How to List Projects on a Resume (with Examples)

When it comes to applying for a new job, it might be helpful to think of the process as similar to applying to college. Competitive students have a high school diploma (experience), good grades (technical/soft skills), decent test scores (professional recommendations), and finally, extracurricular activities (projects).

Like extracurriculars, external projects can include anything you’ve done that’s outside of your regular working tasks, and don’t necessarily have to be professional. If you think your academic work, charity efforts, or even personal/artistic endeavors might help demonstrate your abilities to future employers, then include them. Not only will it help you show off different skills, it could also help you stand out. Some research shows that at least 82% of job seekers don’t list any projects on their resume.

So, being part of the 18% who does, is just another way you can get noticed amongst hundreds of other applicants.

Types of Projects and How to List Them

It’s very important to tailor your resume to each and every job you apply to, and picking and choosing which external projects to include is one great way to do that.

The most common types of projects one might include on a resume are as follows:

Work Related Projects

These are projects that you completed at your place of work, but which you feel deserve special attention on your resume. For instance, if you work in a lab and have only highlighted your day-to-day tasks, you might want to consider creating a subheader in order to list any specific research projects you helped with. It would look something like this:

CraniumLabs, Juno, AK — May 2019 to January 2022

Lab Technician

Impressive Achievements

Special Responsibilities

Notable Projects:

I was the only technician of my level asked to perform duties for the genome sequencing project taking place in the lab. I was required to handle very fragile materials and work long hours. My efforts were recognized with an authorship credit on a professional paper — a copy of which can be provided upon request.

Academic Projects

You may no longer be in school, but all the time and effort you put into receiving your degree(s) shouldn’t be boiled down to just a single line on your resume. If you worked on something you’re particularly proud of or which you think will impress future employers while a student, be sure to list it.

If these are the only external projects you are highlighting, and therefore you won’t have a separate ‘Projects’ section on your resume, we suggest you list academic projects directly underneath the name of the institution where you completed said projects. For example:

Masters in Fine Arts, YALE UNIVERSITY — New Haven, CT (Graduated 2020)

Relevant Coursework: List of Relevant Classes/Coursework/Literature

Academic Projects:

I was commissioned to take the portrait photograph for the incoming Dean of Students, a very high honor considering no student had ever been asked to do so before.

My thesis focused on capturing the beauty of the concrete jungle and was featured in the New Haven Museum of Contemporary Art for their Summer Showcase of 2020.

Freelance Projects

It’s estimated that 43% of full-time workers also have a side hustle, which means almost half of the American working population is taking on paid freelance projects outside of their regular 9-5 job. If you’re among them, you should absolutely find a way to include these projects in your resume. Even if you don’t think they are directly relevant, it will show that you have a good work ethic and are able to multitask.

Note: Both freelance projects and personal projects should be listed underneath their own subheading at the bottom of your resume.

Personal/Charitable

Did you know that 80% of parents who took time off to stay home with their kids reported being somewhat or very concerned about returning to the workforce? It’s likely some of that fear results from having a gap in their resume, but including personal or charitable projects is a really good opportunity to fill that gap. Maybe you volunteer at your children’s school? Coach any sports teams? Get creative and don’t sell yourself short! The skills you pick up in your personal life can be just as valuable as the ones you hone in the workplace.

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23 Project Manager Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Your resume can make or break your search for a project manager position. we’ve got five resume templates here with the key qualities that project manager recruiters are looking for in 2023 (google docs and pdfs attached)..

Project managers are versatile, multi-talented professionals who play an essential role in the success of a business. Among other things, project managers oversee projects from start to finish, ensuring that the entire process runs smoothly while working closely with their team, communicating with clients, resolving conflicts, and staying within set budgets. Career prospects for project managers are expanding exponentially -- according to some estimates, by 2027, around 87.7 million workers will be employed in project management-related jobs. In some respects, there’s never been a better time to become a project manager. However, like many other fields, project management is quite competitive, and if you want to land a position as a project manager, you’ll need a strong resume and a diverse skill set to show potential employers that you’re the right fit for the job. So, what should a project manager resume look like in 2023? First, let’s take a look at some templates of successful resumes. Next, we’ll discuss some of the essential skills for project managers as well as tips for creating a knockout resume. Finally, we’ll cover some of the best action verbs to use in your resume bullet points.

Project Manager Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Project Manager
• Entry Level Project Manager
• Senior Project Manager
• Technical Project Manager
• Marketing Project Manager
• Construction Project Manager
• Agile Project Manager
• Engineering Project Manager
• Assistant Project Manager
• Healthcare Project Manager
• Junior Project Manager
• IT Project Manager
• Project Management Office (PMO) Director
• Process Manager
• Process Operator
• Software Project Manager

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Project Manager Resumes

Project Manager Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Bullet Points on Project Manager Resumes
• Related Manager Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 23: Project Manager Resume Example

Project managers oversee the planning, executing, and monitoring of an organization’s projects and initiatives. Project managers can work in many different industries, and the job responsibilities may vary based on the industry. In any case, the project manager is responsible for overseeing each step of a project, ensuring timelines are being met, ensuring the project is staying within budget and collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure all expectations are met. To become a project manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business intelligence, applied statistics, or business management. Hiring managers may look for candidates with additional project management certifications. In addition, hiring managers will be looking for someone with several years of experience in relevant roles, such as prior experience as a business analyst, operations associate, or project estimator. Ideal candidates for this role will have superb organizational skills and an understanding of budgets and business operations.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your Project Manager resume in 2024

   obtain project management certifications.

Since no specific degree is required for a project management role, gaining project manager certifications can help you specialize your knowledge and stand out when applying for these roles. There are several certifications you can obtain, such as the PMP (project management professional) or CSM (certified scrum master) credentials.

   Apply to roles in industries you have experience in

Project managers are needed in a variety of industries, including education, construction, IT, healthcare, technology, and many more. Having experience in the industry you want to be a project manager for will help strengthen your resume. For example, if you have experience working in IT, applying for a project manager role at an IT company is wise.

Skills you can include on your Project Manager resume

Template 2 of 23: project manager resume example.

When applying for a project manager role, you need to demonstrate that you have the right skills for the job. Your work history and skills section should show evidence of your abilities in areas such as time management, planning, and communication. If you have experience with specific project management software or methodologies, make sure to mention those in your resume as well.

   Skills section and bullet points

Skills sections in resumes are most effective when they succinctly list the relevant skills for the job you’re applying for. This template shows only specific project management-related skills, and there are bullet points under the work experiences that exemplify some of the more abstract skills (e.g. strategic planning).

   Strong action verbs

The bullet points in this template begin with strong action verbs such as “developed”, “spearheaded”, and “managed”. We always suggest framing your past successes with verbs like these to emphasize the role you played in your accomplishments.

Template 3 of 23: Entry Level Project Manager Resume Example

As an entry level project manager, you're just beginning your journey in overseeing projects from start to finish. One of the key aspects of this role is understanding and adapting to the ever-evolving industry trends and company expectations. When crafting your resume, emphasize your project management skills in areas like planning, execution, and risk management. Also, stay updated with industry-specific certifications and showcase your ability to learn and grow in the role. Companies hiring entry-level project managers often look for those who can adapt quickly and bring fresh perspectives to the table. Therefore, it's crucial to highlight your innovative thinking, problem-solving skills, and willingness to collaborate with diverse project teams. Demonstrating these qualities on your resume will help you stand out as a potential candidate.

Tips to help you write your Entry Level Project Manager resume in 2024

   focus on relevant coursework and certifications.

As an entry-level applicant, you may have limited work experience. Make sure to highlight relevant coursework and certifications such as PMP, CAPM, or Agile methodologies that showcase your knowledge in project management principles and practices.

   Emphasize your team collaboration experience

Employers value candidates who can work effectively with others. Use your resume to showcase experiences where you successfully collaborated on class projects, internships, or volunteer work, highlighting your ability to communicate and contribute in a team setting.

Skills you can include on your Entry Level Project Manager resume

Template 4 of 23: entry level project manager resume example.

At first, it might seem intimidating to apply for project manager jobs with little to no prior experience in this line of work. But if you have a strong academic history and the skills to succeed as a project manager, you can break into this field. Use your resume to highlight projects you worked on in school, extracurricular activities, and any other experiences where you had to use skills such as problem solving and organization.

   Education and academic background

On an entry-level resume, leading with your educational history can put your strengths in the forefront - especially if you excelled in school. If you had a high GPA or academic honors, it’s great to mention those here, as well as any coursework or projects you did that could be relevant for project management.

   Volunteering and internships

Even if you don’t have an extensive work history, you’ve likely done internships, community service, and other projects that show who you are and where your strengths lie. Extracurricular activities can also tell recruiters that you’re driven, ambitious, and actively involved in your community.

Template 5 of 23: Senior Project Manager Resume Example

As a Senior Project Manager, you're the orchestra conductor of your organization. You're the bridge between various teams, clients, stakeholders, and upper management, making sure everything and everyone moves in harmony. You're the one who pulls together all the disparate threads into a cohesive, successful project. Because of the central role you hold, you should focus on showcasing multidimensional skills on your resume, from technical knowledge to team leadership. Moreover, due to the recent remote work trend, companies are seeking project managers who can effectively spearhead virtual teams. So, an understanding of online collaboration tools and strategies is now crucial.

Tips to help you write your Senior Project Manager resume in 2024

   highlight leadership skills.

In your resume, emphasize your ability in leading teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration. These are indicators of a strong Senior Project Manager who can keep everyone aligned with the project goals. Also, provide examples of your leadership skills in action, especially in highly complex projects.

   Showcase Technical and Industry Knowledge

As a Senior Project Manager, you should demonstrate deep knowledge of project management methodologies and tools. Illustrate your expertise in industry-related software and highlight any project management certifications you hold. Also, relate your knowledge of the industry, trends, and regulations, which shows that you understand the business context of projects.

Skills you can include on your Senior Project Manager resume

Template 6 of 23: senior project manager resume example.

As a senior project manager, you won’t only be managing projects; you’ll likely also be managing other members of your team. To get this kind of job, you’ll need to show that you have leadership capabilities along with the experience and expertise of a senior-level professional. Your work history should highlight any management or leadership roles you’ve held in the past, in addition to any previous achievements managing projects.

   Emphasis on work experience

If you’ve been working in project management for many years, you’ll have a lot of work history to show for it. Leading with this section places the emphasis on your experience and all that you’ve learned from it.

   Promotions at previous jobs

Being promoted shows that you achieved a high level of excellence and that you’ve been regarded as a top performer with past employers. This resume includes an example of a promotion, which demonstrates leadership and professional growth.

Template 7 of 23: Technical Project Manager Resume Example

As a Technical Project Manager, you're the key person responsible for bridging the gap between technical teams and stakeholders, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and on time. The tech industry is always evolving, so staying up-to-date with the latest trends and methodologies is crucial. When writing your resume, make sure to emphasize your technical expertise and proven experience in managing complex projects. Additionally, showcase your ability to adapt and learn fast, as this is highly regarded in this role. In recent years, there's been a shift towards agile project management methodologies, which require Technical Project Managers to be more flexible and responsive. This means that when crafting your resume, it's essential to highlight any agile or Scrum experience you have, as well as your capability to work within a fast-paced environment.

Tips to help you write your Technical Project Manager resume in 2024

   emphasize technical skills and certifications.

As a Technical Project Manager, your technical skills and certifications are a huge selling point. Make sure to list all relevant skills, as well as any formal training or certifications you hold, such as PMP, Agile, or Scrum Master, to demonstrate your expertise in the field.

   Highlight successful project outcomes

Technical Project Managers are responsible for delivering projects on time and within budget. Make sure to include specific examples of your past project success, including quantifiable outcomes like time, budget, and scope management. This will show prospective employers your ability to drive results.

Skills you can include on your Technical Project Manager resume

Template 8 of 23: technical project manager resume example.

Technical project management jobs often require you to have a background in IT, engineering, or another tech-related field. If you’re pursuing one of these positions, you’ll want to use your resume to highlight your technical expertise as well as your project management experience. This resume template will show you how to do just that.

   Tailored to the specific position

This resume effectively showcases prior work history with examples of both project management and technical experience. A work history like this one clearly demonstrates that you have the right blend of skills to succeed in a technical project manager role.

   Detailed bullet points with measurable results

As much as possible, when talking about your accomplishments, you should mention the specific results that you achieved through your actions. This resume template is filled with quantifiable results (e.g. increased ROI and reduced onboarding time for new hires) that show the impact you had at your previous workplace.

Template 9 of 23: Marketing Project Manager Resume Example

A marketing project manager is someone who oversees a company’s marketing campaigns and initiatives. Marketing project managers are typically responsible for overseeing high-priority projects from start to end, such as the execution of a commercial. The marketing project manager is responsible for working with other senior-level marketing professionals to establish the vision for the marketing strategy. Then, they must execute this vision from beginning to end. To become a marketing project manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in marketing or business administration. Hiring managers will be looking for someone with several years of experience in marketing, sales, management, and/or public relations. It’s important that candidates for this role have experience executing large scale projects. Marketing project managers must have excellent organizational skills, great leadership abilities, and critical thinking skills.

Tips to help you write your Marketing Project Manager resume in 2024

   show your previous experience planning and executing projects.

Even if you don’t have project management specific experience, you probably have experiences that relate to the key responsibilities of being a project manager. If you have any experience planning events, coordinating or leading staff, or launching new products, you should note this on your resume.

   Demonstrate your experience developing marketing campaigns

The marketing project manager does not just oversee the granular aspects of a project, they also help develop the marketing campaigns themselves. So, it’s important to note your professional marketing experience, including any marketing campaigns you have successfully developed.

Skills you can include on your Marketing Project Manager resume

Template 10 of 23: marketing project manager resume example.

Marketing project managers collaborate closely with the marketing department of a business. If you’re seeking a job as a marketing project manager, use a resume similar to this template to highlight your skills and experience in fields such as marketing, journalism, or communication.

   Great action verbs in bullet points

Describing your accomplishments with strong verbs like “led”, “coached” and “designed” shows that you have taken an active role in your success - something any potential employer will be glad to see.

   Use of skills, education, and projects sections

In this resume template, the skills and education sections complement the work experience. Mentioning personal projects and achievements outside of work can also help you come across as a well-rounded individual.

Template 11 of 23: Construction Project Manager Resume Example

A construction project manager does more or less similar work as a construction manager. This professional ensures all the processes in a construction project run according to the project schedule. These include planning, implementation, controlling, monitoring, and closure. Think of a construction project manager as the overall head of a project. As a project's overall head, a construction project manager has a wide range of skills and knowledge. So, their resumes primarily focus on showing their in-depth understanding of the industry. It also highlights their top talents and the certifications they have received in their career.

Tips to help you write your Construction Project Manager resume in 2024

   highlight the recognitions you've received as a construction project manager.

There is no better way to tell the recruiter that you're a top professional in construction project management than listing the awards you've won in your career. If you've been a construction project manager for a long time, including any recognition you may have received will elevate your profile.

   Focus on your ability to manage construction projects remotely

Thanks to the recent COVID-19 incident, recruiters are on the lookout for construction project managers who have demonstrable ability to work and manage teams remotely. Show that you are conversant with video-conferencing platforms and other tools that support virtual communication.

Skills you can include on your Construction Project Manager resume

Template 12 of 23: construction project manager resume example.

Construction project managers are project managers that are specifically focused on the construction projects. This includes consulting with architects, managing stakeholders and deadlines, and overseeing day-to-day work at sites. Remember to focus on your construction or real estate experience when applying for construction project management jobs.

   Emphasize transferrable project management skills like leadership

Core project management soft skills include leadership, communication and teamwork. Recruiters want to see evidence of these skills on your resume, so highlight them in your bullet points.

   Strong action verbs highlight experiences

Use action verbs like "Supervised" and "Coordinated" to show your leadership and teamwork experiences. Every bullet point on your resume needs to start with an action verb to show recruiters your role in each accomplishment.

Template 13 of 23: Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Template 14 of 23: Agile Project Manager Resume Example

An Agile project manager leads differently. APMs use the Agile framework, created in the 90s, to create and manage teams. As an APM you will be less concerned with hierarchy and top-down leadership. Your leadership will be based on 4 main values; being team-focused over tools-focused, using working software over extensive documentation, collaborating with customers over impersonal contract negotiations, and being agile and flexible in the face of change. Outside of certification as a project manager, a recruiter will need to see Agile certification. So ensure all your Agile qualifications are clearly listed.

Tips to help you write your Agile Project Manager resume in 2024

   use people/team-centered language..

The Agile philosophy is deeply rooted in concentrating on the team and personalizing their experience to ensure success. So you will want your resume’s language to reflect Agile’s philosophy. So keep your experience focused on what the team has accomplished and how your work as a project manager has improved the way your team works.

   Use Agile keywords.

To help you get through recruiters’ ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters, ensure your resume is filled with Agile keywords and language. This applicant uses Agile language including ‘Agile Scrum’, ‘Kanban principles’, ‘scrum master’, etc.

Skills you can include on your Agile Project Manager resume

Template 15 of 23: engineering project manager resume example.

An engineering project manager focuses on engineering projects. They ensure these projects are created and completed within budget, on time, and to a high standard. Your everyday tasks will include the management of schedules, material sourcing, cost management, and procurement of all necessary permits and documentation. While it is not absolutely necessary for you to have an educational history in engineering, it is generally expected that you will have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering; especially the type of engineering you will be interacting with as a project manager. Take a look at this successful engineering project manager resume.


Tips to help you write your Engineering Project Manager resume in 2024

   have a balanced engineering and management skill set..

An engineering project manager needs to be knowledgeable about engineering as well as project management. Make sure your skill set reflects these two areas. So list both engineering and project management tools like this applicant has done.

   Use engineering language.

You want recruiters to feel confident that not only are you a good project manager but that you are a good engineering project manager. So include engineering language and terms to show recruiters that you are knowledgeable in the field.

Skills you can include on your Engineering Project Manager resume

Template 16 of 23: assistant project manager resume example.

As the name suggests, an assistant project manager is there to support a project manager in whatever way they can. You will not be the decision maker but you may be delegated tasks to manage. You will also most likely do a lot of the administrative and coordination tasks. In essence, you will do the project managers ‘grunt work’. To succeed in this role you must have very strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills. The ability to multitask will also be important for your success. Educationally, any degree or certification in project management would be highly beneficial. This applicant has three listed project management certifications.

Tips to help you write your Assistant Project Manager resume in 2024

   show off your experience with tools useful for project management..

Prove to project managers that you will be able to adequately support them by listing the tools you are experienced with that would make their lives and work easier. This applicant includes tools like Trello and Microsoft Project which are both great for making project management organized.

   Demonstrate your organizational skills and success.

An easy way to convince a project manager that you would be an asset as their assistant is to list the successes you have had organizing projects. E.g. this applicant mentioned that they ‘supported in developing a project schedule for 15 projects’. This shows employers your capacity and capability to handle projects and delegated tasks.

Skills you can include on your Assistant Project Manager resume

Template 17 of 23: healthcare project manager resume example.

A healthcare project manager will manage a variety of projects in the field. These projects could range from building and opening a new wing at a hospital, to hiring new nurses, to reducing patient waiting times by a certain percentage. Because of the variety of tasks, you need to be well versed in the healthcare industry and have a clear idea of the needs of both the healthcare providers and also the patients. While a degree in healthcare is not absolutely necessary, having certification in healthcare would be a huge plus for recruiters. This applicant has 2 healthcare-related certifications.

Tips to help you write your Healthcare Project Manager resume in 2024

   show growth in your healthcare project management promotions..

Show recruiters your dedication to the healthcare field by showing consistent growth and promotion in the field. Apart from dedication, it will also indicate to recruiters that you excel in every position you are put in and that you are an exemplary employee who employers wanted to reward with promotions.

   Ensure your skills section includes healthcare industry-standard skills.

There are certain systems and skills that are commonplace in healthcare. E.g. You need to know regulations on patient safety and also know how to handle medical records. The healthcare industry has a ton of regulations so an industry-specific skills list will help recruiters feel confident that you are knowledgeable on how one needs to operate in the industry.

Skills you can include on your Healthcare Project Manager resume

Template 18 of 23: junior project manager resume example.

Junior project managers are much like assistants and will assist project managers with their more mundane tasks or with whatever tasks they get assigned. They will generally focus on administrative, oversight, and management tasks. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a similar field, would be highly beneficial. If you have any certification in project management be sure to highlight that as well.

Tips to help you write your Junior Project Manager resume in 2024

   include previous administration experience..

Because this is an entry-level position, you may not have a ton of project-management-specific experience. If however, you have administrative experience, be sure to include that in your resume. Junior project managers will help with a lot of administrative tasks, so any administrative experience will be relevant to this position.

   Use manager and leader keywords.

You will want to show project managers that they can delegate tasks to you that you will manage as effectively as they would. To do this, use leadership and managerial keywords to show them that you too possess those traits and that you can handle significant projects and tasks without much oversight.

Skills you can include on your Junior Project Manager resume

Template 19 of 23: it project manager resume example.

As the name dictates, an IT project manager must be experienced and qualified in IT. Recruiters will therefore be looking for an educational background in IT, IT-related certification, and IT-related previous experience. As a project manager, you will also need your resume to highlight your management and coordination skills. This applicant has the necessary educational background and a strong extensive IT-related experience history.

Tips to help you write your IT Project Manager resume in 2024

   use it-related keywords..

Show recruiters that you are well versed in the IT sector by using IT keywords. This applicant uses words like ‘Software Development Lifecycle’ and ‘virtualization’ to prove their competence as an IT project manager.

   Use metrics to impress.

Make your resume easier to digest by using metrics to show recruiters your workload capacity, the size of the teams you have managed, and the measurable success of your efforts.

Skills you can include on your IT Project Manager resume

Template 20 of 23: project management office (pmo) director resume example.

This is a high executive-level position. In this position, you may be leading the entire project management department or a whole project-based company. As an executive your responsibilities are broad and the people under you are many. You may find yourself developing strategy and planning projects, overseeing the execution of projects, speaking to clients or other stakeholders, etc. Recruiters will almost always expect at least a bachelor’s degree in project management or a related field, and at least 5 years of experience as a project manager. Take a look at this strong PMO director's resume.

Tips to help you write your Project Management Office (PMO) Director resume in 2024

   get certification to increase your credibility..

Stand out from the crowd by gaining one of the many project management certifications you can get. It shows dedication to the profession and also improves your credibility.

   Show your impact on the bottom line.

Show recruiters that you can efficiently lead the execution of successful projects by including metrics of success in your resume. Include figures that reflect how much money you saved clients or how much money you made for clients.

Skills you can include on your Project Management Office (PMO) Director resume

Template 21 of 23: process manager resume example.

As a Process Manager, your resume has to showcase your ability to optimize business operations. This role requires a mix of technical and management skills, and your resume should reflect your proficiency in these areas. You need to be aware of the current emphasis on digital transformation in businesses, as the drive towards efficiency and accuracy is pushing companies to automate processes. Hence, your familiarity with these technologies is a critical asset. As you draft your resume, remember that hiring managers want to understand your achievements. They're looking for specific examples of how you've improved processes and delivered measurable benefits. So, don’t shy away from including concrete figures and results in your achievements.

Tips to help you write your Process Manager resume in 2024

   demonstrate knowledge of process improvement methodologies.

When writing about your previous experience, you should detail your knowledge of methodologies like Six Sigma or Lean, as these are often used in process management. Show the impact you made using these methods with quantifiable results.

   Show expertise in relevant technologies

Since the role of a Process Manager now often involves digital transformation, it's essential to detail your proficiency in technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) or AI-based systems on your resume. This could be in the form of the specific projects you’ve led or certifications you've earned.

Skills you can include on your Process Manager resume

Template 22 of 23: process operator resume example.

The role of a Process Operator often involves managing and maintaining the equipment that produces products in various industries. It's a job that requires both technical knowledge and operational efficiency. With the recent shift towards automation and remote work, many operators now need to be comfortable using and troubleshooting digital interfaces. Furthermore, the ability to adapt rapidly to new processes or technologies is becoming progressively valued. When creating your resume, it's important to go beyond simply listing past job duties. Instead, provide clear examples of how you've used your skills to increase efficiency, maintain safety protocols, or enhance product quality.

Tips to help you write your Process Operator resume in 2024

   showcasing technical skills.

As a Process Operator, you're expected to be well-versed with the equipment and technology used in your industry. It's crucial that your resume reflects your facility with these tools. Mention any specific machinery or software you've worked with, and don't forget to include any certifications or formal training.

   Emphasizing problem-solving abilities

Process Operators often have to troubleshoot on the fly and keep things running smoothly. You should include specific instances where you've used your problem-solving skills to prevent or manage issues, whether they were mechanical failures or process inefficiencies.

Skills you can include on your Process Operator resume

Template 23 of 23: software project manager resume example.

As a Software Project Manager, you're not just a tech enthusiast. You're the thread that holds the chaos in check, driving the rhythm of a shared heartbeat amongst coders, testers, designers, and stakeholders. It's a balancing act between understanding technical specifics and team management. Recent trends show an emphasis on Agile and Scrum methodologies, coupled with a stronger focus on 'ship fast, iterate faster' strategies. In crafting your resume, remember, it's not about being a master of everything, but a maestro in orchestrating the symphony of software creation. In recent years, there's been a surge in remote and distributed teams. Therefore, your resume should reflect not just your ability to manage projects, but also your proficiency in handling teams scattered across different time zones. Demonstrate your ability to handle the unique challenges that come with managing remote teams, and keep an eye out for the latest project management tools and platforms trending in the industry.

Tips to help you write your Software Project Manager resume in 2024

   demonstrate proficiency in project management methodologies.

Agile, Scrum, and Kanban methodologies have become a mainstay in the software development process. In your resume, discuss projects where you've successfully applied these methodologies. You should elucidate how you have adapted and applied them to drive project success.

   Exhibit capabilities in managing distributed teams

Show your potential employers that you can handle the challenges of managing remote teams. Elucidate instances where you've effectively navigated through issues of communication, time-zones and cultural obstacles to achieve project goals.

Skills you can include on your Software Project Manager resume

As a career coach and hiring manager who has worked with top companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, I have seen countless project manager resumes. In this article, I will share insider tips on what makes a project manager resume stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview. These tips are based on real feedback from hiring managers and successful job seekers in the field.

   Highlight your leadership experience

Employers want to see that you have experience leading projects and teams. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, focus on the impact of your leadership:

• Led a team of 12 developers and designers to deliver a $500K project on time and under budget
• Managed stakeholder expectations and communicated project status to executive leadership

Quantify your achievements whenever possible to show the scope and impact of your leadership.

   Showcase your technical skills

While project managers are not expected to be technical experts, it's important to show that you have a solid understanding of the technologies and methodologies used in your projects. Some examples:

• Proficient in Agile methodologies including Scrum and Kanban
• Experience with project management tools such as JIRA, Trello, and Asana
• Familiarity with software development lifecycle and DevOps practices

Avoid simply listing buzzwords or acronyms without context. Instead, explain how you used these skills to deliver successful projects.

   Tailor your resume to the job description

One mistake I often see in project manager resumes is a generic list of skills and experiences that are not relevant to the specific job. Instead, take the time to customize your resume for each application. Here's an example of what not to do:

• Experienced project manager with 5+ years of experience
• Strong communication and leadership skills

Instead, focus on the specific requirements and priorities mentioned in the job description:

• 5+ years of experience managing software development projects in an Agile environment
• Proven track record of communicating with technical and non-technical stakeholders

   Highlight your certifications and training

Project management certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to professional development. However, simply listing the acronyms is not enough. Provide context on how you applied the knowledge and skills gained from these certifications in your work:

PMP-certified project manager with experience applying PMBOK best practices to deliver complex IT projects. Completed Scrum Master training and successfully implemented Scrum methodology in Agile development teams.

   Show your ability to manage budgets and resources

Project managers are often responsible for managing budgets, resources, and vendor relationships. Highlight your experience in these areas with specific examples:

• Managed project budgets ranging from $100K to $1M, consistently delivering on time and within budget
• Negotiated contracts with vendors and managed relationships to ensure timely delivery of key project components
• Optimized resource allocation across multiple projects to maximize team productivity and minimize downtime

Use numbers and metrics to quantify your impact whenever possible.

   Emphasize your problem-solving skills

Projects rarely go according to plan, and employers want to see that you have the ability to adapt and solve problems under pressure. Instead of simply saying you have 'strong problem-solving skills', provide concrete examples:

• Identified and mitigated risks early in the project lifecycle, resulting in a 20% reduction in project delays
• Developed contingency plans and worked with the team to quickly resolve issues when faced with unexpected roadblocks

Showcase your ability to think critically, make tough decisions, and lead your team through challenges.

The best project managers have the ability to wear numerous hats. They are usually team players who are exceptionally organized, highly strategic, adaptable, and great at communicating with a variety of people. When you’re applying for a project management role, use your resume to show that you have the right skill set and personality for the job. With that in mind, here are some tips for creating a project manager resume that will help you stand out from the crowd.

   Be specific about your accomplishments.

On any resume, you should specify what you’ve accomplished in your previous work. However, when you’re applying to become a project manager, your accomplishments should include specific projects you’ve worked on at past jobs. While you want to keep your resume fairly succinct, don’t be afraid to go into a bit of detail about what projects you did, what your role was, how you ensured the project’s success, and what the end results were.

   Showcase relevant skills for project management.

If your resume has a skills section, use it to highlight several relevant skills for project management. Even better, for any skills that you list, include bullet points about achievements at your previous jobs where you used those skills. Showing hiring managers evidence of your problem solving abilities is always better than simply saying that you have a “solution mindset”. What skills should you emphasize? Project managers need soft skills like organization, planning, management, and coordination. However, soft skills are only part of the equation; many project managers also need to be versed in workspace tools, platforms, and software. Different companies will use different frameworks, but if you can show that you have experience with using some of these tools, you’ll have a definite leg up on the competition.

   Create an ATS-friendly resume.

Whenever you’re applying for a new job, it’s always good practice to optimize your resume for ATS software. Even if you don’t know for sure that the company filters incoming resumes, you should err on the side of caution and assume that they do. Getting past an automated resume filter may sound daunting at first -- but if you follow a few basic strategies, you can get your resume through ATS and in front of a live (human) recruiter. First, make sure that your document is easily readable and that it’s in a standard format such as Word or Google Docs. Keep your text free of images, diagrams, tables, and unusual fonts. Next, you’ll want to include relevant keywords from the job description, but be careful not to overdo it or make your language sound unnatural -- after all, the goal is to eventually get your resume read by a live person!

   Use strong, measurable achievements.

Our last word of advice is to include strong, measurable achievements in your resume -- talk about what you accomplished, not simply what you were responsible for at your old jobs. And, of course, make sure that your LinkedIn and other social media profiles are up-to-date to leave the best possible impression on the recruiter.

Writing Your Project Manager Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. highlight your project management certification.

If you have a relevant certification like PMP, PRINCE2, or Scrum Master, make sure to include it after your name in your header. This instantly communicates your expertise and commitment to the field.

Here's an example of how to format your name and certification:

• John Smith, PMP
• Sarah Johnson, PRINCE2 Practitioner

Avoid simply listing 'Project Manager' as your title, as it doesn't add much value:

• John Smith, Project Manager
• Sarah Johnson, Project Manager

2. Include your location, phone, and email

Hiring managers want to quickly see if you're a local candidate or if you would need to relocate for the role. Including your city and state is sufficient - no need to list your full address.

You should also include your phone number and a professional email address. Make sure your email handle is straightforward and professional, like [email protected] .

• John Smith, PMP San Francisco, CA | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

Avoid using casual email handles that you created years ago:

3. Add your LinkedIn profile URL

In today's digital age, hiring managers often look up candidates on LinkedIn. Make it easy for them by including your LinkedIn profile URL in your header.

Ideally, your URL should be customized with your name rather than a string of random numbers. Here's how:

• John Smith, PMP San Francisco, CA | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

Avoid using the default LinkedIn URL format:

• John Smith, PMP San Francisco, CA | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] linkedin.com/in/john-smith-37b6a8142

  Summary

A resume summary, also known as a professional summary or career summary, is an optional section that appears at the top of your resume. It provides a brief overview of your professional experience, skills, and achievements that are most relevant to the position you're applying for. While a summary is not required, it can be a valuable addition to your resume, especially if you have extensive experience or are making a career change.

When writing a summary for a project manager position, focus on highlighting your most impressive accomplishments, leadership skills, and industry expertise. Tailor your summary to the specific requirements of the job posting and the company's needs. Keep it concise and impactful, ideally no more than 3-4 sentences.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Project Manager resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Project Manager Resume Summary Examples , or Project Manager Resume Objective Examples .

1. Showcase your project management expertise

Highlight your experience and skills that are directly relevant to project management. Mention the types of projects you've managed, the industries you've worked in, and any notable achievements.

For example, a good summary might look like this:

Experienced project manager with 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams in the software development industry. Proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and under budget, resulting in an average of 20% cost savings per project. Skilled in Agile methodologies and proficient in project management tools such as JIRA and Asana.

2. Quantify your achievements

Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments. This helps hiring managers understand the impact you've made in your previous roles.

Avoid vague statements like:

• Managed multiple projects successfully
• Improved team efficiency

Instead, provide specific details and figures:

• Led a team of 12 in delivering a $500K project 2 weeks ahead of schedule
• Implemented process improvements that increased team productivity by 30%

3. Tailor your summary to the job

Customize your summary to align with the requirements and preferences outlined in the job posting. Highlight the skills, experience, and achievements that are most relevant to the specific project manager position you're targeting.

For example, if the job emphasizes experience with a particular project management methodology, such as Scrum, make sure to mention your expertise in that area:

Certified Scrum Master with 7+ years of experience leading Agile software development projects. Skilled in facilitating sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement Scrum best practices, resulting in a 25% increase in team velocity.

  Experience

The work experience section is the most important part of your project manager resume. It's where you show hiring managers how you've applied your skills in the real world to deliver results. In this section, we'll walk through how to write an effective work experience section step-by-step, with examples of what to include and avoid.

1. Use reverse-chronological order

Start with your most recent or current role at the top, then work backwards. This puts your most relevant experience first. For each role, include:

• Company name and location
• Dates of employment (month and year)
• 3-5 bullet points detailing your accomplishments

Bad example:

Project coordinator, 2018-2019 Junior project manager, 2019-2020 Project manager, ACME Co, New York, 2020-present

Good example:

Project Manager , ACME Co, New York, NY, 2020 to present Junior Project Manager , XYZ Inc, Boston, MA, 2019 to 2020 Project Coordinator , 123 Agency, Chicago, IL, 2018 to 2019

Tip: Bold your job titles to make your career progression stand out at a glance. Try our Targeted Resume tool to see if you've included the right keywords and skills for each role.

2. Focus on achievements, not duties

Don't just list your day-to-day responsibilities. Hiring managers want to see the impact you made in each role. Ask yourself:

• Did you deliver projects on time and under budget?
• Did you improve any processes or implement new methodologies?
• Did you mentor or train other team members?

Quantify your accomplishments with metrics where possible. Bad example:

• Responsible for managing project timelines and budgets
• Coordinated project tasks and deliverables
• Communicated with stakeholders
• Managed 5+ projects simultaneously with budgets up to $500K
• Implemented Agile methodology which reduced average project time by 20%
• Mentored and trained 3 junior project managers

After drafting your bullets, run your resume through our free Score My Resume tool. It checks your resume on 30+ key criteria hiring managers look for and gives you instant, actionable feedback to improve.

3. Tailor your experience to the job

Hiring managers want to see experience that's relevant to their open role and company. Carefully review the job description and mirror the language it uses, where applicable. If a posting mentions specific project management tools, methodologies, or domains, call those out in your work experience.

Let's say a job description lists Jira, Trello and Scrum. You'd want to include examples like:

• Managed Scrum ceremonies including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives
• Tracked and assigned tasks to team members using Jira and Trello

If it mentions healthcare experience, you could say:

Managed a $1.2M telehealth implementation project in collaboration with clinicians, IT, and operations teams

Tip: Include relevant certifications like PMP, CSM or ITIL in your title or a "Certifications" section to further show your expertise in specific project management areas.

  Education

Your education section is a key part of your project manager resume. It shows employers you have the knowledge and training to succeed in their role. It also provides context for your work experience. Here are some tips for writing a strong education section on your project manager resume.

1. Put your education section in the right location

Where you place your education section depends on your level of experience:

• If you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, put your education section above your work experience. This highlights your relevant training first.
• If you have several years of project management experience, put your education below your work history. Your professional experience is more important to employers at this stage.

2. Only include relevant degrees and coursework

As a project manager, include your bachelor's degree and any advanced degrees. However, don't include your associate or high school diploma. For example:

• MBA, Stanford University, 2018
• B.S. Business Administration, NYU, 2014

If you are a recent graduate, consider listing relevant coursework too:

• Relevant coursework: Project Management, Operations Management, Leadership
• Irrelevant coursework
• Online certificates (put these in a separate section)
• High school diploma

3. Keep your education section concise

Experienced project managers should keep their education section brief. Employers are more interested in your work accomplishments than your degrees at this stage. For example:

M.S. Project Management, Columbia University B.A. Business Administration, University of Florida

However, recent graduates can go into more detail to highlight their qualifications:

B.S. in Industrial Engineering, UCLA, 2022 GPA: 3.8 Relevant Coursework: Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Statistical Quality Control Honors: Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

4. Use consistent formatting

No matter how much detail you include, keep your formatting consistent. For example:

Master of Business Administration, Harvard University, 2019 Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Stanford University, 2014

MBA, Harvard University, 2019 BSE, Stanford University, 2014

Avoid inconsistent formatting like:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 2019 B.S.E., Stanford University, 2014

Consistent punctuation, abbreviation, and order make your education section easier to scan.

Action Verbs For Project Manager Resumes

The best project manager resumes discuss specific accomplishments using strong action verbs. Strong verbs convey your role in your achievements; in any resume bullet point, we recommend pairing an action verb with the quantifiable result you achieved to show the impact of what you did. Project managers may have a diverse set of skills to draw upon, and there are a huge number of verbs you could choose to describe what you’re good at. We have an entire article devoted to action verbs to use in resumes -- in particular, project managers may want to pursue the ones in the accomplishment-driven, communication, management-related, leadership, and problem-solving sections.

• Facilitated
• Accelerated
• Spearheaded

For more related action verbs, visit Leadership Action Verbs .

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Project Manager Resumes

Skills for project manager resumes.

To craft an outstanding project manager resume, you’ll want to show that you have the most crucial skills for the job. Recruiters will want to see that you are adept at managing, leading, planning, and strategizing -- use your skills section and bullet points within your work history to illustrate your abilities in these areas. In addition to highlighting essential project management skills , you should also re-read the job posting to look for specific skills that your potential employer is seeking. If they mention any skills, be sure to mention those (and include supporting examples) within your resume. Finally, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) or other technology to sort through and analyze the high volume of resumes they receive. You can optimize your resume to get past the automated filtering process and give yourself a better chance of getting noticed. We’ll go into ATS in more detail below.

• Copy Protection
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Agile Methodologies
• Project Planning
• Integration
• Project Management
• Software Project Management
• Business Analysis
• Business Process Improvement
• Program Management
• Microsoft Project
• Agile Project Management
• Agile & Waterfall Methodologies
• Requirements Analysis
• Enterprise Software
• Change Management
• Vendor Management
• Project Coordination

Skills Word Cloud For Project Manager Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Project Manager job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Resume bullet points from project manager resumes.

You should use bullet points to describe your achievements in your Project Manager resume. Here are sample bullet points to help you get started:

Implemented a system upgrade for an American bank just 8 weeks before deadline; resulted in securing additional business worth $5 MM

Developed an Excel macro and standardized reporting templates, resulting in efficient data collection and a 35% reduction in turnaround time

Managed a 10-member cross-functional (engineering, product, sales, support) team and coordinated with five business partners towards the successful launch of an e-commerce website

Enforced Kanban principles as a scrum master that reduced cycle time by 25% and increased the team's throughput in less than 9 weeks.

Reduced new user acquisition costs by 20% through implementing social sharing features and streamlining user adoption; shortened development cycles by 25% and increased release date accuracy by 20%

For more sample bullet points and details on how to write effective bullet points, see our articles on resume bullet points , how to quantify your resume and resume accomplishments .

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• Project Manager Resume Example
• Entry Level Project Manager Resume Example
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• Technical Project Manager Resume Example
• Marketing Project Manager Resume Example
• Construction Project Manager Resume Example
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• Engineering Project Manager Resume Example
• Assistant Project Manager Resume Example
• Healthcare Project Manager Resume Example
• Junior Project Manager Resume Example
• IT Project Manager Resume Example
• Project Management Office (PMO) Director Resume Example
• Process Manager Resume Example
• Process Operator Resume Example
• Software Project Manager Resume Example
• Tips for Project Manager Resumes
• Skills and Keywords to Add
• Sample Bullet Points from Top Resumes
• All Resume Examples
• Project Manager CV Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter
• Project Manager Interview Guide
• Explore Alternative and Similar Careers

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Construction Project Manager Resume Examples 2024

Home Blog Project Management Construction Project Manager Resume Examples 2024

In an increasingly fierce construction industry, which is set to experience a shift in its global market value, growing from USD 11.9 Trillion to USD 17.2 Trillion, an accurate resume is your gateway to well-paid opportunities. Whether you’re looking to prepare an entry-level construction Manager resume or hoping to find insights into framing an impactful construction Project Manager CV, exploring the components of a strong resume is the first step toward your dream job.

A suitable resume of a highly-skilled Project Manager in construction is supposed to exhibit the individual’s capacity to assess and manage all stages of construction. Right from highlighting job-related skills to listing interpersonal capabilities, the best construction Project Manager resume should comprehensively explore your strengths, reflecting your significance as an ideal match for the role.

If you’re someone seeking ideas on building a Project Manager resume, this blog can be your ultimate guide. From exploring construction Project Manager resume examples to introducing you to the significance of including Project Management Courses in your resume, I will help you navigate each aspect of your construction Manager CV.

So, let’s get started!

Resume Format

Establishing a well-thought-out construction project manager resume structure/template is one of the key factors in letting hiring managers know about your job skills and experiences. Here's a detailed guide to navigate the right construction Project Manager description for resume:

1. Work Experience Section

• Write down the introduction of your work history and create a list of your recent occupations in reverse chronological order.
• Define years, places, and positions, as well as the full corporate name of related entities.
• Explain in detail your role, experience, and achievements in your previous venture.
• Emphasize your work with construction teams and project delivery, as well as deadlines and budget management.
• Use assertive action verbs to define your achievements and accountabilities, such as "organized," "executed," "coordinated," "led," "achieved," etc.

For example:

“A construction project manager with eight years of experience in large build-outs and commercial construction projects worth between $10 million to $25 million. Excellent track record of hiring and managing a diverse construction staff, negotiating the contracts of subcontractors, and discovering cost-saving opportunities. Skilled in maintaining compliance with building codes, OSHA safety, and zoning terms.”

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

If you have limited or no prior work experience in construction project management, ensure that you add details about your internships, volunteering, or freelance projects that reflect your skills and knowledge. Highlight more transferable skills like leadership, analytical abilities, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills that have been enhanced beyond the fieldwork.

“A proactive and goal-oriented person with a B.Sc. degree in civil engineering who is passionate about joining a construction project management team in an entry-level position. Displays a good level of problem-solving skills, communication skills, and awareness of details through consistent participation across diverse academic endeavors, internships, boot camps, as well as extracurricular activities.”

2. Contact Information

In order for recruiters to reach out to you conveniently, do not forget to put your accurate contact information, including a professional email address, contact number, and LinkedIn profile, in the URL form.

3. Add Your Education

Just how impactful resume examples for project managers in construction ensure listing educational backdrop, but make sure you also follow a similar approach. Besides adding details about your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, be sure to mention internships and certificates after completing courses like PRINCE2 Training online or PMP Training, which works as an added advantage. Cite any other academic accomplishments, recognition, or distinctions as well.

For Example:

“M.A. in Construction Project Management

Boston State University

• Relevant Courses: Advanced Construction Cost Estimation and Value Engineering, Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Construction, Sustainable Construction Practices, Construction Quality Management, etc.

4. Include Construction Project Manager Skills Tailored to the Job

Sample resumes for construction Project Managers are often framed, keeping the job description under consideration. Therefore, tailor your skill segment to the exact requirements of the job description, emphasizing the relevant competencies and qualifications related to the employer`s demand.

Some of the skills that you can list include:

• AutoCAD Blueprint reading
• Budget management  
• Building codes
• Capital projects           
• Commercial Construction

5. Summary or Objective

A construction Project Manager resume summary is most probably one of the first things that a recruiter will notice about your resume. In order to be precise and set the tone right, write a brief summary or a statement of purpose that will indicate your objectives, background, and the skillset that you wish to bring to the prospective organization.

Customize this section to the job you are applying for. Elaborate on the occurrences where you exhibited your skills and abilities meeting the requirements of the employer.

“Aspiring construction project management professional motivated to apply academic knowledge to practical scenarios, ensuring project success and personal growth within the industry.”

7. Use Action Words to Strengthen your resume 

Action words, also called power verbs, are essential to be included in your CV or resume cover letter for the construction Project Manager role if you're hoping to quickly get the attention of the recruiters. I believe these words convey a sense of action, an authority that only comes with confidence, experience, and capability.

Some of the action words that you can use in your resume include:

• Spearheaded
• Facilitated
• Collaborated

7. Add Extra Sections to Your Resume

While the provided sections above usually include free resume templates for the Construction Project Manager role, to customize your resume further, you can always include additional sections highlighting your capabilities and skill set. Contemplate other sections that align with your previous work background, professional highlights, and leadership experience.

On the other hand, for a more detailed insight into your personality, here are some of the sections you can include as your construction Project Manager resume bullet points

• Awards & Certifications:  Awards, certifications, and additional affiliations show your active nature towards your role, a quality every organization is on the lookout for.
• Languages:  Fluency in multiple languages is not a common trait. Hence, if you have this quality, make sure to highlight it.
• Interests and Hobbies:  Hobbies and interests act as a window to any individual’s personality. List some of your interests in your resume and let your recruiters understand the type of person you are. You might even get a chance to strike up a candid conversation with the panel if your interests match!

8. Write a Construction Project Manager Cover Letter

As you explore an ideal example of a construction Project Manager resume, remember to work on a strong cover letter. Create a customized cover letter on the basis of your resume. Let it feature your motivation, enthusiasm, and free will as they are.

You can also take the cover letter to demonstrate some incidents from your resume that show your strengths and emphasize that you are indispensable in the position. Here’s a cover letter and resume sample for the construction Project Manager role.

“Dear Mr. Walter,

I am eager to convey my enthusiasm for the Construction Project Manager position available at Summit Builders Group. With nine years of robust experience in the commercial construction sector, I bring a proven track record of consistently delivering exceptional outcomes.

The well-acknowledged image of Summit Builders Group in accomplishing superior quality projects inspires me greatly to seek a career under its esteemed wings. I am positive that my knowledge fits perfectly into your goals, and together, we can accomplish the mission this organization continues to perceive as its driving factor.

During my last position as the Manager of Construction Projects at Pinnacle Construction Solutions, I supervised the completion of several building projects whose estimated costs have exceeded $50 million. At all times, my determination to accomplish quality within budget and timelines led to those projects' completion before schedule, in line with set standards of quality and safety. The main part of my task included successfully managing 30 contractors while developing an atmosphere of open communication, cooperation, and coordination among all participants.

I believe that Summit Builders Group's commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity closely aligns with my own values and professional ethos, which eventually led me to apply for this role. I am confident that my skills, experience, and dedication make me a strong candidate for this role, and I am eager to bring my talents to your esteemed team.

Thank you for your consideration. I am looking forward to contributing my skills to the growth and continued success of Summit Builders.

Shirley Vito”

Best Practices to Make Your Resume Easy to Scan

To ensure your resume is easy to scan and captures the attention of hiring managers, follow these best practices:

1. Quantify Achievements: Quantify your skills with numbers and percentages. This illustrates where "Managed a team of employees" is replaced by "Managed a team of 10 full-time employees".

2. Keywords: Resonate the resume to the job description you seek by inserting the most appropriate keywords and phrases. This, therefore, raises the probability of being monitored by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human recruiters.

4. Use a Professional Font:  Try a professional typeface like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. The readability of the content should not be sacrificed for fancy, decorative fonts; therefore, difficult-to-read fonts must be avoided.

5. Reverse Chronological Order: Follow a reverse chronological order while listing your academic and professional endeavors. This way, recruiters are first provided with your most current and relative experience.

6. Proofread: Proofread your resume word by word to eliminate potential spelling and grammar mistakes. One major slip-up by you will indicate your resume as unprofessional, which may ruin your chances even before any recruiters look into your application.

Follow this quick table of do’s and don’ts to claim finesse in your resume-making skills!

Construction Project Manager Resume Example/Sample

Entry level construction project manager template - download here, senior construction project manager resume  template - download here, top 10 skills for a construction project manager resume.

Despite having proficiency in high-paying, in-demand skills, lousy work on your resume can lead you to miss out on your dream opportunity. Ensure construction Project Manager resume skills are all listed based on their significance and relevance to the role.

Allow me to share the top ten skills you can include in your construction project manager resume.

1. Project Planning and Execution:  Successful project planning and management skills, including project management, budgeting, and timeline management.

2. Team Leadership and Management: Capacity to lead and inspire the effective group of construction employees formed through the establishment of mutual understanding, thereby entailing high productivity.

3. Budgeting and Cost Control:  Understanding budget management, keeping records of expenditures, and implementing cost-cutting strategies to improve and optimize the utilization of project financial resources.

4. Risk Management: The knowledge of recognizing potential hazards and the capability to create the right strategies to avoid interruptions in the work to prevent the problems from escalating.

5. Contract Negotiation: Proven track record in negotiating contracts with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers that result in favorable terms and greater project outcomes.

6. Communication Skills: Solid verbal and written communication skills that will help deliver the tasks assigned, cooperate with all the people involved, and take immediate action when a problem occurs.

7. Problem-Solving:  Proficiency in analyzing multilayered problems and implementing the design of innovative solutions for project management obstacles that may arise.

8. Schedule Management: Skill to design and follow up on project schedules, making sure all the tasks take place on time and project goals are met through the achievement of the milestones as planned.

9. Quality Assurance and Compliance:  Pledge to improve quality standards and adhere to regulatory necessities and industry best practices throughout the project.

10. Construction Safety Regulations: Equipped with knowledge of construction safety rules and procedures and individual project-based safety norms.

Showcasing the performance of these duties on a construction project management resume proves that you can confidently run construction projects professionally towards fulfilling their service goals, keeping budgets moving, along with other timelines and quality standards. Hence, ensure that these aspects are incorporated into your resume.

When applying for a construction Project Manager job in 2024, applicants should take a holistic approach to showcase what gives them an edge in their work. Using the specified format, with the relevant abilities and practicing the most effective strategies, you can make your application stand a better chance of securing the position you seek in the difficult market. If you lack ample experience, I suggest you let KnowledgeHut's best Project Management trainin g programs take care of your skill set, helping you strengthen your resume in the long run!

Frequently Asked Questions

Construction Project Managers should avoid common resume mistakes, such as creating overly long resumes, being vague, ignoring keywords, having grammatical errors, and failing to tailor the resume to each job application.

To highlight projects on their resumes, construction Project Managers can create dedicated Professional/ Project Highlights, where they provide key details such as project scope, budget, duration, and their role and responsibilities. By quantifying achievements, using action words, and showcasing diverse projects, they can effectively demonstrate their project management skills and experience to potential employers.

Certifications are important for a construction project manager's resume as they demonstrate expertise, enhance qualifications, and add to your credibility. Examples of relevant certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP), Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Kevin D.Davis

Kevin D. Davis is a seasoned and results-driven Program/Project Management Professional with a Master's Certificate in Advanced Project Management. With expertise in leading multi-million dollar projects, strategic planning, and sales operations, Kevin excels in maximizing solutions and building business cases. He possesses a deep understanding of methodologies such as PMBOK, Lean Six Sigma, and TQM to achieve business/technology alignment. With over 100 instructional training sessions and extensive experience as a PMP Exam Prep Instructor at KnowledgeHut, Kevin has a proven track record in project management training and consulting. His expertise has helped in driving successful project outcomes and fostering organizational growth.

Avail your free 1:1 mentorship session.

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10 Good Weaknesses for a Job Interview That Aren’t “I Work Too Hard”(+ Sample Answers)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated March 28, 2024 11 min read

How to answer the classic interview question "What is your greatest weakness" ? And do you really need to prepare your weaknesses for job interview?

Believe us, you do! Because knowing your weaknesses is equally as important as knowing your strengths . 

When it comes to job interviews, we’re constantly encouraged to present our finest selves to seem like the absolute best candidate for the job. So talking about your flaws may seem counterintuitive.

Yet, this question seems to be one of the recruiters’ most favourite . 

That's why it's a good idea to get ready for this eventuality and prepare yourself to frame the answer in your favour . 

If you want to learn more, keep reading our article and discover: 

• Why are recruiters asking this question;
• How to know what is your greatest weakness;
• What NOT to say when answering;
• A list of good weaknesses for a job interview;
• Examples of how to answer “What is your greatest weakness?”

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What the recruiters really want to know

Top 10 good weaknesses for a job interview.

• How to answer “What is your greatest weakness?” in 4 steps

What is your greatest weakness sample answers

How not to answer “what is your greatest weakness”, key takeaways: top 10 best weaknesses for job interview.

Honestly, this feels like a trap, inviting you to reveal your shortcomings and ruin your chances at getting hired. 

But, regarding job interviews , nothing is ever haphazard! So, you probably won't be too surprised when we tell you that there's more to this question than meets the eye. 

When recruiters ask about your weaknesses, here's what they actually want to know : 

• Whether you're self-aware and capable of introspection. Can you look at yourself and recognize your deficiencies? And can you be self-critical? Because both of these are key qualities of anyone's dream employee. 
• Whether you're reliable. Not in the sense of being able to do anything and everything. But in the sense of knowing your limits and being honest about communicating them. Because employers need to know that you won’t bite off more than you can chew. 
• Whether you have a “growth mindset". Next is their interest in your ability to face challenges. Do you perceive them as opportunities to grow and develop professionally? Or avoid them completely? 
• Whether you're a good fit for the company culture. Lastly, they want to gauge how well you work with others. For example: Would you be able to own up to your mistakes, learn from them and move on? Or are you more likely to play the blame game? 

As you can see, your response can offer a glimpse into your resilience, workplace attitude and adaptability . Qualities that are invaluable in any professional setting.

Have a job interview coming up?

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A “good weakness” is one that isn't core to the job in question , is believable, and is possible to work on .

Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all set of weaknesses because everyone's experiences and challenges are unique. However, there are a couple of common vulnerabilities that you may find relatable AND are suitable.

In case you're struggling to identify yours, this list may help you find it: 

• Lack of professional experience with non-essential skills.  
• Taking criticism too personally. 
• Imperfect presentation skills. 
• Struggling to ask for help. 
• Discomfort with giving criticism. 
• Difficulties delegating tasks to others.  
• Impatience with slow processes. 
• Difficulties with prioritizing tasks. 
• Inability to let go of projects.
• Being too blunt. 

And now, let's look at each of these in more detail. Plus, we'll also briefly discuss how you can try to fix them. 

#1 Lack of professional experience with non-essential skills

In other words, not having a deep understanding of a skill that may be beneficial, but not indispensable. For example, while a project manager isn't required to have proficiency in graphic design, knowledge of Illustrator may be useful for creating simple visual materials for presentations.

This weakness is relatively safe, yet it still communicates your “growth mindset.” Plus, it's an easy fix – just mention a particular course that targets the skill in question .

#2 Taking criticism too personally

This one is pretty real and believable. The ability to receive feedback and objective criticism is necessary for any professional, yet it's not something that comes naturally to many.

For instance, you could say that in the past, it was difficult for you to distinguish between criticism of you as an employee, and criticism of you as a person . But through a conscious shift in mindset, you came to recognize it for what it really is – an opportunity to improve.  

#3 Imperfect presentation skills

Another fairly common weakness is the fear of public speaking . Whether it be presentation for teams, your management, or clients, some degree of public speaking is necessary for pretty much any corporate position.

To improve upon this weakness, you can enroll into a course (such as this Harvard University course via EdX) where you can hone these skills and earn a certificate.   

#4 Struggling to ask for help

You simply can't be a lone wolf in a corporate setting. So you can talk about your inability to ask your colleagues or supervisors for help because you don't want to add to their workload and seem like a burden.

But after several negative experiences you've realized that seeking assistance is the responsible thing to do, because it facilitates the completion of projects . So, you've decided to work on your communication skills , and now you’ve become more productive.

#5 Discomfort with giving criticism

If you happen to occupy a leadership position, it doesn't matter to what capacity, there are times when you have to put your foot down if something isn't working . And not everybody is comfortable with that.

There might’ve been situations where you avoided giving your junior colleagues criticism out of fear of being too harsh. But mention that you're working on this problem by going through a leadership and communication programme . 

#6 Difficulties delegating tasks to others

Another weakness you could mention is reluctance to pass tasks to others . Whether it stems from your desire for perfection, not wanting to increase your colleague's work load , or your need to have things under control, this weakness of yours has caused a decrease in overall team efficiency.

But soon enough you've come to recognize your own faults. You've started by delegating small, low-risk tasks at first. Gradually, you've established open communication for any question or feedback, and learned to trust your colleagues more. As a result, the productivity, efficiency and job satisfaction of your entire team increased. 

#7 Impatience with slow processes

For instance, your lack of patience manifested whenever you felt that your own work pace was hindered by your colleague’s slower tempo. And sometimes, it caused tensions within the team.

So, you did a bit of research and discovered that there are stress-reduction techniques you could learn that target your impatience management. Additionally, you developed a habit of using the extra time between projects by tackling smaller tasks which keep you occupied and productive.

#8 Difficulties with prioritizing tasks

Maybe you're that type of person that says “yes” to everything and then ends up struggling to juggle all the tasks you took on. Because of this, you've reached out to a professional who advised you to work on your time management skills .

Maybe you've gone through a training in the ABCDE method , and now you're able to categorize your tasks based on their urgency. You felt the results of your effort immediately – you became less stressed, which improved your productivity, as well as your relationship to work itself. So now you feel more confident and in control. 

#9 Inability to let go of projects

Imagine this: you've managed to complete your project ahead of time and instead of marking it as complete and moving on to a new task, you just keep coming back to it. Even if the project is executed to perfection.

And this was a problem, because it prevented you from working more efficiently and not wasting any time. But, after you've completed a project management programme , you've learned how to curb this behaviour. Now, you practice setting yourself clear criteria for project evaluation which help you not to dwell on one task for too long. 

#10 Being too blunt

Lastly, you can say that, in the past, you're too direct in your communication with your colleagues. You've realized that your communication skills could use some training when several of your co-workers accused you of being too harsh.

So, to fix this weakness, you completed a course that taught you how to deliver your comments in a more sensitive way. For example, to insert criticism (constructive, of course) in between two positives to make the impact of your words less biting. As a result, the awkward workplace tension disappeared and your co-workers became more receptive to your feedback. 

How to answer “ What is your greatest weakness ?” in 4 steps

Essentially, you should approach the weaknesses for job interview question as an opportunity to demonstrate that you're not only aware of your faults but that you're also actively trying to overcome them . 

So, the perfect answer to "What is your greatest weakness" should follow these 4 steps:

First, select a real weakness that you’ve actively worked/are working to improve. For instance, do you tend to take criticism too personally? Can you be impatient with slow processes? Do you struggle to ask for help?

Next, describe how and when you noticed this weakness. Maybe you received feedback from your supervisor? Or a project you worked on didn't go as planned? In any case, outline what exactly was the problem.

Then, you have to show that once you became aware of this weakness, you rose to the challenge and decided to work on yourself. Being aware is not enough. You must also show willingness to grow. For example: enrolling in a course, mentorship programme, workshop, or developing new habits and practices.

Finally, share the results of your efforts. Ideally, you'll be able to show how your newly sharpened tools contributed to your team or project. And don't be afraid to acknowledge that you're still working on them, if that's the case.

Although this structure is fairly simple, it works wonders! Feel free to use it when preparing your answers. And remember, the narrative is entirely in your hands! 

And finally, we should take a quick look at these 4 example answers.

Notice that all of them follow the structure we've outlined above (weakness, context, improvements, results). 

And if any of these correspond with your own weaknesses, you can just copy and tweak them so that they reflect your own experience. 

Weaknesses for job interview: Presentation skills

“My biggest weakness is my presentation skills. It was only last year that I realized my public speaking skills needed improvement. I was really struggling to overcome my nervousness during team presentations. I realized very quickly that I have to do something to get better at it. So I enrolled in a public speaking course and practiced at every opportunity I got: presentations, reports, even family gatherings! After two months I noticed that I became more confident and comfortable during presentations. I’m by no means perfect, but I received positive feedback from our clients recently. ”

Weaknesses for job interview: Delegating tasks

“The thing I really struggled with in the past was my ability to delegate tasks to my co-workers. I’ve always felt this need to ensure that every single task is completed to a certain standard. And I used to have problems trusting my team even though they always did a stellar job. Eventually, this caused unnecessary tension among us. I realized that it was me who was at fault. So, I decided to work on myself. I improved my communication skills and made sure that my team knows that they can turn to me with any questions. After some time, our relationships and mutual trust improved. And we were able to complete complex projects well ahead of deadlines . If I recall correctly, our overall productivity improved by some 20% . ”

Weaknesses for job interview: Asking for help

“ I remember that when I started out as an accountant, I suffered from a serious imposter syndrome. I was self-conscious of my lack of experience, so I felt that I needed to prove myself. Plus, I really didn’t want to seem like a burden, so whenever I was struggling with new systems or processes, I simply wouldn’t ask anyone for help . Of course, now I know how unfounded and unprofessional this behaviour was. The key thing I’ve changed was my own mindset . I started to look at these challenging moments as opportunities to foster stronger teamwork. I feel that by reaching out to others, I learned a lot about the importance of collaboration. And it also made me more patient with newcomers ! Now, I always make sure they know that they can reach out to me with anything and not feel bad about it.”

Weaknesses for job interview: Being too blunt

“When I look back on my previous work experience, I can definitely say that I used to be pretty blunt when it came to giving feedback to my colleagues. See, I’ve always valued honesty and transparency above everything. And I thought that that’s what makes effective workplace communication. But I was so wrong! My co-workers often felt that I’m being too insensitive, and that caused tension between us. To address this, I enrolled in a leadership programme that taught me how to better phrase my concerns. I’ve found the ‘praise-criticism-praise’ technique especially useful! Soon, all that awkward energy was gone. And my co-workers actually became more receptive to my feedback and we worked much better together as a team .” 

Now that we've gone over the best answers, let's also talk about how NOT to present your weaknesses.

Again, it's pretty simple, just avoid doing these things: 

• Saying that you have no weaknesses. Who’re you trying to fool my friend? Certainly not the recruiters! Indeed, if there's one way to communicate your lack of awareness, it's this! 
• Trying to pass your strengths for weaknesses. Not even Michael Scott can pull off a Michael Scott. So, skip saying you're too much of a perfectionist, or that you work too hard! 
• Using a skill/quality that's essential for the job as your weakness. For example, if you're applying for the job position of an accountant, don't say you're bad at maths or that you pay no attention to details. 
• Oversharing personal information. Just to be clear, recruiters don't care much about the details of your weaknesses. Maybe your nervousness about public speaking is rooted in a bad experience from childhood. Even if so, keep this detail to yourself. Instead, go into lengths about how to address and correct your weakness.  

To sum it all up, the weaknesses for job interview question isn't a strategy to reveal your faults, but an opportunity to show that you're self-aware , introspective , and determined to continue improving on your weak areas. 

When preparing your answer, try sticking to this simple, yet effective structure:

• Introduce your weakness.
• Provide a real-life professional context.
• Demonstrate your effort and determination to improve.
• Mention the results of your improvement (if possible). 

In case you don't know what your weaknesses are, you can draw inspiration from our list of the most appropriate weaknesses for a job interview : 

•  Being too blunt. 

If you're preparing for a job interview, be sure to also check out how to answer these common questions:

• Why are you interested in this position?  
• Why should we hire you?
• Why did you leave your previous job?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• Why are you looking for a new job?

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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NIGHTMARE SUPPLY CHAIN ATTACK SCENARIO —

What we know about the xz utils backdoor that almost infected the world, malicious updates made to a ubiquitous tool were a few weeks away from going mainstream..

Dan Goodin - Apr 1, 2024 6:55 am UTC

On Friday, a lone Microsoft developer rocked the world when he revealed a backdoor had been intentionally planted in xz Utils, an open source data compression utility available on almost all installations of Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. The person or people behind this project likely spent years on it. They were likely very close to seeing the backdoor update merged into Debian and Red Hat, the two biggest distributions of Linux, when an eagle-eyed software developer spotted something fishy.

Further Reading

Researchers have spent the weekend gathering clues. Here's what we know so far.

What is xz Utils?

xz Utils is nearly ubiquitous in Linux. It provides lossless data compression on virtually all Unix-like operating systems, including Linux. xz Utils provides critical functions for compressing and decompressing data during all kinds of operations. xz Utils also supports the legacy .lzma format, making this component even more crucial.

What happened?

Andres Freund, a developer and engineer working on Microsoft’s PostgreSQL offerings, was recently troubleshooting performance problems a Debian system was experiencing with SSH, the most widely used protocol for remotely logging in to devices over the Internet. Specifically, SSH logins were consuming too many CPU cycles and were generating errors with valgrind , a utility for monitoring computer memory.

Through sheer luck and Freund’s careful eye, he eventually discovered the problems were the result of updates that had been made to xz Utils. On Friday, Freund took to the Open Source Security List to disclose the updates were the result of someone intentionally planting a backdoor in the compression software.

It's hard to overstate the complexity of the social engineering and the inner workings of the backdoor. Thomas Roccia, a researcher at Microsoft, published a graphic on Mastodon that helps visualize the sprawling extent of the nearly successful endeavor to spread a backdoor with a reach that would have dwarfed the SolarWinds event from 2020.

What does the backdoor do?

Malicious code added to xz Utils versions 5.6.0 and 5.6.1 modified the way the software functions. The backdoor manipulated sshd, the executable file used to make remote SSH connections. Anyone in possession of a predetermined encryption key could stash any code of their choice in an SSH login certificate, upload it, and execute it on the backdoored device. No one has actually seen code uploaded, so it's not known what code the attacker planned to run. In theory, the code could allow for just about anything, including stealing encryption keys or installing malware.

Wait, how can a compression utility manipulate a process as security sensitive as SSH?

Any library can tamper with the inner workings of any executable it is linked against. Often, the developer of the executable will establish a link to a library that's needed for it to work properly. OpenSSH, the most popular sshd implementation, doesn’t link the liblzma library, but Debian and many other Linux distributions add a patch to link sshd to systemd , a program that loads a variety of services during the system bootup. Systemd, in turn, links to liblzma, and this allows xz Utils to exert control over sshd.

How did this backdoor come to be?

It would appear that this backdoor was years in the making. In 2021, someone with the username JiaT75 made their first known commit to an open source project. In retrospect, the change to the libarchive project is suspicious, because it replaced the safe_fprint funcion with a variant that has long been recognized as less secure. No one noticed at the time.

The following year, JiaT75 submitted a patch over the xz Utils mailing list, and, almost immediately, a never-before-seen participant named Jigar Kumar joined the discussion and argued that Lasse Collin, the longtime maintainer of xz Utils, hadn’t been updating the software often or fast enough. Kumar, with the support of Dennis Ens and several other people who had never had a presence on the list, pressured Collin to bring on an additional developer to maintain the project.

In January 2023, JiaT75 made their first commit to xz Utils. In the months following, JiaT75, who used the name Jia Tan, became increasingly involved in xz Utils affairs. For instance, Tan replaced Collins' contact information with their own on oss-fuzz, a project that scans open source software for vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Tan also requested that oss-fuzz disable the ifunc function during testing, a change that prevented it from detecting the malicious changes Tan would soon make to xz Utils.

In February of this year, Tan issued commits for versions 5.6.0 and 5.6.1 of xz Utils. The updates implemented the backdoor. In the following weeks, Tan or others appealed to developers of Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Debian to merge the updates into their OSes. Eventually, one of the two updates made its way into the following releases, according to security firm Tenable:

There’s more about Tan and the timeline here .

reader comments

Promoted comments.

It should be noted that the attack only works because Debian and Redhat added functionality to sshd that is not present in it as distributed by its developers. The extra functionality adds systemd interaction, which requires libsystemd which requires liblzma, a component of the (compromised) xz package. One should be wary of distributions adding functionality. Often it increases the attack surface, not only because of the modifications/additions themselves, but also by adding dependencies.

So a prime reason this became potentially exploitable is libsystemd in OpenSSH. Need I say more.

The prime reason is a very well funded and capable attacker looked for a way in. if not xz or systemd then they would have attacked via the next candidate weak point.

"This developer persona has touched dozens of other pieces of open-source software in the past few years.". Well, I guess the Opensource community have some codes to review. Maybe the xz incident is only the tips of the iceberg.

Channel Ars Technica