project management key words resume

The Best Project Manager Resume Keywords & Buzzwords | Everything You Need

BEST PROJECT MANAGEMENT KEYWORDS, BUZZWORDS & SKILLS

If you are a project manager, what are the best project manager resume keywords to integrate into your resume? 

What if you are not a project manager, but instead are seeking to hire a new PM or a senior project manager? What are the best project management buzzwords to use when searching through job databases and applicants’ resumes? Which keywords for project managers should you integrate into your job posting or search criteria?

Everything You Need to Know: Project Manager Resume Buzzwords, Keywords & Skills

This free guide is designed for Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, Program Management Leads, HR Staff, Hiring Managers, Change Management Project Leads, Recruiters, and other Project Management Practitioners.

• If you are a new or very experienced project manager who is seeking a project management role, this guide provides you with a  step-by-step overview, best project management skills and resume buzzwords, and everything you need to know to increase the success of your resume.
• If you are a hiring manager, HR staff, or recruiter, this complete guide provides you with a list of key project management skills and keywords for screening the resumes of project management job seekers to identify the best candidates.

“I have been a Sr Project Manager & Change Management Lead for over 15 years, and have led large-scale projects across Intel, Cisco, Goldman Sachs, State Street, Apple, Deloitte, and other firms .  Throughout my years of experience in finding new project opportunities, and also in screening project managers to be part of my team, I have discovered that applying the project management keywords below has greatly increased my successes”

Ogbe Airiodion Senior Project Manager & Change Management Consultant

Let’s Quickly Discuss the Interviewing & Resume Selection Techniques Used by Recruiters

What many project and program manager job seekers don’t realize is that 80%-90% of project management resumes and CVs are rejected before they are even seen by human eyes.

You might be spending a lot of time enhancing your LinkedIn profile or posting your resume on Monster.com , CareerBuilder , Indeed , Dice , Glassdoor , and other resume job boards, and still your profile or resume is not getting picked up by recruiters and hiring managers.

And even when it is seen by an actual person (a hiring manager, recruiter, head hunter, etc.), it is often rejected due to the various factors explained below in this coaching article for new and senior project manager resumes.

What should a project manager put on his or her resume? What project management skills are needed for a program manager to increase the chances of their PM resume being selected? What are the best project management keywords for resumes?

These are all great questions, but …

… before your project manager resume or program manager CV is seen by a live person, it often must pass muster with what is known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) bot or an ATS spider that crawls thousands of databases of resumes – across LinkedIn, Monster.com, CareerBuilder, Indeed, Dice, Glassdoor, and other resume job boards – seeking specific project management keywords and program manager skills within resumes.

LinkedIn is becoming the first place that recruiters go to find candidates. According to LinkedIn, over 1.6M recruiters actively use LinkedIn to find candidates. These recruiters use LinkedIn Recruiter, which has a robust ATS interface. 

Below is a key example of how these ATS and Recruiting platforms allow recruiters to search for the right candidates using specific keywords.

The first main step in the screenshot below that states: “ Find the right people – Search for any candidate on LinkedIn using keyword search, Boolean search, and 20+ advanced search filters ” is the step where the recruiter enters the keywords and then the system does the rest by searching through millions of records to generate a list of top candidates that matched the entered keywords.

For the next phase of the resume screening process, the recruiter goes in and prioritizes the final list of candidates generated by the ATS system (if the recruiter is using a resume job board), or by the LinkedIn Recruiter platform (if the recruiter is using LinkedIn).

Once the recruiter has finalized his or her prioritized list of candidates, the next step is to connect with those candidates.

See more: Additional Information on ATS Automated Resume Search Tools .

So, if you are a program manager or project manager, how can you get your resume past the profile or resume review bots to ensure it is picked up and reviewed by a person? And when you can do this, how can you ensure that your resume won’t be immediately discarded by the recruiter or hiring manager after they review it?

There are certain program management skills that you should add to your resume to increase the success of your resume getting seen by humans. These “must-have” project management buzzwords and keywords, as well as the best visualization structure to use for your resume are all included below.

Read on for answers to all of your questions on best resume keywords for project managers and program management leads .

Table of Contents

• List of Best Project Management Resume Keywords & Buzzwords
• The Best Structure & Format to Use for Your Resume
• Best Ways to Integrate Skills, Keywords and Phrases into Your Resume
• Sample IT Project Manager Resume Keywords for IT Projects 

Where Should You Post Your PM CV or PM Resume?

Additional Information on ATS Automated Resume Search Tools

The Best Buzzwords, Examples, and Keywords for Project Manager Resumes

Examples of top project management resume skills to use in your project or program manager resume are listed below. 

You DON’T need to include each keyword in your program management manager resume. Review and decide which buzzwords are relevant and missing on your project management CV, and then add those.  

For recruiters and hiring managers, focus on selecting only the main project management skills and keywords that are relevant to the job position you are seeking a candidate for.

List of Best Project Management Resume Keywords & Buzzwords for Your Resume

• Assessing outcomes
• Assessing progress
• Attention to detail
• Business alignment
• Business analysis
• Business requirements
• Business requirement gathering
• Business requirement assessments
• Business process analysis
• Business process improvement
• Business process reengineering
• Capacity planning
• Change management
• Change control
• Conflict resolution
• Collaborative
• Collaborated
• Coordinating
• Communication
• Communicate
• Change impact assessment
• Current state assessment
• Current state-gap analysis
• Current vs future state gap analysis

Don’t Miss: How to Integrate These Project Buzzwords into Your PM Resume

• Data analysis
• Data analysis & design
• Data modeling
• Designing project phase
• Deployment management
• Development
• Development & testing
• Due diligence
• Disaster Recovery
• Escalations
• Executing plans
• Execution metrics
• Financial analysis
• Future state assessment
• Future state design
• Gap analysis
• Great interpersonal skills
• Great verbal communication
• Great written communication
• Impact assessment
• Integration planning
• Leadership engagement
• Manage meetings
• Managing client expectations
• Managing conflicts

How Can You Integrate These Program Manager Skills Within Your Resume?

• Managing IT system development and implementation
• Managing relationships with key partners
• Managing vendors
• Meeting deadlines
• Microsoft Excel
• Multitasking
• Prioritizing
• Problem solving
• Process development
• Process improvement
• Project coordination
• Project implementation
• Project initialization
• Project management
• Project planning
• Project reporting
• Program risk assessment
• Program risk mitigation
• Program management risk mitigation
• Quality control
• Quality methods
• Quantitative
• Release planning
• Release scheduling
• Requirements
• Requirements gathering
• Requirements assessments
• Reporting on the status of projects
• Resolved project conflicts
• Risk assessment
• Risk management
• Stakeholder
• Stakeholder management

How to Integrate Project Management Experience Examples to Your Resume?

• Scope Management
• Solution development
• Software Development
• Status updates
• Strategic planning
• Target state
• Technical requirements gathering
• Transformation
• User Acceptance Testing

Are there additional project management buzzwords you feel are missing in the lists above? Click here to contact the AGS (Airiodion) Editorial Team.

Project Manager Resume Examples. How Should a Project Manager’s Resume Be Structured?

In addition to the sections above that cover the best project management keywords for resumes, it is essential for us to address the best resume styles and formats that increase your resume getting selected for an interview. Every little bit helps when it comes to integrating buzzwords into your CV and optimizing the impact of your resume.

If you are a recruiter or hiring manager, this section is also applicable to you. The best project manager resume examples referenced below are those that are easy to skim through and reflects a well structured formatting.

A project manager’s resume should include the following sections:

• Highlighted Accomplishments
• If you graduated 12+ years ago, then it is best to include your Education and Certification section after your Expertise section
• If you graduated or acquired your certification within the last 12 years, then include your Education and Certification section under the Expertise section
• Professional Experience
• The Overview should provide a succinct summary of who you are as a professional
• The Highlighted Accomplishments is where your resume really stands out. First impressions really matter, and so when a recruiter or hiring manager sees your accomplishments upfront, they are more likely to take the time to review the rest of your resume
• The Expertise section is another vital section that allows you to integrate more keywords and buzzwords into your program management resume
• The Education and Certification section should include your degrees and related certifications. For example, Agile Certification, PMI Certification, etc.
• The Professional Expertise section should include a detailed list of your project, program, and work history
• The Other section should include buzzwords like Excel, PowerPoint, Jive, SharePoint, Microsoft Project, and any other tools and platforms that you’ve worked with in the past. It can also include any military, volunteering, or other experiences you have

Sample Project Manager Resume with best Formatting & Structure .

Email us if you have any questions about this article. Are there additional project management buzzwords you feel are missing in the lists above? Click here to contact the AGS (Airiodion) Editorial Team.

Integrating Project Management Resume Skills, Keywords, and Phrases into Your Resume

Examples of top project management skills and keywords to put on your resume have been integrated into the phrases below. The keywords within the sentences are highlighted in bold font .

The goal with these keyword examples and phrases is to show you how project management keywords can be used in a resume so that they flow naturally . 

• Collaborated with subject matter experts to update processes and procedures
• Worked with all stakeholders and senior leadership to rapidly develop multi-prong implementation project plans
• Successfully  managed  and  coordinated with all stakeholders, across the enterprise, and across regions to ensure that project deliverables were delivered on time
• Developed, maintained, and tracked project management plans and schedule. Socialized with program sponsors and firm leaders to ensure leadership engagement
• Strong expertise in applying flexible change management deliverables, including training , communications , and stakeholder engagement to increase end-user adoption of project implementation
• Provided regular status updates to C-suite executives to ensure effective dissemination of project information
• Successfully   implemented the various project phases, including planning, build, UAT/testing, Go-Live deployment, and normalization
• Collaborated with impacted departments and SMEs to conduct a current state assessment, develop a target state solution, and perform a gap analysis  for the project
• Conducted a  current state vs. target state   gap analysis  for the project
• Managed  and  successfully  rolled-out the  target state
• Coordinated  and  scheduled  joint discovery sessions with over 300 subject matter experts across the enterprise
• Partnered  with the firm’s Risk Manager to build out a Compliance program
• Managed  six  project workstreams and analyzed  the firm’s enterprise-wide  operating structure
• Developed  a comprehensive audit framework to  perform current vs. future state gap analysis
• Designed and delivered  deployment project plans  for a  target state  Shared Service function
• Established   strategies  to maintain effective communications with all key stakeholders
• Assessed the firm’s global banking and onboarding program
• Investigated  and  identified  key  regulatory ,  operational , and  processing  gaps
• Collaborated  with Ops, Finance, and other stakeholders to develop remediation plans
• Designed  and  delivered  a target state  operating model
• Facilitated  steering committee and working sessions, plus provided regular updates to senior executives
• Responsible for taking small to large, company-wide, mission-critical programs/projects from original concept through final implementation
• Ensured adherence to product processes, quality standards, and deliverables
• Provided overall communication and interfaced with all areas affected by the program/project including cross-functional stakeholders , business sponsors, and vendors
• Developed detailed program/project execution plan and managed all implementation processes including resource allocation, progress tracking , monitoring change control process, testing , documentation , training, and on-time delivery within budget constraints
• Proven experience in managing multiple large programs/projects in an enterprise environment delivering enterprise software products
• Personable and well-proven experience working well with all groups including business, operations, and technical organizations
• Solid experience in decision making and negotiations
• Excellent communication , problem solving , conflict / resolution management , active listening , time management, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated consistent ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver technical solutions while mitigating or removing hurdles / obstacles
• Familiarity with a fast-paced project execution environment; a mix of Agile and Waterfall
• Managed program risks and issues, as well as changes to projects plans and deliverables

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this top guide on the project management skills resumes.

Sample IT Project Manager Resume Keywords

This section is applicable to any project manager, BUT designed specifically for technical program & project managers.

Examples of top keywords for IT project managers and technical program managers to include in their resume include:

• Application development
• Conflict resolutions
• IT service management
• Information security
• Information technology
• IT Project Manager
• IT program management
• Large-scale projects
• Personable and proven experience working with both business, operations, and technical organizations
• Management and tracking of project progress against the project plan
• Managing software/IT/security projects
• Mid-to-large-scale project implementation

How Can You Integrate These Skills into Your Resume?

• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner
• PMP certification
• Resolving conflicts
• Scrum Master
• SDLC: Requirements Gathering, Analysis, Planning, Design, Build, Test, Deploy, and Maintain
• Software development
• System testing
• Technical program management
• Technical Project Manager
• Understanding of software development, build, test, test automation
• Understanding of all phases of SDLC from coding to deployment

Email us if you have any questions about this project management skills – resume optimization article.

Just like other job candidates, project managers normally post their resumes on job boards and websites like Monster.com ,  CareerBuilder , and  Indeed.com . 

However, in addition to posting your project manager CV online, it is essential to maintain a professional profile on sites like LinkedIn . This is important because LinkedIn is becoming the go-to place for recruiters to find project managers. LinkedIn’s job-posting platform  now rivals Monster.com

According to a  Forbes  article , “Companies are spending their recruiting budget on LinkedIn licenses more than on Monster licenses.”

So, when developing your project manager resume or building your professional social media profile, remember to include some of these key project manager keywords on your online profiles to improve your chances of being discovered by recruiters and headhunters.

 See below for more information on ATS scanning tools.

Using an automated tool, a recruiter or hiring manager enters specific project management keywords for the project manager resumes they would like to see. The automated ATS bot tool then crawls through thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of resumes using the specific project manager terms.

It then aggregates those project manager resumes that best match the entered project management search terms and submits these resumes to the recruiter. The recruiter then performs additional reviews and narrows down the selection using a more streamlined and predetermined list of project management buzzwords. 

Adding some of the best project management resume keywords and skill sets provided in the examples above will help increase the chances that your resume / CV will be selected by the bots and sent to the hiring manager for additional resume, and hopefully an interview.

“Resume Review Bots” Scanning Resumes for Project Manager Resume Keywords and Skill Sets 

As mentioned in the top section of this article, over 90% of large organizations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to analyze project manager resumes and CVs to identify the first batch of project management candidates that best match the position they are looking to fill.

Unfortunately, the resumes for really qualified PM applicants are often rejected by these resume scanning software because a lot of qualified project managers are not doing a good job in integrating the right keywords onto their resumes.

This article aims to provide you with everything you need to know about which keywords, skills, and buzz words to include in your program/project manager resume, as well as what you can do to optimize your resume to ensure that it reaches an actual human recruiter, as well as the hiring manager.

What are the Best Project Manager Skills to Include on Your Resume?

A few examples of the best project manager skills to include on your resume include: Agile, Planning, Requirements Gathering, Designing, Testing, UAT, Analytical, Assertive, Assessing, Data Modeling, Deployment, and... Read more: https://www.ocmsolution.com/best-keywords-project-manager-resume/

How do You Describe Project Management on a Resume?

The best way to describe project management on your resume is to highlight project keywords and skills that you've used on past projects. Examples of top project management skills and keywords to put on your resume have been integrated into phrases below. The keywords within the sentences are highlighted in bold font. Read more: https://www.ocmsolution.com/best-keywords-project-manager-resume/

What are Project Manager Skills?

Top project management skills include Planning, Requirements Gathering, Stakeholder Management, Impacts Assessment, Designing, Change Control, Testing, UAT, Analytical, Assertive, Assessing, Data Modeling, Deployment, and many more. Read more: https://www.ocmsolution.com/best-keywords-project-manager-resume/

How Should a Project Manager's Resume Be Structured?

A project manager’s resume should include the following sections: Overview, Expertise, Education, Degrees, and Certification, Professional Experience, Military (if any), and Other. Read more: https://www.ocmsolution.com/best-keywords-project-manager-resume/

Click below to Airiodion Global Services know if you have any questions about the information provided in this “best keywords to include in a project manager resume” article.

Also, if there are other major keywords that you strongly believe should be included on this list, kindly let us know.

Contact Airiodion Global Services (AGS) today.

Note: Content on OCM Solution's ocmsolution.com website is protected by copyright. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this OCM Solution page, please reach out to Ogbe Airiodion (Change Management Lead) or the OCM Solution Team today. OCM Solution was previously known as Airiodion Global Services (AGS).

External Image Sources/Attributes: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/robot-model-manufacturing-4363354/, https://www.pexels.com/photo/codes-on-a-screen-1936299/, https://pixabay.com/illustrations/job-search-hr-cv-opportunity-3681036/, https://pixabay.com/photos/cv-flowchart-whiteboard-white-2578872/, https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-gathering-inside-room-1345085/, https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/recruiter

Privacy Overview

Get change management tips & resources.

Enjoy OCM tips, free resources, and change management news delivered to you each month.

Project Management Resume Keywords in 2023 (With Expert Tips)

• POSTED ON August 26, 2023
• by Marcjean Yutuc

[Level Up Your Life]  With a growing library of 3,000+ on-demand video courses, you can level up at your own pace.

Click here to get your All Access Pass today

In the past, hiring managers would typically scan resumes for keywords that were relevant to the job opening. However, with the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS), this process has become more automated.

ATS are computer programs that scan resumes for keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn’t contain enough of the right keywords, your resume may not even be seen by a human recruiter.

That’s why it’s so important to use the right project manager resume keywords in your resume. By using the right keywords, you can increase your chances of getting your resume seen by a recruiter and landing the job you want.

In addition to using the right keywords, you can also improve your chances of getting a project manager job by learning career development courses . These courses can teach you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful project manager.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most important project manager resume keywords for 2023. We’ll also share some expert tips on how to use these keywords and how to craft an effective project manager resume.

Top Project Manager Resume Keywords in 2023

Communication.

Communication skills are one of the most important business skills . These skills are essential for project managers to be able to effectively communicate with their team members, stakeholders, and other project stakeholders. For example, a project manager with strong verbal communication skills would be able to give clear and concise presentations to stakeholders. A project manager with strong written communication skills would be able to write clear and concise reports and documentation.

• Communication skills
• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Active listening
• Public speaking
• Conflict resolution
• “Communicated effectively with a team of 10 engineers to ensure that all project requirements were met, resulting in a project that was delivered on time and within budget.”
• “Presented project status updates to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner, with an average presentation time of 15 minutes.”
• “Resolved conflicts between team members in a timely and diplomatic manner, with a 90% success rate.”

Leadership skills are essential for project managers to be able to lead and motivate their team members to achieve project goals. A project manager with strong leadership skills would be able to set clear goals and expectations for their team members. A project manager with strong teamwork skills would be able to build and maintain a cohesive team.

• Leadership skills
• Problem-solving
• Decision making
• Strategic planning
• “Led a team of 5 project managers to successfully deliver a complex project on time and within budget, saving the company $1 million.”
• “Motivated and inspired my team to achieve ambitious goals, resulting in a 10% increase in productivity.”
• “Delegated tasks effectively to ensure that everyone was working on the right things, with a 95% completion rate.”

Planning and Organizing

Project managers need to be able to plan and organize effectively in order to successfully complete projects. A project manager uses project planning skills to develop a comprehensive project plan that outlines all the necessary tasks, resources, and timelines. This ensures that the project is completed on time and within budget.

• Project planning
• Prioritization
• Time management
• Risk management
• Change management
• “Developed a comprehensive project plan that included all the necessary tasks, resources, and timelines, resulting in a project that was delivered on time and within budget.”
• “Scheduled all project activities and milestones to ensure that the project was completed on time, with a 98% on-time delivery rate.”
• “Managed the project budget and made sure that all costs were within scope, with a 0.5% budget overrun.”

Technical Skills

Technical skills are crucial for project managers. They allow effective use of tools and technology for project management. For instance, a project manager skilled in Microsoft Project can create and track project schedules. Strong Excel skills enable a project manager to generate and analyze project data.

• Project management software
• Microsoft Project
• Other relevant software
• “Proficient in Microsoft Project and Primavera, with an average project completion time of 6 months.”
• “Experienced in using Excel and PowerPoint to create reports and presentations, with an average presentation time of 15 minutes.”
• “Knowledge of other relevant software, such as Visio and AutoCAD, with a 90% accuracy rate.”

Other Soft Skills

These skills are essential for project managers to be able to handle the challenges of project management. For example, a project manager with strong problem-solving skills would be able to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently. A project manager with strong critical thinking skills would be able to make sound decisions that benefit the project.

• Critical thinking
• Adaptability
• Stress tolerance
• Attention to detail
• Self-motivated
• Results-oriented
• “Consistently identified and solved problems to keep the project on track, resulting in a project that was delivered on time and within budget.”
• “Used critical thinking skills to make sound decisions that benefited the project, resulting in a 10% increase in productivity.”
• “Demonstrated adaptability by quickly adapting to changes in the project plan, with a 95% success rate.”
• “Successfully managed stress and remained calm under pressure, with a 0% turnover rate among team members.”
• “Took pride in my work and always delivered high-quality results, with a 99% customer satisfaction rate.”

Project Management Certifications

Possessing the right certifications and methodologies can set you apart as a skilled professional. These credentials not only bolster your resume but also showcase your commitment to excellence. Here are some examples:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• PRINCE2® Foundation
• ITIL® Foundation
• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
• Scrum Master

When listing your certifications and methodologies, be sure to include the name of the certification, the organization that issued it, and the year you earned it. You can also include a brief description of each certification or methodology.

What to know more about project management skills? Read these articles:

Starting a New Project: What You Need to Know? The 6 Most Important Things to Include in Your Project Outline 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Project Implementation (with Expert Guidance) Expert Reveal: How to Do Project Monitoring Effectively

How to Use Project Manager Resume Keywords Effectively

There are a few things you can do to use project manager resume keywords effectively:

• Use the right keywords: When choosing keywords, it’s important to use the terms that hiring managers are actually using. You can find these keywords by reading job descriptions and talking to people in the industry.
• Use keywords throughout your resume: Don’t just put keywords in your skills section. Use them throughout your resume, including your work experience, education, and skills.
• Use keywords in a natural way: Don’t try to force keywords into your resume. Use them in a natural way so that your resume flows smoothly.
• Get feedback on your resume: Once you’ve finished writing your resume, get feedback from someone who knows about project management. This will help you make sure that you’re using the right keywords and that your resume is effective.
• Continuous refinement: Resume enhancement is an ongoing process. Regularly review your resume, update keywords as needed, and align them with evolving industry trends. A dynamic approach keeps your resume current and impactful.

Expert Tips: Crafting an Impactful Project Manager Resume

Tailor your resume to the job description.

"When you are crafting your resume, align it with the job description that you are applying for. Show them what you have to offer is what they require. Remove unnecessary or non-related information, unless it paints you in a capable light. Focus on your skills and your work experience and how they helped you achieve your goals. " Neal Taparia, Co-Founder of Cribbage Online

Focus on your impact

"Focus on your impact: Not what you did, but the impact you had. What did you contribute specifically to bring it in on time, on budget and on goal? Summarize the technical environment, key tools, sticking points and solutions in layman’s terms to provide a granular feel to what your projects were about, how you may have handled issues. Tell a story." Kristin Marquet, Founder and Creative Director of Marquet Media, LLC

Include a thoughtful cover letter

"Including a thoughtful cover letter is also essential, as hiring managers use them to gauge an applicant's communication skills. So take the time to craft one that demonstrates your ability to engage and inform an audience." Seth Besse, CEO of Undivided.io

Omit unnecessary and irrelevant information

"When creating your resume, omit all unnecessary and irrelevant information that will not add anything to your job search. Highlight your achievements and relevant project management skills. Tailor your resume to align with a project manager’s job description, this will help you filter out all of the information that won't add to your endeavor." Ben Richardson, Founder & Director of Acuity Training

Include your certifications

“Lean into certifications, especially if your resume experience feels a little light. When recruiters see impressive certifications like PMP or ACP on your resume, they know you’ve worked hard and developed objectively good skills to meet respected standards. Not everyone takes the time to earn these certifications, so it becomes a real standout feature that can help put you above the rest. ” Denise Hemke, Chief Product Officer at Checkr

Highlight technical and leadership skills

"When crafting a project manager resume, it’s important to include both technical skills and leadership abilities. As a project manager, you should be able to demonstrate your knowledge of various software applications as well as your ability to manage and motivate teams. When writing the content for your resume, focus on highlighting these valuable skills and emphasizing your expertise in them." Evan Tunis, President of Florida Healthcare Insurance

Include metrics and results of your projects

"One of the best ways to highlight your project management accomplishments is by including specific metrics and results from past projects you’ve managed. Be sure to include how many people were on the team and their roles, how much of a budget you managed, and any achievements or successes from the project. Showing potential employers that you can manage large projects effectively builds trust and gets you one step closer to landing the job." Keith Sant, Founder & CEO, Sell My House Company

Include how you integrate diverse team members

"I prefer to hire candidates who exhibit strong leadership skills but also excel in fostering harmonious teamwork. Applicants must showcase instances where they have seamlessly integrated diverse team members, leveraging their strengths to achieve project goals. They must highlight their ability to communicate, delegate responsibilities, and facilitate open dialogue, ensuring everyone is motivated. The individual’s demonstrated capacity to cultivate collaboration marks their skill in orchestrating multifaceted projects, making them an ideal candidate for the role." Ovidiu Cical, CEO and Co-founder at Cyscale

Frequently Asked Questions about Project Manager Resume Keywords

What are project manager resume keywords, and why are they important.

Project manager resume keywords are specific terms or phrases relevant to the project management field that are incorporated into resumes to highlight a candidate’s skills and qualifications. These keywords are essential because many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords. If your resume lacks these keywords, it might not reach human eyes. By including the right keywords, you increase your chances of getting noticed by both ATS and recruiters.

How can I identify the right project manager resume keywords for my resume?

To identify the right keywords, carefully review the job description of the position you’re applying for. Look for recurring terms, qualifications, and skills mentioned in the description. These are likely the keywords ATS and recruiters are searching for. Additionally, research industry-specific terminology and standard project management buzzwords that align with your experience and skills.

Should I use the same set of keywords for every application?

While some keywords may remain consistent across various applications, it’s important to tailor your resume to each specific job description. Adjust your keywords based on the skills and qualifications outlined in the job posting. Using a mix of general project management keywords and role-specific keywords can help your resume stand out for each application.

Can overusing keywords hurt my resume?

Yes, overusing keywords in an attempt to game ATS can backfire. While it’s important to include relevant keywords, your resume should still read naturally and emphasize your actual experiences and accomplishments. Remember, your goal is not just to get past ATS but also to impress recruiters with your genuine qualifications.

What’s the difference between hard skills and soft skills in terms of keywords?

Hard skills are specific technical abilities that can be easily quantified and tested. Examples include “project scheduling,” “budget management,” and “risk assessment.” Soft skills, on the other hand, are interpersonal and communication abilities that contribute to effective teamwork and leadership. Examples of soft skills keywords are “communication,” “team collaboration,” and “problem-solving.”

Can I include project management methodologies as keywords?

Absolutely. Including project management methodologies such as “Agile,” “Scrum,” “Waterfall,” or “Lean” can demonstrate your familiarity with specific approaches and resonate with employers seeking candidates well-versed in those methodologies.

Read more: Don’t Make These 10 Resume Mistakes According to Experts 

Key Takeaways

In today’s digital era, where job hunting happens online, your resume needs to shine. The key to unlocking opportunities lies in project management resume keywords.

Our experts have shared valuable insights on the importance of these keywords. They bridge the gap between your skills and the technology that scans resumes. As you create your resume, remember their advice.

But your journey doesn’t end here. Elevate your career prospects by exploring Skill Success All Access Pass . Subscribing grants you access to a treasure trove of courses that can sharpen your project management skills and more. It’s your chance to take control of your career growth.

Ready to fully dive into your learning? Join All Access Pass and unlock our entire course library for only $15/month.

Click here to learn more

Marcjean Yutuc

Browse all categories, related posts, how to become financially independent on airbnb without owning property, salsa basic steps for beginners, definition and examples of cause and effect language, 16 professional development skills for teachers in 2024, top 10 soft skills your team need in 2024 + expert tips.

Be the first to get the newest articles!

Get free articles weekly and put your skills on turbo mode. Subscribe with your email today.

Look out for useful articles and resources delivered straight to your inbox.

Looking for a solution to discover, change, or advance your career?

Get all access pass for only $15/month and unlock 3,000+ online video courses today..

SKILLSUCCESS.com 2024 All rights reserved

Online courses.

Software Tutorials

Personal Development

Career Development

Become an Instructor

Support FAQs

Create An Account

All Access Pass

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

SKILLSUCCESS.com 2022 All rights reserved

Join our newsletter and get your first course free!

Congratulations! You get one free course of your choice. Please check your email now for the redemption code.

Subscribe For Success!

Get fresh content every week to upgrade your skills today!

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• 184 free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

28 Project Manager Resume Examples for the Job in 2024

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

Writing Your Project Manager Resume

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

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

But that’s easier said than done. 

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

We’ve handcrafted 28 project manager resume samples that  have helped candidates get jobs at great companies like Lyft and Atlassian.  Plus, our writing guide can help you navigate the  resume writing process  to help you land that first-round interview. You’ve got this!

Assistant Project Manager Resume Example

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

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

Entry-Level Project Manager Resume

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

Associate Project Manager Resume

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

Project Management Intern Resume

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

Junior Project Marketing Manager Resume

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

Senior Project Manager Resume

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

Senior DevOps Project Manager Resume

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

Implementation Project Manager Resume

• For instance, in his resume, Jacob leaps right into the work history section with his outstanding accomplishments as an implementation project manager at Cognizant. You’ve probably noticed he strategically sprinkles in powerful action words like “spearheaded” and “led,” painting the image of a team captain who gets the job done.

Salesforce Project Manager Resume

• For a compelling sales project manager resume that strikes the right chord, let the skills section be the spotlight for your expertise in programs or tools specific to the role. Worthy mentions include Salesforce Chatter, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce Agile Accelerator, Smartsheet, and Jira.

Real Estate Project Manager Resume

• In each work history section, add four bullet lists encapsulating your most impressive feats in the real estate industry, all tailored to the job ad and prospective employer’s needs. Optimizing asset management strategies and increasing portfolio by $3.2M makes for an excellent example of a customization level likely to blow away recruiters.

Software Project Manager Resume

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

Project Management Professional Resume

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

SAP Project Manager Resume

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

HR Project Manager Resume

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

Project Manager Scrum Master Resume

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

Digital Project Manager Resume

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

Clinical Project Manager Resume

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

Risk Management Project Manager Resume

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

Agile Project Manager Resume

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

Healthcare Project Manager Resume

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

Creative Project Manager Resume

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

Marketing Project Manager Resume

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

Engineering Project Manager Resume

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

Technical Project Manager Resume

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

IT Project Manager Resume

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

Integrated Project Manager Resume

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

Architectural Project Manager Resume

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

Electrical Project Manager Resume

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

Related resume guides

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skills to include on your project manager resume:

Hard skills.

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

Soft skills

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

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

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

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

Sample project management job description and skills:

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

Project manager resume summary or objective

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

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

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

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

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

WRONG – generic resume summary

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

RIGHT – specific project manager resume summary

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

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

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

WRONG – vague resume objective

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

RIGHT – resume objective tied to experience

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

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

Projects and work experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

WRONG – non-specific work experience

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

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

RIGHT – work experience detailing a specific project

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

Specialization and industry experience

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

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

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

Education and certifications

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

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

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

Top program manager certifications:

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

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

Finalizing your project manager resume

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

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

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

Here’s a quick summary of our  resume tips :

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

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

Project Manager Resume [2024] - Example & Full Guide

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

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

Actually, is there anything you can’t do?

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

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

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

Project Manager Resume Example

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

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

Quite impressive, right?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what it looks like:

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

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

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

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

Use Our Tried & Tested Templates 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check it out for yourself:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

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

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

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

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

Lauren Anderson

Project Manager

012-345-6789

[email protected]  

Boston, Massachusetts

linkedin.com/in/laurenanderson29

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

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

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

#3. Write an Impactful Project Manager Resume Summary

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

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

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

Here’s what a powerful resume summary includes:

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

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

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

#4. Make Your Project Manager Work Experience Stand Out

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IT Project Manager

08/2017 - 01/2022

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

#5. List Your Education Right

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

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

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

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

Here’s an example of the education section:

BSc in Project Management

Colorado State University Global

09/2012 - 06/2016

#6. List Your Project Manager Skills

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

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

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

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

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

Soft Skills for a Project Manager

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

25 Hard Skills for a Project Manager

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

#7. Include Your Project Management Certificates

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

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

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

Here’s how to do it:

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

And here’s an example:

Certified Project Manager Professional (2019-2022)

Project Management Institute

#8. Make Use of Relevant Additional Sections

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

Take advantage of it!

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

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

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

Conferences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Resume Worded   |  Resume Skills

Skill profile, project manager, improve your resume's success rate by using these project manager skills and keywords ..

• Hard Skills and Keywords for your Project Manager Resume
• ATS Scan : Compare Your Resume To These Skills
• Sample Resume Templates
• How To Add Skills
• Soft Skills for Project Manager Roles
• Project Manager More Resume Templates

Resume Skills and Keywords from Related Jobs

Browse skills from similar jobs, frequently asked questions.

• 3. Effective Action Verbs for your Resume

Get a Free Resume Review

Looking for keywords for a specific job search for your job title here., © 2024 resume worded. all rights reserved., project manager resume keywords and skills (hard skills).

Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Project Manager job postings. In other words, these are the most sought after skills by recruiters and hiring managers. Go to Sample Templates ↓ below to see how to include them on your resume. Remember that every job is different. Instead of including all keywords on your resume, identify those that are most relevant to the job you're applying to. Use the free Targeted Resume tool to help with this.

• Project Management
• Project Planning
• Change Management
• Engineering
• Microsoft Access
• Project Coordination
•  Find out what your resume's missing
• Construction
• Project Managers
• Strategic Planning
• Business Strategy
• Product Development
• Contract Management
• Agile Project Management
• Project Engineering
• Microsoft Project
• Software Project Management
• Social Media

Resume Skills: Process Management

• Lean methodologies
• Process improvement
• Quality control
• Cost reduction
• Waterfall methodology
• Risk Management
• Quality Assurance
• Stakeholder Management
• Meeting Facilitation
•  Match your resume to these skills

Resume Skills: Techniques

Resume skills: project management tools.

• ProjectLibre
• Office 365 (Teams, Planner, SharePoint)
• Zoho Projects

Resume Skills: Technical

• MS Office Suite
• Google Suite
• Microsoft Azure
• Microsoft Office Suite

Resume Skills: Software

• Ticketing Systems
• Google Workspace

Resume Skills: Verticals

• Digital Marketing

Resume Skills: Data Analysis & Reporting

• Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables)
• Google Sheets
• SAP BusinessObjects
• Crystal Reports

Resume Skills: Agile & Scrum

• Agile methodology
• Scrum framework
• Sprint planning
• Story Mapping
• Retrospectives
• Continuous improvement

Resume Skills: Languages

• English (Fluent)

Resume Skills: Systems & Protocols

Resume skills: technologies, resume skills: methodologies, resume skills: programming, resume skills: operating systems, resume skills: other tech tools, resume skills: business tools.

  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords? Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or projects. Alternatively, you can also include a Skills section where you can list your technical skills in order of your proficiency. Only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.

   Does your resume contain all the right skills? Paste in your resume in the AI Resume Scan ↓ section below and get an instant score.

Compare Your Resume To These Project Manager Skills (ATS Scan)

Paste your resume below and our AI will identify which keywords are missing from your resume from the list above (and what you need to include). Including the right keywords will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (i.e. resume screeners) which may scan your resume for keywords to see if you're a match for the job.

Sample Project Manager Resume Examples: How To Include These Skills

Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or skills section , like we've shown in the examples below. use the examples below as inspiration..

  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords? Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or projects. Only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.

How do I add skills to a Project Manager resume?

Go through the Project Manager posting you're applying to, and identify hard skills the company is looking for. For example, skills like Engineering, Management and Project Planning are possible skills. These are skills you should try to include on your resume.

Add other common skills from your industry - such as Project Coordination, Project Management and Construction - into your resume if they're relevant.

Incorporate skills - like Project Managers, Business Strategy and Sales - into your work experience too. This shows hiring managers that you have practical experience with these tools, techniques and skills.

Hiring managers often want to see evidence of leadership and management on a Project Manager resume, so try to include any examples of where you led a project or managed other people.

Leading and delivering projects to completion are critical skill sets when it comes to Project Manager roles.

Try to add the exact job title, Project Manager, somewhere into your resume to get past resume screeners. See the infographic for how to do this.

Word Cloud for Project Manager Skills & Keywords

The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Project Manager job descriptions. The bigger the word, the more frequently it shows up on employer's job postings. If you have experience with these keywords, include them on your resume.

Project Manager Soft Skills

Here are common soft skills that appear on Project Manager job postings. Unlike hard skills, which refer to tools, software or techniques, soft skills focus on character traits and interpersonal skills. Instead of listing these phrases on your resume, try to show them through your bullet points like in the examples below.

• Team Leadership
• Team Building
• Public Speaking
• Working with Investors

Tip: Do not list these words or phrases on your resume, and instead focus on the hard skills we described above.

We also found variations and further specializations to your job title. Browse through the related job titles to find additional keywords that you can include into your resume.

• Content Management
• Content Development
• Content Strategy
• Publications
• Copywriting
• Web Content Writing
• Copy Editing
• Newsletters
• Content Marketing
• Digital Media
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Advertising
• Social Media Marketing
• Marketing Strategy
• Adobe Photoshop
• Art Direction
• Brand Development
• Creative Strategy
• Print Production
• Adobe InDesign
• Creative Services
• Print Production Management
• Adobe Illustrator
• Marketing Project Management
• Graphic Design
• Creative Briefs
• Office Administration
• Administrative Assistance
• Construction Management
• Administration
• Event Planning
• Accounts Payable
• Human Resources (HR)
• Customer Service
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Project Portfolio Management
• Requirements Analysis
• Integration
• IT Management
• Project Management Office (PMO)
• Vendor Management
• IT Project & Program Management
• Business Analysis
• Agile Methodologies
• IT Strategy
• Program Management
• Business Process
• Information Technology
• Business Process Improvement
• Software Development
• Clinical Trials
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Clinical Research
• Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• Protocol Development
• Electronic Data Capture (EDC)
• Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS)
• Clinical Monitoring
• Clinical Development
• Regulatory Affairs
• Life Sciences
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
• Data Management
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Public Health
• Data Collection
• Biotechnology
• Digital Communication
• Internal Communications
• Online Marketing
• Strategic Communications
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Community Management
• Direct Marketing
• Architectural Design
• Architecture
• Construction Drawings
• Architectural Drawings
• Architectural Project Management
• Design Research
• Sustainable Design
• AutoCAD Architecture
• Space Planning
• Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• Residential Design
• Interior Design
• Green Building
• Electrical Wiring
• Value Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Contractors
• Project Estimation
• Electrical Design
• Contract Negotiation
• Change Orders
• Subcontracting
• Electrical Controls
• Design-Build
• Power Distribution
• Pre-construction
• Project Implementation
• Project Delivery
• IT Service Management
• Requirements Engineering
• Telecommunications
• Mobile Devices
• Agile & Waterfall Methodologies
• Product Management
• Requirements Gathering
• Cross-functional Team Leadership
• Google Analytics
• Email Marketing
• Event Management
• Product Marketing
• Public Relations
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Brand Management
• Service Delivery Management
• Service Delivery
• Outsourcing
• Managed Services
• Service-Level Agreements (SLA)
• IT Outsourcing
• IT Operations
• Cloud Computing
• ITIL Certified
• Incident Management
• Process Management
• Logistics Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
• Warehouse Operations
• Operations Management
• Transportation
• Transportation Management
• Warehouse Management Systems
• Military Operations
• U.S. Department of Defense
• Inventory Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Lean Manufacturing
• Lean Management
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Procurement
• International Logistics
• SAP Products
• Process Scheduler
• Sales Management
• Renewable Energy
• Account Management
• Data Analysis
• Qualitative Research
• Scientific Writing
• Research Ethics
• Grant Writing
• Literature Reviews
• Quantitative Research
• Report Writing
• Presentations
• Civil Engineering
• Research and Development (R&D)
• Medical Devices
• Manufacturing
• Materials Science
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Simulations
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Mechanical Engineering
• Client Relations
• Business Development
• Online Advertising
• Business-to-Business (B2B)
• Digital Strategy
• Business Planning
• Construction Project Management
• Cost Management
• Quantity Surveying
• Cost Control
• Construction Site Management
• Construction Safety
• Project Control
• Construction Estimating
• Infrastructure
• Virtualization
• Windows Server
• Data Center
• Active Directory
• Disaster Recovery
• Data Migration
• CRO Management
• Clinical Operations
• Clinical Data Management
• Drug Development
• Trial Management
• Therapeutic Areas
• Regulatory Submissions
• Interior Architecture
• Design Management
• Capital Projects
• Commissioning
• Process Engineering
• Stormwater Management
• Environmental Consulting
• Environmental Compliance
• Environmental Awareness
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Science
• Remediation
• Groundwater
• Environmental Permitting
• Water Resource Management
• Environmental Management Systems
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Water Quality
• Environmental Remediation
• Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
• Sustainability
• Groundwater Remediation
• Environmental Policy
• Engineering Management
• Systems Engineering
• Signaling System 7 (SS7)
• Wireless Technologies
• SAP Implementation
• SAP PM Module
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
• SAP Project Management
• SAP Materials Management (SAP MM)
• SAP Netweaver
• SAP Sales & Distribution
• Business Intelligence (BI)
• Materials Management
• Business Transformation
• Performance Management
• Business Process Mapping
• Health Insurance
• International Sales
• People Management
• Copy Protection
• Enterprise Software
• Customer Experience
• Internet Protocol (IP)
• Employee Relations
• Employee Engagement
• HR Policies
• Talent Management
• Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)
• Succession Planning
• HR Project Management
• Personnel Management
• HR Transformation
• HR Consulting
• Organizational Development
• HR Operations
• HR Strategy
• Workforce Planning
• Applicant Tracking Systems
• Employee Benefits Design
• Interviewing
• Benefits Administration
• New Hire Orientations
• Software Implementation
• Salesforce.com
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Software Documentation
• Financial Services
• Diversity Recruitment
• Financial Analysis
• Commercial Mortgages
• Financial Reporting
• U.S. VA Loans
• Corporate Finance
• Forecasting
• Cash Management
• Internal Controls
• Financial Modeling
• Technical Recruiting
• Commercial Real Estate
• Managerial Finance
• Financial Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Financial Planning
• Embedded Software
• Microsoft SQL Server
• Transact-SQL (T-SQL)
• Unified Modeling Language (UML)
• .NET Framework
• Embedded Systems
• Information Systems
• Information Assurance
• Training Delivery
• Instructional Design
• Training & Development
• Employee Training
• Leadership Development
• Supply Chain Operations
• Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
• Strategic Sourcing
• Enterprise Architecture
• Data Warehousing
• Solution Architecture
• Quality Management
• Test Planning
• Test Automation
• Test Strategy
• HP Quality Center
• Test Management
• Regression Testing
• Quality System
• Quality Control
• Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)
• Oracle Database
• Change Project Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Project Governance
• Facility Management (FM)
• Facilities Project Management
• Facilities Operations
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
• Corporate Communications
• Media Relations
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Press Releases
• Production Management
• Direct Mail
• Video Production
• User Experience (UX)
• Web Project Management
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Digital Project Management
• Digital Transformation
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
• Localization
• Website Localization
• Internationalization
• Translation
• Linguistics
• Localization Testing
• Language Services
• Terminology
• Proofreading
• Intercultural Communication
• Corporate Events
• Sponsorship
• Live Events
• Budget Management
• Event Production
• Relationship Building
• Entertainment
• Troubleshooting

Get your Resume Instantly Checked, For Free

Upload your resume and we'll spot the issues in it before an actual project manager recruiter sees it. for free., project manager resume templates.

Here are examples of proven resumes in related jobs and industries, approved by experienced hiring managers. Use them as inspiration when you're writing your own resume. You can even download and edit the resume template in Google Docs.

Resume Example Entry Level Project Manager

An effective Description of the templates...

Download this resume template

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.

Tips on why this template works

   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.

Resume Example Senior Project Manager

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.

Resume Example Technical Project Manager

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.

Resume Example Marketing Project Manager

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.

Resume Example IT Project Coordinator

An IT project coordinator helps manage and plan technical projects. This position is more specialized than a typical project coordinator role, and it generally requires you to have some technical experience or education. On your resume, make sure to highlight your knowledge of computer systems as well as any relevant softwares you know how to use.

   Showcases relevant work experience in IT

If you want to get hired as an IT project coordinator, focus your resume on technical positions you’ve held (as well as roles where you’ve worked with IT departments). Pointing out past experience in jobs such as a computer administrator or systems analyst may help give you an edge over your competition.

   Hard PM and coordinator skills displayed in skills section

Your hard technical skills can be crucial to your success as an IT project coordinator. If you’re proficient with softwares such as NetSuite ERP, and Oracle Hyperion, list these competencies in a skills section to demonstrate your technical expertise.

Resume Example Construction Project Coordinator

Construction project coordinators handle logistics and planning for construction projects. For this role, in addition to the organizational and communication skills needed for project coordination, you should have at least a basic understanding of building processes, standards, and codes. You may also need to manage teams of workers, so leadership experience is also a huge plus.

   Resume shows a strong background in construction

Because this project coordinator role requires specialized construction knowledge, your resume should emphasize your construction-related work history. Having experience as a foreman, electrician, or inspector is especially valuable because it shows recruiters that you have a solid understanding of construction projects.

   Past promotions demonstrate leadership and management potential

YAs a construction project coordinator, you’ll work closely with construction teams to ensure that projects get completed. You need to be an effective leader -- and what better way to demonstrate leadership on your resume than highlighting your past promotions? When you’ve advanced to greater levels of responsibility at prior jobs, hiring managers can clearly see that you are a strong performer with the ability to lead by example.

What hard skills should you include on a Project Manager resume?

On top Project Manager resumes, skills like Project Management, Project Planning, Management, Change Management, Engineering, Microsoft Access, Project Coordination and Construction appear most often. Depending on the exact role you're applying to, skills like Business Strategy, Project Managers, Software Project Management, Sales and Project Engineering can also be effective keywords to include on your resume.

How do resume skills compare between a Content Project Manager and a Creative Project Manager?

Popular skills we often see on resumes for Content Project Manager positions include:

In comparison, skills we see on Creative Project Manager resumes include:

What are good resume skills to include for different Project Manager roles and job titles?

Depending on the specific role you apply to, you may need to emphasize different skill sets. Here are a few examples:

• Business Project Manager : Business Process Improvement, Stakeholder Management, Change Management, Project Delivery and Project Management
• Construction Project Manager : Construction Management, Construction, Contract Management, Construction Project Management and Project Estimation
• Software Project Manager : Software Project Management, Agile Methodologies, Agile Project Management, Scrum and Software Development
• Supply Chain Project Manager : Supply Chain Management, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Logistics Management and Six Sigma
• Creative Project Manager : Art Direction, Adobe Creative Suite, Digital Marketing, Brand Development and Creative Strategy

What soft skills are common in Project Manager roles?

Examples of Project Manager soft skills include Time Management, Teamwork, Communication, Leadership and Team Leadership.

Target your Resume to a Job Description

While the keywords above are a good indication of what skills you need on your resume, you should try to find additional keywords that are specific to the job. To do this, use the free Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes the job you are applying to and finds the most important keywords you need on your resume. It is personalized to your resume, and is the best way to ensure your resume will pass the automated resume filters. Start targeting your resume

Most resumes get auto-rejected because of small, simple errors. These errors are easy to miss but can be costly in your job search. If you want to make sure your resume is error-free, upload it to Score My Resume for a free resume review. You'll get a score so you know where your resume stands, as well as actionable feedback to improve it. Get a free resume review

Scan your skills and keywords.

Creating an account is free and takes five seconds. you'll get instant access to all skills and keywords, plus be able to score your resume against them - no strings attached., choose an option..

• Have an account? Sign in

E-mail Please enter a valid email address This email address hasn't been signed up yet, or it has already been signed up with Facebook or Google login.

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number. It looks like your password is incorrect.

Remember me

Forgot your password?

Sign up to get access to Resume Worded's Career Coaching platform in less than 2 minutes

Name Please enter your name correctly

E-mail Remember to use a real email address that you have access to. You will need to confirm your email address before you get access to our features, so please enter it correctly. Please enter a valid email address, or another email address to sign up. We unfortunately can't accept that email domain right now. This email address has already been taken, or you've already signed up via Google or Facebook login. We currently are experiencing a very high server load so Email signup is currently disabled for the next 24 hours. Please sign up with Google or Facebook to continue! We apologize for the inconvenience!

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number.

Receive resume templates, real resume samples, and updates monthly via email

By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Lost your password? Please enter the email address you used when you signed up. We'll send you a link to create a new password.

E-mail This email address either hasn't been signed up yet, or you signed up with Facebook or Google. This email address doesn't look valid.

Back to log-in

Find out what keywords recruiters search for. These keywords will help you beat resume screeners (i.e. the Applicant Tracking System).

   get a resume score., find out how effective your resume really is. you'll get access to our confidential resume review tool which will tell you how recruiters see your resume..

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

• Resume Writing
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter
• Remote Work
• Famous Resumes
• Try Kickresume

Use These Resume Keywords to Pass ATS (+ Keyword Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated May 9, 2024 11 min read

No matter how many resume writing guides you read, none of them ever fails to stress the importance of resume keywords. But why is that? 

Well, it's because they play a key role (wink wink) in making your resume ATS-friendly . Without them, your job application simply won't reach the recruiters’ eyes even if you're the perfect candidate for the job. But more on that later. 

The burning question is: How can you tell which resume keywords are the best for you? 

And that's exactly the question we'll be answering today! 

So, if you're currently in the process of crafting your resume, be sure to continue reading our article and learn: 

• What are keywords on a resume;
• How to know which resume keywords to use;
• Where to place your resume keywords;
• Which keywords are the most sought after;
• And, conversely, which (key)words to avoid. 

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

 Why care about resume keywords

What are keywords on a resume, how to know what keywords to use in a resume, where to use keywords in your resume, the most in-demand resume keywords in 2024, what resume keywords to include based on your profession, what resume (key)words you should avoid, key takeaways: resume keywords.

However, we can't delve into resume keywords without spending a few words on the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and keyword scanners . 

ATS is an HR computer software specifically designed to streamline the recruitment process. It can help the hiring managers in several ways, but what's interesting for you is how it processes your resume:

• Firstly, ATS scans your resume for relevant keywords (parsing).
• Secondly, it awards your resume a percentage score based on how closely your keywords match those sought after by the employer. The more relevant keywords, the higher the score. 
• And thirdly, it filters through the submitted resumes and ranks them based on the abovementioned percentage score. And the higher you rank, the more likely you are to get noticed by the recruiters. 

Besides the ATS, recruiters can also use standalone keyword scanners. But these function on more or less the same principles.

The bottom line is, in the world of job hunting, keywords are a pretty big deal . And you must get them just right!

Does your resume list the right keywords?

Find out how good your resume really is with our AI Resume Checker.

So, what exactly do keywords for resume look like? 

They can be specific terms or phrases describing requirements that directly relate to the job you're applying for. They typically include essential skills, qualifications, experiences, and competencies that employers are seeking in candidates for a particular role.

Let’s have a look at a specific example so you'd have a better idea of what we're talking about here.

Below, you'll find a mock job posting we've created with highlighted keywords . 

Judging by the sea of orange, you can see that pretty much anything can be made into resume keywords. 

But if we continue to work with our example, we can break the keywords down into several categories : 

• Degrees (Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Bachelor's degree in Communications)
• Job duties (developing, implementing, and managing digital marketing campaigns; develop and execute digital marketing strategies; conduct market research; etc.) 
• Soft skills (Creative thinking, problem-solving abilities)
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Industry-specific hard skills (SEO, conversion rate optimization [CRO], Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, LinkedIn Ads, HubSpot, Mailchimp)

And now that you've got a solid understanding of what resume keywords are and their importance, let's look at how you can find out what keywords to use in a resume you're currently working on. 

Here's how you can figure it out in 4 simple steps :

Firstly, review your job posting carefully and highlight any words or phrases that pop up (just like we did with our example). This step is by far the most indicative, since the job posting tells you what exactly are these particular employers looking for. 

But what if your job posting isn't particularly generous with the job requirements description? If that's the case, your next step should be to analyze job postings pertaining to the same/similar job position. Although precise requirements can differ from employer to employer, the basic skills needed to handle the job remain largely the same.

Another step worth exploring is to take advantage of tools such as Moz Keyword Explorer or the good old ChatGPT to identify relevant keywords related to your industry, role, and specific skills.

Although AI-powered tools can be daunting, navigating them is actually really simple and intuitive. Our AI Resume rewriter analyzes the content of your existing resume, as well as job postings for your desired job or industry. Besides suggesting new keywords, it can help you nail that professional tone and formatting. All you need to do is upload your resume and wait. That's it!

Following these steps should provide you with plenty of potential resume keywords to choose from. But don't forget, the most reliable source of relevant keywords is always the specific job posting you're applying for .

To ensure that your resume is easy to read for both the ATS and the hiring manager’s eyes, your keywords should be weaved naturally throughout the whole document . 

Yes, we know, it's really tempting to make a “Keywords section,” stuff it with all the necessary words and phrases and be done with it. But, unfortunately, that's simply not good enough. 

Remember how we divided the keywords from our example into different categories based on what types of skills/experience/requirements they represented? Well, all that effort will come in handy now! 

Organizing your resume keywords in such a way gives you a good idea of where to later place them on your resume.

Keywords for resume summary

Since your resume summary ’s main purpose is to hook recruiters by presenting your most impressive qualifications, it's a great place to start sneaking in those keywords!

Generally speaking, there isn't any rule as to which keywords should be featured in this section, but we do have two humble recommendations:

• The title of the position you're looking to fill. 
• How many years of experience you have.  

What these two? Well, that's because it's pretty difficult to fit them elsewhere. 

Based on our example, we could start our resume summary with: “Detailed-oriented Digital Marketing Specialist with more than 4 years of experience.”

And voilà — two resume keywords with one stone!

Keywords for education section

Similarly, your education section is also quite straightforward when it comes to keywords. Here, you can simply include keywords in the form of degrees if the job posting calls for any.  

But pay close attention to the wording! 

For example : Our made-up posting uses the phrase “Bachelor's degree in Marketing.” Therefore, in your education section, you should write “Bachelor's degree in Marketing,” not “B.A. in Marketing” !

Keywords for resume skills

And, in your skills section , you should mention your skills. Yes, mind-blowing, we know! 

If there's a place anywhere on your resume where it's okay to dump as many keywords as possible, this is it. Just make sure to further divide your skills section into sub-categories (like language skills, computer skills, interpersonal skills, …) for the sake of readability. 

And, if any of your skills are known in the industry by their acronyms, be sure to include this version of the keyword as well. 

For example: Don't just write “ conversion rate optimization,” or “CRO.” Instead, use both versions like so — “conversion rate optimization (CRO).”

Keywords for work experience section

Finally, we get to the most extensive part of your resume — your work experience section . And here, all gloves are off! You can incorporate a wide variety of keywords describing your skills, your industry knowledge, or job duties. 

Also, don't be afraid of repetitions! In fact, the most important keywords should appear 2-3 times throughout your resume. 

And, one last golden nugget of information for you! If you want to avoid unnecessary words on your resume and come across as more proactive, turn your job duty nouns into action verbs . 

For example like this:

Action verbs on resume example

• Developed, implemented, and managed over 20 comprehensive digital marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including social media, email, and display advertising.
• Development and executed digital marketing strategies resulting in a 30% increase in online traffic, a 25% boost in lead generation, and a 40% enhancement in brand visibility and engagement.
• Conducted in-depth market research and competitor analysis, analyzing data from over 100 sources to identify trends, opportunities, and customer preferences.

As we've already mentioned, each and every job posting is unique and so are the keywords they contain. 

But, there are several keywords that seem to be particularly popular with the employers at the moment. Have a look, why not? Maybe some of them will be suited for your resume as well. 

Top 10 resume keywords for hard skills

• Data analysis
• Project management
• Cloud computing
• Cybersecurity
• UX/UI design
• Software development
• Statistical analysis
• Machine learning

Top 10 resume keywords for soft skills

• Communication skills
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Collaboration
• Emotional intelligence
• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills

Now, let’s zoom in on three professions in particular and look at which keywords are the most widely expected to appear on your resume.

And what a better way to show you how it works in practice than adding some stunning resumes to the mix! 

FYI, if any of these happen to catch your eye, feel free to use them as your first draft. Just click on the red button and write away!

#1 Project manager resume keywords

Project management is about making sure projects get done well and on time. It involves planning, organizing, and leading a team to reach goals within a set budget and schedule. Additionally, project managers help teams work together smoothly and solve any problems that might arise along the way.

Some of the most relevant keywords for you are: 

• Project Management
• Agile Methodology
• Waterfall Methodology
• Budget Management
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Team Leadership
• Project Planning
• Schedule Management
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Resource Allocation
• Communication Skills
• Milestone Tracking

Project manager resume keywords example

This resume sample was contributed by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

#2 Data analyst resume keywords

Data analysts sift through heaps of data to uncover important patterns and trends. By doing this, they help businesses and organizations make better decisions based on facts and figures. In a nutshell, they're vital parts of any company.

So, if you're looking to make a career as a data analysts, don't miss out on these neat resume keywords : 

• Data visualization
• Data mining
• Quantitative analysis
• Data interpretation
• SQL (Structured Query Language)
• Python/R programming
• Statistical modeling
• Excel/Spreadsheet proficiency
• Data cleansing
• Business intelligence (BI)
• Dashboard creation
• Predictive modeling

Data analyst resume keywords example

#3 sales resume keywords.

Sales is all about building relationships and helping people find what they need. And so, sales professionals need to listen to customers, understand their needs, and offer solutions that make them happy. After all, it's about connecting with people and making sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face.

On your sales professional resume, don't forget to include these resume keywords:  

• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Business development
• Client acquisition
• Account management
• Lead generation
• Negotiation
• Closing deals
• Cold calling
• Prospecting
• Relationship building
• Client retention
• Sales strategy
• Revenue growth
• Pipeline management

Sales resume keywords example

So far, we've talked (quite extensively) about all the keywords that shouldn't be missing from your resume. But what about the words that should be avoided at all costs? 

Yep, there are such things as resume taboos , and we're going to explore them right now! 

• Overused buzzwords. First of all, forget about hackneyed language like "innovative," "motivated," or "dynamic." These words have been used so much that they've lost all meaning. Instead, demonstrate these qualities through specific achievements and experiences.
• Passive language. Remember action verbs? Now, meet their less pretty cousins. Verbs like "assisted," "helped," or "participated in" can make you sound like that one person in a group project that only came for the presentation. 
• Irrelevant skills. A simple rule of the thumb — if it doesn't add value to your resume, it shouldn't even be on it! 
• Unnecessary filler words. Finally, go through your resume one more time and be merciless. Every little piece of fluff like "very," "really," "extremely," "basically," or “pretty” must go! 

And there you have it, our short list of shame. Always proofread your resumes to remove these lapses of judgment and use more relevant resume keywords instead.

To sum it all up, resume keywords are essential for making your resume ATS-compliant. 

Resume keywords are specific terms or phrases that describe requirements related to the job you're applying for.

You can find them as : qualifications, soft skills, hard skills, degrees, certificates, years of work experience, job duties, and competencies.

To find out what keywords to use on your resume, follow these 4 simple steps : 

• Start by reviewing the job posting you're responding to. Highlight any words or phrases that pop up. 
• Research similar job postings. Secondly, you can find inspiration by analyzing job postings pertaining to the same/similar job position. Because the basic skills needed to handle the job remain largely the same across all companies. 
• Consider using online keyword research tools. Or, you can employ the help of keyword research tools freely available online.  
• Lastly, check your resume keywords with AI Resume Rewriter . Besides suggesting new keywords, our Resume Rewriter can help you adjust the language of your resume to reflect your professionalism and  attention to detail.

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.

Related Posts

Did you write a mistake on your resume here’s how to handle it like a pro, 10+ account manager resume samples that’ll land you the perfect job, share this article, join our newsletter.

Every month, we’ll send you resume advice, job search tips, career hacks and more in pithy, bite-sized chunks. Sounds good?

• Using Project Execution Management

How Resource Qualification Score Is Calculated

The resource qualification score is a measure of a resource's suitability to fulfill a project resource request. The application calculates a score by comparing the requested qualifications and keywords to a resource's qualifications on the resource profile and resume.

Objects that Impact the Resource Qualification Score

The following key objects impact the resource qualification score calculation:

Qualifications

Proficiency

Project resource request

Resource profile

Resource resume attachment

How the Resource Qualification Score Is Calculated

A resource qualification score consists of two scores: a score for qualifications, such as competencies and language, and a score for keywords.

The following table explains how the resource qualification score is calculated based on content types and keywords on a project resource request.

Qualification Scores

To determine a resource's score for all qualifications on a request, the application divides the sum of individual qualification scores by the total number of requested qualifications.

The following table lists the rules that determine a resource's score for an individual qualification on a project resource request.

The following table lists the rules that determine a resource's score for a language qualification.

Relative Keyword Scores

This relative keyword score is combined with the qualification score to make up the resource qualification score. This resource qualification score is visible on the Search and Evaluate Resources page, Compare Resources page, and on the Resource Details page that you drill down to from either of these pages.

The application searches the resource's profile and resume attachment for requested keywords in the following resource attributes:

Competencies

Honors and awards

Licenses and certifications

Memberships

Resume text

For example, if you enter the keyword Financial on a project resource request, and a resource profile contains a competency of Financial Industry, the application counts it as a keyword occurrence for the resource.

When you search for resources on the Search and Evaluate Resources page, the application derives a relative keyword score for each requested keyword as follows:

Compares the number of occurrences for a keyword in a resource's profile and resume to the number of occurrences for that keyword in the profiles and resumes of all resources in the search results.

Calculates a resource's score for an individual keyword by dividing the number of keyword occurrences for the resource by the highest number of keyword occurrences for any resource in the search results.

The following table shows examples of resource scores for the keyword Java. Resource A has 10 occurrences of the word Java, which is the highest number of occurrences for all resources in the search results. Therefore, the scores for all resources in the search results are calculated by dividing the number of keyword occurrences in each resource profile and resume by 10.

To determine a resource's score for all keywords on a request, the application divides the sum of individual keyword scores by the total number of keywords on the request.

Simple Keyword Scores

If you're considering only one resource to fulfill a project resource request, the keyword score is based on whether the resource profile or resume has at least one occurrence of each requested keyword. This is a simple calculation, for example:

If a resource has one or more occurrences of a requested keyword, then the individual keyword score is 100% for the resource.

If a project resource request contains two keywords, and a resource has one occurrence of the first keyword and zero occurrences of the second keyword, then the individual keyword score for the resource is 50%.

Related Topics

• Resource Qualification Score Components
• Example of Resource Qualification Scores
• Why can a project manager and a resource manager obtain different qualification scores for a resource?