project management keywords resume worded

Project Management Resume Keywords in 2023 (With Expert Tips)

• POSTED ON August 26, 2023
• by Marcjean Yutuc

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.

Marcjean Yutuc

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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!

21 Must-Have Keywords For a Project Manager’s Resume

If you are looking for keywords for a project manager’s resume, then you have landed on the right page. I have mentioned 9 keywords that you must include in your resume.

As we progress through 2023, the job market undergoes constant changes, and so do the expectations surrounding project manager resumes. Crafting a standout resume becomes pivotal to securing your dream project management position .

To achieve this, incorporating “relevant project manager resume keywords ” is key. This blog will explore crucial keywords that can elevate your project manager’s resume , boost its searchability during job applications , and increase your chances of an interview.

Reading Lists

9 Must-Have project management resume keywords

• Project Management Skills : Showcase specific skills like budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder communication to exhibit your expertise in handling successful projects.
• Leadership : Employers seek candidates with the ability to lead and motivate teams effectively. Highlight your leadership prowess to demonstrate your potential as a project manager.
• Strategic Planning : Emphasize your capacity to develop and execute comprehensive project plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Team Collaboration : Collaboration plays a crucial role in project management. Highlight your ability to work with cross-functional teams to drive project success.
• Agile Methodology : As Agile gains prominence, mentioning your proficiency in Agile project management can be advantageous.
• Scrum : Agile project management techniques like Scrum are widely employed in the software industry and other sectors.
• Problem Solving : Projects inevitably encounter challenges. Demonstrate your problem-solving skills to showcase your ability to navigate obstacles adeptly.
• Data Analysis : In a data-driven world, employers value project managers who can analyze data to make informed decisions.
• Change Management : Highlight your ability to manage change and adapt projects to evolving requirements.

21 project management resume keywords (Bonus)

Increase resume shortlisting opportunities for project managers.

Tailor your resume to match specific job descriptions to catch the recruiter’s attention. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job posting to demonstrate that you possess the desired qualifications. This simple act can significantly increase your chances of getting shortlisted.

Write ATS-friendly resume

As hiring processes increasingly involve applicant tracking systems ( ATS ), resume searchability becomes crucial. ATS scans resumes for keywords , making it essential to include industry-specific phrases and skills.

For example, terms like planning, budgeting, PMP certifications, “project lifecycle managemen t” and “ risk assessment “ are ATS-friendly keywords that can enhance your resume’s visibility and boost the likelihood of getting an interview call.

How to Use Keywords for Project Manager Resume

• To identify the most relevant keywords for project manager resume, research industry trends, job postings, and specific company requirements . Pay attention to frequently used terms and incorporate them thoughtfully in your resume.
• Leveraging the power of keywords in your 2023 project manager resume is a must.
• By strategically importing essential keywords like project management skills, leadership, and problem-solving, tailoring your resume for each job application, and ensuring searchability with ATS-friendly terms, you can boost your chances of securing your desired project management role.
• Stand out from the competition and take the first step toward a successful project management career.

How to Prepare for a Project Manager Interview

Now, it’s time to prepare and confidently showcase your project management expertise during the interview . This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you are the perfect fit for the role. Here’s how you can ace the interview and effectively use your resume keywords:

• Review Your Resume : Before the interview, thoroughly go through your resume and pay special attention to the keywords you included. Familiarize yourself with the specific skills and experiences you highlighted.
• Use Real-life Scenarios : Be ready to provide concrete examples of how you have applied the skills mentioned in your resume keywords in actual project situations. Utilize the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, showcasing your achievements clearly.
• Emphasize Leadership and Collaboration : Highlight your leadership abilities and how you have effectively collaborated with teams in past projects. Employers value project managers who can lead and inspire their teams to achieve outstanding results.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills : Showcase your problem-solving abilities by discussing how you have overcome challenges and obstacles in previous projects. Illustrate how you analyzed data and made informed decisions to drive project success.
• Show Adaptability : Emphasize your ability to manage change and adapt projects to meet evolving requirements. Employers seek project managers who can navigate uncertainties and deliver results in dynamic environments.
• Ask Thoughtful Questions : Prepare relevant questions about the company’s projects, culture, and future goals. Demonstrating your interest and curiosity showcases your dedication to the role and organization.
• Express Passion for Project Management : Convey your passion for project management during the interview. Enthusiasm and genuine interest in the field can make a lasting impression on the interviewer.
• Practice Interview Etiquette : Exhibit professionalism and proper interview etiquette throughout the conversation. Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and express gratitude for the opportunity to interview.
• Follow-Up After the Interview : Send a personalized thank-you email to the interviewer after the interview, reiterating your interest in the role and your appreciation for the opportunity. This gesture shows your attentiveness and professionalism.

Remember, your resume keywords have already captured the interviewer’s attention, but it’s your ability to articulate your experiences and skills that will set you apart from other candidates.

Be confident, authentic, and enthusiastic, and use your resume keywords strategically to showcase your project management expertise.

As you prepare for the interview, envision yourself thriving in the role of a project manager, making a positive impact on projects and teams. With the right preparation and the power of your resume keywords behind you, you’re well on your way to securing that dream project management position.

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Resume Worded  |   Skill Profile

Skill profiles, resume hard skills and keywords, we've analyzed over one million job posts to find out the skills and keywords recruiters specifically look for., analyzed by resume worded, looking for keywords for a specific job search for your job title here to get a list of hard skills to include., © 2022 resume worded. all rights reserved., how to list hard skills on a resume.

With Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) on the rise, it’s more important than ever to list the right skills and keywords on your resume. The question is: What are the right skills? We've analyzed over one million job posts to answer that question, including a detailed breakdown of how to list hard skills on your resume and a keyword finder tool that will automatically generate a list of top skills based on your industry and job title.

What are hard skills?

There’s a lot of talk about hard skills vs soft skills, but what exactly are they? In a nutshell, hard skills are objective while soft skills are subjective. That means that hard skills — also known as technical skills — can be easily proven. Here’s a (non-comprehensive) list of things that can be considered hard skills, with examples:

• Programming skills: JavaScript, C++, Python, React
• Software programs: Microsoft Project, Canva, Photoshop, QuickBooks
• Foreign languages: English, French, German
• Degrees and certifications: CFA, Bachelor of Engineering, CPA

Don't include soft skills.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are harder to prove — think interpersonal skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication. Another big difference is that most soft skills are transferable, meaning the same qualities are in demand across multiple roles, while the hard skills you’ll need will be specific to your industry and job title.

Search for hard skills by job.

To get an idea of what hard skills are most relevant to your industry, type your desired job title into the search bar on the left to get a list of suggested keywords.

Browse Skill Profiles in Popular Categories and Industries

Find out what skills recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in your industry. click one of the following jobs to dive in. if your job isn't listed yet, please get in touch to request your skill profile, how many hard skills should you list on your resume.

Generally, listing between 5-10 skills on your resume is ideal. Listing too many skills (15+) lacks focus and is a red flag to technical hiring managers, who will wonder how well you actually know all of those skills. Here are some quick things to keep in mind:

• Use the search function on the left side of this page to find the most essential hard skills for your industry or job title
• Only list a handful of skills you’re truly proficient in . Be prepared to answer questions about your skills in an interview or technical assessment
• Use the job posting as a guide . Check the job posting and list hard skills mentioned in the description
• Group your skills by proficiency level , like Advanced vs Familiar or Expert vs Working Knowledge.

Here are some guidelines you should avoid:

• Avoid listing the same hard skills on every resume regardless of the specific job you’re applying for (especially if you’re changing careers)
• Avoid mentioning hard skills that aren’t relevant to the job
• Don’t list every single skill you’ve ever dabbled with
• Don’t list skills you aren’t comfortable using in a professional setting
• Don’t: Use fancy images or infographics — stick to text only on your resume.

How to list hard skills on a resume

There are a few optimal ways to list hard skills on your resume:

• In a dedicated skills section
• In a general ‘other’ section
• In your work experience
• In a resume summary

Skills section

Because hard skills are objective, you don’t need to elaborate on them unless you feel it’s necessary. A simple skills list is enough to bypass ATS and allow hiring managers to quickly skim your resume for key skills.

If you have a lot of skills and your skills section is starting to get cluttered, consider using subheadings to separate your skills section into different categories — for example, technical skills, techniques, software, languages, or certifications.

What to call it : Skills or Technical Skills Where to put it : At the end of your resume

Additional information section

If you only want to list a small number of key skills, you can combine your hard skills with other information like projects, awards, and community involvement. Make sure you mark your skills clearly with their own subheading — most recruiters only spend a few seconds on an initial resume scan, so you want them to be able to find important information at a glance. List clearly marked hard skills in an ‘other’ or ‘additional information’ section

SKILLS & OTHER Skills: Advanced in SQL, Python, and Jira; Strong practical experience with Business Intelligence tools, like Tableau and Cognos Volunteering: Volunteer 20+ hours a month at ABC Foundation, leading data science projects.

What to call it : Other or Additional Information Where to put it : At the end of your resume

Work experience

While a simple skills list is fine, listing hard skills in your work experience takes it a step further by showing how you’ve used those skills in a professional setting. Use your bullet points to list accomplishments related to the hard skills you most want to emphasize, and don’t forget to use metrics to show the benefit those skills had to your company.

Here are some more examples you can use to get started:

• Cut projected time for data analysis by one week by developing reusable ETL components using Pentaho Kettle.
• Designed, executed, and optimized digital marketing campaign on Google AdWords; led to 20% increase in ROI.
• Spearheaded the migration to Quickbooks ultimately saving the company over $200,000 annually in costs.
• Created Word macro to increase productivity when making policy mockup up to 75%
• Designed 6 company logos utilizing Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture software.

What to call it : Experience or Work Experience Where to put it : At the top of your resume, underneath your contact information and resume summary (if you have one)

Resume summary

A resume summary is optional, but it can be a good way to highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Stick to 1-3 hard skills that are essential to the position you’re applying for and keep it to no more than a single short paragraph.

Here’s a resume summary template you can copy and paste:

[Job title] with experience leading [industry] businesses [describe size of businesses]. [Describe impactful element of role, with specific numbers]. Proven experience [mention 2-3 skills that are relevant to the job]. [Optional: Describe relevant educational certification/accomplishment, or one significant accomplishment in the format of Action Verb + Accomplishment + Metric].

What to call it : Summary (you can also choose not to label it at all) Where to put it : At the very top of your resume, underneath your contact information

How to find relevant hard skills

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to making sure you’ve included the most essential skills on your resume:

• Look at the job posting and add any skills mentioned in the job description.
• Type your job title, industry, or keyword(s) into the search bar on the left to get a comprehensive list of the top industry skills and keywords.
• Use a free online resume scanner to optimize your resume and suggest missing skills and keywords.

Browse Skills and Keywords in Popular Jobs

You can also search for a specific job on the left, or browse through the list below. choose the job that your role aligns closest to and see the skills and keywords you should include..

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.

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Join us for a virtual tech talk hosted by our program, AI Futures. This event will feature Dr. Stephen Mastro, a distinguished senior engineer and Deputy Chief Technology Officer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Mastro will share his insights on systems engineering, project management, and the latest advancements in power and energy, mechanical systems, sensors, and materials.How to Join:Start your registration with the provided link and check your email for further instructions!About the Speaker:Stephen Mastro, Ph.D., is a senior engineer and the Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (U.S. Navy). Dr. Mastro’s extensive career began in 1987, focusing on ship silencing and vibration analysis. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to test and evaluation, in-service engineering for shipboard instrumentation and sensors, and systems engineering. His current role involves advising and executing an internal R&D program valued at $20M, covering areas such as power and energy, mechanics, fluid thermal science, cybersecurity, and other technical domains.Dr. Mastro is the author and co-author of 30 papers and seven U.S. patents. He actively participates in the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). Additionally, he holds adjunct teaching appointments at Villanova University, Drexel University, and Temple University and serves on the Industrial Advisory Boards of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Villanova University and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Temple University.

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