Resume: PDF or DOC? Which File Type Works Best
Should you send your resume as a pdf or word document? What are the pros and cons of pdf and doc? Read on to find out the answer.
This project manager resume template checks all the right boxes.
Why?
Most project management resumes focus on the wrong things. They ignore the end user and crow about their careers.
But—
Show the right few deliverables and you’ll look like Harold Kerzner or Kim Heldman.
This guide will show you:
- A project manager resume example better than most.
- How to write a project manager resume that gets interviews.
- The key to a perfect project manager job description on a resume.
- Why your choice of project coordinator resume achievements decides your hiring feasibility.
Create a job-winning resume with little effort. Hack your way through ATS software with our 18 beautiful templates—give our builder a try!
Create my resume now
Project Manager Resume Template
Sue Bolander
PMP, IT Specialist
Personal Info
Phone: 508-312-7122
E-mail: sueqbolander@gmail.com
sueqbolander.com
linkedin.com/in/sueqbolander
twitter.com/sueqbolander
Summary
Strong IT Project Management Professional with 6+ years' experience, looking to improve quality, cost, & time for Dennison-Height Global. At Accurit, cut costs 28% in 5 months and received the Shingo Silver Medallion. At RBM, cut waste 20% and trained 78 employees in Lean Principles.
Certification
PMP—PMI
Experience
IT Project Manager
Accurit International, Inc.
2014–2018
- Oversaw all major IT projects for 4+ years, with focus on cost reduction.
- Implemented Six Sigma and Lean Training for all 78 employees. Slashed costs 28% in 5 months through employee idea collection and implementation.
- Through implementing standardized work and clear visual systems, increased efficiency 18% and received the Shingo Silver Medallion in 2017.
IT Project Manager
Rigas-Bratland Manufacturing
2012–2014
- Team leader for 12 IT specialists in high-volume manufacturing business.
- Switched all 235 employees to new scheduling system for improved cost management. Realized payroll cost savings of 15%.
- Implemented new cost-tracking project to cut inventory waste 20%.
- Managed project to train all IT staff in Lean principles.
IT Specialist
Rigas-Bratland Manufacturing
2011–2012
- Ran project to install hour-by-hour WIP monitors in all cells, boosting hourly efficiency by 20% and saving $340,000 per year.
- Managed project to replace 100+ aging workstations. Worked with supplier to save 25% on costs. Saved estimated 150 man-hours a year in computer time.
- Initiated project for improved security, cutting risk scores 25%.
Education
Project Management Institute
2012
- Commended by instructor for Agile skills.
- Excelled in Project Scheduling coursework.
B.S. in Computer Science, UMass Boston
2007–2011
- Received the Wilson Independent Study Award for IT research.
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude.
- Managed student project to upgrade computer system in school library.
Conferences
- 2018 Northeast Shingo Lean Conference, Spoke on panel about vendor management.
- 2016 Change Management Conference, Led session on Agile with 99% audience score.
Additional Activities
- Project-managed construction of new cat house at local shelter.
- Lead competitive road biking team of 20 for fun and self-care.
- Run project management podcast with 2,500+ subscribers.
Hard Skills: Agile, Scrum, Business Process Improvement, Vendor Management
Soft Skills: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication
Languages: Spanish (Advanced)
Now here’s how to write a project management resume:
1. Pick the Best Project Manager Resume Format
If nothing else:
Your program manager resume must show you rule the details:
- Choose the reverse-chronological resume format. It puts your most recent projects near the top.
- Use the best resume fonts in 10–14pt with 1-inch margins, big headings, and generous white space.
- Write a one-page resume unless you’ve got more chops than Terry Schmidt.
- Add a resume header with name, phone, email, and social media links. No photo—no street address.
- Include a project manager resume summary, then work experience and education.
- List resume extras like your PMP certification, conferences, and volunteer work to change no go to go.
Expert Hint: Save your resume as a PDF unless the job ad says no. Project manager resume PDFs won’t disintegrate in transit. They’re also machine-readable in 2019.
2. Write a Pulse-Pounding Project Manager Resume Summary
Assumption (100% probability)—
Chelsea, the hiring manager, is swamped.
She skims PMP resumes and construction manager resumes because she doesn’t have time to read them.
So, write a resume summary that makes her want to read your resume.
How?
Include:
1. One adjective (detail-oriented, efficient, voracious)
2. Job title + certification (PMP)
3. Years of experience (2+, 6+)
4. How you’ll help (improve quality, cost, and time)
5. Flashiest 2–3 achievements (received the Shingo Silver Medallion).
These senior project manager resume examples show right from wrong:
Senior Project Manager Resume Summary—Example
The first of those IT project manager resume samples is nonlinear. The achievements with metrics make it shine.
What if You’ve Got No Experience?
You do have accomplishments. List those in your entry-level project manager resume objective.
Impressive. You may not have project manager jobs, but you’ve got a professional summary for a project manager job resume.
A resume objective for an IT or construction project manager used to focus on your goals. For 2018, show how you’ll help reach company goals.
Expert Hint: Write your program manager resume summary last. That way, you’ll have plenty of great wins to pick from in the rest of your PMP resume.
3. How to Write a Project Manager Resume Job Description
Ready for an eye-opener?
The perfect resume job description doesn’t show every achievement in your life.
It picks the few that’ll electrify this particular hiring manager.
It all comes down to how you pick them.
So—
1. Read the job offer.
2. Highlight the project manager skills and duties in it.
3. Write resume bullets that prove you’ve mastered them.
These technical project management resume examples show how:
Technical Project Management Resume—Example
Job ad wants these project manager skills: (1) Six Sigma, (2) training, and, (3) standardized work.
IT Project Manager
Accurit International, Inc.
2014–2018
- Oversaw all major IT projects for 4+ years, with focus on cost reduction.
- Implemented (1) Six Sigma and Lean (2) Training for all 78 employees. Slashed costs 28% in 5 months through employee idea collection and implementation.
- Through implementing (3) standardized work and clear visual systems, increased efficiency 18% and received the Shingo Silver Medallion in 2017.
- Oversaw all IT projects and project management duties and responsibilities, with focus on cost reduction.
- Responsible for managing Lean program.
- Handled implementation of clear visual systems and Poka-Yoke controls.
The first of those senior project coordinator resume examples is award-worthy. It shows you’re exactly the right candidate.
Entry-Level Project Manager Resume Example—No Experience
No experience for your resume? Don’t chew your nails.
Your junior or assistant project management resume still has resources.
Show PMP achievements from non-PM jobs. Also list side projects, volunteer project management work, and freelance jobs.
Do like this project manager resume sample:
IT Specialist
Rigas-Bratland Manufacturing
2011–2012
- Ran project to install hour-by-hour WIP monitors in all cells, boosting hourly efficiency by 20% and saving $340,000 per year.
- Managed project to replace 100+ aging workstations. Worked with supplier to save 25% on costs. Saved estimated 150 man-hours a year in computer time.
- Initiated project for improved security, cutting risk scores 25%.
Keywords for Project Manager Resumes
Advice worth gold:
Don’t copy-paste resume skills you find online.
Hiring managers have a low tolerance for that.
But—for reference:
| Soft Skills | Hard Skills | Hard Skills |
| Leadership | Scheduling | Research |
| Communication | Cost Control | Project Iteration |
| Detail Oriented | Risk Management | Agile |
| Collaboration | Business Case Writing | Scrum |
| Listening | Profit and Loss | PowerPoint |
| Problem Solving | Project Vision | Microsoft Project |
| Organization | Project Design | Budgeting |
| Time Management | Leading Cross-Functional Teams | Forecasting |
| Decision Making | Defining Project | Business Skills |
| Analytical Thinking | Scope Management | Ideation Leadership |
Expert Hint: It’s one thing to say you’ve got a PMP or construction manager resume skill. It’s another to show you’ve used it. Even better? Show the effect with %, $, hours, and other metrics.
4. Turn Boring Education to a Reason to Hire You
Value engineering time:
Don’t waste space.
Even the education section on your project management skills resume should show job-getting achievements.
These IT project manager resume examples show the plan:
Education
Project Management Institute
2012
- Commended by instructor for Agile skills.
- Excelled in Project Scheduling coursework.
B.S. in Computer Science, UMass Boston
2007–2011
- Received the Wilson Independent Study Award for IT research.
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude.
- Managed student project to upgrade computer system in school library.
Education
B.S. in Computer Science, UMass Boston
2007–2011
- Graduated in June of 2011 with Computer Science Degree.
- Excelled in biology classes.
- GPA 3.3
- Also received PMP Cert from PMI in 2012
The first of those technical project manager resume samples gets you hired.
It proves you’ve cared about project management since you were in school.
Expert Hint: Is your project manager resume experience still in the planning stage? Lengthen your education section. Partition it into projects, positions, and organizations.
6. How to Show Certifications on a Resume
Getting your cert took effort.
So, why hide it on your project manager resume?
- Put it after your name.
- Add it to your PMP or construction management resume summary.
- Include it in your job titles.
- Last, add it to a dedicated certification section.
Certification
PMP—PMI
The hiring manager and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will know you’re certified, through and through.
Expert Hint: Do you need a project manager certification on your resume? Well, 82% of PMPs surveyed reported higher median salaries than PMs without a cert.
7. Add Value to Your Project Manager Resume With Bonus Sections
Think about this:
Your PMP or program coordinator resume must show more than experience and education.
It has to show you’re great to work with.
So—
Add resume extras to your project management resume that prove you make things happen.
These two senior project manager resume examples show how.
Conferences
- 2018 Northeast Shingo Lean Conference, Spoke on panel about vendor management.
- 2016 Change Management Conference, Led session on Agile w/99% audience score.
Additional Activities
- Project-managed construction of new cat house at local shelter.
- Lead competitive road biking team of 20 for fun and self-care.
- Run project management podcast with 2,500+ subscribers.
Additional Activities
- Attend various PMP conferences.
- Enjoy road-biking.
- Regular podcaster.
Those first program manager resume samples will jump start your job search.
Expert Hint: Send a project manager cover letter. Many experts say cover letters are out of style. That’s true, but almost half of all employers won’t read your resume for project manager jobs without one.
Key Points
For a PMP resume that gets the contract:
- Use the project manager resume template up top. It presses all the right buttons to get employers on your side.
- Write bullet points in your project based resume that show measured accomplishments. Make them fit the job like a unified process.
- Don’t waste an inch in a project management resume. Even your education section should show PMP achievements.
- Write a project manager cover letter. It’s the proposal that gets your project coordinator resume a careful read.
Got questions on how to write a great resume for project manager jobs? Not sure how to show project manager on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply.
