How to Write a Project Management CV

A career in project management can open doors to a wide range of opportunities, from honing problem-solving skills to fostering cross-team collaboration and enjoying the flexibility to seamlessly transition between industries. In the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and the global discourse surrounding its potential to replace jobs, the role of a project manager stands resilient.

Furthermore, this evolution has led to the realisation that the role of a project manager can be effectively performed remotely, aligning with the changing dynamics of the modern workplace. As the demand for project managers continues to soar, this trend further underscores the versatility and adaptability of the profession.

From career changers seeking a fresh start to individuals considering apprenticeships or freelancing experiences, supplementing these endeavours with additional training or courses can significantly enhance their prospects in the field. This guide caters to a broad audience, whether you are a student aspiring to enter the field, a recent graduate seeking direction, or someone looking to make a career transition with little to no experience. Read on to increase your chances of landing more interviews.

Project Manager CV example

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Matthew Lewis is an experienced and qualified Project Manager who has opted for the Erasmus template. His CV is simple, easy to read, and, most importantly, tailored to his career goals.

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Writing a project management CV: A step-by-step guide

A project manager takes the reins and leads a project from start to finish. In a way, writing a project management CV mirrors the project lifecycle, encompassing initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and ultimately, closure – or, in this context, landing your dream job. To effectively showcase your professional journey, meticulous planning is paramount. It involves a deep understanding of the specific role you are pursuing and the industry or sector.

Just as in project management, the essence of a CV lies in its structure and format. Prioritise clarity to pave the way for competence. Much like managing any project, adopting a structured approach is highly advisable. This two-step process, when applied to your CV, ensures a well-organised and impactful representation of your skills and experiences.

A well-crafted project manager CV highlights your experience, skills, and achievements, demonstrating your ability to manage projects efficiently. Consider that certain sections come highly recommended, and others that are optional should be inclined based on their relevance to your career goals. This includes but is not limited to:

• Photo

• References

• Hobbies and interests

• Courses and certificates

• Languages.

Creating a CV for every job application might seem time-consuming, when, in fact, the reason for not doing so might be why you are waiting to hear back from recruiters. Another reason for creating a tailored project management CV is due to automated software known as ATS which stands for applicant tracking systems. Many recruiters use this to filter out candidates by specific keywords, experience, and education.

1. What is a good summary for a project manager CV?

A personal profile serves as a concise introduction at the beginning of your CV, highlighting key experiences, soft skills, and qualifications pertinent to the desired position. As the initial section that recruiters or hiring managers typically review, it plays a crucial role in making a strong first impression.

Additional project manager jobs include but are not limited to:

• Electrical Project Manager

• IT Project Manager

• Architectural Project Manager

• Marketing Project Manager

• Event Project Manager

For similar CV examples, refer to the below:

• Electrician

• IT

• Architect

• Marketing

• Event Manager

2. What skills should a project manager put on a CV?

A competent project manager must be well acquainted with industry-specific concepts, methodologies, practices, and vocabulary and have solid technical proficiency in specific tools and techniques. You must demonstrate certain skills on your CV, whether a seasoned project manager or a junior.

For a more senior role, you should have the proven ability to manage teams/projects and bring them to success. For more junior positions, you must showcase your willingness to learn by being proactive and taking the initiative to ensure delivery on time and within budget. To work in this field means you need both people and technical know-how; below are some examples of hard and soft project management skills to include in your CV.

Examples of hard skills for a PM:

• Agile and scrum methodologies

• Lean project management

• Budget management

• Strategic planning

• Risk management.

• Resource management.

Examples of soft skills for a PM:

• Time management

• Communication skills

• Problem-solving

• Issue and conflict resolution

• Critical thinking

• Adaptability.

Examples of technical project management skills:

• Project Management Tools: Microsoft Project, Jira, Trello

• Agile Methodologies: Scrum, Kanban

• Collaboration Platforms: SharePoint, Confluence

• Data Analysis: Microsoft Excel, Tableau

• Version Control: Git, SVN

• Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure

• Task Automation: PowerShell, Python

• Risk Management: Monte Carlo Simulation

• Communication Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams

• Document Management: Documentum, M-Files

• Quality Assurance: TestRail, Selenium

3. How do you describe project management experience on a CV?

Whether you boast over a decade of experience or are embarking on your project management journey, the focus on work experience in your CV should emphasise what you did versus what you achieved. When detailing your job history, prioritise relevance and consider omitting short-term roles or frequent job changes.

Freelance project manager CV example:

Project Manager, Wilcons & Co, London | 2020 - Present

Manage a portfolio of diverse projects with budgets ranging from £100K to £500K, overseeing day-to-day operations to ensure timely and successful completion. Lead and coordinate a 10-member team for a community project, guiding and facilitating collaboration to navigate challenges effectively.

• Achieved successful and on-time completion of multiple projects, demonstrating strong project management skills.

• Heightened community engagement and delivered positive outcomes by leading a collaborative team effort.

Learn more by reading volunteer CV example.

Junior project manager CV example:

Junior Project Manager, Wilcons & Co, London | 2020 - Present

Collaborate with project teams to address challenges, resolve conflicts, and maintain focus and motivation throughout the project lifecycle. Conduct impactful training programs, fostering the development of the project team's knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Implemented project management tools and software to optimize project visibility, improve team collaboration, and refine project tracking and reporting processes.

• Successfully managed project teams through challenges, ensuring effective conflict resolution and sustained motivation.

Refer to the skills-based CV example if you have little to no experience.

NHS project manager CV example:

Project Manager, NHS, London | 2018 - Present

Spearhead the management of healthcare projects, aligning activities with NHS guidelines and compliance standards. Orchestrate cross-functional teams to ensure seamless communication and collaboration on a daily basis. Apply specialised healthcare project management tools to enhance efficiency and ensure adherence to industry standards.

• Successfully managed healthcare projects within the NHS framework, meeting compliance standards.

• Contributed to project success through effective cross-functional team coordination.

Construction project manager CV example:

Project Manager, J&J Construction, London | 2021 - 2023

Oversaw day-to-day operations of construction projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to budgets and timelines. Leveraged expertise in construction methodologies and safety regulations to guarantee project success. Ensured adherence to safety regulations and construction methodologies, contributing to project success.

• Implemented construction project management software, such as Procore, to optimize daily project documentation and communication.

• Successfully managed construction projects, meeting budgetary and timeline objectives.

Refer to our construction CV example for more inspiration.

4. What education does a project manager have?

Various career paths lead to project management, offering flexibility in educational and experiential requirements. For those aiming to become a PM in the UK, acquiring a bachelor's degree in business management with a specialisation in project management is a prudent choice. However, the appropriateness of the educational path can vary depending on the industry.

For example, individuals with qualifications in Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying can smoothly transition into project management roles. In such cases, pursuing a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, recognised globally, can serve as a valuable credential.

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Example for a PM CV:

Master of Business in Project Management, London University, UK, In Progress

• Advanced coursework in Agile Project Management and Risk Analysis

• Thesis focus: "Optimising Project Lifecycles for Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness"

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, London University, UK, 2020

• Specialisation in Project Management and Team Leadership

• Final year project: "Successfully Executing Cross-functional Projects in Dynamic Environments"

Learn more by referring to how to write education on a CV.

5. Boost your CV with project management courses and certificates

The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a range of certifications catering to individuals at various stages of their project management career. From entry-level project managers to seasoned professionals, PMI's certification programs are designed to enhance skills and proficiency. To enroll in advanced programs, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) or others, a minimum requirement typically includes a degree and a minimum of three years of project management experience. If you are looking to elevate your CV, incorporating relevant courses and certifications is crucial.

Examples of project management courses offered by PMI:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Program Management Professional (PgMP)

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

• PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

• PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP).

Example of how to present certifications on a project management CV:

PMP (Project Management Professional), Project Management Institute, 2022

Key takeaways

At this point, you should understand the essential elements that constitute a good CV. While it's crucial to craft a CV that aligns with ATS requirements, equally important is the incorporation of precise and verifiable information. Steer clear of developing a CV overloaded with keywords that you might struggle to substantiate during an interview.

Next steps?

Whether you are a seasoned project management professional or just kick-starting your career and need additional guidance, inspiration, or expert advice, contact our CV writing team or refer to the CV examples page for more inspiration!

FAQ

How long should your project management CV be?

The standard length of a CV is two pages. A one-page CV is more common for people who are recent graduates or have little experience. Sometimes, a three-page CV can be used if you are a more seasoned professional. In any scenario, brevity is key, meaning sometimes you must kill your darlings to keep only the most relevant and vital information in your CV. Instead, you can elaborate on any details or additional experiences in a job interview.

What is the best CV template for a project manager?

When selecting a CV template for a project manager, the focus should be on highlighting the projects worked on, emphasising their value and impact. We offer a variety of CV templates and cover letter templates, and the choice depends on individual preferences and personality. By centering the CV around project accomplishments, a project manager can effectively differentiate themselves in a competitive job market.

Will ChatGPT replace project managers?

Concerning ChatGPT and project managers, it's important to clarify that ChatGPT does not replace the role of project managers. While AI, like ChatGPT, can assist with specific tasks, project managers bring a holistic set of skills that involve coordination, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. AI serves as a complementary tool in project management but lacks the understanding and leadership abilities.