How to Write a Project Management CV: Guide with Examples
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 and has become one of the top ten roles in demand in the UK for 2024.
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
Download this sample project manager CV in PDF
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.
Check out the matching project manager cover letter sample!
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:
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.
Senior project manager CV example
Agile Senior Project Manager with 15+ years of experience delivering technical solutions that drive key business strategies. Dynamic leader with proven success in leading cross-functional development teams, contributing to every step of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Strong mentorship skills with experience in training, motivating, and supporting other project managers.
Project coordinator CV example
Aspiring Project Manager with three years of experience organising and managing various projects throughout each project lifecycle stage. Proven success in supporting teams by assisting with administrative tasks such as scheduling, resource allocation, reporting, contracts, and logistics.
Director of program management CV example
Seasoned Project Manager with over five years of experience as a Director of Program Management. Knowledgeable in program management principles, strategy, and financial management with a proven ability to deliver high-value projects on time and within budget. Adept at supervising large teams by leveraging strong communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.
Project managment apprenticeship CV example
Highly motivated and detail-oriented individual seeking an apprenticeship in project management. Eager to apply academic knowledge gained in project management coursework to real-world scenarios. Possess strong organisational and communication skills, coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Enthusiastic learner, ready to contribute to project success through dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Project manager freelance CV example
Accomplished freelance Project Manager with a proven track record of successfully delivering projects within budget and on schedule. Possessing strong client communication and negotiation skills, I excel at adapting to various industries and project scopes. Adept at managing remote teams and leveraging innovative technologies to enhance project efficiency. Committed to delivering high-quality results while maintaining flexibility and creativity in problem-solving.
Entry-level project manager CV example
Results-driven and detail-oriented entry-level Project Manager with a solid educational foundation in project management principles. Eager to leverage academic knowledge and internship experiences to contribute effectively to project teams. Possesses excellent organisational and time-management skills, coupled with a strong work ethic and a collaborative approach.
Project manager NHS CV example
Dedicated Project Manager with a background in healthcare, bringing expertise in managing projects within the National Health Service (NHS). Proven ability to coordinate and deliver projects that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Possess strong stakeholder management skills, ensuring alignment with NHS goals and objectives.
Construction project manager CV example
Seasoned Construction Project Manager with a comprehensive understanding of construction processes and project lifecycles. Demonstrated success in overseeing complex construction projects from initiation to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and budgetary goals are met. Skilled in collaborating with cross-functional teams, subcontractors, and vendors to achieve project milestones. Known for proactive problem-solving and effective communication, fostering a positive and productive work environment on construction sites.
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
Junior Project Manager
Assistant Project Manager.
For similar CV examples, refer to the below:
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 project manager 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
Pro Tip
Organise your CV by distinguishing between hard and soft skills. Dedicate a specific section to technical skills, where you can provide detailed insights into your proficiency with specific software and tools relevant to your hard skills."
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.
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"
Pro Tip
Emphasising relevant education and certifications on your CV is crucial, showcasing your comprehensive understanding and proficiency in the field. A recommended approach is to prioritise listing your most recent and pertinent education.
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. Choose a project manager CV template that effectively incorporates your skills and experiences.
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!
FAQs
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.
