How to Write a Scrum Master CV: Step-by-step Guide with Tips!
Crafting a standout scrum master CV is key to landing interviews in today’s competitive UK tech market. With Agile methodologies at the core of most software development teams, skilled Scrum Masters are in high demand across startups, agencies and enterprise environments.
Part operations manager and part product manager, a scrum master motivates development teams, manages sprints, removes roadblocks and keeps stakeholders aligned. We show you how to write a modern CV that passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and reaches hiring managers.
In this article, we cover:
How to write a good CV for a scrum master step-by-step
Key elements of a UK scrum master CV
How to maximise a simple CV format
Next steps in your scrum master application.
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Scrum master CV example
Josie shows her 5+ years as a Scrum Master confidently and succinctly with the California CV template. Utilising the right-hand column, she draws the eye to her skills and education, leaving plenty of room for a rich work history.
What to include in a scrum master CV?
Scrum masters possess a unique mix of project leadership, team coordination and technical understanding. Whether you're entering the profession or looking to grow in your current role, it's essential to present your value in a clear, accessible format.
Similar to professions like developer, UI/UX designer or computer scientist, you might apply to multiple roles during your job search. To keep your applications consistent and effective, start by creating a master CV that includes all relevant personal details and work history. You can then tailor this document for each job-specific application.
Core elements to include:
A compelling personal profile tailored to Scrum and Agile values
A clearly structured skills section with both technical and soft skills
Well-organised work experience entries that show impact, not just duties
Your education background, even if it’s not IT-specific
Relevant certifications and courses (e.g. CSM, PSM I)
Any tools or software proficiency (e.g. Jira, Confluence, Miro)
1. Showcase key scrum master CV skills and tools
Similar to a data analyst or data scientist, your CV must artfully blend technical expertise, hard skills and soft, transferable abilities. To effectively showcase your skills on a CV, categorise them strategically in different sections.
Firstly, effectively highlight your skills by using a dedicated section for your technical abilities – such as Agile frameworks, project tracking tools and collaboration platforms. Then, weave in sought-after soft skills – like communication, leadership and conflict resolution – across your CV in the work experience and personal profile sections.
Take a look at the top skills employers look for more inspiration on how to include more of your core competencies and don’t hesitate to include AI skills on a scrum master application.
5 key skills for a scrum master to excel in their role
Agile & Scrum methodologies: Expertise in applying Agile frameworks and Scrum practices to facilitate rapid and flexible project management.
Sprint planning & execution: Proficient in organising and managing sprints, including planning, daily stand-ups, reviews and retrospectives.
Backlog management: Skilled in prioritising and maintaining the product backlog to ensure alignment with project goals.
Agile coaching: Ability to mentor and guide teams in Agile practices, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Continuous improvement processes: Expertise in identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance team productivity and project outcomes.
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
| Project management software | Leadership |
| Risk management | Communication |
| User story creation | Problem-solving |
| JIRA/Confluence | Adaptability |
| Data analysis | Emotional intelligence |
Generic skills to avoid in a scrum master CV
Avoid broad and overused terms like 'team player' or 'hard worker'. Instead, opt for specific soft skills like 'emotional intelligence' or 'adaptability' that convey how you navigate complex team dynamics and evolving project challenges. These distinctions help paint a clearer picture of your unique value as a scrum master.
Remember, if you possess proficiency in multiple languages, especially in diverse team environments, listing additional languages can be a real tie breaker.
Key tools to list on a scrum master CV
2. Include a compelling personal profile
Writing an effective personal profile CV section serves as a concise introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the document and is an excellent place to highlight your core strengths. As a scrum master, this space quickly establishes your qualifications, motivations and alignment with the role's requirements.
It's essential to craft a profile that not only grabs attention but also communicates your ability to fulfil the job's demands. Incorporating specific keywords and skill sets related to Agile and Scrum methodologies, project management and team leadership can significantly enhance the visibility and impact of your CV.
Want to gain insights into how related industries handle this section? Check out our game designer, cyber security and machine learning engineer CV example articles.
Pro Tip
The personal profile section should succinctly convey years of experience, highlight relevant soft skills (beyond generic ones) and touch upon career aspirations.
Examples of personal profiles for a scrum master CV
Agile Scrum master CV personal profile example
Dynamic Agile Scrum Master with over 5 years of experience facilitating successful Agile transformations and fostering high-performing development teams. Demonstrates expertise in Agile methodologies, effective sprint planning, and backlog management. Known for leadership qualities that enhance team productivity and project delivery. Driven by a passion for continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence in Agile project management.
Senior Scrum master CV personal profile example
Seasoned Senior Scrum Master with over 10 years of experience in leading multiple Scrum teams across diverse organisational contexts. Specialises in scaling Agile frameworks, strategic project planning, and Agile coaching, with a strong record of improving team efficiency and project delivery timelines. Motivated by the challenge of driving Agile maturity and excellence in complex enterprise environments.
Graduate Scrum master CV personal profile example
Recent graduate with a Master’s degree in Information Technology and a certified Scrum Master, eager to apply academic knowledge and internship experience in real-world Agile project settings. Brings fresh insights into Agile methodologies, sprint planning, and team facilitation. Enthusiastic about contributing to and learning from experienced Agile teams, with a keen interest in professional growth as a Scrum Master.
Refer to our graduate CV example for more help writing your CV after graduation!
Career change Scrum master CV personal profile example
Accomplished professional transitioning into the Scrum Master role, bringing over 7 years of experience in digital marketing and project coordination. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, implementing Agile practices in non-traditional settings, and driving project success through iterative approaches. Highly motivated to leverage transferable skills and Agile certifications to excel in fostering Agile transformations and enhancing team dynamics.
Refer to our career change CV example for more help navigating this process!
Agile Practitioner Scrum Master personal profile example
Certified Agile Practitioner and Scrum Master with experience leading cross-functional teams using Scrum, Kanban and hybrid methods. Skilled in driving Agile adoption, improving delivery flow and aligning team efforts with business goals. Known for a collaborative style, clear communication and a focus on delivering value early and often.
Pro Tip
The personal profile section should clearly show your years of experience, highlight relevant soft skills (beyond generic ones) and touch upon professional motivations and aspirations.
3. Add relevant work experience
To correctly include your work experience on a CV, begin with your most recent role and work backwards. For each position, include a brief description of your responsibilities. To make your achievements stand out, start each bullet point with strong action verbs. This highlights your contributions whilst contributing to a more impactful CV writing tone. As a scrum master, focus more on achievements and the value you added to the team or project, concluding each work experience entry with quantifiable successes.
Incorporating keywords related to Scrum methodologies and Agile practices throughout your experience section is crucial. Skills like ‘Agile workflow optimisation’, ‘cross-functional team leadership’, and ‘stakeholder communication’ should be naturally woven into your descriptions –but don’t over-use them!
Scrum master CV work experience examples
Agile Scrum Master | New Tech Solutions, Birmingham | 2020 - Present
Tasked with the leadership and guidance of Agile practices within a dynamic development team. Actively facilitate daily standups, sprint planning, reviews and retrospectives, ensuring adherence to the Agile framework and continuous improvement of processes. Champion the removal of project roadblocks and foster a collaborative environment for high productivity and iteration.
Spearheaded the adoption of the Scrum framework, resulting in a 30% increase in project delivery speed and a significant improvement in cross-team communication.
Facilitated a series of workshops that enhanced the team's Agile practices, leading to a 40% increase in sprint completion rates.
Senior Scrum Master | Advertastic Digital Advertisers, London | 2018 - 2022
Led multiple Scrum teams with a focus on optimising workflow and enhancing product development processes. Oversaw the strategic implementation of Agile methodologies across projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Engaged in high-level planning and provided mentorship to junior Scrum Masters and team members.
Directed a cross-functional team in a large-scale Agile transformation, achieving a 50% improvement in overall project efficiency.
Implemented a company-wide Agile coaching program, cultivating an environment that supports continuous learning and improvement.
Junior Scrum Master | Gun Show Games, Bristol | 2021 - Present
Support the Scrum team by facilitating daily scrum meetings, assisting with sprint planning and helping to manage the product backlog. Work closely with the Agile Scrum Master to learn and apply Scrum principles, practices and theory. Contribute to the identification and resolution of team impediments.
Assisted in the successful completion of two major product launches by effectively managing sprint activities and coordinating with cross-functional teams.
Played a key role in a project that delivered a new software feature, praised for enhancing user engagement by 20%.
Work experience example with little to no experience
No direct experience? Here's how to pivot your background to fit a scrum master role.
Focus on transferable skills such as leadership or collaboration. Though these skills might not be specific to Agile methodologies, they can still be highly beneficial for you to succeed in this role.
Digital marketing coordinator | Humbug Media, Manchester | 2018 - 2023
Led digital marketing initiatives from conception through execution emphasising agile project management and continuous iteration based on performance metrics. Displayed a high level of cross-functional collaboration, requiring coordination with design, content and analytics teams to ensure projects align with strategic goals and adapt swiftly to market feedback.
Introduced an iterative campaign development process to refine strategies in real-time, accelerating campaign optimisation cycles by 50%.
Fostered a culture of continuous improvement and agile thinking within the marketing team, leading to dynamic and responsive marketing strategies able to pivot in response to new insights.
Take a look at the digital marketing or project manager CV examples to see how you can further leverage transferable skills to demonstrate how they can contribute to your effectiveness as a Scrum master.
4. List your education on a scrum master CV
While scrum master is known as a high-paying job not requiring a degree, some employers do prefer candidates holding a bachelor degree in IT, business administration or a related field. According to a 2024 study 66% of scrum masters hold an undergraduate degree whilst more than a quarter hold a masters.
It seems showing you have the formal qualifications to take the job on is still a big box to tick for scrum masters. Make sure you’re correctly formatting the education section on your CV to underscore your value, starting with your most recent qualification first and working backwards.
How to format education on a CV
Master of Science in Information Technologies, University of Central Lancashire, 2020
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of Manchester, 2016
5. Add your scrum master courses and certifications
Including courses and certificates ensures your CV remains current and competitive in the UK job market. Underscore your professional development by highlight up-to-date and widely recognised scrum master certifications. There are several industry-recognised certifications to choose from:
Here's an updated list of certifications you should consider including:
– Scrum AllianceA globally recognised entry-level certification that covers Scrum fundamentals and the role of the Scrum Master. Offered by various UK-based training providers, including Agile Centre.
– Scrum.orgThis certification emphasises a deep understanding of Scrum principles and practices. Training is available through UK providers such as BAgile.
– Scaled AgileIdeal for those working in large-scale Agile environments, this certification focuses on the Scrum Master's role within the SAFe framework.
– Scrum AllianceDesigned for experienced Scrum Masters, this certification delves into advanced facilitation, coaching, and team dynamics.
– Scrum AllianceThis advanced certification recognizes seasoned Scrum Masters who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and leadership in Scrum practices.
How to format courses and certificates on a CV
Remember to list courses or certificates, as with your education section, in reverse chronological order, naming the certificate, awarding body and date of completion.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), The Knowledge Academy, 2018
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), The Knowledge Academy, 2017
How to write a scrum master cv with no experience
Preparing a CV for a scrum master role with little to no direct experience requires some lateral thinking and a strategic approach. Focus on soft and transferable skills whilst underscoring a desire to make your mark in the industry. Here we break down the core CV sections and how to approach them with a limited work history in the field.
1. Showcase transferable skills in the personal profile
Start with a strong opening that reflects your interest in Agile and Scrum. Emphasise leadership, communication, and adaptability. Highlight any project management or teamwork experience, showing your readiness for Agile environments.
2. Align work experience entries with the job description
Detail roles where you've shown leadership or teamwork. Describe tasks and achievements that mirror Scrum Master capabilities, such as leading projects, facilitating meetings, or managing changes, to showcase your indirect experience.
3. Draw the eye to your most relevant skills
Split this section into transferable and hard Skills. For transferable skills, include communication, leadership, and problem-solving. In hard skills, mention any relevant training in Agile methodologies or tools like JIRA, even if your experience isn't extensive.
4. Get the most out of your education
Mention your education, focusing on any projects or courses related to technology, project management, or business. Highlight group projects or research that involved project management principles.
5. Show off any industry certificates including works-in-progress
List Agile or Scrum certifications, such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM). These underline your commitment to mastering Scrum methodologies.
Key takeaways
Here are the five key takeaways for crafting an exemplary UK scrum master CV:
Impactful personal profile: Start with an engaging profile that showcases your Agile passion, leadership skills, and why you’re suited for Scrum mastery.
Leverage work experience: Use previous roles to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and project management skills relevant to Scrum practices.
Spotlight skills: Divide skills into transferable and hard categories, emphasising communication, leadership, and Agile tools knowledge.
Education and certification: Highlight relevant education and include Scrum or Agile certifications to underline your commitment and competency.
Strategic section approach: Tailor each CV section to reflect your suitability for Scrum Master roles, focusing on potential and applicable skills.
Do's and don'ts for a scrum master CV
Dos
Highlight an Agile mindset, leadership and team facilitation
Show how you’ve led teams and delivered value through Scrum
Divide your skills into soft and technical areas
List relevant certifications such as CSM or PSM I
Tailor each section to reflect the job ad
Don'ts
Skip over your personal profile or leave it vague
List experience without linking it to Agile or Scrum principles
Overload your skills section with buzzwords or outdated tools
Forget to show impact – go beyond job duties to highlight results
Forget to proofread your CV and cover letter
Next steps?
Utilise our CV maker platform with 20+ CV templates and professional designs to choose from. To accompany your CV, discover our cover letter templates. If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, connect with our professional CV Writing Service. If you're ready with your application after following this step-by-step guide, read our tips to help you organise and track your job applications and how to send a CV via email.
FAQs
What is Scrum?
Scrum is the name given to a software product development process developed in the early 1990s. The process breaks work packages down into two-week to one-month blocks called sprints. The person tasked with overseeing these sprints is the scrum master. Scrum's approach to product development involves bringing decision-making authority to an operational level with a focus on iteration. Explore more jobs that didn't exist before the 2000s.
What does a scrum master do?
A Scrum Master facilitates and guides Scrum teams, ensuring adherence to Scrum principles and practices. They focus on promoting collaboration, removing impediments, and supporting the adoption of Scrum to enhance team productivity and project delivery.
How much does scrum master certification cost in the UK?
Scrum Master certification in the UK typically costs between £800 and £1,400, depending on the provider and course format. Some options include in-person workshops, online bootcamps, or self-paced learning. Prices usually include the exam fee.
What is the salary of a scrum master in the UK?
The average salary for a scrum master in the UK is between £45,000 and £65,000 annually. As one of the highest paying jobs that you can get in the UK without an official degree, it is becoming increasingly popular in the UK.
Are scrum masters in demand in the UK?
Yes, scrum masters are in high demand in the UK as organisations continue to adopt Agile methodologies. The need for effective project management in dynamic business environments drives this demand. Check out other jobs that are in demand in the UK.
Is scrum master a 9-5 job?
The scrum master role can vary in terms of hours and may not strictly adhere to a 9-5 schedule. It depends on the organisation's work culture, the project requirements, and the team's needs. Flexibility and adaptability are key aspects of Agile environments, which can influence working hours. Find out more about remote and hybrid work models that can apply to this type of job.
Is networking important for a scrum master?
The power of networking remains a powerful tool in securing Scrum Master roles. Engaging with professional communities can uncover opportunities not listed on job boards. An optimised LinkedIn profile complements your networking activities and increases visibility.
