Project Manager CV Example & Writing Guide

Project managers are the corporate magicians of the 21st century. With a remarkable knack for ensuring each project outcome is greater than the sum of its parts, project managers rely on a skill set that is very specific but infinitely applicable in virtually any field.

Here at cvapp.ie, we can help you secure a range of impressive offers with an engaging project management CV! As a leading career advice platform, we’ve created a ton of CV templates and guides along with expert advice and job search resources for job seekers. We’re passionate about helping project managers just like you expand their career potential!

How to write a project manager CV

Project managers play a crucial role in any project by bringing diverse teams together. Their ability to see the bigger picture and coordinate various pieces is essential to the success of a project. Each project is a learning opportunity, allowing project managers to accumulate a diverse collection of work experiences and skills. Consequently, a project manager's CV often reflects their varied background and adaptability to different projects.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that each project management CV should contain the following: 

• The CV header
• The CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The CV skills section
• The education section

A project manager's CV has to cover all of these aspects of the role and many more. But first, to make any of it matter, you need to make sure that the hiring manager will receive and read your CV.

Choosing the right CV format for a project management CV

The chronological CV format is commonly used and recommended for most occupations, including project manager roles. It provides a straightforward overview of your career by highlighting your most recent projects in the employment history section. 

However, if you are new to the workforce, changing careers, or have a non-linear project manager background, alternative CV formats may be more suitable. 

For example, if you have a consulting background or want to emphasise specific project management skills or industry expertise, a functional CV structure could be your best bet. 

The choice of format depends on the position you are seeking and your career goals. A hybrid CV format, combining elements of both chronological and functional structures, is also an option. Overall, it’s usually best to go with the reverse chronological format. 

Include your contact information

A well-designed header will draw attention to your project management CV for the right reasons. There will be no mistake about who your CV belongs to, your occupation, and your contact information so recruiters can get readily in touch with you to set up an interview. Be sure to include your:

• Full name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Location
• Relevant websites

Crafting an impressive project management summary

The project manager CV summary should convey proficiency and confidence, showcasing your ability to tackle any challenge and make the impossible possible. 

Rather than simply listing your responsibilities, focus on describing how you approach and lead project teams in 3-5 sentences. The summary is the ideal section to elaborate on your professional strengths in concise, free-form text. 

By including impactful statements and supporting them with quantifiable results, your CV summary creates a strong initial impression. 

Additionally, aligning your summary with the keywords from the job requirements ensures better ATS protection and improves your chances of catching the attention of hiring managers. 

Utilising word clouds can further enhance your keyword matching, providing insights into the employer's priorities and project expectations. Incorporating these strategies enhances your prospects of demonstrating your understanding of the job and your readiness to excel in the role.

You can check out our customisable executive CV example or review our project manager CV summary below for extra inspiration:

Highlight your work history: outline your professional experience

When crafting the employment history section of your project manager CV, prioritise showcasing the most relevant projects to the desired future role. While projects from the past decade may hold some relevance, outlining recent examples will make your experience appear more relevant. 

Adding figures and statistics to substantiate your examples is crucial, as projects are typically driven by measurable business benefits. Without quantifiable contributions, potential employers may not take your CV seriously. Boo!

Ensure that a "people" aspect is reflected throughout your employment history. Project managers rely on teamwork and collaboration to succeed, so describe how you motivated and united individuals towards a common goal. 

Merely outlining tasks without highlighting the importance of bringing people together will fall short. Demonstrating your ability to lead and inspire others is key in distinguishing your project management skills.

The best skills to include on a project management CV:

In the world of 360-degree feedback, it is often a good idea to ask for examples of your core skills. You can ask former employers, colleagues, or even close friends who have witnessed your performance in a professional setting. 

Here are a few longer-form examples of how a project manager might elaborate on their skills. They illustrate how your project management skills could be adapted and integrated  in your CV summary and employment history sections:

• Coordinated and managed multi-functional project teams (of 25-300 people).
• Oversaw strategic goals and tactical decisions with weekly cross-functional meetings.
• Ensured quality assurance and evaluated project risks at every stage.
• Managed external partners and service providers to add incremental value.

Hiring managers will be looking beyond the text to ascertain whether you have the skills for the role, so make it clear to them that this is the case.

Detail your education & relevant certifications

In this section of your project management CV, it's common to include a business degree in the education section, providing a broad understanding of business principles and efficiency. 

Project managers may also have an operations background or industry-specific degree, which can be equally valuable. While relevant employment experience is prioritised, a combination of education, training, and on-the-job learning is considered when candidates have similar qualifications. 

When listing multiple courses or project management qualifications, include dates to showcase your ongoing learning. Your project manager CV should demonstrate your commitment to continuous growth and development. 

CV layout and design

The presentation of your project manager CV is just as important as its content. Finding the right balance between style and functionality is crucial in choosing the layout, design, and text formatting options. Finding the right CV layout isn’t always easy – that’s why we’ve created powerful and professional CV templates that can be personalised to your liking. Simply check out the cvapp.ie website and see for yourself! Each template comes with sample sentences that can be easily replaced with your own text, resulting in an eye-catching project manager CV. 

At cvapp.ie, our mission is to enhance your career potential. With a diverse collection of professionally-crafted CV templates endorsed by industry experts, we're committed to assisting you in creating standout CVs that get you hired faster. Start crafting your job-winning CV with our online CV builder today!