Project management is divided into different phases, and this mindset will be helpful when you come to write your project manager CV. That's because breaking it down into sections is one of the best ways to accomplish this task.
Luckily, you'e come to the right place. In the following guide, we will take a look at how you can create a CV that will win over even the most discerning of hiring managers.
CV guide for a project manager CV
At Resume.io we take pride in being able to deliver an exceptional service for job seekers.
We have CV examples to help support candidates from countless professions. You can also use our CV builder to create a flawless document. Here's what we cover in this guide:
- The role of a project manager and how to prepare to write your CV
- Top tips for writing the most effective CV.
- Formatting your CV to deliver results.
- The different sections to include on a CV (summary, work history, education, skills)
- The best CV layout to use and design tips with help from our CV examples.
What does a project manager do?
Project managers are essential for overseeing projects and making sure they stay within timelines, budget etc. The project manager will try to reduce costs where possible and improve efficiencies.
A project manager can work within a range of industries and although the responsibilities will be much the same, the types of projects will differentiate. The main goals of a project manager are to improve the effectiveness of a project, reduce costs and to ensure a project is completed successfully.
How to write a project manager CV
It is best to plan your CV before you get started with it. You need to know what sections to include, otherwise you might not cover the key elements of it. These are the main sections you should have on your project manager CV sample:
- The CV header
- The CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The CV skills section
- The education section
You should always consider your audience before you start compiling your project manager CV. Every company you apply to will have different values and cultures, so it is vital that you do a bit of research first.
Take a look at the company website, get a feel for who they are, and write your CV accordingly. You should never send the same CV to every role; you should tailor it to suit, even if it means just making small tweaks.
When you have conducted your research, try to compile some information on what the interviewer might ask you and create your CV sample with this in mind.
Just as you would divide your project managing duties into different steps, we would suggest keeping this in mind when creating your CV:
- Tailor your CV to suit the job and company you are applying to – don’t forget to conduct thorough research before you tackle it.
- Use one of our CV templates to ensure you create a clear CV. Don’t worry about being outlandish with it, keep it simple.
- Make sure you use relevant keywords on your CV, you can get these from the job spec.
Stick to a standard format
Make sure you keep your format sleek. Don’t use different font styles, as it can look a little chaotic. You can change the size to suit headings and other elements or use bold, but consistency is key.
Choosing the right resume format for a project manager
The best format for your project manager CV is reverse chronological. Your most recent employment/education should be first and then work your way back to your earliest.
If you have 20 years’ experience, you need not mention every job – going back 10 or so years should be enough.
If you are quite new to the workforce or changing careers, it may be worth starting with a skills or experience section to give the hiring manager a sense of what you’re good at.
You may decide that your education is more impressive than your experience, and in which case, you may want to place the education sector before your experience.
There is high demand for project managers in the UK, and a skills gap. It is thought that there will be over 168,000 job vacancies from now until 2027.
This talent gap may result in a £2.09 billion GDP deficit. If this is your chosen field, you can expect there to be plenty of opportunities.
Include your contact information
The first thing you need to include on your CV is the header. This section includes your contact information so that the hiring manager can get in touch with you. As such, here are the main points that you need to include:
- Full name & title. Include your first and last name. Next, add the title of the role you are applying for.
- Professional email address. Add an email address that you use. Don't include one that has silly words or your nickname in it. Keep things professional.
- Phone number. Include a phone number where you can be reached.
- Location. You only need to include your location here, not your full address.
- LinkedIn. So long as your LinkedIn profile is active and up to date, you should include it in your CV header as standard.
Don't include the following:
- Personal details. The hiring manager doesn't need to know whether you are married or what your national insurance number is.
- Your date of birth. They don't need to know how old you are, either.
Make use of a summary
The summary is the part of your project manager CV where you can define your career goals. It should focus on the main aspects of your expertise and what you can offer the company, as well as what you are looking for in your next role.
For example, are you excited by a new challenge? Do you want to work for a large organisation? Always make sure you tailor this to suit the role and organisation you are applying to.
You should always write your CV by using action verbs, such as ‘managed’, instead of using ‘I’ or referring to yourself by your name. See how this is done in the CV example below.
Get some inspiration now!
The summary tends to be more free form than other sections of the CV so this can naturally make it feel a little more challenging. If you are struggling with this section, you can take a look at our business and management CV examples.
You may want to start with a manager CV sample or a team leader CV example and progress to the project manager example and guide. We also offer a consulting CV sample if you prefer to work on a per-project basis or a school leaver CV sample if you are preparing to enter the workforce after your education.
You can find adaptable summary examples below:
Eager Project Management graduate with experience working as part of a team to deliver high-end results. Proficient in cost saving, overseeing teams of 20+, and working with management software. Enthusiastic about working on eco-friendly projects that have a significant impact on the planet.
Driven Project Manager with 7 years of experience overseeing residential home construction projects. Adept in collaborating with investors, building firms, and shareholders on large-scale builds. Previously employed budgeting methods to lower costs by up to 5.4%.
Construction Project Manager with knowledge of new-build home construction with responsibility for managing projects with budgets of up to £20M, ensuring deadlines are adhered to. Expert in improving efficiency and making significant cost savings. Passionate about delivering an exceptional service to clients.
Outline your project manager work experience: the planning stage
The next step in creating an excellent project manager CV is to write your employment history and again, you should start with your most recent employment. You can use bullet points to describe the key aspects of your role and break up white space.
You can really set yourself apart by quantifying your responsibilities with the results you have achieved. For example, you managed a project worth £10M, or you were responsible for delivering savings of £5M. As you can see, these are much more enticing to the hiring manager than just ‘managed a team.’
A project management CV sample is below.
Senior Project Manager at Lewis Homes, Birmingham
January 2018 - Present
- Overseeing site work, ensuring budgets are adhered to and making cost savings where possible.
- Managing subcontractors and dealing with concerns as they arise.
- Agreeing terms with subcontractors and vendors.
- Liaising with clients, keeping them updated on the progress of projects.
- Completing on-site inspections.
Project Manager at JC Engineering, City of London
February 2013 - January 2018
- Supporting the project team in delivering the agreed project targets, including ensuring budgets were met and timescales adhered to.
- Dealing with any issues relating to projects as they arise.
- Ensuring any risks were minimised by consistently monitoring the projects.
- Monitoring and reporting the performance of the project.
Project Assistant at BER Security, City of London
January 2009 - February 2013
- Managing a busy and varied workload, providing support to the project manager.
- Evaluating existing processes and making suggestions for improvements.
- Supporting other team members as necessary.
- Taking minutes at project meetings where required.
- Focus on continuous professional development.
Include the relevant key skills that make you a great project manager
A project manager needs to have a range of both hard and soft skills. The skills on your CV should reflect your ability to have expertise in managing budgets, negotiating, as well as communication and being able to manage a range of priorities.
Ultimately, the role of a project manager is to ensure that projects run efficiently, and a really good project manager will be able to make substantial cost savings on the project. Make sure your individual skills come together to illustrate this.
- Computer Skills
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Interpersonal Communication
- Strong Leadership
- Construction Management
- Project Management
Detail your education & relevant project management certifications
Typically, a project manager will have a relevant degree to include in the education section, which might be in project management or general management.
In some cases, a project manager may be able to work their way up the food chain in an organisation, without qualifications. However, you should have some form of education to put in the education section, even if it is courses you have undertaken. Here are some examples:
- Training. You may have taken on-the-job training or even an evening class.
- Relevant certificates or diplomas are always of interest to the hiring manager, so make sure you mention these here.
- Degree or qualifications. If you do have a degree or equivalent, all the better. Add it in here and level-up your project manager CV.
Use our CV sample below to help you create yours.
HND Project Management, King's College, London
August 2007 - August 2009
Site Management Safety Training Scheme
February 2008
Pick the right resume layout and design for a project manager resume
Our project manager CV guide has been created to help you reach the interview stage, and hopefully gain employment. We have discussed the content, but it is important to also consider the CV layout and design. Your CV should be easy to reach, clear and concise.
The hiring manager should be able to quickly scan it and get an overall impression of who you are and what you can achieve in the role. Some candidates spend much too long on the layout and design, but if it is clear and each section is laid out well, that’s all you really need.
- Pay attention to the white space on your template to make sure it’s easy to read
- Use common section headings like “Employment History” or “Education”
- Create a header that highlights your name and contact information
- Submit a CV with spelling errors or grammatical mistakes
- Go overboard with icons or images
- Submit the same CV to multiple positions without tailoring it
You should never rush your project manager CV. It is a process that may take a little time, but with our help, you can create a masterpiece. You can look at some of our CV templates for guidance and CV examples.
Project manager job market and outlook
The world of project management is ever-expanding. For that reason, now may be the perfect time to dip your toes in the water. According to Prospects, here are opportunities in a range of sectors, including:
architecture
- Construction
- Engineering
- IT
- Manufacturing
- Retail.
What type of salary you can expect in project management
The Salary and Market Trends Survey 2023 from the Association for Project Management shows that the salary for this role is one of the strongest in the United Kingdom. In fact, a massive 65% of professionals saw a pay increase in 2022 alone.
The average salary for a project manager in the UK now stands at £47,500 per year. When you compare that to the 2023 national average salary of £34,963, it's a real jump.
Key takeaways for a project manager CV
- Write your CV with the audience in mind and tailor it to suit each role and organisation. Make sure you check out our CV samples for inspiration.
- Use a clear, concise layout, with headings for each section. Make sure you proofread your CV and check for any spelling or grammatical errors.
- Take relevant keywords and place them throughout the CV, so that an Applicant Tracking System will pick it up.
- Check out our CV examples for an idea of how to create an attention-grabbing header.
