As the title suggests, I'm looking for some help writing a good resume for seeking a PM role. However, I've never had a job with the word "Project" in the title, and on all the projects I've been a part of, things were run by autocrats who refused to let me take on any official responsibilities. Beyond that, most of the projects failed completely due to upper management issues and rampant embezzlement.
So, not a good foundation to build on.
I've got my MBA, my PMP (because just being involved in the projects was enough to pass the experience requirements, plus CSM, PMI-ACP, and SSGB.
I've been spamming my resume to various companies for months and never received so much as an interview. Everyone wants a PM with 5+ years of experience as a PM, and it seems like nobody is allowed to actually start their career.
Can someone help me figure out what I can do to fix myself in the eyes of recruiters? Saving Changes...
Highlight any accomplishments and activities which you undertook in your past roles which demonstrate you have gained sufficient experience to lead projects.
Beyond that, I'd also suggest considering a stepping stone role as a project analyst/administrator/coordinator as that is often a feeding path into a "full" PM role.
Spamming your resume becomes obvious to recruiters. Many times I've read resumes that looked like they were written for a completely different job. If you don't have a good "generic" resume, you need to tailor it to the job role advertised. Resumes for the completely wrong job go directly to the rejection pile.
Highlight your past job responsibilities as they relate to the job, not necessarily the job title. I've had many titles that are understood inside the company, but not to those outside, even though they are very much project management related.
Finding a stepping stone job as Kiron suggested is a good way to get past the dilemma of needing 5 years of experience in the job before you qualify for the job itself. To avoid being in more of an administrative job, having background in the technical domain will help there as you bring more than generalist skills.
Also...don't mention the rampant embezzlement anywhere in the hiring process. ;-) Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Alexander,
Focusing on positions that only have “Project” in the title is going to be limiting. I’ve personally been managing projects for decades but have never had this keyword in my title. In addition, most project charters that I have seen in my career have had the named project manager being someone other than one who is “titled as such.” It depends on the organization, but you will often find that titled project managers are not fulfilling the traditional “project executive” role; instead, they are fulfilling administrative or coordinator type roles.
In my judgment, the market is awash with experienced project managers, especially when you consider the impact of “COVID RIF’s (Reduction In Force)” that occurred, wherein organizations froze or cut back their project activities and RIF’d titled project managers. It would also seem evident that many enterprises are not up to “full steam” at this time, as it relates to projects (as compared to pre-COVID times).
As you stated, you have project experience and an MBA, a good combination. With that, you may want to look at roles in “Business Process Reengineering” groups or something similar. In these types of groups you can take on Subject Matter Expert roles and be in a position to help structure future projects. Stated differently, if you are helping structure a project, and “by the way, I have a PMP” – you get the point.
Your PMP does make a statement, but for your situation, it may be best to leverage your PMP and project experience in the context of a position that leverages “business domain knowledge.” So, maybe you should “lead” with your business domain knowledge and expertise and let your “project experience and PMP” be what sets you apart from the crowd.
...
1 reply by Lekan Oyebamiji
Sep 15, 2021 6:33 PM
Lekan Oyebamiji
...
This helps! I have been in search of any "project" associated role. Could even be an analyst, associate, coordinator role. But we have a very poor project management culture here in nigeria, I have changed jobs twice now and at every point I have managed several projects but they are not enough to even be considered for any “project related role”
I think my resume might be formatted incorrectly. I spend a lot more page space listing my skills and education than I do with my work experience. It was the formatting I found when I first searched around, and I guess it's not very good? Nobody ever taught me this stuff, which is an absolute shame since I've spent so long studying so many things.
Can anyone link me to a really good PM resume template?
Edit: Or just some instructions on how to write one? Seriously, I need guidance
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3 replies by Eduard Hernandez, George Freeman, and Marcelo Siqueira
Sep 15, 2021 9:52 AM
George Freeman
...
Alexander,
I would recommend that you go with a “Professional Profile” approach, wherein you:
- Keep your profile short and concise
- Include the skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for
- Include any achievements relevant to the description of the job posting
I personally do NOT review every detail of a formal resume when browsing through them looking for “interview candidates,” and I appreciate it when I see a “professional profile” structure as I recognize it was created for my eyes and the position of concern—allowing me to see what the candidate views as being important. However, when going through an agency, you will need to work with them to tailor the presentation.
George
Sep 16, 2021 6:12 AM
Eduard Hernandez
...
There are plenty of excellent templates by browsing LinkedIn profiles using the right keywords.
Bear in mind that achievements are more important than tasks. At the end of the day, an employer hires someone who can bring value. Make sure you highlight the aspects that will make the employer want to know more about you and call you for an interview. Good luck!
Both Keith and Kiron made good points. Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Sep 15, 2021 12:04 AM
Replying to Alexander Simon
...
I think my resume might be formatted incorrectly. I spend a lot more page space listing my skills and education than I do with my work experience. It was the formatting I found when I first searched around, and I guess it's not very good? Nobody ever taught me this stuff, which is an absolute shame since I've spent so long studying so many things.
Can anyone link me to a really good PM resume template?
Edit: Or just some instructions on how to write one? Seriously, I need guidance
Alexander,
I would recommend that you go with a “Professional Profile” approach, wherein you:
- Keep your profile short and concise
- Include the skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for
- Include any achievements relevant to the description of the job posting
I personally do NOT review every detail of a formal resume when browsing through them looking for “interview candidates,” and I appreciate it when I see a “professional profile” structure as I recognize it was created for my eyes and the position of concern—allowing me to see what the candidate views as being important. However, when going through an agency, you will need to work with them to tailor the presentation.
George
...
1 reply by Alexander Simon
Sep 15, 2021 11:35 PM
Alexander Simon
...
I appreciate the description, but can you link me to an example of what this actually looks like? For example, a good template or an example of a resume you liked, something like that, so that I have an end goal in mind?
Saving Changes...
Lekan OyebamijiProgram Manager| FoundervineLondon, United Kingdom
Sep 14, 2021 7:57 PM
Replying to George Freeman
...
Alexander,
Focusing on positions that only have “Project” in the title is going to be limiting. I’ve personally been managing projects for decades but have never had this keyword in my title. In addition, most project charters that I have seen in my career have had the named project manager being someone other than one who is “titled as such.” It depends on the organization, but you will often find that titled project managers are not fulfilling the traditional “project executive” role; instead, they are fulfilling administrative or coordinator type roles.
In my judgment, the market is awash with experienced project managers, especially when you consider the impact of “COVID RIF’s (Reduction In Force)” that occurred, wherein organizations froze or cut back their project activities and RIF’d titled project managers. It would also seem evident that many enterprises are not up to “full steam” at this time, as it relates to projects (as compared to pre-COVID times).
As you stated, you have project experience and an MBA, a good combination. With that, you may want to look at roles in “Business Process Reengineering” groups or something similar. In these types of groups you can take on Subject Matter Expert roles and be in a position to help structure future projects. Stated differently, if you are helping structure a project, and “by the way, I have a PMP” – you get the point.
Your PMP does make a statement, but for your situation, it may be best to leverage your PMP and project experience in the context of a position that leverages “business domain knowledge.” So, maybe you should “lead” with your business domain knowledge and expertise and let your “project experience and PMP” be what sets you apart from the crowd.
This helps! I have been in search of any "project" associated role. Could even be an analyst, associate, coordinator role. But we have a very poor project management culture here in nigeria, I have changed jobs twice now and at every point I have managed several projects but they are not enough to even be considered for any “project related role” Saving Changes...
I would recommend that you go with a “Professional Profile” approach, wherein you:
- Keep your profile short and concise
- Include the skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for
- Include any achievements relevant to the description of the job posting
I personally do NOT review every detail of a formal resume when browsing through them looking for “interview candidates,” and I appreciate it when I see a “professional profile” structure as I recognize it was created for my eyes and the position of concern—allowing me to see what the candidate views as being important. However, when going through an agency, you will need to work with them to tailor the presentation.
George
I appreciate the description, but can you link me to an example of what this actually looks like? For example, a good template or an example of a resume you liked, something like that, so that I have an end goal in mind?
...
1 reply by George Freeman
Sep 16, 2021 6:23 PM
George Freeman
...
Alexander,
Here's my recommendation for a one page professional summary:
- Header
- Executive Summary
- Core Competencies
- Professional Experience
- Education and Credentials
Do your research and find a styling that is professional and crisp, and make sure there is plenty of white-space (i.e., not crowed).
Read the job descriptions well, and tailor your profile for that particular submission.
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
Sep 15, 2021 12:04 AM
Replying to Alexander Simon
...
I think my resume might be formatted incorrectly. I spend a lot more page space listing my skills and education than I do with my work experience. It was the formatting I found when I first searched around, and I guess it's not very good? Nobody ever taught me this stuff, which is an absolute shame since I've spent so long studying so many things.
Can anyone link me to a really good PM resume template?
Edit: Or just some instructions on how to write one? Seriously, I need guidance
There are plenty of excellent templates by browsing LinkedIn profiles using the right keywords.
Bear in mind that achievements are more important than tasks. At the end of the day, an employer hires someone who can bring value. Make sure you highlight the aspects that will make the employer want to know more about you and call you for an interview. Good luck!
...
1 reply by Alexander Simon
Sep 16, 2021 6:38 PM
Alexander Simon
...
Okay, this right here. This is the problem I'm running into.
"There are plenty of excellent templates...if you know the right keywords."
Would you please share the words with me? Because just knowing that there *are* specific keywords does not help me; I'm trying to find the actual magic words of this incantation.
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