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...
Marcelo SiqueiraEspecialista em Gestão de Projetos| Ministério da EconomiaBrasília, Df, Brazil
Sep 15, 2021 12:04 AM
Replying to Alexander Simon
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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
This is in Portuguese, and it reverts to a different page if I try to change the language to English.
Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Sep 15, 2021 11:35 PM
Replying to Alexander Simon
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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?
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.
George
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1 reply by Alexander Simon
Sep 16, 2021 6:47 PM
Alexander Simon
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It's so strange that this is exactly how I have my resume set up currently. I list a ton of very marketable skills in the core competencies section and include as many specific keywords as I can without it getting too cluttered.
How big is my professional experience section supposed to be? The template I used gave one-line bulleted entries for each job, so it's less than half a page atm.
Most people say to keep the resume short, ideally one page but a max of two. I feel like there's not enough room in that to actually tell the story of why I should be hired.
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!
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. Saving Changes...
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.
George
It's so strange that this is exactly how I have my resume set up currently. I list a ton of very marketable skills in the core competencies section and include as many specific keywords as I can without it getting too cluttered.
How big is my professional experience section supposed to be? The template I used gave one-line bulleted entries for each job, so it's less than half a page atm.
Most people say to keep the resume short, ideally one page but a max of two. I feel like there's not enough room in that to actually tell the story of why I should be hired.
...
1 reply by George Freeman
Sep 16, 2021 7:34 PM
George Freeman
...
Alexander,
A few thoughts:
- Listing a “ton” of marketable skills will dilute your overall presentation. Put those skills relevant to the position you are submitting to, and make sure that you can speak to those skills in the context of your project experience and allude to them in your customized executive summary.
- If you want to change it up, move away from a job-focused listing, and put the focus on “relevant professional experience.” You don’t even need to state the employers’ name; instead, briefly speak to the type of project and your role in it. Relevancy, in this context, means highlighting (to the best of your ability) those projects that fit the job description.
Remember that your goal is to “get an interview.” Please don’t use your profile/resume to convince them that you are the best candidate for the job. Make them “want” to interview you to find out more!
George
Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Sep 16, 2021 6:47 PM
Replying to Alexander Simon
...
It's so strange that this is exactly how I have my resume set up currently. I list a ton of very marketable skills in the core competencies section and include as many specific keywords as I can without it getting too cluttered.
How big is my professional experience section supposed to be? The template I used gave one-line bulleted entries for each job, so it's less than half a page atm.
Most people say to keep the resume short, ideally one page but a max of two. I feel like there's not enough room in that to actually tell the story of why I should be hired.
Alexander,
A few thoughts:
- Listing a “ton” of marketable skills will dilute your overall presentation. Put those skills relevant to the position you are submitting to, and make sure that you can speak to those skills in the context of your project experience and allude to them in your customized executive summary.
- If you want to change it up, move away from a job-focused listing, and put the focus on “relevant professional experience.” You don’t even need to state the employers’ name; instead, briefly speak to the type of project and your role in it. Relevancy, in this context, means highlighting (to the best of your ability) those projects that fit the job description.
Remember that your goal is to “get an interview.” Please don’t use your profile/resume to convince them that you are the best candidate for the job. Make them “want” to interview you to find out more!
