One of the most frustrating things about looking for a new job is realizing that you’re not the only one in your industry that’s searching. You might be looking for a project management job and have all the right skills, but you have to submit your resume and cover letter just like anyone else.
You may be wondering how you make sure your resume isn’t just like everyone else’s. Here are some helpful tips for creating that winning resume.
Focus On Design
Even though the contents of your project manager resume will be more memorable than the resume’s design, there’s value in spending time ensuring it’s aesthetically pleasing.
Organize your information in a seamless, clean, chronological order, and make sure the colors you use work in harmony. The last thing you want is for your prospective new boss to strain their eyes reading about your suitability for their vacancy.
Fortunately, if you don’t have an eye for design, you can download resume templates with placeholder text to swap out and let your employment agency run their eye over it before you send it.
Personalize It for Each Job
As tempting as it can be to write a general resume and send it to several companies in need of a project manager, it’s possibly not in your best interest. Even if the position is the same, the requirements of each company may not be.
For example, one company may be looking for someone who can perform well in stressful situations, while another might require experience in other areas aside from just project management. Personalize your resume for each job to make sure you match your skills to their needs.
Don’t Forget Your Accomplishments
Actions speak louder than words, so don’t forget to mention your project management accomplishments where applicable.
If you were involved in monumental projects, such as the tallest skyscraper in your city, or the longest bridge, your involvement could be a reflection of your skills and experience. The more accomplishments you list, the more desirable you may be to prospective future employers.
Include Multiple Contact Methods
While including just one contact number will not put employers off hiring you, having more than one option can make you easier to reach. Phone numbers, email addresses, a home address, and even a LinkedIn name can be integrated into your resume’s formatting with ease.
Proofread Efficiently
One way to make your resume stand out for the wrong reasons is failing to proofread and check for spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors. While it may not seem like a big deal to overlook a spelling error, a future employer may see it and believe you don’t have an eye for detail. This is an essential skill in project management.
If you’re unsure if you’ll pick up every mistake on each version of your resume, ask a family member or friend to proofread them for you. Alternatively, you can consider a proofreading service if saving money is not a concern.
If you have the right skills and experience a company is looking for, there’s every reason to believe you’ll stand a fighting chance. However, you may also be able to improve your job prospects by taking on board some of these helpful tips above.
There’s really a good choice of good resume templates on templatemonster.com if you want to focus on the design)