Embarking on a career in project management as an intern requires a resume that effectively showcases your skills and experience. This article provides examples of proven resumes and strategic advice tailored for those seeking internships in project management. Learn how to highlight relevant coursework, team projects, and any practical experience to catch the eye of recruiters. The tips shared here are informed by industry standards and the expectations of hiring managers.
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Here's what strong project management intern resumes have in common.
Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes show your impact with numbers. They use metrics like
Match Skills To The Job Description: Include skills on your resume that you have and are listed in the job description. Popular ones for this role are
Understand The Industry Tools: Every industry has preferred tools. Show you can use important tools like
For aspiring project management interns, the education section plays a prominent role in your resume. As you're probably a recent graduate or a student, this should be placed at the very top. This is a place to highlight your degree, relevant courses, and key academic achievements.
However, if you've undertaken further meaningful education, like a postgraduate degree or professional courses, list them first. This approach will get the attention of employers and explain any gaps in your employment history. As a potential project management intern, project-based courses or any certifications should be highlighted.
Breaking into project management requires certain specific qualifications. Highlight any experience or knowledge you have about project management methodologies, like Agile or Scrum. This is something potential employers will be looking for.
Also, don’t forget to mention any software skills you have, like proficiency in Microsoft Project or similar project management tools. Knowing how to use these tools is not common in other fields and it can set you apart in the field of project management.
The perfect length for a resume is one page. Especially for roles like project management intern, you likely lack extensive work history. Your resume needs to present the most important information in a clear and concise manner. Choosing a layout that makes the best use of space can help you to stick to one page.
If it's difficult to fit everything onto one page, consider removing older or less relevant experiences. The hiring manager will be most interested in what makes you an ideal fit for their project management internship, so focus on related experiences and skills.
As a part of the project management field, you will need to work effectively in teams and even lead them. Make sure you highlight any scenarios where you successfully worked as a team or led a group. For example, group assignments at college or a lead role in campus clubs can be worth mentioning.
These are skill sets that are highly field-specific and can demonstrate your potential as a project management intern. Strong leadership and team collaboration skills are not general requirements in all industries, thus emphasizing these can help you step into this specific role.
When applying for a project management intern position, your resume may first be reviewed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it reaches a human. It's important to make your resume ATS-friendly to increase your chances of getting an interview.
Here are some tips to help your resume pass the ATS:
Remember to keep your resume format simple. Use standard fonts and avoid images or graphics that an ATS can't read.
As a hiring manager, I know a resume must show you understand the job. For project management intern roles, focus on skills and experiences that match what the job needs. This makes it easier for employers to see why you're a good fit. Here's how you can do that well:
When you apply for a project management internship, focus on what you have achieved rather than the tasks you have done. Employers are more interested in your results, how you've grown, and the impact you've made. Showing your accomplishments makes you stand out.
Instead of simply listing responsibilities like 'Assisted with project documentation,' highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For example:
When crafting your resume as a project management intern, it's crucial to focus on the hard skills that show your capability in this field. You want to make it easy for hiring managers to see that you have the technical know-how. Here's a list to guide you:
You don't need to include every skill above, just those that match the job you want. Place them in a dedicated 'Skills' section for clarity. This helps with the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many companies use to filter resumes. If you have experience with specific tools or techniques, such as
Remember, your resume is your first project to manage. Clearly showing these skills can make a strong impression. If you've used any of these in real-world projects, even in a classroom setting, include that experience. It demonstrates practical knowledge and can be a big plus.
When you want to stand out as an intern in project management, showing your impact in numbers can make a difference. You need to think about the ways you've helped save time, cut costs, or improve processes.
Here are some examples to consider:
Even if you're not sure about the exact numbers, you can estimate them by comparing project outcomes before and after your contributions. Use clear, simple language to describe these numbers so they stand out to hiring managers like me.