Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

Project Management Resume

Veteran

JEFFERSON FOUST Honolulu, HI

I am looking for a little help on how to word a resume to use all the keywords for project management but can still be used as my “master” resume.

Here is just a sample of my resume (Any and all suggestions welcome)

Engineering Department Training Assistant (Assistant Training Manager)
• Executed a training program for 50 engineering department personnel involving 250 hours of yearly training, monthly level of knowledge exams and interviews, and qualification exams
• Responsible for maintaining a publication library of approximately 200 items to include the tracking and implementation of over 150 revisions
• Planned and executed 135 drills leading to above average marks during exams by outside agencies

8 January 2020 5 replies Resumes & Cover Letters

Answers

Advisor

Jacqueline Contreras, CPRW San Antonio, TX

Hi Jefferson.

Here's my step-by-step review of one of your bullets:

Don't use the phrase, "Responsible for..." If you did it, say you did it.

"Maintained a publication library of approximately 200 items to include the tracking and implementation of over 150 revisions."

Use fewer words with a more active tone. Recruiters skim, they don't have time to read every line. Use numbers to draw the eye to your accomplishments and quantifiable data.

"Maintained publication library of approximately 200 items; tracked and implemented 150+ revisions."

Be specific when the subject is relevant, and vague when it's not. It will make it easier for the reader to connect your experience to their company and industry.

"Maintained inventory of approximately 200 items; tracked and implemented 150+ updates."

Instead of "approximately," write "up to 200 items" or "200+ items."

We read left to right. Keep results at the beginning of your bullets so the reader is sure to catch them even if they are just skimming.

Write:
"Increased production by 13% by...."

instead of the more standard STAR method taught in the military:
"Did this, this, and this, thus increasing production by 13%."

A great way to write your resume is to start with the job descriptions, not your professional history. It will help keep your content concise and relevant to the positions to which you will be applying and ensure the keywords are present. Use https://www.jobscan.co for help. They provide a few free scans each month.

Best of luck!
Jackie

12 January 2020 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jo Prabhu San Rafael, CA

Hello Jefferson,

Resumes are a testament to your accomplishments+achievements based upon one's skills, educational training and background. It is not advisable in my opinion to insert artificial keywords that have not yet produced relevance in your history.

A background in the forces produces detail and team oriented personnel who undertake and execute projects with guaranteed accuracy and success given the planning that goes into it. Those keywords are what will separate you from the rest of the pack coming into the civilian business world!

9 January 2020 Helpful answer

Advisor

Karen Galecki Chicago, IL

It's a great question as some software technology uses keywords to sort through resumes, but in agreement to Jo just make sure they accurately reflect your experience. Any PM tools you used would be good to add, also words like 'led', 'managed' are good. If there were any budgeted dollar amounts to any training programs or projects you ran that would be good to list. And lastly, what were the outcomes- was it delivered/completed on time? Was it successful?
I hope this helps. I'm also happy to take a look at your full resume if you like, just let me know.

Advisor

David Limato Fremont, CA

If you used tools to create, track and monitor a schedule those would be good to add. You planned and managed 135 drills. How did you manage that?

Advisor

Gabriel Hoffman Dayton, OH

The PMI PM Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) would be the place to start. Those terms are used broadly across all sectors of industry. If you have not gotten your PMI PMP certification, consider that an entry criteria.

BTW, your sample words say "trainer" to me, not PM.

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.