Let’s be real.
Project Managers are masters of delivery, orchestration and last-minute miracles.
But when it comes to writing about it on a CV?
We freeze.
You’ve got 6 seconds to grab a recruiter’s attention — make them count.
Here’s a set of quick, high-impact tweaks that take less than 10 minutes each.
I’ve used these with clients, mentees and in CV reviews for professionals breaking into (or growing in) project management.
Let’s go.
1. Change “Responsible for…” to “Delivered…”
You’re not a caretaker. You’re a results-driven human who delivers outcomes.
“Responsible for stakeholder communication” → ❌
“Led stakeholder updates and secured alignment across 3 departments” → ✅
2. Add Context to Each Bullet
“Managed ERP project” means nothing in a vacuum.
Try this instead:
“Led SAP ERP implementation across 4 business units, impacting 150+ users.”
Specificity signals clarity. And clarity builds trust.
3. Quantify Something. Anything.
Scope, team size, budget, velocity, throughput, defect rate — whatever fits.
Project Managers work with constraints.
Highlight how you navigated them.
Ex:
“Reduced project delivery time by 30% by optimizing sprint planning.”
4. Replace Fluffy Skills with Tangible Methods & Tools
❌ “Great communicator”
✅ “Facilitated exec reviews using Miro & Confluence”
Your toolkit speaks volumes. Name the tools and methods you actually use.
5. Add a ‘Key Achievements’ Section
If you’ve never listed out your biggest wins, now’s the time.
PMs often bury their proudest moments in long bullet lists.
Bring those babies above the fold.
💡 Pro tip: Start each bullet with a win, then add how you did it.
6. Trim the Corporate Fluff
“Results-oriented team player with a passion for excellence.”
😬 …Is this a person or a slogan?
Strip it back. Speak like a human who leads work that matters.
🔐 Bonus: Get the Free PM CV Checklist
I created a 1-page checklist you can use every time you update your CV.
📥 Download it here:
Final Thoughts
Your CV shouldn’t read like a list of chores.
It should tell the story of how you drive value — through people, process and delivery.
These 10-minute tweaks can make the difference between being passed over and getting that interview.
And remember:
📌 You’re not just managing timelines. You’re translating chaos into clarity.
Let your CV reflect that.
✨P.S. Interview coming up?
The Project Manager Interview Toolkit is a bite-sized, battle-tested resource to help you prep smarter — not longer.
👉 Grab it here:
🔥If you liked this article, check out the previous one, where we go over how to work with developers who (secretly) can’t stand PMs.
Written by
Simina F. | howtobecomeapm.com – Author