How to Write an IT Project Manager Resume: What to Include

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn how to write and structure your information technology (IT) project manager resume with this guide.

[Featured Image] A person at home on their computer is excited because they just finished creating their IT project manager resume and submitted it to several companies.

Key takeaways

An IT project manager resume includes skills such as management experience, project management, and a working knowledge of software development.

  • A few responsibilities for an IT project manager are leading projects, risk management, and reporting IT metrics. 

  • Choose a functional, chronological, or combination resume based on what best fits your career.

  • You can start building your IT project manager resume by adding a resume summary that describes your goals, including your education and certifications, and defining your skills. 

Learn more about what an IT project manager does, what employers want to see on an IT project manager resume, and some examples to help you get started. If you want to add another credential to your resume, try the IBM IT Project Manager Professional Certificate. In just four months, gain practical skills in working with clients, Agile concepts, and real-world projects.

What does an IT project manager do?

As an IT project manager, you’ll typically manage and delegate information technology goals, tasks, and deadlines. This can include scheduling meetings for IT-specific projects, organizing project phases and steps, and delegating tasks. Typical IT project manager tasks and responsibilities include: 

  • Understanding IT systems to assign and manage timelines

 

  • Coordinating project phases and deadlines

  • Leading multiple IT projects from start to finish

  • Communicating with stakeholders, including IT managers, vendors, and executive leaders

  • Gathering, analyzing, and reporting IT metrics

  • Installing hardware and cybersecurity

  • Being organized and task-oriented

What do employers look for in an IT project manager resume?

When applying for an IT project manager position, employers typically look for a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as information technology, knowledge of workflow management programs like Slack or Basecamp, and management experience. Some companies also request that you have a project management certification or some form of project management training. 

An information technology project manager position also involves communicating with stakeholders to provide updates on projects and technologies. Employers also look for a combination of technical and workplace skills in IT project manager resumes. Technical skills include working knowledge of web and software development, while workplace skills may include leadership and customer service.

How to write an IT project manager resume 

An IT project manager resume should be well-organized, neat, and professional. Adding information technology and project management-specific experience can be advantageous for securing a position. 

Here are six steps on how to write an IT project manager resume. 

Step 1: Create an IT project manager resume template

When searching for a resume template, choose a well-outlined structure that highlights your relevant information. Starting with templates from resources like Google Docs can be helpful, though you may need to do some reformatting. Below are useful structures you can use to improve the readability of your resume. 

  • Chronological resume: This format lists your experience from most recent to least recent. This option is a good choice for someone with a consistent work history in positions relevant to an IT project manager career path. 

  • Functional resume: This format emphasizes your transferable skills and is best for someone who may not have extensive professional experience. 

  • Combination resume: This format allows you to combine your most useful skills and professional experience. It's best for someone seeking career advancement or new to an industry.

Read more: Resume Sections: Key Categories and What to Include to Stand Out

Step 2: Include IT project manager resume essentials.

At the top of your resume, provide contact information like your name, phone number, email address, and city of residence so that employers can reach out to you. This section is also a chance to put any notable portfolios or websites that expand your experience and skills.

Step 3: Add a resume summary.

A two- to three-sentence summary at the beginning of your resume is a chance for you to highlight your IT project management skills and background. A resume summary allows you to explain why you’re a good fit for an IT project manager position. 

Step 4: Insert your education and certifications.

Being an IT project manager requires specific schooling and certifications. Employers will require a bachelor's degree or higher in majors like business, IT, computer science, or project management. Pursuing these degrees highlights that you’ve completed coursework prioritizing necessary skills for the position, such as budgeting and management.

Adding information technology and project management certifications shows employers your commitment to this career path. A common certification found on resumes for this position is a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. You can also earn other IT project management-related certifications and those that are information technology-specific, such as a CompTIA A+ certification, an industry standard for IT jobs. 

Step 5: Mention your skills and keywords.

Hiring managers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to narrow down applicants, making skills and keywords in your application important. The IT project management field encompasses management and technology, so using skills and keywords related to both branches is beneficial. Leadership, negotiation, technical expertise, and critical thinking are important to include on your resume. 

Using related keywords that showcase your knowledge of project management tools, such as roadmaps, timelines, and KPIs, is also beneficial to include in your resume. 

Step 6: Add your applicable experience.

Listing your experience in reverse-chronological order showcases the history of your professional experience. Be sure to use strong industry-specific words to describe your past positions and explain why you would be a good fit for the position.

IT project managers typically have several years of IT experience before moving to a project manager role. Past experience working in software and web development, technical support, or network systems administration is relevant to include on your resume. 

IT project manager resume example

Information technology and project management are steadily growing and competitive fields, so it is important to showcase your most useful and relevant skills to an employer in a well-structured manner. The typical structure is as seen below. 

Contact Information

John Smith

123-456-7890

Johnsmith@gmail.com

New York, New York

www.johnsmithportfolio.com

⠀

Summary

Goal-oriented leader with 15 years of experience in information technology, software development, and technical support. Consistently meets deadlines and prioritizes organization, communication, and productivity.

⠀

Skills⠀

• Software engineering

• Project management

• Time management

• Communication

• Decision making

⠀

Experience

Strategic Solutions, New York, NY

Technology support specialist

February 2021-Present

⠀

• Installed and repaired software and hardware systems

• Tested compatibility of new computer programs

• Lead training on software and hardware systems

⠀

Applied Software LLC, Raleigh, NC. 

Software engineer

January 2019-February 2021

⠀

• Programmed well-designed code for over 50 programs

• Documented software functions

• Developed software in Java and C++

⠀

Education

Purdue University, Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, 2019

⠀

Certifications 

Project Management Professional Certification, 2022

CompTIA A+ Certification, 2020

Resources for general resume-building tips

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