How and When to Include Projects on Your Resume
Real estate on your resume is precious.
While it would be nice to include a paragraph for every project and accomplishment in your career, it’s just not practical. What projects should you include, and how can you present those accomplishments in a way that distinguishes you as the ideal candidate?
Here’s how to include unique, specific, and relevant achievements on your resume:
1. Choose your format.
There are three main places to include your top accomplishments on your resume:
- Summary Statement: Hook your reader immediately with an eye-catching achievement statement at the top of your resume.
- Work Experience: Thread your top achievements throughout your recent employment history.
- Separate Achievements Section: If space permits, you can create a list of accomplishments at the bottom of your resume or a career highlights section at the top.
2. Make a list.
Write down every awesome thing you’ve achieved on the job:
- Think about compliments you’ve received from customers, colleagues, and bosses.
- Ponder deals you’ve closed and team projects that exceeded the mark.
- Brainstorm with friends if it’s difficult to see your own successes, and search for accomplishment examples in your field if you need inspiration.
- Include recent professional, educational, or personal awards and certifications that are related to the position.
3. Focus on relevant achievements.
How should you decide what to include?
- Look at your list and choose accomplishments or projects that mesh with the skills listed in the job you seek. You don’t have to do a complete rewrite for every job but consider tailoring your project/accomplishment list for each application.
- Search for keywords in the job listing to identify what the employer needs and use them to describe your projects. Make it easy for an employer to see how hiring you will benefit their business by showing how you have succeeded in past employment.
4. Turn accomplishments into achievement statements.
Once you’ve identified achievements that will wow a potential employer, get specific.
Whether you include this information in your summary, your work experience, or a separate achievements section, list the challenge you faced, the skill you used, and the result you achieved for each accomplishment.
Use numbers and concrete details whenever possible. If you saved the company money or time, how much? If you reached a goal, how fast? Here are a few examples of how to create an achievement statement from a project or other key accomplishment:
- Created and implemented a training program that increased productivity by 20% and reduced waste by $1000 daily.
- Reduced shipping times by 20% by implementing computerized inventory and ticketing systems.
- Consistently exceeded weekly sales goals by 15%.
Ready to find a great new job?
The recruiting experts at PrideStaff can help you:
- identify your top achievements
- showcase the right projects and accomplishments on your resume
- get your resume into the hands of interested clients
To get started, call your local PrideStaff office today or get answers to FAQs here.
