The job title “Project Manager” might evoke specific ideas when you hear it. You might think of someone certified as a project management professional from the Project Management Institute. You might assume they have a strong technology background. But have you stopped to think about how your job likely encompasses many of the same skills as a project manager? Perhaps you oversee purchasing initiatives or respond to requests for proposal. Maybe you perform audit tasks. These are all examples of projects – a series of tasks repeated for a desired outcome.

So, what are some of the key project management skills that can be applied across many roles? Descriptions of some universal project management skills follow.

Planning & Organization

Planning and organizing are a critical first step when approaching a project. To be successful, you need to understand the objective(s), have a sense of the level of effort and develop a timeline, and put together the resources needed for successful completion.

Documentation & Reporting

Tracking a project through its completion benefits from thorough recordkeeping. Accurate documentation supports status updates and reporting. Comprehensive documentation also supports post project reviews for process improvements.

Adaptability

Being able to adapt as obstacles arise is another key project management skill. You can bring value to an organization if you can remain focused on a desired outcome and be flexible as priorities change and unexpected challenges arise.

Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

Having the ability to look at a challenge from different perspectives and find a practical solution is an invaluable skill and something artificial intelligence can’t do (at least not yet). Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills allow you to make informed decisions and develop strategic objectives from data analysis.

Communication

Keeping a team informed is a necessity during a project. Individual contributors and stakeholders need to understand their tasks and how the project may be impacted by their responsibilities. If you can convey information in a clear manner that promotes teamwork and collaboration balanced with accountability, you have an important project management skill.

Teamwork & Leadership

Rarely is a significant project completed by an individual working alone. If you can bring people of varied skills and backgrounds together and keep them focused on a common goal successfully, your teamwork and leadership skills are strong.

Does Your Resume Showcase Your Project Skills?

Now that you recognize you have project management skills; have you captured them effectively on your resume?

Let’s looks at some of these universal skills and how you might highlight them on a resume.

Focus on Project Management Skills in Your Work Experience

In your work experience section, emphasize relevant project management skills. Describe how you applied these skills rather than simply listing tasks.

For example:

• Results-oriented with a strong background in team leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Proven ability to drive projects to successful completion in diverse environments.

Use Action-Oriented Language

Start statements with strong action verbs that highlight your skills. Your statements should incorporate words such as “Facilitated,” “Coordinated,” “Motivated,” “Negotiated,” and “Resolved.”

Create a Dedicated Skills Section

Include a skills section specifically for skills related to project management and list them.

Include Relevant Projects

List key projects that showcase your transferable skills. Focus on your role and the outcomes achieved.

For example:

• “Coordinated a volunteer initiative that increased community participation by 50%, showcasing strong organizational and motivational skills.”

Quantify Achievements

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to demonstrate the impact of your skills.

For example:

• “Implemented a new meeting structure that improved communication and increased team productivity by 30%.”

Finalize With a Tailored Resume

Remember to take the extra step and customize your resume to reflect the position desired. Emphasize the skills that align with each job description.

By strategically incorporating these elements into your resume, you can effectively highlight your transferable project management skills and demonstrate your readiness for various roles during your job search.