When to Put Projects On Your Resume

Three Reasons Why You Should List Projects on Your Resume

1. To catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter

   Whether you create a separate projects section or include your projects in your education or work experience section, projects can help get the attention of your potential employer. Project highlights can emphasize your relevant skills or qualities. Aside from specific skills you may have used, project management is a transferable skill that is valuable in a variety of jobs.

2. To help your job application pass the applicant tracking system

   Before your resume reaches the hiring manager’s desk, your resume may go through a computerized system known as an Applicant Tracking System. The ATS uses AI specifically designed to scan and filter out resumes in order to simplify the hiring manager's job. Including projects on your resume may allow you to make use of key words and skills the ATS is scanning for from the job description.

3. To lend credibility to your skills

   Often projects require working with other team members and can be a good example of skills like collaboration and leadership skills. In addition, projects display proof of the hard skills or technical skills required for accomplishing the tasks in your project description, such as editing, writing and programming.

   Writing your projects section can help you identify the hard skills and soft skills that you should list in the skills section of your resume. Try to feature skills that relate back to key projects you have completed, and vice versa.