When to Put Projects On Your Resume

Updated June 18, 20221.4k

Learn how and when to list projects on your resume and why you should consider doing it, plus the three types of projects that recruiters like to see.

Projects on Resume

Whether you work in a business, creative or academic field, and whatever your particular expertise is, you may wonder if you need to list projects on your resume. Listing specific projects adds nuance to your resume, helps you show yourself as an experienced professional, and can be a conversation starter between you and your potential employers. When projects are related to your field of interest, they can even help you get hired for your dream job or command a higher salary. Which projects should you list, and what is the best way to do it? This guide will show you: - Three types of projects to list on your resume - The reasons why you should list projects on your resume - Frequently asked questions about listing projects on your resume

Three Types of Projects to List on Your Resume

1. Academic projects

Academic projects are projects you have taken on during your studies. Group research, academic studies, and group presentations are all examples of academic projects. Relevant academic projects can be listed in the education section of your resume along with relevant coursework and honors or awards if you do not have a separate projects section.

2. Professional projects

Professional projects are projects you have been commissioned to undertake by an employer or sponsor. Professional projects may include:

Running a campaign
Crafting a social media marketing plan
Designing an exhibition space
Creating a commercial blueprint

Projects you have received payment for are typically considered professional projects. If a professional project was completed as part of a job, then you may list it in your work experience section. If your project was not a part of your job or was a freelance activity, then it can be helpful to have a separate “projects” section to list it in.

3. Personal projects

Personal projects are the projects you’ve undertaken yourself in your spare time. Here you can list the projects that helped you build skills that are relevant to your job title. Examples of these types of projects may include:

Software development projects that required you to learn programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or CSS
Interior design projects that required you to learn AutoCAD
Graphic design projects that required you to learn Adobe Photoshop or InDesign

Three Reasons Why You Should List Projects on Your Resume

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.
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.
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.

FAQ: Resume Projects

Should I list all of my projects on my resume?

You do not need to list all the projects you’ve ever done on your resume. This will only clutter up your resume and make it harder to read. If you list too many things, the relevant points will drown in the sea of information. A professional resume will display the most relevant projects only. Use a resume builder or resume samples from your industry to help you see the best way to list projects on a resume.

What is the best type of project to include on my resume?

The type of projects you should list on your resume depends on your experience, skill set, and the type of job you are applying for. If you have done projects you have received awards or recognition for, then you should highlight these above others. However, all relevant projects you have completed show your effort, ambition, and relevant experience as a professional, so try to include them on your resume and cover letter where possible.

Do I need to list projects on my resume?

Not necessarily. If you don’t feel confident about the projects you’ve undertaken so far or if they are not relevant to the job you want, then it is okay to leave them off of your resume. However, if your projects are relevant, listing them in your resume can lend credibility to specific skills or competencies and give you an edge over the competition in your job search.

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About The Author

Jessie Oleson Moore

Jessie Oleson Moore is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer / ghostwriter and artist. As a writer, she has written extensively on finance, day trading, personal growth, and career development and has extensive experience producing in-depth, research-based articles and guides. In addition, she is an accomplished illustrator and author who has appeared on The Today Show and been featured in Publisher's Weekly. In her free time, she’s an avid traveler, Ashtanga yoga practitioner, and unicorn enthusiast.