How To Write a Program Manager Resume
The objective of a well-written program manager resume is to show a potential employer you have the skills to lead collaborations, execute programs, and manage remote workforces. Also, the resume displays your education and experience to help run an organization more efficiently. Find out how to make this happen with the tips and examples below.
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
1. Summarize your program manager qualifications in a dynamic profile
The profile summary on your resume should do two things: give the reviewer an overview of who you are as a candidate and entice them to read the rest of your resume. Think of the profile summary as the tagline or hook that gets the reader interested.
Make sure to list your years of experience and anything you’re especially adept at, such as strategizing or risk management. You may also want to use this section to show you have the education or technical proficiencies requested in the job posting.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Dedicated program manager with over 13 years of experience. Skilled at setting strategic plans, managing risks, and motivating team members. Adapt readily to new work challenges and industry conditions.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Forward-looking, articulate information technology (IT) program manager with more than a year of experience. Skilled at finding and reducing inefficiencies, as well as facilitating cross-functional collaboration. Eager to learn and grow with a team of similarly driven associates and leaders. Master of Business Administration.
2. Add a compelling section featuring your program manager experience
The person hiring for a program manager already knows what this position entails, so don’t list boring or obvious job duties in your professional experience section. Instead, use this space to show why you’re a better fit than other applicants based on the results you’ve achieved for previous employers. Note some specific accomplishments, such as reducing overhead costs or streamlining the onboarding process, and use numbers whenever possible to show that impact.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Program Manager
MetaBank, Orlando, FL | March 2013 – present
- Drive positive program outcomes by closely monitoring progress and quickly addressing problems as they arise
- Oversee remote workforce and pinpoint areas for improvement or training
- Foster opportunities for remote knowledge sharing across a wide region
- Devised a comprehensive staff training and development schedule that raised morale by 75% and efficiency by 43%
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Program Manager
Branson Enterprises, Inc., Branson, MO | August 2019 – present
- Define program core stakeholders and regularly review to ensure cross-functional alignment
- Execute programs with master schedules, action items, and resource allocation matrices
- Deliver all programs to meet or surpass key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Led custom HR software project that eliminated four meeting hours per week for 20 employees
- Automated file transfer process, saving 100 labor hours
3. Add program manager education and certifications
Having specific education related to business management or obtaining certifications for program managers can increase your chances of getting an interview. Hiring managers are looking for applicants with the base education and knowledge to succeed in the role.
List your degrees and any relevant certifications, such as Six Sigma project management or a Certified Management Accountant, in a separate section of your resume. If your degree isn’t directly related, still list it and include any courses or projects you completed that may be applicable to the position.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration
- Everglades University, Orlando, FL – May 2007
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- Project+, CompTIA, 2020
4. Make a list of your program manager-related skills and proficiencies
Every resume should include a list of the candidate’s key skills and proficiencies, and it’s important to tailor this list to every individual job you apply for. Below is a list of common key skills and abilities a hiring manager may be looking for when reviewing applications for a program manager role.
Use these as a guide when deciding which of your skills and qualifications should be highlighted. You may also want to review the job description and include any must-haves.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Agile project management | Business acumen |
| Change management | Compliance management |
| Contract negotiation | Cross-functional collaboration |
| Knowledge of industry standards | Performance metrics tracking |
| Process improvement | Program lifecycle management |
| Resource allocation | Risk mitigation |
| Scope management | Stakeholder engagement |
| Strategic alignment | Vendor management |
How To Pick the Best Program Manager Resume Template
As a project manager, you will create plenty of professional documents and proposals, and your resume is where you can show the hiring manager you understand what this looks like. When choosing a template, go for something simple and organized instead of one with multiple colors or added graphics. Look for clean lines and a format that’s easy for a hiring manager to skim quickly before making a decision.
Program Manager Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Tonya Zimmerman
(901) 234-5678
[email protected]
109 My Road, Albany, NY 32109
Profile
Dedicated Program Manager with qualified social worker status and 7+ years’ experience leading community projects and residential programs.
Professional Experience
Youth Project Program Manager, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene Incorporated, Albany, NY | March 2016 to Present
- Arrange and oversee suicide prevention initiatives for local high schools, colleges, and other youth organizations
- Led a team to deliver training that raised educators’ confidence discussing sensitive issues with students by 64%
- Recruited and onboarded 5 staff members in 2020, and provided career development opportunities for colleagues
- Spearheaded public awareness initiatives that caused 50% more young people to access support from crisis helpline
Program Manager, Hope House Incorporated, Albany, NY | July 2013 to March 2016
- Oversaw, trained, and performance-managed care and administrative staff
- Devised many training and therapeutic activities to support male residents’ recovery from alcohol addiction
- Negotiated with and selected contractors, and managed department budget
Education
Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY
- Master of Social Work | 2013
- Bachelor of Science in Social Work | 2011
Key Skills
- Addiction & Mental Health Programs
- Budget Management
- Operations Management
- Service Promotion
- Staff Training & Coaching
- Talent Recruiting & Retention
- Team Leadership & Motivation
Credential
Social Worker Certification | 2011
Frequently Asked Questions: Program Manager Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for program manager resumes?-
One of the hardest parts of writing your resume can be coming up with a unique action verb for every bullet in the professional experience section. Using powerful, engaging language is important, but it’s not easy — especially if you have a long work history. Refer to the list below of common action verbs for program manager resumes to ensure your resume is as strong as possible.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Allocated | Collaborated |
| Controlled | Coordinated |
| Evaluated | Executed |
| Facilitated | Governed |
| Guided | Initiated |
| Mentored | Mitigated |
| Monitored | Negotiated |
| Optimized | Orchestrated |
| Strategized | Streamlined |
How do you align your resume with a job description?-
It may be tempting to send out the same resume to every company you’re applying to, but this isn’t the best strategy. Instead, customize your resume to each position, including keywords, skills, certifications, credentials, and other qualifications the hiring manager lists as important in the job description. This is especially important as management jobs can be competitive, and the job outlook for these positions is expected to be average through 2031, which could mean more candidates are applying for fewer positions.
What is the best program manager resume format?-
Resumes can be written in several formats, and the right one comes down to personal preference and the company you’re applying to. Program managers can use reverse chronological, functional, or combination resumes, depending on their experience and qualifications. A reverse chronological resume is a good choice if you’re applying to a traditional company. If the company is more modern or you don’t have an extensive work history as a program manager, a functional or combination resume may be easier to work with.
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Once you’re satisfied with your resume, it’s time to move on to the cover letter. This complements your resume by expounding on your career achievements and how you can help your future company work toward its objectives. See examples of what a program manager cover letter should look like to help you get started.
