What are the best practices to write an experience section for a Program Manager resume?
What every program manager resume needs to include is a strong list of professionally presented experience. Let’s take a look at how to do that.
Be Specific!
Your experience section is often the one a potential employer looks at first. So keep in mind that the rule of a thumb is to show rather than tell. Make each bullet point of your program manager resume experience section count, mentioning the impact you had in your previous positions. Make sure every point is accompanied with a concrete example. So don’t just say you’re great at communication, demonstrate it.
Not just logical, but chronological too!
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when writing your experience section. As we already said, one of the key things is to be as specific as possible and quantify your results. The next step is start selecting which experience to include in your program manager resume and how to order it. It's best to keep it chronological. That means starting from the most recent position and continue further down. Also, carefully select what experience you write down and don't share everything you’ve ever done. The key here is to include only what a recruiter wants to see.
What's the average experience on resumes VS job description for a Program Manager?
We reviewed 114,000 resumes and job descriptions and found that the average experience required from employers for a Program Manager job is almost 4.5 years. On the other hand, the average experience shared in Program Manager resumes is less than two years. Don't let this discourage you, though. Often, resumes which are impact oriented have a higher chance than resumes with more experience which are vague. Just follow our advice and you'll be good to go.
Average Experience On Resumes vs Job Offers
1yr9mo
avg. experience on resumes
vs.
4yrs5mo
avg. experience on job offers
Source: enhancv.com
Cause and Effect - Tell them how you made a difference!
Imagine you're at an interview. They ask you a question: What difference did you make in your previous company? In order to stand out with your program manager resume, every bullet in your experience section should answer this question. Try to leave out all the buzzwords and only use sentences that really matter and make a difference in your program manager resume. Otherwise you'll be risking looking just like any other average candidate.
Unique content ideas for a Program Manager resume
Most recruiters read dozens (if not hundreds) of resumes a day. You need to make your program manager resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing who you are as a person, not just a professional. Recruiters and hiring managers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like genuine person and not just a list of previous jobs and duties. Do this by including a link to a compelling personal website, talk about your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), or even share your favorite books.
Tell them what you’re proud of!
The Most Proud Of is a section we're not used to seeing in traditional resumes. But in 2020, give it a go! This section can help you stand out as a candidate. Include something interesting about yourself, show where your true passions are. You can share a story about overcoming hardship, learning an important lesson, or just a triumph you had that means a lot to you. Either way, this is one of the best places to make your program manager resume really stand out.
Now you know how to write a Program Manager resume that leaves an impression on a potential employer. Let us know when you get the job you love!
