When I first started applying for project management roles, I thought my CV was enough. Two pages of bullet points of activities should speak for itself, right? Wrong!
What I didn’t realise then was my CV opened the door, but the key? It was my application letter.
Initially writing a cover letter felt unnecessary. I mean, why would I repeat the same thing from my CV again.
I wasn’t getting any replies from recruiters. This is when I realised maybe I was doing something wrong. I did my own digging and found out that every project manager that got hired had their own letters of intent.
A cover letter is something that shows who you are, why you care and how you fit in the role.
Why cover letters matter more than you think
But why? Recruiters say that you’re CV is just your achievements, but your cover letter reflects your personality. It reflects your motivation, your soft skills and importantly it tells recruiters if you’re someone who would suit the company’s culture.
It’s the place where recruiters decide whether you’re a worthy investment or not.
My First Draft
I’ll be honest. My first cover letter was a copy paste disaster from ChatGPT.
“Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply at for the position of Project Manager at your esteemed company….”
That sounds familiar doesn’t it. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. A generic, lifeless para from ChatGPT
No wonder why my inbox remained empty.
The turning point for my cover letters- Make it personal
Everything changed when I decided that my application letters weren’t just formalities. I used a mastermind approach that worked for me. Here it is.
Research the company before crafting
I researched the company I was going to apply to. I dug into their website, articles and even LinkedIn posts of the company and those who worked there. Then I decide what traits the company would love and highlight them in my cover letter.
Get to the point
Why would a recruiter spend time reading a ton of adjectives to reach what you’re trying to say. Don’t stack yours with unnecessary words.
Show numbers, not just words.
Instead of saying I organised this and that, give them values like these. “I created a scheduling system that cut conflicts by 25%…”
End with strength not desperation, even if you are.
“I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my achievements can support your upcoming projects.”
Common mistakes I made
- Making it all about me
Mistake: Making it only about yourself and what you need
Correction: Speak about your skills and how they would help the company
- Pasting the requirements from the job desc
Mistake: Repeating the exact words from the job description
Correction: Prove it with short sentences backed up with your experience
Quick tip: Your application letter is the handshake before the interview. Make it strong, not too strong.
Project Manager CV, let’s talk.
After so many failed job applications, I’ve realised what all recruiters look for in a project manager CV.
They look for everything framed like a project. Even the non-project roles became relevant once I started to write them like that.
Here’s a before and after example of one section of my experience in the retail sector.
Before
- Worked as a cashier, handled customers and stocks
After
- Managed 30+ weekly customer escalation
- Resolved issues under tight deadlines
Same job, different story.
The Structure that Worked for me
Here’s the layout I used in my project manager CV that got me noticed by employers.
Header section
- Full name, phone, email, LinkedIn
- Simple fonts
Personal Statement/Summary
- The summary should be short, focused and targeted. If you have any certifications this is the best place to mention them.
- Example: PRINCE2 certified project management professional with over 5+ years of experience in leading teams…
Education
If you’re a fresher, your coursework can be gold, like mine was. Mention modules relevant to project management highlighting key skills like leadership.
Work experience
Write every skill in the following format.
- Action + Project skill + Outcome
Example: Managed website redesign project (action), delivered ahead of schedule (project skill) and increased client traffic by 30%(outcome).
Skills section
Balance both soft skills and hard skills as both play a huge role in a project management career.
Certifications
List down all your certifications even if you’re still studying them. This is the format I used in my resumes.
- ✔ Completed PRINCE2 Foundation (year)
- ✔ PRINCE2 Practitioner (reading)
Secrets of UK Recruiters
After speaking to many career advisors, reading recruiters blogs and everything, here’s what really matters.
- ✔ Using Keywords for the ATS: Usually every CV passes the Applicant Tracking Systems. Using keywords helps an applicant pass this scan and move on to the next phase in the application process
- ✔ Number everything: Quantifying makes you stand out. Everyone believes when there’s proof. Remember not to overdo it as too much of anything is good for nothing.
- ✔ Tailor every CV: One Project Manager CV won’t suit every job description. Alter your CV based on the company you’re applying to. Highlight the right skills based on the job description.
Within 3 weeks of rewriting my CV and letter, I landed my first interview. Not with experience, but because I knew what was worth showing and what needed to be glistening.
Your Project Manager CV and application letter aren’t just papers, they’re your first project as a project manager. Trust me, when you get it right, the results speak for themselves.