How to Include Work Projects in Resume (With Sample)

As a job seeker, your resume is your key marketing tool for presenting yourself to potential employers.

Therefore, it’s crucial to highlight your work projects effectively to demonstrate your skills, expertise, and impact.

Including work projects in your resume can help set you apart from other candidates and show hiring managers that you have the relevant experience they’re looking for.

In this guide, I will explain how to include work projects in your resume effectively and provide sample phrases and bullet points to get you started.

Table of Contents

Types of Work Projects to Include in a Resume

Before you start including work projects in your resume, it’s essential to understand the different types of projects that can be relevant.

Here are some examples of projects that you can consider including in your resume:

Team Projects: These are projects that you have worked on collaboratively with other team members. These projects can demonstrate your teamwork skills, ability to collaborate, and communication skills.
Individual Projects: These are projects that you have completed independently, without any team members’ help. These projects can demonstrate your ability to take the initiative, work independently, and manage your time effectively.
Volunteer Work: These are projects that you have done voluntarily, either for a nonprofit organization or a community project. These projects can demonstrate your passion for community involvement, leadership skills, and social responsibility.

How to Choose Which Work Projects to Include in Your Resume

When selecting which work projects to include in your resume, it’s essential to consider the relevance of the project to the job you’re applying for.

Here are some tips to help you identify which projects to showcase:

Job Relevance: Review the job description carefully and choose projects that best align with the job requirements.
Level of Impact: Consider the projects that have had a significant impact on the organization or team.
Skills Highlighted: Choose projects that demonstrate your strengths and highlight the skills required for the job.

It’s important to remember that you don’t need to include every project you have ever worked on. Instead, choose the most relevant projects that will demonstrate your value as a candidate.

How to Write About Work Projects in a Resume

Now that you have identified which work projects to include, it’s time to write about them effectively in your resume.

Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Use Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with an action verb to make your accomplishments more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of saying “Participated in a team project,” you could say “Collaborated with a cross-functional team to complete a project on time and within budget.”
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, include specific numbers or statistics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying “Improved customer satisfaction,” you could say “Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 25% through the implementation of a new feedback system.”
Focus on Results: Emphasize the outcomes and results of your work, rather than just the tasks you completed. For example, instead of saying “Managed a project,” you could say “Managed a project that resulted in a 10% increase in revenue for the company.”
Tailor Your Language: Use keywords and language from the job description to make sure your experience aligns with the employer’s needs. For example, if the job description emphasizes “project management skills,” make sure to use that exact phrase in your resume.

By following these best practices, you can effectively showcase your work projects in a way that highlights your skills and experiences, and catches the attention of potential employers.

Where to Include Work Projects in a Resume

When it comes to including work projects in your resume, there are several places where you can incorporate them.

Here are some tips to help you decide where to include your work projects:

Work Experience Section: The work experience section is the most common area to include your work projects. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities, achievements, and work projects.
Summary or Objective Section: If you have limited work experience or are changing careers, you can highlight your work projects in the summary or objective section. This can be a great way to showcase your experience and demonstrate your skills.
Skills Section: If you have a lot of work projects that demonstrate specific skills, you can create a separate section dedicated to your skills. This can be an excellent way to emphasize your expertise and demonstrate your qualifications for the job.

Remember, the goal is to showcase your work projects in a way that best aligns with the job you’re applying for. Tailor the placement of your work projects to highlight the most relevant experiences and skills.

8 Sample Work Project Phrases and Bullet Points for Your Resume

To help you get started, here are some sample phrases and bullet points that you can use to describe your work projects:

Led a team of [number] in completing [project name] that resulted in [quantifiable achievement].
Managed [budget amount] to complete [project name] within the set timeline, resulting in [quantifiable achievement].
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and launch [product or campaign name] that resulted in [quantifiable achievement].
Volunteered for [non-profit organization name] and developed and executed [project name] that impacted [number] of [target audience].
Designed and implemented a new [system, process, or strategy] that led to [quantifiable achievement].
Spearheaded [initiative name] that increased [metric] by [percentage or number].
Conducted [research or analysis] that informed [project or strategy name] resulting in [quantifiable achievement].
Trained and coached [number] of team members to successfully implement [project or process name].

By using phrases like these, you can make your work projects stand out and showcase your impact and accomplishments.

Final Thoughts

Including work projects in your resume is a great way to demonstrate your skills, expertise, and experience.

By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can effectively highlight your work projects and stand out to potential employers.

Remember to choose the most relevant projects, tailor your language to the job description, and emphasize your results and achievements.

Use the sample phrases and bullet points provided to get started, and don’t forget to proofread and edit your resume thoroughly before submitting it.

Good luck!

FAQs

How many work projects should I include in my resume?

As a general guideline, you should aim to include 2-3 work projects that demonstrate your most relevant skills and experience. Nevertheless, there is no hard and fast rule about how many work projects to include in your resume. The number of projects you include will depend on your level of experience, the relevance of the projects to the job you’re applying for, and the amount of space you have on your resume.

Should I include every work project I’ve ever worked on?

No, you should not include every work project you’ve ever worked on in your resume. Instead, you should focus on the projects that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Choose projects that demonstrate your most relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Remember, your resume should be tailored to the job description and highlight the most relevant experiences and skills.

How do I choose which work projects to include in my resume?

To choose which work projects to include in your resume, start by reviewing the job description and identifying the skills and experience the employer is looking for. Then, select work projects that demonstrate those skills and experiences. Choose projects that show your impact and achievements, and that you are most proud of. Finally, consider the relevance of the project to the job you’re applying for and the amount of space you have on your resume.

Where should I place my work projects on my resume?

You can include your work projects in different sections of your resume, depending on the most relevant placement. Some possible sections to include work projects are the work experience section, summary or objective section, or skills section. Choose the section that best highlights your most relevant experience and skills. Remember to tailor the placement of your work projects to the job you’re applying for.

Can I use the same work project descriptions for multiple job applications?

While it’s okay to use the same work project descriptions for multiple job applications, it’s best to tailor your resume to each job description. This means choosing the most relevant work projects and customizing your language to match the job requirements. Employers can tell when a resume has been mass-produced, so taking the time to tailor your resume can make a big difference in your job search success.

Emma Oluwatobi

Meet Emma Oluwatobi, the career advisor who knows how to level up your job search game without breaking a sweat. With years of experience in the job/career advisory niche, Emma has helped countless job seekers land their dream jobs. While he’s not writing his next helpful piece, he’s sure busy playing video games.