Project management is a field that is always expanding. If you’re looking for a way to enter the industry, there are many entry level project manager roles and opportunities available for those with the required skills.
A career as a project manager can be very rewarding—both professionally and financially, although you will need to develop some skills along the way.
We’ll show you how to get an entry level role, what the resume requirements are, and the skills you need to succeed. Plus, we’ll provide job sources so you can start your job search today.
So, whether you’re just starting out or have some experience under your belt, keep reading to learn more about starting your project management journey today!
What are the resume requirements for an entry-level project manager job
You’ve graduated college and now you’re ready to take on the working world, but you need to know what it takes to get your foot in the door as a project manager.
You may be trying to answer some questions like, what does an entry-level project manager need on their resume? Do I need experience? What kind of skills should I highlight?
If you’re looking to start your career as a project manager, here are some things you should keep in mind when crafting your resume.
- You will need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, project management, engineering, business, or a related field
- One to three years of experience in a project-related role, anything that involves leading a team, directing, or completing tasks can all be transferable project skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, either with internal or external clients or stakeholders.
- The ability to multitask and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and problem solve on your own.
- Excellent organizational skills, a detail-oriented and analytical mind.
- Working knowledge and familiarity with project management software applications (this is optional, but will give you an edge)
Most of these skills are necessary if you want a successful entry-level job in project management. By simply having these abilities on your resume, you increase the chance of being prepared and fit for the job.
What are the Top 5 tips to get an entry-level project management job
While experience is always a plus, there are a few key skills and characteristics that hiring managers look for when filling these types of positions and you will need to demonstrate that you have the skills and experience.
Here are 5 tips to help you get an entry-level project management job
1) Research what it takes to be a successful project manager.
A successful project manager is someone who can communicate effectively, motivate a team, and keep a project on track. If you’re not sure whether you have what it takes, consider taking a class or getting a certification in project management.
2) Demonstrate your skills and experience.
If you have previous experience leading teams or coordinating projects, be sure to list those experiences on your resume. You can also include any relevant coursework or certifications.
3. Highlight your strengths.
In your cover letter and interviews, focus on the qualities that make you a good fit for the job. For example, if you’re good at multitasking or have a lot of experience working with different teams, those are both qualities that would be valuable as a project manager.
4. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience.
The hiring manager will likely ask you about your experience managing projects, so it’s important to be able to talk about specific examples of times when you’ve been successful.
A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.
PMBOK Guide
5. Don’t hesitate to apply for jobs that require more experience than you have.
Many employers are willing to train entry-level employees in the specific skills they need for the job. Even if you don’t have all the qualifications listed in the job description, if you think you have the potential to be a great project manager, go for it! Who knows, with the right attitude and some hard work, you might just land the job of your dreams.
Following these hints will enhance your chances of obtaining an entry-level remote job in project management. You’ll be one step closer to getting your foot in the door of this exciting and growing sector if you can demonstrate these traits!
Remember, most hiring managers are searching for individuals with strong communication and teamwork abilities as well as a desire to advance their career in project management.
So always start by researching the company, so that you can highlight your strengths that match the job description. Then during the interview focus on relatable experiences, and be prepared with extra questions to ask your future employer.
It’s okay to shoot for the stars, you never know what will happen!
What does an entry-level manager do?
A junior project manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of a team of employees on a specific project or set of projects. They work closely with upper management to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.
Although they will generally be working with a senior project manager, depending on the company, they may be in charge of stakeholder management, frequently being assigned the duty of communicating with clients to ensure that their needs are met and creating some training materials if necessary.
They may also oversee the day-to-day operations of a team or department. Additionally, they may be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve productivity and efficiency.
Entry-level project managers play a significant role in ensuring that a project runs successfully and efficiently. The senior manager may also count on them to resolve disputes and make sure that company policies are followed by stakeholders.
What is the path to becoming a project manager?
So, you want to be a project manager?
Great!
Project managers are in high demand and the job outlook is very promising. But before you start applying to jobs, there are a few things you should know about what it takes to be a successful project manager.
Many college graduates begin their careers as team leaders, project coordinators or assistant project managers. While these jobs may not be as glamorous as you envision, they are essential for developing the skills and experience you’ll need to be successful in the role of project manager.
So it is OK to start anywhere…
But as you move up the ladder, you’ll need to take on more responsibility and learn how to manage teams of professionals working on your projects effectively.
In addition to gaining on-the-job experience, it’s important that you continue your professional development by pursuing higher education and other project management certification. (There are so many of these certifications, so start with the one you are most comfortable with)
Although many employers just require their project managers to have at least a bachelor’s degree, obtaining a project management certification will give you a significant advantage when applying for jobs.
As a project manager, you must be able to explain technical concepts clearly and concisely to those who are not familiar with them.
And when things go wrong (and they will), you must be able to maintain your composure and find solutions quickly. Ultimately just remember that with hard work and dedication, anyone can become a great project manager.
It’s all right to get a degree and a certificate, but the actual talent that sets you apart as a project manager is always your people skills and leadership. Your ability to communicate excellently will help you succeed at any job.
Can you be a project manager without experience?
There’s no simple answer to this question. While it is possible to become a project manager without project experience, I think it is ignorance that makes anyone think they have no experience.
The truth is whether you are a sales clerk or a stay at home, you do have some form of experience that can be transferable to a new project role.
Those who are interested in becoming a project manager should consider pursuing relevant education and training, as well as gaining some experience in the field, but don’t ignore your transferable skills.
With the right combination of skills and knowledge, anyone can become a successful project manager.
There are 2 key skills that are essential for all project managers.
- Firstly, it’s important for a manager to be able to communicate effectively with his or her team. This involves being able to give concise instructions as well as provide constructive feedback.
- Secondly, project managers must be able to handle conflict and resolve problems quickly. They also need to be organized and detail-oriented, as they will be responsible for keeping track of the project’s progress.
Many project management certification programs are available to build the skills individuals need for success, and you can gain experience by doing project work.
Top 5 Online Entry-Level Job Boards
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a great source for entry-level project manager jobs. The website offers a variety of job postings from different companies, so you can find the perfect fit for your skills and interests.
Job seekers can search for entry-level jobs by keyword and location. You can also set up alerts to be notified when new jobs are posted that meet your criteria.
LinkedIn is a great source for entry-level project manager jobs because it allows you to search specifically for entry-level positions.
Entry-level employment opportunities can be found directly through the website list, and you can also search for entry-level jobs by keyword, location, and job type. You can also filter your results by location, so you can find positions that are close to you.
Additionally, LinkedIn provides an easy way to connect with potential employers and learn more about their company.
Indeed
Indeed is another great source for entry-level project manager jobs. The website offers a wide variety of job listings from all over the world, and it is easy to search for positions that fit your specific qualifications. Job seekers can search for entry-level jobs by keyword and location.
In addition, Indeed provides helpful resources such as salary information and company reviews to help you make an informed decision about which job is right.
Glassdoor
Many job seekers are not aware of Glassdoor as a source for entry-level project manager jobs. With over 300,000 reviews of companies worldwide, In addition, users anonymously submit salary information and job listings that are made public for anyone to have a view of what the company is like, and what it’s like to work for a particular company.
Although Glassdoor is not exclusively for entry-level project seekers, it is a valuable resource for those who are just starting out in their careers. With so much information at your fingertips, it’s easy to make a decision.
Workopolis
Workopolis is another top source for entry-level project manager jobs. The website offers a variety of job postings from some of the most reputable companies in the industry.
Many of these postings are for entry-level positions, making it a great resource for those just starting out in their careers. The website offers a variety of articles on topics such as resumes, interviewing, search tips, and more.
These resources can be a great help to those who are new to the job market or who are looking to improve their skills. Job seekers can search for entry-level jobs by keyword and location.
Summary
A career as a project manager can be very rewarding—both professionally and financially. The first step on your path to becoming a project manager is landing an entry-level job in project management.
And if you’re interested in becoming a project manager, now is the perfect time to start working towards that goal. There are a number of great online job boards that can help you find your dream job.
In this blog post, we outlined some tips you’ll need to follow to become a successful project manager, from landing an entry-level job all the way up to senior management. We also touched on some of the skills and experience you’ll need to develop along the way.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re looking to make a switch to project management, online job boards are a great place to start looking for a project manager role.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your path to becoming a project manager today!