How to Mention Projects on a Resume

Imagine landing an interview, not because you have the perfect qualifications, but because the hiring manager was captivated by your project descriptions. That's the power of showcasing your projects effectively on a resume. Whether you're a software developer, marketer, designer, or business analyst, detailing your projects can set you apart from the competition.

When describing projects, you need to highlight not just what you did, but how it benefited the organization or helped develop your skills. Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown of how you can craft project descriptions that grab attention:

1. Start with the Project Title and Context

Every project has a name or title, which should serve as the headline. Next, contextualize the project by briefly explaining what it was about and its relevance to the company or client. For example, if you developed a mobile application, mention its purpose, target audience, and why it was necessary.

Example:

• Project Name: Customer Feedback App
• Description: Developed an iOS app for gathering customer feedback, which increased user satisfaction scores by 25% within six months.

2. Outline Your Role and Contributions

Recruiters want to know what you did. Clearly outline your role in the project. Did you lead a team? Were you the key decision-maker or contributor? Did you code, design, or handle logistics? Being specific adds credibility.

Example:

• Role: Lead iOS Developer
• Contribution: Managed a team of 5 developers, oversaw project timelines, and wrote over 10,000 lines of code to implement core functionalities like user login, data encryption, and real-time feedback collection.

3. Showcase the Results and Impact

Numbers and results give weight to your work. Metrics-driven achievements make a stronger case for your capabilities. If the project led to a measurable outcome, such as increased revenue, cost savings, or improved efficiency, mention it.

Example:

• Impact: The app saw over 10,000 downloads within the first three months of release and resulted in a 15% increase in overall customer retention rates.

4. Tailor Projects to Job Requirements

It’s crucial to select projects that align with the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a position in product development, mention relevant projects, even if they are from school or side gigs. Avoid mentioning unrelated work unless it demonstrates a transferable skill.

5. Use Action-Oriented Language

To capture attention, use strong, action-oriented language. Phrases like "led," "developed," "optimized," "designed," and "implemented" convey that you were actively involved in driving results. Steer away from passive phrases like “was involved in” or “helped with,” which sound less impactful.

6. Format for Clarity

List projects in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. You can either dedicate a section specifically to projects or integrate them into your work experience. Keep descriptions concise yet impactful, using bullet points to make the information easily scannable.

7. Include Technical Skills and Tools Used

For tech-related jobs, mention the specific tools, programming languages, or frameworks you used. This helps employers quickly gauge your technical expertise.

Example:

• Tools/Technologies: Swift, Xcode, Firebase, GitHub

By following these strategies, you ensure your project section stands out, providing potential employers with the right mix of context, contribution, and results that showcase your value.

Additional Tips:

• Don’t Overload with Too Many Projects: Stick to 2-4 projects for most resumes. Quality over quantity.
• Keep Non-Technical Projects Simple: If the project isn’t technical, focus more on what you accomplished rather than tools or methodologies.
• Tailor Each Resume: Rework your project descriptions based on the job description, emphasizing different aspects as needed.

Sample Project Descriptions

Project 1:

• Project Name: Website Redesign for E-commerce Platform
• Role: UX/UI Designer
• Description: Led the redesign of an e-commerce website to improve user experience and navigation, which resulted in a 30% increase in sales over a six-month period.
• Tools Used: Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma
• Results: Reduced bounce rate by 15% and increased conversion rate by 12%.

Project 2:

• Project Name: Inventory Management System
• Role: Full Stack Developer
• Description: Developed a custom inventory management system using React and Node.js, which improved inventory tracking accuracy by 40%.
• Technologies Used: React, Node.js, MongoDB
• Results: Reduced stock discrepancies by 20% and saved the company $50,000 in lost inventory.

Conclusion

By presenting your projects in a clear, concise, and impactful manner, you demonstrate not just your ability to do the work but also your ability to achieve tangible results. Projects give life to your resume, offering proof of your capabilities and showing that you can deliver value. Remember, the goal is to tell a compelling story about how you made a difference. Don't just list responsibilities—show your impact.

In the modern job market, where skills and results matter more than ever, how you present your projects could be the deciding factor in landing your next opportunity.