ATS-Friendly Resume Example for Project Managers (Free CV Template)

You manage complex projects, lead teams, and deliver results under pressure — yet your CV still isn’t landing interviews. The problem might not be your experience. It might be your formatting.

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically scan and rank CVs before a recruiter ever opens them. If your Project Manager CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it can get rejected before anyone even reads it.

This guide will show you exactly how to write an ATS-friendly Project Manager resume, the most important keywords to include, and how to download a free optimized template that passes the scan every time.

What recruiters and ATS look for in a Project Manager resume

Recruiters hiring Project Managers are looking for two things: leadership and delivery. The ATS, however, looks for keywords and structure.

A strong Project Manager CV needs to show:

• Proven ability to manage timelines, budgets, and teams

• Methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, PRINCE2, PMP)

• Tools (Jira, Asana, MS Project, Trello, Monday.com)

• Measurable outcomes (“delivered $1.5M project under budget,” “cut delivery time by 25%”)

If your CV hides these keywords in tables, icons, or designs, the ATS won’t read them and your application will never reach the shortlist.

Common mistakes that make Project Manager CVs fail ATS

1. Using multi-column layouts — ATS reads from left to right, not in blocks.
2. Adding icons or graphics — they confuse parsing systems.
3. Saving as image-based PDF — makes text unreadable.
4. Leaving out key PM terminology like “budget management” or “stakeholder communication.”
5. Using inconsistent job titles (e.g., “PM” in one role, “Project Lead” in another).

Even small formatting errors can drop your ATS match score dramatically.

Step-by-Step: How to make your Project Manager CV ATS-friendly

1. Use the right file type

Save your CV as .docx or text-based .pdf. Avoid scanned PDFs or image exports from design tools.

2. Use standard fonts

Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. ATS systems read these cleanly.

3. Use clear section headings

Use standard headings like Work Experience, Education, Certifications, and Skills.
Avoid “My Journey” or “Highlights” — ATS won’t recognize them.

4. Include keywords from the Job Description

Read the job post carefully and pull in relevant keywords naturally.

Example Job Description:

“We are looking for a Project Manager with experience in Agile delivery, Jira, and cross-functional team leadership.”

Optimized CV Line:

“Led cross-functional Agile projects using Jira to track progress and deliver product releases on schedule.”

You can also upload your CV and the job description to our ATS CV Optimization Tool to see:

• How well your resume matches the JD

• Missing skills or certifications

• A full ATS compatibility score

Try the ATS CV tool now.

5. Quantify your achievements

Replace task-based bullet points with measurable results:
Instead of: “Managed multiple projects simultaneously.”
Use: “Delivered 5 concurrent projects valued at $2M within deadlines, reducing rework by 30%.”

6. Keep It linear

Avoid using tables or sidebars. Present information in a single-column format.

7. Add your certifications

ATS searches for specific PM credentials like PMP, CAPM, or PRINCE2.
List them clearly under a “Certifications” section.

8. Be consistent

Keep date formats, job titles, and spacing uniform.
Use reverse chronological order — most recent experience first.

Example: ATS-Friendly Project Manager Resume (before & after)

 

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Top keywords for a Project Manager CV in 2025

Include these terms naturally throughout your CV (only if relevant):

Methodologies & Frameworks:
Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Kanban, PRINCE2, PMP, SDLC, Lean, Six Sigma

Tools:
Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com, MS Project, Confluence, Smartsheet, Basecamp

Core Skills:
Stakeholder Management, Budget Control, Risk Assessment, Change Management, Scheduling, Reporting, Leadership, Communication, Cross-Functional Teams, Resource Planning

Certifications:
PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2, Certified Scrum Master (CSM), AgilePM

Use our ATS CV checker

Before submitting your next application, test your CV against the job description.
Our ATS CV Optimization Tool instantly checks:

• File format, structure, and readability
• Keyword and skills match percentage
• Missing certifications or PM tools
• Formatting and consistency issues

You can then:

• Add missing keywords automatically

• Download your enhanced CV using one of our templates

• Preview and edit the content before sending

Your Project Manager CV should reflect your ability to bring order, clarity, and structure — and that starts with how your document reads to an ATS.

A clean format, keyword alignment, and measurable results can raise your visibility instantly. Don’t let formatting errors or missing keywords hold you back.

Run your CV through our ATS CV Optimization Tool now to see your score, identify what’s missing, and download a recruiter-ready, ATS-approved version that highlights your impact.