How to Showcase Your Experience and Get Hired

This is part of a series of articles I have been writing in response to common questions/concerns from new and transitioning project managers. Even if that is not you, you may find something interesting. If you have a colleague of friend who is looking to enter the project management profession, please do share this article with them.

I’ve been doing coaching calls with young/transitioning project managers for the past few months. And something that keeps coming up is that they feel either unaware of their project management experience or unable to translate their experience into project management terms.

And if they can’t describe it, how would a potential employer know their value?

This is problematic.

In this article I have some tactics to share.

Ones that you can implement immediately to make yourself more attractive to employers and effectively showcase your value.

Let’s get started.

Lead with Results

Lead with results. You need to avoid being vague. Recruiters are overwhelmed with vague descriptions which make no impact. Highlight your impact with metrics.

• Quantify achievements in bullet points (e.g. “Directed $2M relocation project, delivering it 6 weeks early and under budget”).

• Use strong action verbs and outcomes (“improved efficiency by 20%,” “saved 15% of budget”) instead of vague duties.

• Include numbers, before/after figures, and KPIs on your resume and cover letter. For example, mention “finished project 30% faster” or “saved 10% of costs” to make accomplishments concrete.

• When space is tight, consider a short Key Achievements section summarising top results (each bullet: context + action + result) to draw attention to your biggest wins.

Cover Letters

Craft a compelling narrative. In your cover letter and resume summary, treat your experience like a story. Start with a hook about your career goal or passion, then briefly describe a signature project and its outcome using metrics.

Personalize the letter if possible. This is important. Employers want to see that you took the effort to create something bespoke to them.

• Explain why you applied and how your values align with theirs.

• End with a strong call-to-action (e.g. “I look forward to discussing how I can help drive your next product launch”).

• Emphasize certifications and methodologies. List your PMP, Agile/Scrum or other certifications prominently (e.g. in the summary or skills). Mention familiar frameworks (Waterfall, Scrum, Kanban) and tools (Jira, MS Project, Trello) to match the job. Recruiters watch for “specific metrics (like budgets, cost savings, and deliverables)” and relevant skills. I’m amazed how many candidates do not list their credentials boldly on their resumes when the job listing explicitly calls for those same credentials.

• Keep it concise and error-free. Stick to one page (especially if early-career), use clear section headings, and proofread thoroughly. Remove/summarise outdated experience (>10 years) and tailor the content for each role. A well-organized, typo-free resume signals professionalism.

• Avoid generic statements. Don’t open with bland phrases like “experienced project manager” with no detail. Instead, write specifics: e.g. “PMP-certified PM with 5+ years delivering high-tech product launches on time and under budget”. Never simply restate your resume; use the cover letter to add context and show enthusiasm.

LinkedIn Profiles and Online Presence

Build a strong personal brand. Your LinkedIn is more than an online resume; it’s often a first impression. Project managers often tell me; “I’m not an influencer, I don’t want to write on the internet.” You might not be an influencer, but you do need to show your abilities.

• Use a clear, friendly headshot and a banner that reflects your field. Write a headline formula like “[Role] + [Specialty/Value] + [Outcome/Benefit]”. For example: “Project Manager | Agile Delivery Expert | Driving On-Time Launches.” This concise formula immediately signals your focus and impact.

• Fill every section thoughtfully. Your LinkedIn profile is an extended portfolio. Using LinkedIn as a portfolio (attaching work samples) can “make your profile stand out” to recruiters. In the About section, craft 3–4 short paragraphs that tell your story: open with a hook (e.g. a personal project anecdote or a bold claim), then highlight 2–3 major accomplishments tying back to your brand. In Experience, use the same action-result approach as your resume.

• Attach media (reports, slide decks, product links) to illustrate your work. For each role, emphasize outcomes with data (e.g. budget, team size, % completion) not just tasks.

• Use Keywords and SEO. Remember that LinkedIn is a search engine. Identify key terms (project management methodologies, industries, tools) from your target job ads and weave them naturally into headlines, summaries, and role descriptions . But don’t over-stuff generic buzzwords; instead “tell a story” around those terms so you stand out. Here’s a top tip: Copy the job description from 10 ideal roles into ChatGPT and ask it to tell you the most important keywords common to the job listing. Focus your resume on those.

• Periodically post/update to stay visible. Once per week is acceptable. What should you post? Whatever interests you. But keep it neutral and avoid divisive content. Focus on your work.

• Feature projects and results. Add the Projects section for notable projects (especially as a PM). List project name, timeframe, your role, and most importantly, your major wins and metrics (e.g. “launched mobile app on schedule with 20K users; improved release cycle time by 30%”). You might have picked up on an important theme here; that metrics are everything.

• Pin key documents in the Featured section: a successful project’s pitch deck, a status report, or a diagram can serve as proof of your expertise.

• Be active and authentic. Post updates celebrating milestones (project go-live, certification earned) or insights you’ve learned. Even simple shares (industry articles, conference takeaways) signal engagement. As one expert notes, LinkedIn favours profiles with recent activity. Comment thoughtfully on posts from colleagues or companies. Over time, authentic engagement and content sharing build your reputation as a knowledgeable PM in your field.

• Avoid an empty or outdated profile. Leaving sections blank (no summary, no projects, no photo) is a missed opportunity. A passive profile (rarely updated, keyword-poor) won’t attract interest. Also beware sounding too generic: avoid clichés.

• Don’t forget to connect with others. Follow them, send connection requests and comment on their work. Keep it real. Avoid over-the-top platitudes. LinkedIn lets you send multiple connection requests per day, so use them.

Interviews and Networking

• Tell stories with the STAR method. Prepare concise narratives of your key projects: set the Situation, explain the Task, describe your Action, and quantify the Result. Practice a library of these “stories” (with a clear beginning, middle, end) so you can adapt them on the fly. Focus on outcomes (use data if possible) and lessons learned, not just duties. Interviewers love concrete examples: e.g. “We faced a 3-week delay risk; I reallocated resources and cut meetings, delivering the project on time (saved 25% of delay costs)”.

• Speaking is a skill. Telling compelling stories is a skill. Luckily you can learn this and perfect it through practice. Spend time each week practicing your storytelling and interview question answers. You won’t regret this deliberate practice when you are faced with an interview panel.

• Highlight impact, not just tasks. When answering questions or sharing your experience, emphasize how your work contributed to business goals. For example, rather than “managed a schedule,” say “streamlined scheduling to finish 2 weeks early.” Always tie technical details to value (cost savings, revenue gain, stakeholder satisfaction). Remember to include both successes and challenges: interviewers expect “evidence you can steer a project to success even when things don’t go to plan.” Be ready to discuss a time you adapted under pressure.

• Demonstrate soft skills and leadership. Show your communication, problem-solving, and leadership through examples. Weave soft skills into your stories rather than listing them. For instance, describe how you rallied a team around a shared vision or resolved conflict with a vendor. Use confident body language (smile, eye contact) and mirror the interviewer’s tone subtly to build rapport . At the end, ask insightful questions about the company’s strategic goals or projects to show you’ve done your homework and are thinking big-picture.

• Networking tactics. Leverage both online and in-person networking. On LinkedIn, connect with other PMs, alumni, and company recruiters; always personalize connection messages with why you’re interested in chatting. Join professional groups (PMI chapters, APM, industry meet-ups) to meet peers and mentors. At events or conferences, prepare a quick “elevator pitch”: in 30–60 seconds, say who you are, what you do, and one standout accomplishment (e.g. “I’m an IT project manager who recently delivered a $1M software rollout 3 weeks early”).

• Build relationships and follow up. Networking isn’t just collecting contacts; offer value (share insights or job leads) as much as you seek it. After meetings or informational interviews, send a thank-you note or LinkedIn message referencing something you discussed. Maintaining a broad network can surface job leads or collaboration opportunities. As PMI advises, “networking is key to career growth.” Consider joining PMI local chapters, attending webinars, or volunteering on committees to expand your circle .

• Avoid these pitfalls: In interviews, don’t get too bogged down in technical jargon or minutiae. Senior leaders want to hear strategy and outcomes. Likewise, don’t speak only in general terms; have specific stories ready. In networking, avoid being pushy (don’t immediately ask for a job), and don’t forget to reconnect. Many roles come through referrals months later. Failing to prepare examples or not asking any questions can make you forgettable.

Project Portfolios and Documentation

• Create a project portfolio. Alongside your resume, assemble case studies of your top 2–4 projects. For each, include context (scope, timeline, budget), your role (methods and decisions), and the results. Use narrative and numbers: for example, “Implemented a new workflow that reduced errors by 40% and accelerated delivery by 20%.” A good portfolio “tells the story of your professional accomplishments” and demonstrates your decision-making and risk management skills .

• Use visuals to illustrate impact. A picture is worth a thousand words in a portfolio. Consider slide-format entries with a screenshot or chart showing key metrics. For example:

  • Figure: Sample portfolio slide with “By the Numbers” metrics (budget, time, team) and outcomes. These visuals make achievements tangible. One slide might list “By the Numbers: $500K budget, 6-week lead time, 1M users, delivered 4 weeks early,” with a short bullet summary of how you got there .

• Document before/after results. Wherever possible, show comparisons. For instance, outline baseline metrics (e.g. “baseline: customer complaints 10%”) and post-project results (“after project: complaints dropped to 3%”). This concrete framing makes your contributions obvious. Include graphs or tables from project reports to highlight changes (lead time reduction, cost savings, quality improvements).

• Provide references and supporting files. Link or attach evidence: a project plan, dashboard screenshots, or parts of a final report. For example, if you redesigned a process, include the before/after workflow diagram. Use real numbers (team size, budget, revenue impact) to back up your claims. Treat your experience like a portfolio.

• Keep it honest and updated. Only include projects you can discuss comfortably and ensure all figures are accurate. A rushed or sloppy portfolio can cast doubt about your honesty. Regularly update it with new projects and outcomes so it stays current. When done right, a portfolio can be a “knock-out first impression”; when done poorly, it can backfire, so invest time in polishing it.

• Common mistakes: Don’t just repackage your resume bullets. Add narrative and data. Avoid covering too many minor tasks; focus on the biggest wins. Don’t ignore formatting: a messy layout or tiny fonts will go unread. Finally, don’t leave it unpublished; link your portfolio on your LinkedIn or personal website.

Internal Visibility within Current Roles

Your goal might be to apply for a role at a different company. However you should still try to keep yourself visible and valuable within your existing company.

• Share successes proactively. Keep your manager and stakeholders informed with concise updates. In status meetings or via email, highlight your team’s achievements in metrics (e.g. “We cut costs by 15%” or “Implemented a process that shaved 2 days off delivery”). One tip is to maintain a personal record of accomplishments to discuss during reviews . This ensures managers “are aware of your contributions,” or they may overlook them .

• Speak up and offer ideas. Don’t hide in the background. Meetings are key chances to be noticed. Prepare thoughtful questions or suggestions on the agenda . For example, ask about resource allocation or volunteer solutions for risks. Demonstrating strategic thinking (as suggested in advice) shows leadership potential. If speaking up feels hard, start by asking clarifying questions, then gradually offer insights .

• Build your internal network. Connect with colleagues in other departments on projects or committees. Collaborate cross-functionally (e.g. join an IT–marketing project) as recommended to “build strong relationships across teams” . Attend company events, join employee resource groups, or mentor juniors. Being visible outside your own team raises your profile among leaders and peers.

• Establish yourself as an expert. Share knowledge internally. Lead a lunch-and-learn on a methodology you’ve mastered, or write a brief for the company newsletter about a new tool you implemented . By consistently delivering quality work and helping others, you “develop your brand at work” and become the go-to person on that topic.

• Seek feedback and sponsorship. Regularly ask your manager and peers for honest feedback, and act on it. Showing that you improve builds your reputation for professionalism . Also, find a mentor in leadership who can advocate for you. Volunteering to mentor junior colleagues not only helps them but signals you as a leader (many visibility guides note mentorship raises your profile).

• Avoid being invisible. A common pitfall is assuming people know what you do. If you stay silent, your contributions go unnoticed. Make sure you connect the dots: e.g., “I completed X project on time and achieved Y metric” rather than simply “I managed X.” Also avoid focusing solely on minutiae; instead always link your work back to business objectives. If leadership isn’t aware of your results, they won’t give you new opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Getting hired as a project manager, especially when you’re just starting out or transitioning, comes down to one thing: making your value visible.

You don’t need to be flashy or fabricate experience. You just need to describe what you’ve done in clear, results-focused terms. Whether it’s through your resume, LinkedIn, interviews, or internal visibility, your goal is always the same: show how you make things happen.

Every project you’ve led, supported, or influenced tells a story. Learn to tell that story well with metrics, with clarity, and with confidence, and opportunities will follow.

And remember: you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out, practice, ask for feedback. Keep improving. Keep showing up.

You have more experience than you think. Now it’s time to help others see it too.