When writing a resume, many candidates assume that listing their work experience is the only way to showcase their capabilities. However, including personal projects on your application is an option, and it’s a smart choice if you want to highlight skills acquired through those endeavors.
Ensuring you choose the right projects and list them correctly on your resume is essential. If you’re looking for West Point, PA, temp jobs or permanent positions, here’s how you can show off your projects on your resume, making it easier to land your dream job.
When to List Projects on Your Resume
In most cases, it’s best to list professional, academic, or personal projects on your resume if you fall into one of two categories. First, if a project involved a skill that’s relevant to a role you want to land, listing the project is a smart move.
The project demonstrates that you have the required qualifications, even if you acquired the capability outside of a traditional work experience. Additionally, it draws attention to key academic or professional contributions, which is beneficial. Finally, since personal projects happen on your own time and academic projects require ample diligence, they highlight your enthusiasm, time management skills, self-motivation, accountability, and more.
Second, listing personal projects can close gaps in your work history. If you were unemployed at the time of undertaking the project, it shows you were active in your field at the time, regardless of your employment situation. As a result, the gap is less impactful. Plus, it shows the hiring manager that you are dedicated enough to continue pursuing related activities and honing relevant skills on your own, making you come across as diligent and passionate.
How to List Projects on Your Resume
The best way to list projects on your resume varies depending on the nature of the project. For projects related to past employment, include them as a bullet point under the corresponding entry in your work history with a “Key Projects” subheading. For academic projects, highlight them in the education section, listing them under the associated degree as bullet points with a “[Subject] Projects” subheading.
If you’re including personal projects, you’re better off creating an entirely new “Personal Projects” resume section. Use the title of the project as you would list a company name in your work history and include a date range reflecting when you worked on the project. Then, add bullet points that outline notable achievements and relevant skills based on the role you’re trying to land.
Make sure to include skill-related keywords regardless of your approach, sticking with standard phrasing over industry jargon or lesser-known acronyms. Further, quantify the details when possible to give the hiring manager critical context, making the achievements more meaningful.
Advance Your Career With Alpha Consulting
If you’re looking for more fulfilling projects to work on, the recruiters at Alpha Consulting want to hear from you. Contact us today or browse our online career portal.
