At cvapp.nz, our primary goal is to empower Kiwi professionals and provide them with the tools and resources they need to excel in their careers. Our mission is to support you in reaching new heights in your project management profession, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance your job search journey. At cvapp.nz, our primary goal is to empower Kiwi professionals and provide them with the tools and resources they need to excel in their careers. We’re here to support you in reaching new heights in your project management profession. Let's get into it!
Formatting your CV
A well-formatted CV is essential in making a strong impression with potential employers. Our wide range of CV templates allows you to choose the style that best suits your preferences and industry. Whether you're aiming for a professional, creative, modern, or simple look, we have the perfect template to match your unique personality and career aspirations. All of our templates have been designed to help you showcase your skills, professional experiences and achievements and help you stand out from other candidates.
CV Header: Introduce yourself
Your header should capture the interest of potential employers and let them know to get in touch with you. It’s important to choose an attention-grabbing header that sets you apart from the competition. We recommend listing your important contact details, such as your name, job title, email address and phone number in a way that is tailored to the job you’re applying for. Since project management jobs are not limited to a specific industry, when choosing the right header template, you’ll want to be sure that the visual style of your header is appropriate for your industry. For example, if you’re seeking a project management position at a creative company, you can choose from one of our creative CV design templates!
Personal statements: Your professional summary
When writing the personal statement for your CV, it’s essential to provide a concise summary of your professional background and any significant, relevant career achievements. In 4-6 sentences, you’ll want to capture the attention of your employers by showcasing your proficiency in project management and what makes you an ideal candidate for the role. Overall, an effective personal statement should briefly outline any relevant career achievements, personal motivations, and aspirations. Expanding on these elements helps provide employers with a well-rounded picture of your skills, qualifications, and the unique perspective and skills you bring to the table.
Check out a great example of a project manager personal statement below:
Highly-experienced project manager with a proven track record in the environmental space and local government sector. Successfully led, presented and implemented numerous projects across New Zealand and Australia. Passionate about providing sustainable solutions to modern day challenges. A strong communicator with a commitment to using skills, expertise and design-thinking to make a difference in the world.
Employment History: Showcase your experience
When outlining your employment history, you'll want to provide a comprehensive overview of the positions you have held in the past, along with any impactful projects you’ve been involved in. By showcasing your previous employment experiences, you can demonstrate your expertise, skills, and the potential value you can bring to employers. Start by listing your previous employment positions in a chronological order, starting from most recent to least recent. Alongside each position, briefly outline your responsibilities and key achievements. This will give employers a clear understanding of your role and the impact you made in each organisation and previous position.
As a project manager, it's crucial to emphasise any important projects you have worked on in the past. You'll want to include relevant details, such as the name of the previous company you worked for, your previous job title and the location and duration of each position. Highlight projects where you played a significant role, detailing your responsibilities, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. By providing specific examples, you showcase your ability to contribute effectively to project success and demonstrate your expertise in certain areas.
Lastly, consider quantifying your achievements whenever possible. Use numbers, percentages, or statistics to illustrate the impact you made. For instance, mention how you successfully managed a team of 20 individuals, increased productivity by 30%, or effectively completed a project within a strict deadline and budget. By expanding on your employment history and highlighting key projects and achievements, you create a more comprehensive profile that effectively showcases your capabilities and experience to potential employers. The more detail you provide, the easier it is for employers to evaluate your qualifications and envision your contributions in their organisation.
Check out our example employment history section for project managers below:
Project Manager at EJG Green Initiatives , Nelson
June 2019 — Present
- Planned and executed environmental projects, ensuring each project was in accordance with New Zealand law
- Completed environmental assessments and surveys to identify risks and impacts on the local environment
- Managed 10 project teams, delegating tasks as necessary and providing guidance and collaborative support to team members
- Coordinated with stakeholders and contractors to ensure projects were completed on time
Project Manager at Pyro, Christchurch
December 2015 — January 2019
- Developed project plans to meet the requirements of clients, ensuring objectives, timelines and resource expectations were clearly communicated and met
- Collaboratively coordinated with team members to drive successful project outcomes
- Conducted risk assessments and devised strategies to ensure projects were completed in a timely and high-quality manner
- Researched, budgeted and allocated project resources to ensure client needs were effectively met
Project Coordinator at Christchurch City Council, Christchurch
January 2012 — October 2015
- Assisted in the development and planning of various projects at the Christchurch City Council
- Conducted environmental research and gathered data to support the project planning and decision-making process
- Prepared presentations, proposals, reports and submissions for council committee members
- Provided consultancy services and advice to stakeholders and local government on the potential environmental impact and risks of projects
Education: Success starts with you
The education section of your CV provides a snapshot of your educational background. Including relevant details and elaborating on your educational journey will help showcase your dedication and potential in the field. In this section, you should include the names of the institutions you attended, the degrees or certifications you earned, and the dates of completion. However, don't limit yourself to just these essential details. Expand upon them by incorporating relevant coursework, projects, or research that highlight your areas of expertise and showcase your commitment to your field of study. As a project manager, you should include any relevant details that highlight your professional success in the industry, such as courses or awards you may have received for your work.
Additionally, you can mention any scholarships, awards, or honors you received during your academic journey. These achievements serve as an endorsement of your abilities and can set you apart from other candidates. Furthermore, if you participated in any extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or volunteer work during your studies, consider including them as well. These experiences can demonstrate your teamwork, communication skills, and your ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
Remember to organize this section in reverse chronological order to highlight your most recent educational achievements first. By providing a well-rounded and detailed education section on your CV, you will effectively convey your academic skills and leave a positive impression on potential employers.
Here’s a great example of an education section:
Bachelor of Science, University of Canterbury, Christchurch
February 2007 — May 2011
CV Skills: Apply your excellence
Being a successful project manager requires a diverse skill set, and it is crucial to showcase these skills effectively in the skills section of your CV. The role of a project manager often demands proficiency in various areas, including but not limited to communication, leadership, organisation, problem-solving, and stakeholder management. By appropriately highlighting these skills in your CV, you can demonstrate your suitability for potential project management roles and engage employers more effectively. Need some inspiration? Check out the example below:
- Creative Problem Solving
- Field Investigation Skills
- Analytical Thinking Skills
- Time Management Skills
- Project Management Skills
- Microsoft Project
- Asana
- Financial Management
- Data Analysis
