How to Include Projects in Resumes (Samples, Tips, Templates)

Although the project section isn't the main section of a resume, it can be helpful sometimes, especially for freelancers, designers, and software engineers. In this article, we will show you how to mention your projects on your resume effectively.

Adding projects in your resume can help catch the recruiter's attention as it provides additional information about your skills and expertise. Hiring managers can evaluate if your abilities and approach align with their company's vision and needs. Personal projects can also showcase your passion for the field. For candidates lacking work experience, such as students or recent graduates, projects on a resume can make up for that deficiency. Career changers with impressive projects in their resume can be highly valued as they bring knowledge and skills from various areas of the industry.

If you’re not sure where to start with, consider the types of projects and related details that are suitable for your resume. There are three major types of projects to include in a resume. 

1. Work Projects

Projects you have participated in from your previous workplace are ideal, since they showcase your ability to communicate with real clients, meet real problems and needs, and achieve KPI goals. However, do notice that you should avoid listing projects that are confidential in the resume. 

2. Personal Projects

Personal projects that you’ve initiated proves your passion for the work in the resume. In addition, personal projects in a resume present your growing ability and skills. The topic you choose to work on also shows your traits that could be wanting in the hiring manager’s organization.

3. Academic Projects

Academic projects accomplished at school in a resume show your competency. Technical skills or soft skills such as teamwork and leadership are valuable talents to gain with each experience. Including academic coursework projects in your resume is especially ideal for students.

When listing projects in a resume, whatever is most relevant to the job role comes first. If you are a fresher or student writing freelance or academic projects, list it in the education section in the resume. For career changers or project-focused positions such as IT, engineer, or Project Manager, you might consider adding a dedicated additional “Related Projects” section in your resume to emphasize different expertises. 

1. Replace the Work Experience Section with a Project Section.

When a project-focused resume demonstrates your skills better than other layouts, replacing the work experience with a project section is a good idea.

Here's an example of replacing the work experience section with a project section on resume:

2. Include a “Key Projects” Subsection under a Work Experience Description.

Another way to list your projects in a resume is to highlight “Key Projects” under a work experience section. Crucial projects for big clients are always eye-catching. Small projects that are experimental or insightful are informative as well. 

Take a look at this example of listing key projects in the resume work experience section:

3. Include the Projects in the Resume Education Section.

When listing academic projects in a resume for freshers or students, place it under the education section. Creative coursework or final year projects in a fresher resume are welcoming.

Here's an example of listing projects in the education section of a resume:

No matter how your projects in a resume are structured, there are 5 crucial tips and principles. These are the aspects you should consider when you list and describe projects on a resume.

1. Provide Project Detail and Quantified Description in the Resume

Aside from the basic information such as name and date, you should also include enough details such as quantifiable results and key insights. Namely, list details that can be measured or anything that sharpen your skills in the projects.

2. Be Concise with the Descriptions

Since you are listing your project in a resume rather than a portfolio, your description should be strong and concise. Make your descriptions short and cut directly to the point. When choosing adjectives and describing your accomplishments for projects in a CV or resume, go for the keywords that are used in the job description.

3. Be Consistent with the Format of the Projects List

Consistent format makes your resume easier to read and more appealing visually. Stick with the same font style, size, and color in each heading in your CV or resume. 

4. Use Descriptive Language and Incorporate Action Verbs

The nuances of your description can bring different effects. For example, action verbs such as “led”, “developed”, “created”, “accomplished”, and more can demonstrate your initiative. To make your project description in the resume more appealing, relate it to the applying industry or position. 

5. Consider Including the Link to Your Online Portfolio.

If you have a personal website that includes the essence of your projects, including academic, personal, or work, be sure to include the link in your resume. A personal portfolio or website is a great way to think out of the resume and present your personal styles and more process details during each project.

1. Python Projects

2. AWS Projects

3. Web Development Projects

4. Tableau Projects

5. DevOps Projects

6. Ecommerce Project

7. Academic Projects

8. Personal Projects