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How to List Projects on Your Resume

Learn how to write a good bullet points for your project section

The most important part of writing a project section is to write a good bullet points. Make sure to read that section first, before jumping on this section!

Including projects on your resume can be a game-changer, especially if you’re a recent grad, changing careers, or have experience that isn’t fully captured in your job titles. Here’s how to do it right:

Be Selective

List only the most relevant projects that showcase your skills and experience directly related to the job you’re applying for. Don’t clutter your resume with outdated or irrelevant projects that don’t highlight your current abilities.

Provide Clear and Concise Descriptions

For each project, include:

  • Project Name: Give your project a specific name or title.
  • Role: What was your role? Were you a developer, manager, or analyst?
  • Purpose: Briefly describe the goal or purpose of the project.
  • Technologies Used: List the key tools, languages, or frameworks you utilized.
  • Results/Achievements: Focus on what you accomplished. Did you improve performance, save costs, or complete the project ahead of schedule? Use quantifiable metrics where possible (e.g., “Improved load times by 20%”).

Example:

Website Optimization Project
Backend Developer, Fintech Solutions
Technologies Used: Python, PostgreSQL, Docker Github URL: ...

  • Optimized database queries, reducing page load times by 30%.
  • Implemented caching mechanisms that decreased server load by 15%.

Tailor Your Projects to the Job

Each project should reinforce your suitability for the job you’re applying for. If a project doesn’t directly align with the job requirements, either omit it or move it to a less prominent place on your resume. Tailoring ensures that your projects help you stand out as a candidate.

Where to Place Projects

Depending on their relevance, projects can be included in different sections of your resume:

  • Professional Experience: If the project was part of your job, list it under your work experience.
  • Education: Include academic projects here if you’re a recent grad.
  • Dedicated Projects Section: If you have several impressive projects, create a separate section titled “Key Projects” or “Selected Projects.”

General guidelines:

  • ✅ List your most relevant projects, ideally those that showcase your skills and expertise
  • ✅ Provide a brief description of each project, including its purpose, your role, and the technologies used

  • ✅ Focus on your contributions to the project and any notable achievements, such as meeting tight deadlines or exceeding project goals

    • 👍 • Optimized the database design to improve query performance, resulting in a 20% reduction in page load times
    • 👎 • Worked on the frontend, designing the user interface and implementing many features (Not an achievement)

  • ❌ Don't include irrelevant or outdated projects that don't showcase your current skills and expertise

  • ❌ Avoid listing incomplete or ongoing projects, unless they are particularly impressive or demonstrate a unique skill set