Project manager jobs

Project Manager Jobs Overview

Whether it's creating a marketing campaign or building a commercial establishment, no project can be successfully carried out on a whim. It takes a professional who has a knack for leadership, quality assurance, and progress to take a concept and bring it to fruition. That's where a skilled and competent project manager comes in. Project manager jobs tend to attract people with superior organizational and team-building skills.

As a project manager, you'll determine how projects are planned and carried out. Your day-to-day duties will include devising effective strategies, setting goals and deadlines, estimating costs, communicating with team members and clients, and addressing potential risks and delays. If you're looking for job security, you'll be interested in learning that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% increase in all management jobs within the next decade.

Want to look for other management jobs as well? Be sure to check out these job searches:

• business management jobs
• management consultant jobs
• operations manager jobs

Project Manager Education and Skills

Many employers prefer project management candidates with a master's degree in project management or a related field. However, some candidates with a bachelor's degree and a background in a specific field, such as in IT, work their way up to project management positions. If you're just starting out as a project manager, it's worth pursuing a certification program such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), which the Project Management Institute offers. More advanced project managers can consider the Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate. For more information on the requirements and credentials you need, see Monster's article on how to become a project manager.

The skills and qualities employers look for when hiring project managers include:

• Strong leadership skills.
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, project resources, team management, and risk assessment and mitigation.
• Sharp attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Superior organizational and planning skills.
• The ability to envision a project from start to finish.

Learn more about the duties and requirements of project manager roles by reading our project manager job description sample.

Update Your Project Manager Resume

The look and feel of your resume will tell potential employers a lot about you. They want to see that you're well-organized and have clear career objectives. Before you begin applying for project manager positions, make sure you review your resume and update it with your objectives, skills, and accomplishments front and center. Want to know what your resume should look like? Refer to Monster's resume sample for experienced IT project managers.

In addition to your resume, you'll also need to introduce yourself with a cover letter. Your cover letter should tell employers what you've accomplished and why you're a good fit for the job. Take a look at our project manager cover letter sample to get an idea of how to write and format your cover letter.

Interviewing for a Project Manager Job

Getting an interview with a potential employer is only half the battle. How you present yourself during an interview will be a determining factor in whether you're hired. While this can seem nerve-wracking, you can prepare yourself by reading Monster's list of project manager interview questions. For example, you may be asked:

• What approach do you take to project management?
• What software have you previously used to manage projects?
• How do you handle difficult situations or conflicts of interest on the job?
• What challenges have you faced in your career and how did you handle them?
• Do you have any questions for us?

How Much Do Project Manager Jobs Pay?

According to Monster data, general project managers in the U.S. make a median yearly salary of $87,636. Senior project managers earn about $105,679 per year. Pay may vary by location, however. Enter your job title and location into Monster's Salary Estimator to find out how much you can expect to earn. You'll also find out where project managers are in high demand, potential next steps on your career path, and the top project manager job postings.

Want to Learn More About a Company You're Interested In?

You can do your research on an employer before taking a project management job by searching Monster's company profiles. This tool provides key company information, including:

• A company description.
• Locations and headquarters.
• Number of employees.
• Benefits offered.
• Job listings.
• Photos or videos of the company's culture.

Sign Up With Monster to Oversee Your Job Search

Are you eager to start applying for project manager jobs? Get started by setting up your free Monster profile. We'll match your resume with the right project management positions and make it easier for recruiters to find you. You can also receive free, personalized job alerts delivered to your inbox every day.