You can list projects on a resume using the work experience section or a dedicated “Projects” section. You can also mention them in the education and summary section. Make sure each project mentioned is relevant to the job description. Include accomplishments to prove you’re capable of driving impact. Describe duties and tools applied that relate to specific company needs.
There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there when writing about relevant projects on a resume.
Maybe you’ve got the skills, and your projects prove you’ve put in the work. Or maybe you don’t have a degree and you think that’s holding you back, but you’ve put your projects at the bottom of your two-page resume because someone once said that’s where they should go.
Hiring managers won’t go out of their way to find your best work.
If your standout projects are buried under the skills or education section, they’re practically invisible. On the other hand, if your resume is packed with experience, you might be overlooking the projects that could set you apart.
But don’t worry — all your project questions will be answered, as we’ll walk you through how to highlight your projects on a resume effectively, whether they’re from school, freelance work, or personal passions.
You’ll learn:
- Who should include projects on their resume and which ones to pick.
- How to describe your projects so they grab attention.
- Where to place them for maximum visibility.
If you’re still staring at a blank Word doc and feeling stuck, our AI Resume Builder can help you pull it all together. And when you’re ready to make extra parts of your resume shine, check out these helpful guides:
- How to Make Your Volunteer Experience Look Impressive
- Awards to Include on Your Resume
- Extracurricular Activities That Make You Look Cool and Accomplished
- 50+ Examples of Hobbies to Add to Your Resume
Should You Include Projects on Your Resume?
In short: if they’re relevant to the job description and showcase unique skills, achievements, or qualifications, then adding projects to your resume can be a great choice, especially for freelance workers, students, career changers, and those in project management-related roles.
Above all, just make sure they’re relevant. For instance, unless you’re applying for a fashion role, your dissertation on the Paul Mescal effect of bringing short shorts back might not be ideal for an auditor position.
Freelancers
Highlight key accomplishments, like automating systems or redesigning a startup’s branding. Describe each client project you worked on, or detail your freelance experience collectively under one entry.
Just be careful not to disclose sensitive client info due to any confidentiality agreements.
Students or recent graduates
Projects are a great way to showcase skills when your professional experience is limited. Mention personal, academic, or internship projects where you demonstrated teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving skills, like creating a marketing plan or developing a class prototype.
Career switchers
Projects help bridge the gap between industries. Show how your past work translates to your new field by focusing on transferable skills. For example, leading a CRM system implementation if you’re transitioning from finance to sales.
For a smooth transition, check out our guide on How to Write a Career Change Resume.
Project management-related roles
For roles like project manager or coordinator, past projects are crucial. They prove your ability to manage, execute, and deliver results, giving hiring managers confidence in your potential to succeed.
Where to Put Projects on Your Resume
Projects can be listed in several resume sections: under the relevant job in work experience, as part of a separate projects section, within education for recent grads, or in the professional summary to highlight major achievements. Tailor the placement of your most impressive projects to highlight their relevance to the role, and include a link to your online portfolio or website if applicable.
Placing your projects in the right section can make all the difference in getting noticed by recruiters. The right spot highlights your strengths and ensures your skills align with the job you’re applying for.
Work experience section
If your project was part of a job, include it under the relevant position. For example, if you led a successful product launch while working as a marketing coordinator, list it with bullet points describing your role, contributions, and results.
Here’s an example of a construction project manager’s work experience section:
Construction Project Manager
ABC Construction Co., Atlanta, GA
January 2019–Present
• Managed the construction of a 150,000 sq. ft. commercial office building, ensuring project completion on time and within a $10 million budget.
• Directed a team of 20 contractors and subcontractors, ensuring quality control and compliance with safety regulations.
• Oversaw the renovation of a historic landmark, maintaining structural integrity while adhering to preservation guidelines.
• Coordinated with architects, engineers, and city officials for the successful completion of a multi-use residential complex.
• Led a $2 million school campus expansion project, improving accessibility and adding new classrooms, which was completed 10% under budget.
• Developed and implemented a project timeline management system that reduced project delays by 15%.
• Managed vendor relationships and negotiated contracts, saving the company 8% on material costs.
Separate ‘projects’ section
If you have multiple noteworthy projects, create a dedicated “Projects” section. For example, if you’re a freelance designer, you could list individual projects like brand designs for clients, including client feedback and project scope.
Here’s an example of a projects section on a computer science graduate’s resume:
Projects
E-Commerce Web Application
Personal Project | January–March 2024
• Developed a fully functional e-commerce website using React, Node.js, and MongoDB.
• Integrated payment gateway (Stripe) for secure transactions.
• Designed user-friendly interface, ensuring responsive design across devices.
• Utilized Git for version control and collaborated with others via GitHub.
Machine Learning-Based Sentiment Analysis Tool
Academic Project | September–December 2023
• Built a sentiment analysis tool using Python and the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK).
• Trained a machine learning model with 10,000+ labeled tweets to classify sentiment (positive, negative, neutral).
• Achieved 85% accuracy with the final model after fine-tuning hyperparameters.
• Created visualizations to present results using Matplotlib and Seaborn.
Mobile Game App Development
Personal Project | May–August 2023
• Designed and developed a mobile game for Android using Unity and C#.
• Implemented game mechanics, including physics, character movement, and scoring.
• Integrated Google Play Services for leaderboards and achievements.
• Conducted user testing, improving app usability based on feedback.
Database Management System (DBMS) Implementation
Academic Project | January–April 2023
• Created a custom relational database management system in C++ with support for SQL queries.
• Developed indexing, searching, and transaction management features to handle large datasets efficiently.
• Ensured data integrity and implemented basic security measures for user authentication.
Education section
If you’re a student or recent grad, put academic projects in your education section. For instance, a senior project on data analysis could be added under your degree, showcasing the skills you developed and how they’re relevant to the job you want.
Here’s an example of a family medicine doctor’s education section:
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA | Graduated: July 2024
• GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Relevant Coursework: Clinical Medicine, Medical Ethics, Surgery, Neurology, Pathology
Key Projects
• “Impact of Telemedicine on Rural Health Outcomes” — Led a research team on telemedicine’s effectiveness in rural healthcare, analyzing patient satisfaction and treatment adherence, with findings presented at the Harvard Medical Research Conference and published in the Journal of Rural Health.
• “Patient Communication in the ER” — Analyzed ER communication strategies to improve patient-provider interactions, collaborating with faculty to develop best practices for managing patient anxiety in high-stress environments.
Professional resume summary
If you have a standout project that is your biggest achievement, include it in your summary to capture attention right from the start. For example, showcasing a system you developed that saved time and money for your company can instantly pique the hiring manager’s interest.
Here’s a photographer’s resume summary:
Detail-oriented photographer with 5+ years in studio and on-location photography, specializing in brand-driven visual storytelling. Eager to contribute to [Company Name], with a proven track record of enhancing brand presence. Previous experience includes successfully leading a product photography campaign for a fashion retailer, boosting online engagement by 25%.
For help writing your summary, let Rezi AI Resume Summary Generator do the job.
Link your online portfolio
Do you have an online portfolio, blog, or website that shows off your skills?
Include the link in your resume header, right next to your contact details and LinkedIn. Just double-check that it works and it’s up-to-date.
How to Write About Projects on Your Resume
In short: choose projects that align with the job description to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Tailor each project to focus on the outcomes the employer values. Use concise bullet points. Start with an action verb and then detail specific tasks and results. Quantify duties and outcomes whenever possible. Maintain consistent formatting, list any tools used, and include links to online projects if available.
When talking about your projects, aim to give enough detail to showcase your impact, while keeping your descriptions clear and to the point.
Firstly, make sure to select projects that align with the job
Pick projects that match the job you’re applying for — it shows you have the skills they’re looking for and that you’ve done your research. Plus, it helps your resume pass the applicant tracking system (ATS).
What this means for you:
- Study the job description. Highlight projects that showcase the specific skills and experiences the company seeks. For example, if they need data analysis skills, prioritize projects where you worked with data or created impactful visualizations.
- Tailor your descriptions to highlight relevant outcomes. Instead of just listing tasks, emphasize how your projects led to measurable results that the prospective employer cares about, like increased engagement or conversions for a marketing role.
If you need help finding the relevant keywords from the job description, try our AI Keyword Targeting.
Include the essentials
List the project title, your role, organization (if applicable), and the timeline. You could also mention the team size and any relevant budget or value information.
Show your impact by focusing on your achievements
Organize project details using bullet points. Begin with clear verbs that portray how you contributed and the results you achieved or worked toward, such as “optimized” and “coordinated.”
Next, emphasize positive outcomes. Don’t just list tasks — highlight how your work made a difference and why it was important.
Whenever possible, include numbers to specify professional achievements and responsibilities for greater impact. For example, “Oversaw 10 marketing campaigns, resulting in boosted engagement by 25%” and “Implemented a new workflow within 3 days using AI technology, cutting costs by $10,000.”
Mention key tools, technologies, and frameworks
List any specific tools, technologies, or frameworks that you used. Include them by describing how you applied them, followed by a positive result. However, try to avoid lengthy descriptions and jargon unless necessary for detailing what you did.
If your project is available online, share a link
Provide a link for easy access, if applicable. Alternatively, if the project is your primary portfolio, you can share the link in your resume header section.
Keep formatting consistent
Use the same font, layout, and bullet style throughout your resume to maintain a professional look.
5 Types of Projects to Put On Your Resume
In short: academic projects show you can apply what you’ve learned in class to real-world scenarios. Work projects often highlight your technical problem-solving skills and ability to get things done. Freelance projects demonstrate your ability to work independently and manage clients. Volunteer work emphasizes initiative and collaboration. Personal projects reveal your commitment to the field, passion, and growth, especially in areas outside of work. Focus on projects that are directly relevant to the job and showcase the skills that matter most.
Projects aren’t quite the same as work experience — they’re specific tasks with clear goals, defined timelines, and measurable outcomes. Don’t just throw in projects for the sake of it; only include ones that align with the role and demonstrate your strengths.
Academic projects
Academic projects are perfect for showcasing real-world applications of what you’ve learned in school, especially if you’re light on work experience. Include them in a dedicated ‘Projects’ section (if you have a lot of them) or under your education.
Examples of academic projects:
- Research study. Conducted a study on “Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health,” analyzing surveys and interviews with 100+ teenagers and presenting findings in a detailed research paper.
- Capstone project. Led the design of a smart irrigation system using IoT technology, resulting in a functional prototype and an A-grade presentation.
- Marketing campaign plan. Collaborated with a team to create a digital strategy for an eco-friendly product, focusing on market analysis and social media engagement.
- App development. Designed a fitness tracking app prototype with features like step tracking and progress dashboards using React Native.
- Business case study. Analyzed Tesla’s global market strategy, highlighting opportunities for expansion and presenting recommendations in a detailed report.
Work projects
Your work projects highlight your ability to achieve results, solve problems, and apply your skills in practical settings.
Examples of work projects:
- New product launch. Spearheaded the launch of a subscription box service, driving a 30% increase in revenue within six months.
- Process optimization. Implemented a new inventory management system, cutting operational costs by 15% and improving delivery speed.
- Custom software development. Led the creation of a customer portal that improved retention rates by 15% through better user experience.
- Content marketing campaign. Directed a multichannel digital marketing campaign that boosted website traffic by 50% and doubled lead generation.
- Event planning. Coordinated a corporate retreat for 500+ attendees, managing logistics, budgeting, and vendor relations.
Freelance projects
Freelance projects demonstrate independence, client management, and your ability to produce results.
Examples of freelance projects:
- Brand identity design. Revamped a startup’s branding by designing a logo, style guide, and social media templates, increasing brand engagement by 45%.
- Web development. Built an online store for a boutique, improving sales by 30% within the first quarter post-launch.
- Photography for e-commerce. Shot and edited product images for a retailer, boosting their click-through rates by 20%.
- Business strategy consulting. Analyzed a café’s operational inefficiencies and recommended cost-cutting strategies and service improvements, leading to a 10% profit increase within three months.
- Video editing. Edited YouTube and TikTok videos for a fitness influencer, using transitions and captions to boost followers by 20% and views by 35% in 3 months.
Volunteer projects
Volunteer work highlights your initiative, collaboration, and dedication to community service — perfect for showcasing transferable skills.
Examples of volunteer projects:
- Community fundraiser. Organized a charity auction, raising $15,000 for local schools through online campaigns and live events.
- After-school program support. Developed and taught STEM workshops for underserved youth, impacting 100+ students over six months.
- Health fair organizer. Coordinated free medical screenings at a community health fair, benefiting over 300 attendees.
- Website overhaul for nonprofit. Redesigned a nonprofit’s website, improving usability and boosting volunteer sign-ups by 50%.
- Environmental campaign. Oversaw a team of 20 volunteers to plant 1,000 trees in a deforested area, meeting environmental restoration goals within 2 months.
Personal projects
Personal projects show potential employers that you’re self-motivated, equipped with valuable real-world skills, and passionate about growth — especially if you’re building expertise outside of work.
Examples of personal projects:
- E-commerce store. Created and ran an online store for custom mugs, managing design, marketing, and logistics, achieving steady monthly profit growth of 20%.
- Side blog. Started a blog on personal finance, writing SEO-friendly articles that grew readership to 5,000 monthly visitors.
- Portfolio website. Built a professional portfolio using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to showcase design and coding skills.
- Painting project. Created 15 acrylic paintings on mental health awareness, documenting the process on Instagram and growing a 1000+ follower community in 6 months.
- Book project. Published a fantasy series on Wattpad, earning 15,000+ reads and building a loyal fan base through consistent updates and engagement.
Resume Examples That Showcase Impressive Projects
Check out these sample resumes to see how they’ve effectively highlighted their projects.
Project Manager resume
Marketing Manager resume
Full Stack Developer resume
Summary
Here’s a recap of the most important tips for listing projects on your resume:
- Showcase projects strategically by including a dedicated ‘Projects’ section or add them under work experience or education. Mention one in your summary if it’s very impressive.
- Focus on projects that align with the job. Academic, work, freelance, volunteer, and personal projects can all demonstrate valuable skills if they fit the role.
- Detail goals, timelines, and specific outcomes. Use metrics like increased revenue, reduced costs, or improved efficiency to showcase your impact.
- Start bullet points with strong action verbs like “developed,” “led,” or “optimized” to convey initiative and expertise.
- Freelancers should highlight key accomplishments, like launching a new website or optimizing workflows, while ensuring client confidentiality.
- Students can describe academic projects that show collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving, like organizing group research or building product models.
- Career switchers use projects to outline transferable skills, such as overseeing cross-departmental projects or managing client relationships in a new context.
- Volunteer projects show initiative and collaboration, such as organizing fundraisers or leading community programs, while tying skills to job requirements.
- Personal projects reflect self-motivation and passion, like building a portfolio website or running an e-commerce store, highlighting real-world skills outside of work.
FAQ
What do projects mean on a resume?
Projects on a resume highlight tasks or initiatives that showcase your skills, expertise, and achievements. They have clear goals, timelines, and measurable outcomes, and can come from work, school, freelancing, volunteering, or personal pursuits. Think of them as mini case studies that show how you’ve made an impact.
Should I include projects on my resume?
Include projects if they’re relevant to the job. Projects highlight your skills, fill experience gaps, and show off accomplishments. They’re particularly useful for freelance workers, students, recent graduates, career switchers, or those in project management-related roles.
How many projects to put on a resume?
Keep it focused — one to four well-chosen projects are usually enough. You want to showcase quality over quantity, so choose projects that align closely with the job you’re applying for. Each project should clearly highlight your skills, the challenges you tackled, and the outcomes you achieved.
Do projects count as work experience?
Projects can count as work experience if they take place in a professional, academic, or freelance setting with a legit organization. The key is also in how you present them — focus on the skills, impact, and measurable results. Personal or volunteer projects also work if they showcase relevant skills for the role.
What are considered projects at work?
Work projects are initiatives you’ve led or contributed to for a company as an in-house team member with clear goals, planning, and measurable results. Examples include launching a product, streamlining processes, managing campaigns, or implementing systems.
What is the biggest mistake when listing projects on your resume?
The biggest mistake is being too vague or not tying your projects back to results. Describe your achievements, not just tasks. Be specific about the goal, your actions, and the outcome. Also, quantify your results whenever possible to stand out.
