Manage Resume Examples & Writing Tips for 2025
Jul 18, 2024
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12 min read
Put your best foot forward with our tips, tricks, and hints.
Rated by 348 people
- •Directed five cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time, impacting the company's growth trajectory positively and enhancing client relationships significantly.
- •Instituted new deadlines and reporting methods that advanced team communication and collaboration while reducing project completion time by an impressive 20%.
- •Secured and managed client feedback through regular updates, influencing project adjustments that led to a 15% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
- •Oversaw a $1 million budget across multiple projects, ensuring comprehensive financial tracking that minimized overruns and optimized resource utilization.
- •Monitored day-to-day operations with a keen eye on workflow efficiency, which increased productivity by 30% through improved processes and staff allocation.
- •Implemented a new inventory management system that reduced excess stock by 40%, significantly lowering overhead costs and boosting cash flow stability.
- •Facilitated weekly team meetings that fostered open dialogue, leading to innovative ideas that improved team engagement and morale across departments.
- •Drove a compliance initiative that resulted in a 100% pass rate during external audits, showcasing the team's dedication to maintaining the highest operational standards.
- •Conducted in-depth analysis that identified key operational inefficiencies, presenting findings that led to strategic decisions and an 18% improvement in service delivery.
- •Collaborated with IT to enhance reporting tools, streamlining data access that contributed to a faster decision-making process for management.
- •Supported project management teams by providing comprehensive data insights that were crucial in defining project scopes and deliverables effectively.
- •Produced detailed reports that guided executive leadership in making informed business decisions that aligned with long-term company vision.
- •Graduated cum laude
- •Completed coursework in Strategic Management and Organizational Leadership
You’re a natural-born leader—a people person who knows how to inspire a team. You’ve climbed up the career ladder, and now you’re in the esteemed position of manager. With great power comes great responsibility, and don’t you know it.
Successful managers wear many hats. They're the organizers, working hard behind the scenes to keep things moving. They’re the motivators, offering support and guidance to their team members. And when times get tough, they're the disciplinarians, keeping staff on track and making sure they smash their targets.
When you’re looking for your next role, it can be hard to put all those skills and talents down on paper. You need to show you have what it takes, accurately describe your managerial style, and align with the company’s values. So, how can you get it right?
You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll show you how to craft an interview-winning application in no time. We’ll be covering everything from what to include to how to tailor your resume to boost your odds. Let’s get started.
Key takeaways
- Quantify your leadership wins: Use numbers to show your impact—e.g., “reduced churn by 12%,” “managed $500K budget,” or “oversaw 3 cross-functional teams.”
- Clarify your leadership scope: Go beyond “managed a team.” Specify headcount, departments involved, direct reports vs. dotted-line supervision, or stakeholder alignment.
- Name your tools and platforms: Spell out the operational software you use, such as Microsoft Excel, Planful, Asana, or Cube. These tools reinforce your readiness to lead within modern business systems.
- Call out leadership certifications: Credentials like PMP, ScrumMaster, or Lean Six Sigma signal strategic thinking and structured leadership. Include them in a dedicated section or near your summary.
- Use dynamic language: Choose verbs like “implemented,” “delegated,” or “orchestrated” to convey authority and energy.
- Highlight relevant extras: Volunteer work, second languages, or hobbies that show initiative or communication skills can subtly reinforce leadership potential.
How to use this management resume guide
Don’t waste this opportunity. We’ve created a guide that gives you the insider tips you need to succeed.
To make the most of it, follow our handy advice below:
Guide checklist
- Start with the essentials
New to crafting a management resume? No worries. This guide will walk you through the key sections every strong management. It doesn’t matter whether you're aiming for a team lead role, department head position, or moving into upper management.
- Highlight your leadership impact
Results matter. What sets you apart as a manager? Showcase your ability to lead teams, deliver results, and drive change. Emphasize achievements like project outcomes, KPIs met, cost savings, or improvements you've led across departments.
- Structure your resume strategically
Include core sections such as professional summary, leadership experience, key accomplishments, education, certifications, and relevant training. Use a clear, results-oriented format that hiring managers can scan quickly.
- Emphasize key management skills
Recruiters often scan for keywords. Make sure yours has skills like strategic planning, team leadership, performance management, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Tap into expert insights
This guide offers more than basic tips. Look out for our expert-backed pro tips and real-world examples that can help elevate your resume and demonstrate your readiness for leadership roles.
- Tailor your resume to each opportunity
Different management roles value different traits—some prioritize operational efficiency, others creative problem-solving or stakeholder communication. Align your resume with the specific demands and values of each job you apply for.
- Do your homework
Study the job description carefully, review company values, and explore profiles of successful managers in similar roles. This research will help you position your resume to speak directly to what employers are looking for.
- Build with confidence
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What to focus on when writing your management resume
Your management resume must tell the story of a persuasive and organized leader (that’s you!). Recruiters will expect you to be a strategic thinker, results-driven, and an excellent communicator. First impressions matter, so the angle you choose could be vital here.
Let’s take a look at some elements you can focus on:
- Specific achievements with metrics (e.g., increased sales by 20%)
- Leadership roles and the size of teams managed
- Examples of cost-saving initiatives
- Strategic planning and execution experience
PRO TIP
Put your most impressive attributes in the top-left section of your resume.
When people read things on a screen, their eyes follow an F-shaped pattern, according to research from the Nielsen Norman Group. That means that they start at the top-left of the page and then do a quick horizontal and vertical scan with their eyes.
What does that mean for your resume? Well, positioning your biggest achievements at the top means that recruiters are more likely to notice them.
Let’s break down each of the focuses in more detail:
Specific achievements with metrics
Recruiters need to know you can get solid results. So, prove it to them. Don’t simply make big claims—back everything up with metrics (i.e. numbers and statistics).
Numbers speak louder than words. Adding some choice metrics to your work experience section can help you make a big impact on recruiters.
Let’s take a look at an example:
“Led a team to deliver projects 15% ahead of schedule on average, improving overall client satisfaction scores by 22%.”
Leadership roles and the size of teams managed
How many people have you managed? There’s a gigantic difference between leading a team of three and leading a team of 300. Be specific about the role and your responsibilities.
Tell a story with your management resume!
Recruiters are looking for growth. Use your resume to tell a clear, progressive story of your career in management. Show how each role prepared you for the next by highlighting increased responsibilities, larger teams, or more complex challenges.
For instance, your first leadership role might have involved supervising a small team or overseeing a single project. Don’t downplay it. Instead, focus on what you learned and how it laid the foundation for future success. Then demonstrate how your next position marked a step up.
Examples of cost-saving initiatives
Great managers always have one eye on the bottom line, and you’re no different. Let the hiring manager know that you’re a pro when it comes to cost-saving initiatives. Do this through measurable stats and by talking about the process you use.
PRO TIP
Name-drop the tools you use.
Don’t presume the reader knows the tools you can use. It’s far better to spell it out for them.
Here’s some of the software you might mention:
Strategic planning and execution experience
If you’re the brains behind the operation, now's the time to shout about it. Detail any plans you’d led, how you executed them, and what the results were.
S T A R
Use the STAR technique when sharing how you delivered solid results.
Follow this simple formula to get it right:
- Situation: What was the scenario?
- Task: What did you have to achieve or do?
- Action: What plan did you come up with to do it?
- Results: What was the tangible outcome of your action?
Choose one of the focuses from above and make it the centerpiece of your resume. Also, keep your resume layout short and clear.
Now that you’re prepped on what angle to take, let’s talk about how you can choose the right format.
How to choose the right resume format
Don’t overlook the importance of your resume format. This is the structure of your document and determines where each section goes.
There are three main options:
- Reverse-chronological format: the traditional resume format
- Functional format: best for early-career professionals
- Combination format: a hybrid structure with elements of both
Most managers will have had a linear career, slowly and surely climbing the ladder. If that describes your career history, go for the reverse-chronological format. Recruiters expect to see this structure, as it presents your work experience in a logical way.
On the other hand, if your career has been more sporadic and you’ve held many roles, you might find this format restrictive. In that case, use the functional format instead.
How can I make my management resume stand out?
If you want your resume to stand out, there are some things you can do, including:
- Pick a clear format.
- Using bullet points when possible.
- Add metrics, such as stats.
- Use persuasive language.
How long should my resume be?
For most managers, one page should be long enough. However, if you’re an executive with loads of experience, you can use two pages.
Just ensure everything you share is valuable to the recruiter.
How should I save my resume?
Save your resume as a PDF, not a Word document or any other file.
How big should my resume margins be?
Ideally, your resume margins should be between 0.5 to 1 inch. Stick to this golden rule.
What resume font should I use?
Your number one priority is readability. For that reason, we recommend the following resume fonts:
- Raleway
- Rubik
- Lato
- Bitter
- Exo 2
Now that you’re clued up on how to format your resume, we can move on to what you need to write.
What to include in your resume header
Your resume header is essentially your business card. It contains the basic information a hiring manager needs when you’re applying for a job.
Here’s a rundown of what it consists of:
- Your name: That’s your first name and last name.
- Job title: The title of your most recent managerial role.
- Contact details: Add your phone number and a professional email.
- Location: Don’t write down your whole address—your city and state will do.
Take a look at our example for some inspiration:
How to write a resume summary
Your resume summary is likely the first thing a hiring manager will read. Make it count. This is a short paragraph that covers your boldest achievements and attributes.
PRO TIP
Choose your words wisely. Peppering resume action words throughout this section is a savvy move. These draw the reader’s eye and set you apart from other, more generic candidates.
Check out our examples here:
- Directed
- Managed
- Oversaw
- Supervised
- Coordinated
- Delegated
- Initiated
- Established
- Launched
- Optimized
- Accelerated
- Streamlined
- Achieved
Not sure where to start? Make a list of your top three achievements. These could be anything from a big-name brand you worked for or a massive cost-saving initiative you led. Weave these anecdotes into your resume summary to show what results you can offer employers.
Take a look at our example:
Featuring metrics and clear explanations of the candidate's skills, the above summary covers all bases. Use this as inspiration when you start writing your statement.
How to write a quantifiable resume experience section
Having the right work experience on your resume is vital when you’re applying for managerial positions. Recruiters will want to see that you’ve learned the ropes.
How far back should a resume go?
If you have decades of experience, you might think you should share it all. However, we recommend going back no further than 10 to 15 years on your resume.
This helps you avoid any unconscious bias or age-based discrimination. Only include the most recent and, therefore, most relevant positions on your resume.
For each role, start with the basics. Include the company name, location, your job title, and the dates you were employed. Next, use bullet points to add your key accomplishments.
Here’s an example of how that may look:
03/2019 - 08/2023 
- •Implemented process improvements that reduced order processing time by 18%, increasing on-time delivery rates to 98.7%.
- •Negotiated new supplier contracts, resulting in $620K in annual cost savings.
- •Launched a cross-training program that improved workforce flexibility and reduced overtime costs by 27%.
- •Led a safety initiative that decreased reportable incidents by 35% year-over-year.
This work experience section is clear about the size of teams the candidate has led and the results they’ve delivered. It paints a solid picture for the hiring manager.
Management resume work experience samples
The details you outline in your work experience section will depend on your professional strengths. What's it that makes you a smart and successful leader? Start there, and then craft a section that shares your attributes in a straightforward manner.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, take a look at the following examples:
People-led example
Management roles are all about people. If your strength is motivating and moving staff members forward, you need this to come across plainly in your work experience section.
06/2018 - 09/2022 - •Recruited, trained, and mentored a team of 25 staff, resulting in a 40% reduction in employee turnover over two years.
- •Increased team engagement scores by 33% through regular coaching sessions, goal-setting, and recognition initiatives.
- •Created a shift lead development program that promoted 6 internal candidates to management roles within 12 months.
- •Led daily team briefings to reinforce customer service standards, contributing to a 22% improvement in customer satisfaction ratings.
Results-based example
Are you the type of manager who always gets results? If you’re smashing targets left, right, and center, that should be the focus of this part of your resume.
04/2017 - 12/2021 - •Improved team productivity by 28% year-over-year through performance coaching, skill development plans, and morale-boosting initiatives.
- •Cut staff turnover by 37% by revamping the onboarding process and introducing peer mentorship programs.
- •Increased in-store sales by 18% in one year by implementing weekly staff-led merchandising reviews and customer service workshops.
- •Achieved top-5 regional ranking for employee engagement scores for 3 consecutive quarters through leadership transparency and recognition schemes.
Cost-saving example
Do you have a knack for checks and balances? If the answer is yes, make sure your work experience showcases this talent. Use metrics to be clear about the skills you have here.
05/2016 - 10/2021 - •Cut operational expenses by $730K over three years through workforce scheduling optimization, vendor renegotiation, and waste reduction initiatives.
- •Reduced inventory shrinkage by 22% by implementing tighter stock control measures and retraining staff on loss prevention protocols.
- •Streamlined staffing model, saving $180K annually in labour costs without impacting service levels or customer satisfaction scores.
- •Introduced energy-saving initiatives that lowered utility costs by 17%, including LED retrofitting and smart climate control scheduling.
Listing your skills on your resume
Next up, you need the right skills on your resume. Most managers have an array of impressive talents. However, there’s power in knowing which to prioritize on your resume.
You don’t have space to waste. Avoid generic skills that don’t say much about you as a professional.
For example, saying that you’re “hard-working” is a waste of time. That’s a given. Instead, pinpoint key attributes that make you excel in the workplace.
One way to get started is to look back at the job advert. Look at the “must-haves” or core competencies in the job description. Be sure to list the ones you already have.
Check out our example that includes both hard and soft skills:
Best hard skills to feature on your management resume
Hard skills tend to be technical or learned on the job. These may apply to management at large, or specifically to the sector you’re in, such as marketing or operations.
You can include the names of software and tools, or certain practices you follow. Make sure each skill strengthens your application by enhancing your management repertoire.
Take a quick look at our example:
Best soft skills to feature on your management resume
It’s not all about hard skills, though—soft skills give your resume shape and show you’re a well-rounded candidate. List skills that reveal how you work well with people and systems.
Here are some soft skills you may include:
Education on a resume
Once you’ve done all of the above, you’ll need to tackle the education resume section. This can include both your academic achievements and any professional development you've gone through.
Formal education
Start with your college degree or degrees. Bonus points if your degree is in business management or the same field you work in.
Note: You may want to highlight academic honors such as Cum Laude or the Dean’s list.
Grade point average
When to include your GPA on your resume.
If your GPA is 3.5 or higher, list it on your resume in your education section. However, if your score is lower than that, it may be better to omit this information.
Extra training
Have you completed any professional certifications? Displaying management-related training on your resume is a snappy way to get ahead.
For example, you might have:
Let’s take a look at a sample education section for a manager:
08/2010 - 05/2014 - •Graduated cum laude
- •Completed coursework in Strategic Management and Organizational Leadership
03/2022 - 07/2022 Extra sections to include in your management resume
Do you have some space to spare on your management resume? Adding extra resume sections could be the very thing that gives you the edge over other applicants.
Here are three sections you may decide to slide onto the page:
Language section
Can you speak German, French, or Spanish? How about Japanese or Italian? Whatever your skills, adding a language section highlights that you have more to bring to the table.
Hobbies and interests section
Most candidates don’t think of putting hobbies on their resume, but it’s worth considering. Ensure your interests align with the management role and place you in the best light.
Volunteer work section
Adding volunteer work to your resume can help bolster your experience. Once again, ensure every position you include is relevant to the vacancy.
03/2020 - 06/2023 Conclusion
Your resume is your first impression. It should clearly communicate who you are, both through its design and the story it tells. Get it right from the start by using our drag-and-drop resume builder tool to create a clear design.
Why not get started now?
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