Including personal projects in your resume can set you apart. These projects showcase your skills, ingenuity, and commitment to personal growth. Whether coding a new app or organizing a community event, personal projects reflect qualities employers value.
Why Include Personal Projects?
70% of hiring managers appreciate personal projects on resumes. (LinkedIn)
This statistic underlines the importance of standing out with initiative and creativity.
How to Effectively List Personal Projects
- •Be specific: Include the project name and what it entails.
- •Focus on skills: Highlight the skills you developed or showcased through the project.
- •Quantify achievements: Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate success.
- •Keep it relevant: Tailor the project details to the job you are applying for.
- •Make it concise: Provide enough detail without overwhelming potential employers.
- •Add links: Use hyperlinks to your projects, especially for digital portfolios.
- •Use bullet points: Format your section with bullet points for easy reading.
Pro Tip
Highlight projects that demonstrate skills aligned with the job description. Use LeadRises to customize your resume and ensure that the personal projects section aligns with potential employer requirements.
How to Format Your Personal Projects Section
What types of projects should I include?
Include projects that demonstrate skills relevant to the job. These can be coding projects, volunteer work, or even creative endeavors like blogging or crafting.
Can personal projects replace professional experience?
While personal projects are valuable, they should complement professional experience. Use them to showcase skills or fill gaps in your employment history.