Project management skills: definition + examples

Project management skills are the abilities and knowledge that are necessary to plan, execute, and complete a project. To do so successfully, project managers require excellent problem-solving skills. For example, effective project managers must be able to quickly identify and assess problems, come up with potential solutions and select the best way forward. In this guide, we discuss the key skills of a project manager, why they're important and how you can improve them.

• What are project management skills?
• Examples of project management skills
• Jobs that require project management skills
• Why are project management skills important?
• How to improve project management skills
• How to include project management skills in a CV
• Tools for project managers
• To sum up

What are project management skills?

The skills and knowledge required to plan, execute and complete a project successfully are considered project management skills. When projects are well managed, they can be completed on time, within budget and to the required standard. Project manager skills are highly valued by employers.

There are three main types of project manager skills: hard, soft and technical skills. Hard skills are essential skills specific to project management, such as planning and scheduling. Soft skills are interpersonal skills that are needed in order to effectively manage a team, such as communication and problem-solving. Technical skills relate to the use of specific tools and software, such as Microsoft Projects or Excel.

Employers often look for candidates with a combination of hard and soft skills. However, the exact mix of skills that are required will vary depending on the nature of the project and the size of the team. For example, large-scale construction projects will require strong technical skills, whereas smaller projects may place more emphasis on interpersonal abilities.

Project manager skills are transferable skills and can be used in a variety of industries and occupations. For example, project managers working in the construction industry will need to be familiar with specific tools and software, such as Autodesk Revit, which is industry-specific. However, key project management skills, such as planning and scheduling, are applicable to most industries.

If you’re interested in a career in this field, you can learn more about the necessary skills by reading our project manager job profile. 

Examples of project management skills

There are many examples of project management skills, but the most in-demand by employers are:

Communication

One of the most important skills of a project manager is communication. Effective communication is essential for keeping all members of a project team on the same page and ensuring that tasks are completed on time. This soft skill also comes in handy when dealing with difficult stakeholders or resolving conflict within a team. While some communication skills are inherent, others, like public speaking and how to write a speech, for example, can be learned through training or practice.

Collaboration

Working well with others is essential to complete a project successfully. So not only does a project manager need to communicate efficiently with coworkers, but they also need to maintain a good relationship with them, build a respectful and inclusive work environment and manage problems when they arise among team members.

Problem-solving 

Problems are inescapable when it comes to managing a project. Knowing how to identify problems, provide the best answers, and take action are skills that are highly valued in any company.

Adaptability

All projects are different. A good project manager can adapt to various configurations and deadlines and be ready to change their plans when a project changes, as well as to review their priorities when needed.

Negotiation

When dealing with multiple stakeholders with different objectives, it’s essential to be able to negotiate compromises that satisfy everyone involved. Knowing how to negotiate can also help to secure additional resources for a project or get buy-in from reluctant team members. This makes this soft skill invaluable for project managers.

Time Management

Time management is a soft skill that is essential for project managers. A key part of time management is being able to create realistic schedules and timelines for a project. This involves taking into account the availability of resources, the complexity of tasks and potential unforeseen delays. Additionally, time management also involves being able to effectively prioritise tasks and delegate work to team members.

Organisational skills 

It goes without saying that project managers are required to be organised. They need to plan workloads and workflow while managing time and problems that might arise to meet deadlines as efficiently as possible. To do so, they must know how to identify priorities, as well as to adapt to changes in the initial plan. 

Patience

Organisational skills and patience go hand in hand. Once a project is planned, a project manager needs to be prepared for eventual issues, and be able to pivot without losing their temper. A good project manager knows how to solve issues and conflicts without getting frustrated.

Leadership

Effective leaders are able to motivate team members, resolve conflicts and make decisions in the best interest of the project. They are also able to create a positive and productive work environment. While some people are born leaders, others can develop leadership skills through training and practice. 

Build your leadership skills with our free leadership skills course.

Project Scheduling

Project scheduling is a hard skill that involves creating a timeline for a project and breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This process often begins with technical skills such as creating a Gantt chart, which is a visual representation of the project timeline. Once the tasks have been scheduled, it’s important to monitor the progress of the project and make changes to the schedule as needed.

Jobs that require project management skills

In today's business landscape, project management skills are essential for a wide variety of jobs. Here are five jobs that require project management skills:

• Project manager: As the name suggests, project managers are responsible for managing projects from start to finish. They must be able to handle all aspects of a project, from planning and budgeting to coordinating teams and ensuring that deadlines are met. Project management skills are essential for this job, as it can be very stressful and chaotic if not managed properly.
• Product manager: Product managers oversee the development and launch of new products. They must have a deep understanding of the market and the needs of the target audience. They must also be able to manage all aspects of the product lifecycle. Project management skills are crucial for product managers, as they need to be able to juggle multiple tasks and coordinate teams of people in order to successfully launch a new product.
• Digital marketer: Project management skills are important for Digital Marketers too, as they are often responsible for coordinating multiple teams in order to deliver a project on time and on budget. Having good project management skills can help digital marketers to plan and organise their work, as well as communicate with other team members effectively.
• Operations analyst: Operations analysts ensure that a company's operations run smoothly and efficiently. They often have to manage complex projects with many moving parts. Strong project management skills can help operations analysts to keep track of all the different elements of a project.
• Human resources manager: HR managers oversee the recruitment, training and development of a company's employees. They use their project management skills to coordinate a variety of different tasks to keep the workforce running smoothly. This can include everything from organising training courses to managing the performance review process.

Why are project management skills important?

For students, project management skills can help with time management, organisation and prioritisation. They can also lead to better grades and increased success in school. Workers will see benefits including improved job performance, productivity and satisfaction. Having good project management skills can also lead to promotions and salary increases while avoiding burnout and finding a good balance between work and personal life.

Ultimately, project management skills are beneficial for both students and workers alike. By developing these skills, individuals can improve their academic and professional lives.

How to improve project management skills

Here are some ways to develop key project management skills:

• Join a professional organisation, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI): This will give you access to resources, networking opportunities and professional development courses.
• Get certified: Earning a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and give you a competitive edge.
• Read articles, books, and blogs related to project management: Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices will help you be a more effective project manager.
• Attend conferences and workshops: These events provide an opportunity to learn from industry experts and network with other professionals.
• Volunteer for special projects: This is a great way to gain experience and learn new skills.
• Take an online course: There are many excellent online courses available that can teach you the basics of project management.
• Shadow or work with an experienced project manager: This will give you a chance to see how an experienced project manager does their job and learn from their example.

How to include project management skills in a CV

When it comes to writing a CV, there are many skills that you can highlight to help you stand out from the competition. If you have experience in project management, then these skills can be a valuable asset to any potential employer.

When listing your experience on your CV, be sure to include specific details and examples of how you used project management skills. For instance, you might mention how you successfully managed a team of workers to complete a project on time and under budget. Or, you could describe how you used your organisation skills to keep track of multiple deadlines and ensure that all tasks were completed according to schedule.

Additionally, be sure to list any relevant coursework or training that you have received. By showcasing your interest and experience in project management, you'll increase your chances of landing the job that you want.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your CV will stand out from the rest. For more tips on how to write a winning CV, take a look at our how to write a CV guide.

Tools for project managers

As a project manager, it's important to have the right tools in your toolkit to help you plan, execute and track your projects. Here are 10 of the best tools to help you do just that:

1. Proofhub: This tool helps with project collaboration and team communication. It includes features such as task management, file sharing, and real-time chat. Proofhub offers a free trial and plans starting from $45/month.
2. Asana: Asana is a popular project management tool that helps you keep track of your tasks and projects in one place. It includes features like team collaboration, task management, file sharing, and email integration. Asana offers both free and paid plans.
3. Basecamp: Basecamp is another popular project management tool that helps you manage your projects and communicate with your team. It includes features like to-do lists, scheduling, file sharing, and team messaging. The price is $99/month.
4. Trello: Trello is a visual way to manage your projects and tasks. It uses boards and cards to help you organise and track your projects. It includes features like team collaboration, file attachments, and checklists. Trello has a free plan and also offers more advanced options from $5/month.
5. Smartsheet: Smartsheet is a project management tool that helps you plan, execute, and track your projects with ease. It includes features like Gantt charts, task management, file sharing, and real-time updates. Individual plans start at $14/month and business plans start at $25/month per user.
6. Notion: Notion is an all-in-one workspace tool that helps you with project management, brainstorming, and task management. It includes features like kanban boards, meeting notes, roadmaps, and more. You can use Notion for free or upgrade to a paid plan starting at $4/month.
7. Google Docs: Google Docs is a free word-processing tool that can be used for project management. It includes features like team collaboration, real-time updates, and commenting.
8. Filestage: Filestage is a tool that helps you with file sharing and collaboration. This review platform includes features like version control, approvals, and comments. Filestage offers a free trial and prices start at €95/month including your first 5 seats.
9. Monday.com: Monday.com is a project management tool that helps you with task management, file sharing, and team collaboration. The simple interface and features such as task allocation, real-time updates, and progress tracking make it a great tool for managing projects. Monday.com offers a free plan and paid plans starting at £7/month per user.
10. Wrike: Wrike is a project management tool that helps you with task management, file sharing, team collaboration, and Gantt charts. Wrike has a free plan and upgrades start at $9.80/month per user.

To sum up

Project management skills are essential for success in many different fields. By learning how to improve your project management abilities, you can make yourself an invaluable member of any team. 

By including project manager skills on your CV, you can increase your chances of landing the job that you want. So, with a little effort, you can become a top-notch project manager and see improvements in your job performance, productivity, and satisfaction. Learn more about essential career skills to understand more about how to succeed in any field.