Resume Projects Section Format: Showcasing Technical Work for ATS
A Projects section is valuable for software engineers, data scientists, designers, and anyone whose work output is demonstrable. For the ATS, projects provide additional keyword-rich content. For recruiters, they showcase practical skills and initiative. Here's how to format projects for maximum impact.
Project Entry Format
Each project entry should include: Project Name, Brief Description, Technologies Used, and Key Outcome. This structure provides both keyword content for ATS and context for human reviewers.
Example: E-Commerce Platform (Personal Project) Built full-stack e-commerce application using React, Node.js, PostgreSQL, and Stripe API. Implemented user authentication, product catalog with search, and payment processing. Deployed on AWS with CI/CD pipeline.
Include a link (GitHub, live demo) if available: 'github.com/username/project-name'. This provides additional credibility.
| Element | Purpose | ATS Value |
|---|---|---|
| Project name | Identifies the work | May match industry terms |
| Description | Explains what you built | Rich keyword content |
| Technologies | Shows tools used | Direct keyword matches |
| Outcome/impact | Demonstrates value | Scoring context |
| Link | Proves authenticity | Additional reference for recruiter |
Types of Projects to Include
Personal/side projects demonstrate initiative and passion. Include them when they showcase skills relevant to the target role, especially if your work experience doesn't cover certain technologies.
Academic projects are appropriate for recent graduates and career changers. Focus on projects that use technologies relevant to your target role rather than generic coursework.
Open-source contributions signal community engagement and collaboration skills. List significant contributions with the project name, your role, and the technologies involved.
Professional projects (from work) can be listed here if they deserve standalone attention beyond your job entry bullets. Be mindful of confidentiality—don't disclose proprietary information.
Projects Section Placement
For new graduates and career changers, place Projects before or alongside Work Experience, as projects may be your strongest demonstration of relevant skills.
For experienced professionals, Projects typically goes after Work Experience and Skills, serving as supplementary evidence of technical ability.
If you have many projects, curate the top 3-5 most relevant ones rather than listing everything. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity.
Pro Tips
Include technologies used in each project for direct ATS keyword matching
Add links (GitHub, live demos) to provide recruiters with verifiable evidence
Curate 3-5 most relevant projects rather than listing everything
Describe the project's purpose, your specific contribution, and the outcome
For new grads, projects can compensate for limited work experience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Listing projects without mentioning the technologies used, missing keyword opportunities
Including too many projects (10+) that dilute the impact of your best work
Not explaining your specific role in team projects
Including confidential work projects with proprietary details