CV Writing

Applying for PMO Analyst positions can be a real headache. Crafting the perfect CV specifically for the job you want can be a daunting task. You might be tempted to send a generic CV to every employer and cross your fingers for a positive response. But if you genuinely want to stand out from the crowd, you need to customize your CV for each opportunity.

That’s why in this post, we’re gonna break down how to write an outstanding PMO Analyst CV. We’ll start by discussing important steps you should take before diving into the writing process. This includes analyzing the job description and conducting thorough research on the company (trust me, it’s worth the effort!). Then, we’ll dig into the CV itself—how to create a compelling personal statement, what to highlight in your work experience and education sections. Lastly, we’ll touch upon some major no-nos you should avoid when crafting your CV, before diving head first into an actual example.

Read the job description / advert

The first step is, of course, to read the job description. We need to know what the firm is looking for so that we can properly highlight these characteristics in our CV. So read back over the job description and try to pinpoint the important points. A lot of times a firm will call things “required”; if you see this, you need to make sure you include that in your CV. Similarly, if certain things are repeated throughout the advert, this indicates they are of high importance, so we will want to make sure our CV shows that as well.

When performing this analysis, take care to copy the ‘exact’ words and phrases that are being used by the hiring manager. We will want to pepper these into our CV later.

PMO Analyst Job Description Example

Research The Company

Time to put on your detective hat and do some research on your target company. Look at their website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms. You are looking for any piece of intel that will give you the leg up.

• Find out about recent work/projects they have undertaken or will be embarking on (highlight your experience in these areas on your CV)
• Find out what software/processes they use and make sure you include your proficiency in them in your CV
• Learn what interview questions you might expect should you make it that far

See if you know anyone who works there and/or connect (LinkedIn) with people ahead of the interview. A little nepotism could never hurt, and you might be able to glean more information about the role/hiring process in the meantime.

Write 2 or 3 Bullet Points as a ‘Professional Summary’

PMO Analyst Professional Summary Example

• Results-driven PMO Analyst with a proven track record of successfully supporting project management initiatives. Skilled in project planning, monitoring, and reporting, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to ensuring project success.
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented professional with expertise in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting project data. Proficient in identifying risks, issues, and opportunities for improvement, and providing actionable insights to drive project performance.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator, adept at facilitating effective cross-functional teamwork and stakeholder alignment. Dedicated to maintaining project documentation, implementing project management tools, and enhancing PMO processes to optimize project outcomes.

Detail your employment history

Begin by listing your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This allows potential employers to see your recent experience upfront, which holds greater value.

Keep in mind that brevity is key. As you go further back in time, reduce the level of detail to ensure your CV doesn’t exceed two pages. Employers are less likely to read lengthy CVs.

If you are short on space – Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, use them as context to highlight your achievements. For instance, rather than stating, “Responsible for project management,” emphasize your accomplishments, such as, “Successfully managed and delivered 15 software development projects with a combined budget of $5,000,000, achieving a 95% on-time and within budget rate.” This demonstrates your ability to oversee projects and showcases experience in handling multi-million-dollar budgets with a track record of successful deployments.

Detail your education history

Remember the two-page limit for your CV. The education history section often takes up unnecessary space in most CVs.

Focus on relevant qualifications. If you have a degree, employers typically won’t be concerned with your A-levels, and if you have A-levels, they won’t prioritize your GCSEs.

With the exception where an older educational achievement is highly relevant, such as an A-level in engineering when applying for a PMO analyst role in a construction firm, you may choose to highlight it.

Generally, limit your education history to Bachelor’s degrees, post-graduate qualifications, or professional certifications. Employers understand that having a Master’s degree implies completion of high school, so there’s no need to include that information unless specifically requested.

CV Structure

Tactically structure your CV to the ‘most wanted’ attributes of the job description. For example, if the job description values “qualified”, then place your qualifications first; if they want someone with RECENT experience, put your last job up top. If they want multiple years of experience, highlight your tenure.

We always recommend that you have a Professional Summary up top (after your name/contact info), as it will be the first thing that anyone reads. As discussed earlier, this should be tailored towards the job advert and showcase your experience and skills in what the employer is looking for.

A fairly typical structure would go:

1. Name and contact info
2. Professional Summary
3. Current (or most recent employment)
4. Education & Professional Qualifications
5. Employment History

WHAT NOT TO DO

Now that we’ve discussed what you should be including in your CV, let’s look at some things that you should avoid doing.

• Do not include personal history or likes. Employers are not going to care about your hobbies, so unless you have some inside information that the hiring manager only hires people who play a particular sport, for example, then leave your extracurricular activities off your CV. This does not extend to things like volunteer or charity work. Definitely include that if you have the space.
• Do not list your skillset and the tools/applications you have experience with. It takes up valuable space and is often obvious (Skilled in Excel…?). Instead, include these in your achievements section (Example: “Used Asana to manage and coordinate tasks for a remote team of 25 members”).
• Do not include references or “references available on request”. If employers want a reference, they will ask you for them; otherwise, this is just wasted space on your CV.
• Do not include a photo of yourself unless specifically asked. In many countries, including the UK and US, you should not include a photo of yourself on your CV/resume. Companies don’t want you to do it, as it opens them up to liability, and there is absolutely nothing for you to gain by doing so – plus, you are making it easier for firms to discriminate against you, either implicitly or explicitly.
• Do not use any fancy graphic or artistic CV format, unless your Project Manager position also has some element of graphic design in the job description. Most CVs come in a standard format, allowing Application Tracking Software, recruiters and hiring managers to easily pick out the key pieces of information they need quickly based on their experience. If you throw them a CV in an artistic format, they are more likely to get annoyed and throw your application away. This is not a situation where standing out is good. You want your skills/experience to be noted, not your CV format.
• Do not include your previous salaries. This will severely impact your negotiation abilities down the line.

General PMO Analyst CV Tips

1. Customize your CV: Tailor your CV for each specific PMO Analyst position you apply to. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements.
2. Showcase your technical skills: PMO Analyst roles often require proficiency in specific project management tools, software, or methodologies. Include a dedicated section highlighting your technical expertise.
3. Emphasize soft skills: Alongside technical skills, highlight your soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. These qualities are essential for effective PMO Analyst roles.
4. Include relevant certifications: If you have obtained certifications in project management, such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments), showcase them in a certifications section to demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.
5. Highlight your process improvement abilities: PMO Analysts are often responsible for streamlining processes and enhancing project management practices. Highlight your experience in identifying inefficiencies, implementing improvements, and driving operational excellence.
6. Show your teamwork and collaboration skills: PMO Analysts work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Highlight instances where you successfully collaborated, facilitated communication, and built strong working relationships.
7. Demonstrate problem-solving skills: PMO Analysts are expected to identify and resolve issues throughout project lifecycles. Showcase examples where you successfully identified challenges, developed solutions, and ensured project success.
8. Keep it visually appealing: Use an organized and visually appealing CV format. Utilize clear headings, bullet points, and white space to make your CV easy to read and navigate.
9. Update your LinkedIn profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile aligns with your CV and highlights your PMO Analyst skills and experiences. Recruiters often review LinkedIn profiles, so consistency is crucial.

PMO Analyst CV Example

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FAQ

How long should my PMO Analyst CV be?
Aim to keep your PMO Analyst CV within two pages. This length allows you to provide sufficient information without overwhelming the reader. Remember to focus on the most relevant and impactful experiences and skills.

Should I customize my PMO Analyst CV for each job application?
Yes, customizing your CV for each job application is highly recommended. Tailoring your CV to match the specific job requirements and using keywords from the job description can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

What should I highlight in my PMO Analyst CV?
Focus on highlighting your project management skills, including project planning, monitoring, reporting, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Emphasize your achievements, such as successful project deliveries, cost savings, and process improvements. Additionally, showcase your technical skills, certifications, and any relevant soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork.

Can I include non-relevant experiences in my PMO Analyst CV?
It’s generally best to prioritize relevant experiences in your PMO Analyst CV. However, if you have non-relevant experiences that demonstrate transferable skills or showcase your adaptability, you can include them briefly to provide a well-rounded view of your capabilities.

Is it necessary to include references in my PMO Analyst CV?
It’s not necessary to include references directly in your CV or to state that references are available upon request. If employers need references they will ask. Any mention in your CV will just be wasted space you can use for other value adds.

Should I include a cover letter with my PMO Analyst CV?
Including a cover letter is a personal choice. The above link goes into more detail about when and where you should include a cover letter.

How often should I update my PMO Analyst CV?
It’s a good practice to review and update your PMO Analyst CV regularly, especially when you gain new experiences, certifications, or skills. Keep your CV up to date with your most recent and relevant information, ensuring that it accurately represents your qualifications and achievements.