Top project manager skills to look for in candidates

1. Project management

Included in 65.04% of project management job postings
Project managers organize and lead teams in product development and business-critical projects. Existing PM skills help team members step into these roles even as they learn more about your business and specific processes.

Job description example: Oversee cross-functional teams to complete product launches and internal process improvements. Coordinate timelines, set milestones and ensure deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates to describe a project they managed where they had to navigate tight deadlines or resource limitations. How did they adjust the timeline or allocate resources?

2. Communication skills

Included in 53.38% of project management job postings
A project manager often acts as a key point person for project teams, customers and other collaborators. Excellent written and verbal communication skills help keep everyone informed and reduce risks associated with misunderstandings.

Job description example: Facilitate clear communication between team members and collaborators, provide regular project updates and resolve misunderstandings before they impact deadlines.
Assessing the skill: Present a scenario where the team is misaligned on project goals. Ask how the candidate would communicate with both the team and collaborators to realign expectations.

3. Microsoft Office

Included in 29.22% of project management job postings
Teams often use Microsoft Office tools, including Excel and PowerPoint, to manage processes and communication for projects. These skills may prepare candidates to handle immediate responsibilities and seamlessly navigate team documents and processes.

Job description example: Use PowerPoint to present progress to stakeholders and Word to draft project proposals.
Assessing the skill: Administer a test to measure knowledge of Microsoft Office or ask specific questions about using this software.

4. Microsoft Excel

Included in 25.59% of project management job postings
Microsoft Excel is used to manage data and analysis for many projects. Project managers well-versed in using spreadsheets can typically handle large data sheets efficiently.
Job description example: Manage project data, track expenses and forecast costs using advanced Excel functions like VLOOKUP and pivot tables.
Assessing the skill: Administer a practical test that requires spreadsheet use or ask questions about solving relevant problems in Excel.

5. Leadership

Included in 24.32% of project management job postings
Leadership is crucial for project managers because it enables them to guide teams, make strategic decisions and ensure project goals are met. Strong leadership fosters clear communication, motivation, and problem-solving, helping teams stay focused and work collaboratively, even under pressure or when challenges arise.
Job description example: Lead a team of 10 to execute a 6-month product launch, set clear objectives and resolve conflicts as they arise.
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates to recount a time they had to lead a team through a challenging project. What strategies did they use to keep the team motivated and on track?

6. Organizational skills

Included in 19.24% of project management job postings
Project coordination is a large part of most project manager positions. Organizing data, time, resources and thoughts is a valuable skill to look for in candidates.

Job description example: Organize project schedules, allocate resources and ensure all team members are informed of changes to the project scope or deadlines.
Assessing the skill: Present a scenario where the project scope changes midway. Ask how the candidate would reorganize tasks and resources to accommodate the new scope.

7. Management

Included in 18.61% of project management job postings
Senior project managers may oversee assistant project managers or critical and complex business processes. Management is essential for project managers because it ensures that resources, time and tasks are effectively organized and executed.

Job description example: Supervise junior project managers and ensure that their projects align with overall company objectives, offering guidance and troubleshooting where necessary.
Assessing the skill: Ask about a time the candidate had to manage multiple teams or projects simultaneously. How did they ensure consistency and alignment across teams?

8. Microsoft Word

Included in 15.68% of project management job postings
Many companies use Microsoft Word as their word processing program. If your company uses it, project managers may need this skill to work effectively with project management documents.

Job description example: Draft detailed project proposals, create team instruction manuals and produce post-project reports in Word.
Assessing the skill: Have the candidate complete work in Microsoft Word or ask questions about how to complete certain tasks using the software.

9. Microsoft Project

Included in 15.23% of project management job postings
Microsoft Project is a project management platform that supports planning, scheduling, project visibility and integration with other Microsoft tools. Candidates with this skill may be able to transfer knowledge to similar project planning and management tools.

Job description example: Use Microsoft Project to develop project plans, manage timelines and ensure the integration of resources across departments.
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates to discuss how they use the tool to support better project outcomes.

10. Construction

Included in 13.11% of project management job postings
When screening candidates for project management roles, consider your industry. Construction project managers, for example, typically need skills related to the sector, such as knowledge of codes and regulations.

Job description example: Oversee construction projects, ensure compliance with building codes, manage contractor relationships and monitor site safety.
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates to describe a construction project they managed, how they ensured regulatory compliance and how they dealt with any unexpected issues that arose during the project.

11. Microsoft PowerPoint

Included in 12.66% of project management job postings
Project managers are often tasked with presenting project plans, outcomes and updates to collaborators. When they’re proficient in PowerPoint, they can create professional, concise decks to convey key information.
Job description example: Prepare presentations to update C-level executives on project progress, using PowerPoint to clearly convey data insights and strategic decisions.
Assessing the skill: Present a hypothetical situation where they must explain project delays to stakeholders. Ask how they would create a PowerPoint presentation to communicate this clearly.

12. Analysis skills

Included in 12.3% of project management job postings
In some cases, project managers are expected to engage in statistical analysis or manage and analyze trending data. Analytical skills can help them provide accurate updates and identify potential issues in project efforts and processes.
Job description example: Analyze project data to identify trends, risks and opportunities, providing actionable insights to improve project outcomes.
Assessing the skill: Ask about a time when they used data to solve a project issue. How did they analyze the data and what actions did they take based on their findings?

13. Computer skills

Included in 11.9% of project management job postings
Project managers rely on various software and app solutions to manage workloads and communication. Computer skills can help ensure new hires adapt to your platforms and streamline project workflows.

Job description example: Use specialized project management software, as well as standard office tools, to streamline communication, track milestones and manage project documentation.
Assessing the skill: Ask open-ended questions about relevant features or programs during interviews.

14. Budgeting

Included in 11.54% of project management job postings
Managing project budgets is crucial to ensuring resources are allocated correctly and projects are completed within the financial constraints set by interested parties.

Job description example: Create and manage project budgets, track expenses and ensure financial resources are used efficiently to meet project objectives.
Assessing the skill: Review budget-related accomplishments on resumes and ask about budget problem-solving in interviews.

15. Time management

Included in 10.99% of project management job postings
Project managers with good time management skills are often better able to prioritize tasks, reduce delays and enhance efficiency.

Job description example: Prioritize tasks for the project team to ensure deadlines are met, and provide regular updates on timeframes to stakeholders.
Assessing the skill: During the interview, present hypothetical situations that address time management, organizational and multitasking skills.

16. Microsoft Outlook

Included in 7.19% of project management job postings
Many teams use Outlook to manage email, tasks and calendars. Project managers proficient in this platform can seamlessly connect with teams and keep track of critical messages and tasks.

Job description example: Manage team calendars, schedule meetings with collaborators and track key project emails using Microsoft Outlook.
Assessing the skill: Ask questions about various Microsoft Outlook features, especially those related to task and project management.

17. Customer service

Included in 7.1% of project management job postings
Project managers frequently interact with clients and stakeholders, making customer service skills critical. This skill helps PMs manage relationships by ensuring clear communication, understanding needs and addressing concerns effectively
Job description example: Address client concerns, manage expectations and provide solutions to ensure customer satisfaction during project execution.
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates to recount a challenging customer-related interaction, what the outcome was and what they learned from it.

18. Contracts

Included in 6.79% of project management job postings
Project managers may oversee vendor relationships, especially related to processes and initiatives. A solid understanding of business contracts helps project managers keep projects compliant and identify potential risks.

Job description example: Review and negotiate vendor contracts to ensure compliance with project requirements, timelines and budget.
Assessing the skill: Look for evidence of contract work on resumes and discuss critical contract terms to evaluate a candidate’s understanding.

19. Project management software

Included in 6.57% of project management job postings
Project management software helps streamline task assignments, milestone management and team collaboration. Proficiency with these tools ensures project managers can optimize workflows.

Job description example: Use Asana, Jira or other project management tools to assign tasks, track progress and manage communication across teams.
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates how they would rate their ability in your preferred project management software or administer a skills test.

20. Agile

Included in 6.36% of project management job postings
These skills help project managers drive progress with developments and improvements. Agile skills may be especially important when hiring a project manager for technical development projects.
Job description example: Lead Agile development teams, facilitating daily check-ins, managing sprint cycles and tracking project backlogs.
Assessing the skill: During interviews, ask candidates how familiar they are with Agile methodologies and how they would use those skills at your company.

21. IT

Included in 6.06% of project management job postings
Project managers with IT skills can bridge the gap between technical and business stakeholders. If you’re hiring a project manager for a development team or other IT effort, technical skills may be crucial to success.

Job description example: Collaborate with IT teams to develop software or technical projects, ensuring alignment between technical requirements and business goals.
Assessing the skill: Provide a scenario where there’s a miscommunication between the business and IT teams. Ask how they would act as a liaison to ensure both sides understand and meet project goals.
Related: IT Project Manager Job Description

22. Supervising experience

Included in 6.04% of project management job postings
Supervisory experience may equip a candidate with key leadership skills and insights that help motivate and support teams.
Job description example: Oversee a team of junior project managers, providing mentorship and ensuring alignment with overall project goals.
Assessing the skill: Ask about a situation where they had to supervise a team during a challenging project. How did they ensure that the team stayed motivated and met deadlines?

23. English

Included in 5.77% of project management job postings
Proficiency in English language skills is often essential for project managers working in English-speaking environments, as it supports clear communication.

Job description example: Draft project documents, communicate with international teams and provide clear instructions to collaborators in English.
Assessing the skill: Administer an English language assessment as part of your interview process to assess comprehension and communication skills.

24. Project management methodology

Included in 5.36% of project management job postings
Candidates who are well-versed in project management methodologies can bring those best practices to your company. Consider specifying methodologies that are important to you, such as Waterfall, Lean or Six Sigma.
Job description example: Implement project management frameworks, such as Lean, Six Sigma or Waterfall, to optimize processes and improve project outcomes.
Assessing the skill: Provide actual or hypothetical project challenges and ask how candidates might approach them given a specific framework, such as Lean.

25. Writing skills

Included in 5.26% of project management job postings
Project managers are likely to spend considerable time putting data and other information into writing, from creating slide decks to drafting emails. Strong written communication helps ensure time generates more positive results.

Job description example: Develop clear, concise project reports, proposals and instructional documents for team members and stakeholders.
Assessing the skill: Include a writing assignment as part of your interview process.

Other top project management skills in-demand

Here are an additional 25 project management skills that are common in project management job postings on Indeed:
26. Civil engineering: Included in 5.12% of project management job postings
27. AutoCAD: Included in 4.9% of project management job postings
28. Negotiation: Included in 4.75% of project management job postings

29. Construction management: Included in 4.43% of project management job postings
30. Construction estimating: Included in 4.42% of project management job postings
31. SharePoint: Included in 3.84% of project management job postings
32. Manufacturing: Included in 3.51% of project management job postings
33. Jira: Included in 3.36% of project management job postings
34. Primavera: Included in 3.32% of project management job postings
35. ProCore: Included in 2.98% of project management job postings
36. Visio: Included in 2.92% of project management job postings
37. Sales: Included in 2.84% of project management job postings

38. Commercial construction: Included in 2.8% of project management job postings
39. Mechanical knowledge: Included in 2.71% of project management job postings
40. Bluebeam: Included in 2.42% of project management job postings
41. Conflict management: Included in 2.42% of project management job postings
42. Primavera P6: Included in 2.32% of project management job postings
43. Scrum: Included in 2.23% of project management job postings
44. Spanish: Included in 2.17% of project management job postings
45. Project leadership: Included in 2.1% of project management job postings
46. SDLC: Included in 2.09%of project management job postings
47. Accounting: Included in 2.06% of project management job postings
48. Software development: Included in 1.98% of project management job postings
49. Project planning: Included in 1.96% of project management job postings
50. Marketing: Included in 1.94% of project management job postings
¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023