15 Top Skills for Project Managers

Project Management Specialists analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Coordinate and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.

Here are the top 15 skills for all Project Management Specialists right now:

	Skill	Proficiency	Description
1	Project Management	Competent	Project management is the process of leading the work of a team to achieve all project goals within the given constraints.
2	Communication Skills	Proficient	Communication skills are the abilities to express thoughts and ideas clearly, and to listen to, understand, and respond to others' ideas.
3	Project Management Leadership	N/A	Project Management Leadership refers to the application of skills, behaviors, and strategies by an individual or a team to direct and motivate project members towards achieving the project's objectives and goals.
4	Leadership	Competent - Proficient	Leadership, both as a research area and as a practical skill, encompasses the ability of an individual, group or organization to lead, influence or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations.
5	Project Planning	Competent	Project planning is part of project management, which relates to the use of schedules such as Gantt charts to plan and subsequently report progress within the project environment.
6	Budget Management	N/A	Budget Management is the process of planning, organizing, controlling, and monitoring financial resources to achieve an organization's goals and objectives.
7	Organizational Skills	Proficient	Organizational skills are the skills and knowledge required to organize, manage and lead a business or organization efficiently and effectively.
8	Project Coordination	Competent	Project coordination is the coordination of people and groups working on a project.
9	Problem Solving	Competent - Proficient	Problem solving consists of using generic or ad hoc methods in an orderly manner to find solutions to difficulties.
10	Written Communication Skills	Proficient	Written communication is the act of expressing thoughts in written words.
11	Budgeting	Competent	Budgeting means setting a financial plan for a defined period, often one year.
12	Risk Management	N/A	Risk Management is the process of identifying, assessing, and taking steps to minimize or control the impact of uncertain events on objectives.
13	Microsoft Office	Competent - Proficient	Microsoft Office, or simply Office, is a family of client software, server software, and services developed by Microsoft.
14	Microsoft Excel	Competent - Proficient	Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet developed by Microsoft for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
15	Team Management	Competent	Team management is the ability of an individual or an organization to administer and coordinate a group of individuals to perform a task.

For each skill, we provide a descriptive proficiency framework of 5 levels from Novice to Master, with descriptions of what each level looks like in practice where available.

For example, Budgeting means setting a financial plan for a defined period, often one year.

The proficiency level Competent (3) for Budgeting means:

Creates and manages a budget for a small project or business, considering factors such as income sources, fixed and variable expenses, and potential financial risks.
Forecasts future income and expenses based on historical data and trends, using advanced budgeting software or tools.
Implements strategies to reduce expenses and increase savings, understanding the impact of these strategies on the overall financial health of the project or business.
Uses advanced budgeting software or tools, including those with forecasting capabilities.
Understands and applies the principles of cash flow management in budgeting, including the timing of income and expenses.

Would you like to know the skill proficiencies required for different levels in the Project Management Specialist occupation? Reach out to our experts to learn more about our platform.