Use this scrum master CV example to write the best CV

The role of scrum master comes with a lot of responsibility. As such, potential employers will be most interested in your previous experience. This doesn’t have to be in paid employment. If you’re applying to an entry-level role, talk about any internship experience you have.

 

Specifically, you should focus on your expertise in agile methodologies, including important processes like sprint planning, daily scrum meetings, and process improvement. Scrum masters should also be strong leaders, so highlight any team management experience.

The structure of your CV will vary depending on your chosen CV format. There are two standard options:

1. Chronological focuses on work experience.
2. Skills-based (functional) focuses on skills.

If you already have several years of experience as a scrum master, the chronological format will work best. The scrum master CV sample below uses the chronological format, but all of these sections will be present in any format you choose – just in different order.

 

Header

Add your contact details to the header at the top of the page. Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile link (if available) in this section. Present the information clearly so that the hiring manager can easily contact you should they wish to progress your application.

 

CV summary or objective

A CV summary is a brief outline of your key skills and experiences. A CV objective is similar, but it includes a statement of your career goals. While a CV objective suits entry-level positions, a CV summary is preferable if you already have some experience as a scrum master.

 

Skills

The skills section is where you list your key areas of expertise. Tailor this section to the role by including some of the skills mentioned in the job description.

 

The role of scrum master draws on a combination of soft skills and hard skills. Let’s look at some soft skills you might include on your CV:

• Project management
• Leadership 
• Communication 
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving 

Hard skills are role-specific and should focus on agile development practices and tools. Here are some examples:

• Agile frameworks such as Kanban
• Agile software such as Jira and Confluence
• Agile coaching

The hard skills you choose to include will also vary depending on the type of product the employer is developing. For example, if the role revolves around software development, you should list some technical skills linked to this area such as SQL programming.

 

Work history

In the work experience section, run through previous job titles you’ve held (up to the past 10 years) in reverse chronological order, with most recent job first. For each position, pick out tasks and achievements that are relevant to the role of scrum master and list them in bullet points.

 

If you lack relevant experience working within an agile team, focus on tasks that demonstrate transferable skills like project management and teamwork. Where possible, use specific examples and quantifiable metrics to make your points more credible.

 

Education

The education section is an important part of the scrum master CV. Include your bachelor’s degree and any relevant certifications, such as:

• CSM (Certified ScrumMaster)
• CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner)
• CSP (Certified Scrum Professional)
• SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)

Use the tips below to write the perfect CV.

 

Do:

• Use quantifiable metrics in your work history section. Statistics and performance data provide deeper insight into your abilities as a scrum master.
• Tailor your CV to the job description. With each position you apply to, adapt your personal statement, work history and skills sections to address the needs of the role.
• Use a CV builder. Our CV Builder is packed with CV templates to help with the formatting and presentation of your CV.

Don’t:

• Include irrelevant details. Keep the focus on the scrum methodology. Experience with linear methodologies like waterfall and PSP will do you no favors.
• Go overboard in the skills section. It’s best to focus on a handful of highly relevant technical skills rather than try to cover all bases.
• Use passive language. In your work history section, use action verbs like “led,” “developed,” and “organised” rather than “was tasked with” to hook the recruiter’s interest.