In order to make the best impression on your prospective employer, you may want to include additional information on your resume — information that fit cleanly in any of the other sections, but that nonetheless contributes to the strength of your candidacy.
this is not the place to throw in a laundry list of things that aren't directly relevant to your potential employer.
Keep it concise and narrowly focused on the industry and company you're interested in joining. From awards on your resume to publications, affiliations and more, here's what you need to know.
when to include additional information on your resume
executive level position
If you're in competition with highly qualified applicants for a high-level position, your section with additional information should include points that will set you apart from people with similar levels of experience and accomplishments. Activities, affiliations and more make sense in this situation, especially if you can showcase scenarios in which you've held leadership roles.
extraordinary achievement
Have a noteworthy achievement that took place outside of your industry? The additional information section may be the right place to include it.
relevant skills or honors
If you have skills, awards, certifications or bylined articles in trade publications or magazines, include them here. Anything relevant that doesn't fit in other sections of your resume can go in the additional information section.
types of additional information to include
job skills
If there are industry-specific skills or program knowledge required for the job, list those first. Doing so can augment and reinforce your general areas of expertise in the mind of a hiring manager.
certifications
Distinguish between active and expired certifications. If you're in the process of renewing the ones that have lapsed, be sure to note that as well.
affiliations and associations
What's more, you should include dates, too, if you've been involved with a given organization for an extended period of time (say, more than five years).
your affiliations show your dedication to the success of outside organizations, so feel free to include them.
additional information skills example
- Proficient in Windows NT or Mac OS X, full Microsoft Office suite, Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, Web 2.5 Marketing, QuickBooks and Sage 50.
additional information certification examples
- NGC158435 - Mar 2014 (Current/Active Status)
- Extensive knowledge of CADD, Primavera and OSS
- CTA Class 8 Forklift Certified
- OSHA Certified (35 hours)
- LEED Certified
- Languages include Japanese and Spanish
- Experience with contracts, permits and bids preparation
additional information affiliation and association examples
- TAFAS — Association of International Contractors
- The FORUM on International Contracting
- American Contracting Association
- American Contracting Management
- University of Washington Alumni Association
additional information general examples
- Hope Lake Junior Chamber of Commerce Jaycee of the Year 2018
- Lake County Schools Fit Kids Advisory Board (2016-present)
- VP - Community Volunteer Association (2015-2019)
- Volunteer of the Year 2019 - Community Volunteer Association
- Certified Group Fitness and Yoga Instructor (with CPR training)
- Advanced knowledge of Sign Language
key takeaways
Now that you understand how to use the additional information section of your resume, finding room for affiliations, volunteer work, technical aptitude and more should be a snap. Plus, if you want to really seal the deal with a potential employer — and ensure your resume stands out from the rest — be sure to browse the next article in our resume-writing series: step 9: references.