Successful resumes include a summary, core competencies section, and of course, your professional experience. But what about all those other details that showcase your unique skills? You may be unsure how to list education on your resume. Or, you may be wondering, “Should I include volunteer work on my resume? Where do I put my certifications?”
Some of these extra details – education, training, memberships, licenses, and volunteer experience – can help you stand out as a candidate and deserve a place on your resume.
Generally, supplemental information on your resume belongs at the end. However, keep in mind, not all of them will apply to you, and where you place them depends on many factors. For example, if you are a recent graduate, your education should be on the top half of your resume. If you have impressive credentials that most of your competition can’t offer, like a dual certification, you should highlight them at the beginning of your resume.
Here are some of the common supplemental sections, tips on what to include in them, and examples of how to present them in your resume.
This is a popular section but will be presented differently depending on your situation. Here’s how to list education on your resume:
If you play an active role in an organization that highlights skills or industry expertise relevant to the job you’re applying for, put professional memberships on your resume. Use the following guidelines:
This section can be a great way to supplement your work experience, especially for career changers and recent graduates. Here’s what we suggest:
If the job you’re applying for requires certain certification or licenses, this section is critical. It can also be a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates. We recommend the following:
Volunteer experience can be especially beneficial to industries such as pharmacy, healthcare, social work, or education. It not only demonstrates involvement within the community, but also calls out work you’ve accomplished in addition to internships, clinical rotations, or field work. Here are some tips for including volunteer work on your resume:
For an effective resume, only include supplemental information that will help prove your case as a candidate (e.g. a degree in your field, a certification that will allow you to better perform the job, or a volunteer experience that helped you develop a valuable skill for the role you’re applying for). So long as you highlight your talents and present your sections clearly, supplemental information on your resume will help you stand out as a top candidate.
Once you’ve mastered Resume Writing 101, check out our library of expert interviewing advice.