Optional Resume Sections: Deciding When (and
Which) to Include
Writing a resume can be complicated if
you’re not sure how to convey the message that you’re the right person for
the job. A good way to get this accomplished, however, is by choosing the
right sections to include in your resume.
Choosing the standard sections (contact
information, objective, work experience/skills, and education) is
typically a breeze. But optional sections like career highlights,
interests/hobbies, professional/community involvement, awards, and
technical skills can be more of a challenge to decide between.
So to help you get on the right track,
let’s look at some ideas for choosing your sections.
Consider the
Position for Which You’re Applying When thinking about what
sections to include in your resume, it is a good idea to first look
closely at the position you’re applying for. Why? Because this can help
you determine which sections will help you provide the most thorough
information regarding your skill set. For example, if you’re applying for
a position that requires several years of professional experience in
Corporate Communications, and also a strong writing background, there are
a couple of ways you can take advantage of resume sections. Of course, you
can use your standard Work/Professional Experience section to showcase the
jobs you’ve worked in the field. Then if you have standout writing
accomplishments, you can include a separate section (ex. Writing and
Distribution) strictly for your writing accolades. Likewise, if you are
interested in furthering your career as a software developer, you could
include a “Certificates and Training” section strictly for showcasing all
of your Microsoft, Apple, and other certifications. This way you can
highlight your standout skills and paint an accurate portrait of your
potential abilities.
Think About
the Message You Want to Convey When thinking of optional
sections to include, it is also a good idea to consider what message you
want to offer the employer about the type of person you are. This is
especially true if you know that getting hired for a position might rely
partially on your personal interests. For example, you may want to apply
for a manager position with Girl Scouts of America and have extensive
professional experience as a manager, though not with a non-profit
organization. However, in your spare time, you’ve sat on the boards of
multiple non-profits in your community. This would be a great opportunity
to include a “Professional/Community Involvement” section that could
showcase your understanding of non-profit organizations coupled with your
strong professional background as a manager.
If You’re
Thinking of Using a Template … If you are brand new to writing
resumes, or simply want some help creating a new design, a template can
provide a good starting point. However, it is smart to avoid following the
template to a tee. You would be doing yourself a disservice by not
critically thinking about each section in reference to each job you’re
applying for. This can result in your resume looking carbon copied – and
ultimately ending up at the bottom of the stack. By exploring what the
company is looking for, and deciding what message you want to convey, you
can have great success in choosing optional sections for your resume. So
take your time and think out your purpose.
You will find that doing so can help
you create your perfect resume.
Written By Heather Eagar
|
Writers
Profile
Heather Eagar assistant@heathereagar.com
Heather Eagar is a
former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing
working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search
tools and information. Compare resume writing services to find the best
one for you at
http://www.resumelines.com |
