What should you include in the additional information section of a resume?
Additional information on a resume includes relevant extra details that strengthen your application but do not fit neatly under work experience, education, or core skills.
The additional information section is where you highlight certifications, languages, awards, volunteer work, or other experience on your resume that supports your candidacy.
When deciding what to include, focus only on details that add professional value.
Hiring managers scan quickly, so the additional information in your resume should reinforce your strengths, not distract from them.
What additional information to include and avoid on your resume
| Include this | Avoid this |
|---|---|
| Relevant certifications and licenses | Personal details such as age, marital status, or a photo |
| Professional memberships | Generic hobbies with no relevance to the job |
| Languages with proficiency levels | Repeating skills already listed elsewhere |
| Volunteer work that shows leadership or teamwork | Outdated or minor awards |
| Projects or publications that demonstrate expertise | Extra details that push your resume beyond two pages unnecessarily |
The goal is not to list everything you have done.
It is to select the most strategic things to add on a resume that help an employer see your value quickly.
What examples of additional information can you add to a resume?
Examples of additional information should show measurable value, relevant expertise, or professional initiative.
Focus on concrete achievements rather than vague descriptions.
Below are strong examples of what to write in the additional information section.
1. Certifications
Certifications demonstrate verified expertise or industry credibility.
They are especially valuable when they are required or preferred in the job description.
Example:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
If the certification is not widely known, briefly clarify its relevance in one short line.
2. Training and professional development
Training shows that you actively invest in your skills.
This is useful when highlighting additional skills that may not appear directly in your work experience.
Example:
- Advanced cybersecurity training, strengthening network protection protocols
- Six Sigma certification course completion
- Salesforce certification course, improving CRM optimization strategies
Focus on training that aligns with the role you are targeting.
3. Awards and recognition
Awards highlight performance beyond expectations.
Only include awards that differentiate you from peers.
Example:
- Received “Best Digital Campaign Award” at the National Marketing Conference
- Awarded “Advisor of the Year” for outstanding client satisfaction
- Recognized for innovative employee retention initiatives
If the award is internal, briefly explain why it was significant.
4. Publications and projects
Publications and major projects demonstrate thought leadership and subject matter expertise.
These are especially valuable for academic, technical, or creative roles.
Example:
- Published “Emerging Trends in Fintech” in the Journal of Financial Innovation
- Contributed “The Future of Social Media Advertising” to MarketingProfs
You can also include professional side projects that show initiative and technical ability.
5. Volunteer work
Volunteer experience can strengthen your profile by demonstrating leadership, empathy, or initiative.
It can also help fill employment gaps with meaningful activity.
Example:
- Managed volunteer staffing for Feeding America food banks
- Led community fundraising campaign that increased donations by 20 percent
- Mentored youth through a local nonprofit organization
Keep volunteer experience relevant to transferable skills.
6. Languages
Language proficiency is valuable in global or client-facing roles.
Always specify your proficiency level.
Example:
- Proficient in Spanish, led product launches in Latin America
- Advanced German, supported European expansion initiatives
- Fluent in Arabic, strengthened regional recruitment efforts
Clear proficiency levels improve credibility.
7. Hobbies and interests
Hobbies should only be included if they reinforce desirable traits such as discipline, creativity, or teamwork.
Example:
- Organizes workplace wellness programs
- Active member of a community sustainability initiative
- Freelance photography with a portfolio of client work
Avoid generic interests that do not add professional value.
How do you write the additional information section on a resume?
To write the additional information section effectively, focus on relevance, clarity, and alignment with the job description.
This section should highlight supplementary information that strengthens your candidacy without repeating your core experience.
Keep it concise, structured, and directly connected to the role you are applying for.
Follow these steps:
-
Tailor it to the job description
Review the posting carefully.
If it emphasizes leadership, highlight volunteer board roles.
If it mentions global collaboration, prioritize language skills.
Matching your additional information in your resume to the employer’s priorities increases impact.
-
Keep it concise
This section should support your resume, not dominate it.
Use short bullet points and avoid long explanations.
-
Use a clear heading
Label the section clearly as “Additional Information,” or separate headings such as “Certifications” or “Languages” if they are substantial enough to stand alone.
-
Quantify where possible
Add measurable detail when relevant.
For example, mention the number of events led, funds raised, or certifications earned.
-
Avoid personal or irrelevant details
Do not include demographic information such as age, marital status, or a photo unless specifically required for the role.
The goal is to choose strategic extra details that reinforce your professional profile.
Where should you place additional information on a resume?
Additional information should be placed at the end of your resume in a clearly labeled section.
It should follow your work experience, education, and core skills sections.
Keep the formatting consistent with the rest of your document to ensure it remains professional and ATS-friendly.
If you have multiple certifications or language skills that are central to the role, you may separate them into their own sections instead of grouping everything together.
Otherwise, a single “Additional Information” section keeps your resume streamlined and easy to scan.
When should you not include additional information?
You should not include additional information if it does not add professional value or if it distracts from your core qualifications.
The purpose of this section is to strengthen your application, not to fill space.
Avoid including:
- Information that duplicates skills already listed elsewhere
- Generic hobbies that do not relate to the role
- Personal demographic details such as age, marital status, or identification numbers
- Minor or outdated awards that do not differentiate you
- Extra details that push your resume beyond two pages unnecessarily
Strong resumes are focused and intentional.
If a detail does not support your candidacy, leave it out.
Key takeaways
- Additional information on a resume includes relevant extra details such as certifications, languages, volunteer work, awards, or professional memberships.
- Only include information that strengthens your candidacy and relates to the job you are applying for.
- Keep the section concise and use clear bullet points so hiring managers can scan it quickly.
- Place the additional information section near the end of your resume after work experience, education, and core skills.
- Avoid personal demographic details or generic hobbies that do not add professional value.
FAQs for adding information to your resume
Here are answers to common questions about what to include in the additional information section of a resume.
What should I put for additional information on my resume?
Additional information on a resume can include certifications, language skills, volunteer work, awards, professional memberships, or relevant hobbies.
Choose items that strengthen your qualifications or show useful transferable skills.
Focus on details that support the role you are applying for.
What are good things to add on a resume?
Good things to add on a resume include certifications, industry memberships, volunteer leadership, relevant side projects, or language proficiency.
These details can highlight initiative, specialized knowledge, or community involvement.
Only include information that adds clear value to your application.
What is an additional skill?
An additional skill is a useful ability that supports your professional qualifications but may not be part of your core job duties.
Examples include language proficiency, technical tools, certifications, or leadership skills gained through volunteer work.
These skills can strengthen your profile when they are relevant to the role.
Do employers care about additional information on my resume?
Employers may value additional information when it highlights relevant achievements, skills, or professional involvement.
It helps them understand your broader strengths beyond work experience and education.
However, the section should remain concise and focused on details that support your candidacy.
