What to Include in the Additional Information Section of Your Resume

Think a polished resume is just about listing jobs and degrees? Think again. Studies show recruiters spend a mere 7 seconds on average scanning your resume. So, how do you make every second count? It’s not just the basics that catch their eye—it’s the extras.

That’s where the additional information section comes in. But what do you put for additional info in a resume that actually impresses? This often-overlooked part can transform your resume from good to great, showcasing certifications, volunteer work, or even unique skills that make you stand out. Let’s break it down and ensure no opportunity is left on the table.

Let’s understand how additional information fits into your resume and what makes it so impactful. 

What Is the 'Additional Information' Section on a Resume?

The additional information section is like the cherry on top of your professional sundae. It’s where you highlight extra details that don’t fit neatly under education, experience, or skills but still add significant value to your profile.

Think of it as a space for certifications, courses, or unique skills that demonstrate your qualifications. It’s also a chance to include personal interests, volunteer work, or languages that align with the job. Done right, this section can show recruiters that you’re not just a candidate—you’re the candidate.

A well-crafted additional information section can:

• Provide a quick snapshot of your diverse talents.
• Highlight accomplishments that reflect your expertise and adaptability.
• Show off relevant traits that might not shine through in the traditional sections.

But what do you put for additional info in a resume to make it stand out? The key is selecting content that complements your main sections while staying relevant to the job you’re aiming for.

But which ones are worth including? Let’s break it down.

Key Types of Additional Information to Consider

The additional information section can serve as your resume’s secret sauce, but only if you include the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful types of additional information to consider:

1. Certifications and Licenses

Showcase certifications like project management credentials, software expertise, or industry-recognized licenses. For instance, adding a Google Analytics certificate can make you stand out for marketing roles.

2. Courses and Training

Include relevant workshops, online courses, or in-person training. Highlight areas where you’ve gone the extra mile to stay ahead, like completing a coding bootcamp or mastering data visualization tools.

3. Awards and Recognitions

Share accolades that reflect your excellence, such as Employee of the Month awards, industry honors, or academic distinctions. These can build credibility instantly.

4. Volunteer Work

Mention volunteer experiences that demonstrate leadership, collaboration, or a passion for giving back. For example, organizing community fundraisers can show initiative and team spirit.

5. Languages Spoken

If you’re proficient in multiple languages, add this detail—it’s often a game-changer for international or customer-facing roles.

6. Hobbies and Interests

Include personal interests only if they enhance your candidacy. For example, mentioning your love for chess could indicate strategic thinking, while marathon running reflects determination.

Not sure how to format certifications or licenses seamlessly? Weekday’s Resume Builder can take care of the layout while you focus on the content

Each of these types serves a unique purpose. Together, they create a well-rounded picture of who you are and what you bring to the table. Up next, let’s talk about the do’s and don’ts of presenting this information effectively.

Dos and Don’ts for Including Additional Information In Your Resume

When it comes to enhancing your resume with additional details, there’s a fine line between impressing a recruiter and overwhelming them. Use these clear dos and don’ts to strike the perfect balance and make your additional information section a standout.

Dos for Including Additional Information

1. Keep It Relevant

Include details that align with the job description or showcase transferable skills. For instance, listing a graphic design certification for a marketing role adds value, while mentioning unrelated hobbies might not.

2. Be Specific

Avoid vague descriptions. Instead of saying “Completed a training program,” specify “Completed a 3-month Certified Digital Marketing Course by XYZ Institute.”

3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Focus on a few impactful items rather than overloading this section. Recruiters appreciate precision, not clutter.

4. Use Bullet Points for Clarity

Present your information in a clean, easy-to-read format. Bullet points help recruiters quickly grasp your strengths.

5. Tailor to Each Job Application

Customize your additional information for every role. For example, language skills might be critical for a global sales position but unnecessary for a local administrative role.

6. Showcase Unique Value

Use this section to highlight traits or accomplishments that aren’t covered elsewhere in your resume. Leadership in volunteer work or awards can set you apart.

Don’ts for Including Additional Information

1. Don’t Include Irrelevant Details

Keep personal interests or achievements that don’t add value off your resume. For example, a love for reality TV isn’t likely to win over a recruiter.

2. Don’t Overshare

Avoid personal information like your age, marital status, or unrelated health conditions. These details are unnecessary and can distract from your qualifications.

3. Don’t Overload the Section

Resist the temptation to list everything. Highlight only what strengthens your candidacy and aligns with the job.

4. Don’t Use Generic Statements

Phrases like “Excellent communication skills” are too broad. Instead, be specific, e.g., “Delivered 10+ client presentations leading to a 20% increase in sales.”

5. Don’t Duplicate Information

Ensure you’re not repeating details already covered in other sections of your resume, like work experience or education.

6. Don’t Forget to Proofread

Typos or formatting inconsistencies can undermine the professionalism of your resume. Double-check for accuracy and readability.

Next, we’ll discuss how to format this section for maximum impact.

How to Format the Additional Information Section

A polished format ensures recruiters can quickly grasp the value you bring to the table. Below are some of the best practices for formatting: 

• Position Strategically: Place the additional information section at the end of your resume or in a sidebar if your template allows. This keeps it visible without overshadowing core sections like work experience.
• Use a Clear Heading: Label the section with a straightforward title like “Additional Information” or “Additional Qualifications.” This ensures it’s immediately recognizable.
• Opt for Bullet Points: Present each detail in bullet points for easy readability. Recruiters scan resumes quickly, and clear formatting makes a strong impression.
• Keep It Concise: Limit the section to 3–5 points. Prioritize quality over quantity to maintain a professional look.
• Maintain Consistent Formatting: Match the font, size, and style of the section with the rest of your resume. Consistency reinforces a polished and cohesive design.
• Align with ATS Requirements: Use simple formatting that works with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Avoid tables, images, or fancy symbols that might get lost in ATS parsing.

Learn how to make your resume shine through automated tools in our Guide to Using Automated Resume Screening Software.

Customizing Additional Information for Specific Roles

Your additional information section should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. Customizing it for each role showcases your thoughtfulness and alignment with the employer’s needs.

1. Analyze the Job Description

Identify key skills or qualifications mentioned in the posting. For example, if a job values multilingual skills, prioritize listing languages you speak.

2. Highlight Role-Specific Details

Include certifications, volunteer experiences, or skills that directly relate to the position. For instance, if applying for a project management role, emphasize certifications like PMP or Agile training.

3. Remove Irrelevant Information

Avoid clutter by excluding details that don’t support your candidacy for the specific role. Keep the section clean and focused.

4. Adapt Your Tone

For creative roles, you might include interests that showcase innovation (e.g., graphic design competitions). For corporate roles, focus on achievements that reflect professionalism.

5. Stay Industry-Specific

Certain industries value specific traits. In tech, highlight technical certifications and coding skills. In healthcare, emphasize licenses and patient care training.

Examples of Tailoring Additional Information:

For a Marketing Role:

• Google Ads Certification – 2023
• Managed social media campaigns with a reach of 1M+
• Published marketing insights blog with 15K monthly readers

For an IT Role:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
• Completed Advanced Cybersecurity Bootcamp (2022)
• Proficient in Python, Java, and SQL

For a Sales Role:

• Fluent in Mandarin, enabling client communication in APAC markets
• Exceeded sales targets by 120% in 2021 and 2022
• Organized corporate networking events with 500+ attendees

Wondering if skipping AI screening is the right move? Read our take in Opting Out of AI Resume Screening: Should You?

In Last Words

Your resume is more than a document—it’s your ticket to the next big opportunity. By thoughtfully crafting the additional information section, you can go from “just another candidate” to a memorable one. This isn’t about cramming in every detail; it’s about selecting the right extras that showcase your unique edge.

The best part? You don’t have to tackle this alone. Why spend hours wrestling with formatting and layouts when you can use a smarter solution? Enter Weekday’s Resume Builder—your free, fuss-free tool for crafting a professional resume in minutes. From LinkedIn integration to ATS-friendly designs, it’s built to help you create a resume that stands out.

Ready to take the guesswork out of resume building? Try Weekday’s Resume Builder and start impressing recruiters today!