Use Additional Information to Your Advantage
Monster Resume Expert
The Additional Information section in Monster's
Resume Builder is optional, but you can use it to help you secure more job
interviews. After all, it is the last section in the Builder -- your last chance
to make a strong statement about your credentials.
The best information
to include depends on your career goal and background, so the content varies by
job seeker. Keeping in mind that your Monster resume is a marketing tool, you
should incorporate information that will help market you to the employers who
can help you achieve your career goal. Think of it this way: If you had one last
chance to sell yourself to a potential employer, what would you say?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Qualifications Summary
You may use the
Additional Information section to present a summary of your qualifications or
career profile. A qualifications summary highlights your key selling points and
may include examples of your top accomplishments that are related to your
objective.
Awards
End
your resume with a strong statement of your past performance by including a list
of awards, honors or recognitions.
Testimonials/Endorsements
Have you received
letters of recommendation or performance evaluations that contain compelling
quotes about your work performance? If so, consider adding the best excerpts
from these documents to your Additional Information section.
Publishing Credits
If your work
is published, you may include a publications list here.
Patents
Include a list of patents (including
patents pending) to which you contributed, if you have any.
Public Speaking
Public
speaking is a desirable skill for many occupations. Impress potential employers
by including a list of your speaking engagements, such as keynote speeches,
workshop presentations and seminars. You may also include participation in
work-related forums.
Computer Skills
The Resume Builder's Skills section allots 50 characters per
skill. If you're in a technical field and would like to provide a longer list of
computer skills broken down by category (e.g., networking, operating systems,
hardware, etc.), use the Additional Information section to provide your list.
Training Completed
You
may list professional development/continuing education in this section.
Portfolio or Writing Samples
Availability of a portfolio or writing samples is important
for some occupations. Mention that these are available on request, or provide a
Web site link for immediate access.
Target
Location
The Resume Builder includes fields for your target
location and willingness to relocate, but your Additional Information section is
a good place for you to include a strong statement of your geographic
preference. For example, if you are definitely moving to Vancouver, add a
statement such as "Relocating to Vancouver in September 2005."
Willingness to Travel
If your availability to travel domestically or
internationally would help sell you to potential employers, mention this in the
Additional Information section.
What to
Omit
Omit personal information such as marital status, age,
number of children, etc. Also, avoid listing hobbies unless they are related to
your goal or reveal character traits employers would find desirable