An addendum on a resume is a one page document that is added to expand upon specified skills or workplace experience in further detail. There are certain circumstances when you may need to utilize an addendum on your resume.
The majority of the time, addendums are used so that you can highlight unique or highly specific areas of expertise. Additionally, you may have a lengthy resume or have unique requirements for a job application where you are required to create an addendum. This article will address whether or not you should utilize an addendum with your resume and how to craft an effective one that will properly highlight your skills and experience.
Is an addendum right for your resume?
The first step during this addendum crafting process is to ascertain whether or not you need to utilize one. The majority of individuals will not have a need for an addendum on their resume. The basic resume template or the field-specific one that they used is sufficient for effectively demonstrating their skillset, experience and education level.
However, it is important to remember that so many people are seeking jobs and the market is currently extremely competitive. Since that is the case, you must find specific ways where you can stand out from the crowd of applicants so that the hiring manager wants to bring you in for a job interview.
Crafting an effective addendum can assist in demonstrating your expertise and distinguishing you from the competition. Consider the following factors to ascertain whether or not you can utilize an addendum to further highlight your expertise.
- Areas of specialized training
- Specified workplace projects
- Volunteering experience
- Internships, Apprenticeships
- Interesting life experience
- Leadership experience
- Professional organizations
- Educational classes attended
- Computer, software or equipment skills
When deciding whether or not to use an addendum, it is important to focus on the specific job that you are applying for. You may want to utilize an addendum for certain jobs and not others. There is a strategy involved in figuring out how compatible you are to the required job responsibilities.
Sometimes you may need to use an addendum to demonstrate that specific compatibility. You can save the addendum to bring with you to the interview and only offer it to the hiring manager if you think the situation calls for that. If you are applying for multiple jobs, you can have a basic resume template and then utilize the addendum to highlight specific skills that mesh with the job requirements for each one you’re applying for.
Two formats to consider
If you think it is necessary to use an addendum on your resume, there are two basic templates to consider. One is the technological format and the other is the professional one. Both are professional in appearance and fill one page with information. However, they are formatted in different ways.
- Technological – The addendum can be divided up into different sections, such as in tables in a two column format on the document. You will include the various skillsets you have in different groupings. For example, you can divide your skills into the following groups: programming languages, system architecture, operating systems, server applications and desktop applications. Also list the competency level for each skillset such as expert or competent.
- Professional – Your resume cites information regarding your objectives, workplace experience, skills and educational level. If you want to expand upon your experience and demonstrate your expertise, you can create a professional addendum. You would use a template format similar to a regular professional resume. There are six basic headings you can use to detail more of your experience: certifications, professional training, professional associations, board memberships, awards and community work.
Some basic rules to consider
It is important that if you decide to utilize an addendum on your resume, you need to ensure that you follow some basic rules. An addendum is not an excuse to write a long dissertation on your professional life. If you want the addendum to be effective, you must adhere to some rules.
- Special Circumstances – You will not need to use an addendum all the time. Carefully consider when you decide to use the addendum so that it doesn’t become overused.
- Simplify the Template – Ensure that the addendum template does not exceed one page. Also, you do not need to simply add information in order to fill the entire page. Choose your content wisely and for specific reasons that will enhance your professional image.
- Resume Alignment – As shown in the section above, there are two basic types of formats. However, you can be unique and add your personal twist to how the addendum looks. Remember to keep the format somewhat aligned to the resume.
- No Jobs Allowed – The addendum is not the place to include more of your workplace experience. Job information should be reserved for the resume. Only include additional information on your addendum such as specialized expertise, as mentioned earlier.
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Crafting an effective addendum for your resume is a simple process if you follow the basic steps discussed in this article. Have you utilized an addendum on your resume and if so, for what specific purpose?