The final section of a resume is commonly referred to as an optional section. This is where you put those things that are important to include but don’t fit into one of the standard sections. These commonly are awards, certifications, military experience, memberships, technical skills, patents, or publications and presentations. Commonly only one optional section is included and which it is depends on what will sell your background best.

If you have far more in one of these categories than will fit at the bottom of the second page of your resume, you may put a single subject on a separate page clearly labeled “Addendum”. It, in effect, becomes the third page of your resume and is normally not given to everyone. Someone interested in details about your background and how it will fit their job probably would want to see it but the person who is only seeing you for an approval interview probably wouldn’t.

Awards If you have received significant awards, you want to include them. This doesn’t mean listing the Employees of the Month award that gets you the parking spot next to the back door. Certifications If certifications are important in your field, this is the place to put those that you have qualified for.

Military experience This is appropriate only if you had a fairly short stint in the military. If you were career military your military jobs are probably going to appear in your employment history. Also, it only gets included if it is appropriate to the position you are applying for. Memberships This is where you would include the professional associations you belong to. If you are applying to an organization that relates to some of your other volunteer activities, you might include them too, but only if they are applicable.

Technical skills Many technical experts use this section to outline their certifications as well as the software, languages, hardware, platforms, etc. that they are proficient in. Patents If you hold patents you certainly want to include them. Publications & Presentations If you have written a significant number of publications or made important presentations, here is where you want to mention them.

Now, finish your resume and get it into action.

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From Jane Trevaskis and Success-Catalyst.com.