As you start to piece together all of the information for your resume, you may become overwhelmed with dates of employment, responsibilities at each position, and achievements while working for others. However, keep in mind that a resume shouldn’t simply be a detailed list of your work history. Oftentimes, people forget to include additional information—information that can be critical to catching the eye of a potential employer.

Freelance or Contract Projects

As the economy moves more toward contingency workers and temporary contracts, chances are that you may have worked on a freelance basis. Whether you worked as a writer, photographer, or project manager, these freelance and contract projects are important. Not only do they show a particular skill-set within an industry, it also demonstrates your ability to ‘jump in’ with an organization and provide the services they need—all at the right time, the right price, and the right place.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

What if you are attempting to re-enter an industry that you left many years ago? An employer may wonder what you were doing throughout those years. Many of my clients have their own business ‘on-the-side.’ Don’t forget to include this information in your resume. This type of work can show a hard-working nature, the ability to schedule time, coordinate employees, and build your own income. These are all transferable skills that can be utilized in future positions.

Continuing Education

No matter where you have worked, chances are that you have attended training within your company, at the industry level, or through a national association. If you do not have a college degree or advanced education, this section becomes vital to showcasing your desire to better yourself in your career. Include the names of the trainings, along with the organization that led the events.

Community Engagement

In addition to your professional experiences, consider adding volunteerism and community involvement to your resume. Being involved in your community shows that you can manage multiple priorities and are going ‘above-and-beyond’ what is expected of you in the workplace. Most people are involved with organizations that they are passionate about and that align with their skill-sets. By outlining these experiences, a future employer will realize that you are someone that is striving to make a difference.

Remember that your resume should demonstrate what is unique about you, the skill-sets that you have obtained, and how those experiences could positively impact your future workplace. Be sure to include the items listed above in addition to your career history.