5 Resume “Extras” That Help You Stand Out in Today’s Job Market

If you’ve recently refreshed your resume, you probably included the basics: a professional summary, a list of skills, work history, and education. But in today’s competitive job market—especially for experienced professionals—sometimes the extras are what truly make an impact.

Adding a few thoughtful sections can help you stand out as a well-rounded, growth-oriented candidate. Here are five resume “extras” worth considering in 2025 and beyond.

1. Freelance, Contract, or Consulting Work

Many professionals take on freelance or contract roles between full-time jobs—or even alongside them. Don’t overlook these experiences!

Freelance projects can highlight valuable skills like adaptability, self-management, and the ability to deliver results independently. If your consulting or contract work is relevant to your target job, list it under a section such as “Freelance & Consulting Experience” and emphasize measurable outcomes.

👉 Pro tip: Briefly mention the industries or types of clients you served to show versatility and professional range.

2. Side Hustles and Entrepreneurial Venture

Side hustles are more common—and respected—than ever before. Whether you’ve built a small business, offered coaching services, or managed an online shop, this shows initiative, creativity, and drive.

Just be mindful of potential conflicts of interest. If your side business overlaps with your target industry, you can describe it more broadly (e.g., “Independent Marketing Projects” instead of “Owner, Digital Marketing Agency”).

Employers today appreciate entrepreneurial thinking—it signals problem-solving skills and leadership potential.

3. Continuing Education and Professional Development

Lifelong learning is one of the best ways to show you’re current and curious. Workshops, online certifications, webinars, or even LinkedIn Learning courses all count.

Include a “Professional Development” or “Continuing Education” section to highlight these efforts. It demonstrates that you’re proactive about staying relevant—especially valuable for mid- to late-career professionals re-entering or advancing in a changing job market.

4. Volunteer Work and Community Involveme

Volunteerism tells employers who you are beyond the office. Whether you mentor students, serve on a nonprofit board, or volunteer through your local church or civic organization, this kind of involvement reflects leadership, teamwork, and empathy.

You can title this section “Community Engagement” or “Volunteer Leadership.” Highlight ongoing commitments or roles that connect to your professional strengths.

5. Testimonials or Endorsements

A short, well-chosen quote from a former manager or client can make your resume memorable. If you have standout LinkedIn recommendations or letters of praise, include a few short excerpts at the end of your resume or in a sidebar.

For example:

“Jane consistently brings professionalism and creativity to every project.” – Former Supervisor, ABC Company

Testimonials add credibility and warmth—proof that your accomplishments are recognized by others.

Final Thoughts

Your resume should absolutely showcase your work history—but it can also reveal the person behind the title. Adding extras like volunteer work, continuing education, or testimonials helps hiring managers see you as a dynamic, well-rounded professional.

And if you’re not sure which extras make the most sense for your situation, consider a professional resume review. A fresh perspective can help you highlight what truly sets you apart in today’s evolving job market and can help you land that job interview.