How to List an Additional Business Pursuit on a Resume
In today’s dynamic job market, many professionals are involved in additional business pursuits beyond their main career paths. Whether it’s a freelance project, a side business, or a personal endeavor, including these pursuits on your resume can showcase versatility, initiative, and entrepreneurial skills. This article explores effective ways to integrate additional business pursuits on your resume and highlights the benefits, considerations, and potential impact of doing so.
1. What Are Some Effective Ways to Showcase Additional Business Pursuits on a Resume?
Presenting additional business pursuits on your resume can be a powerful asset when done strategically. Consider these methods:
- Separate Section: Create a dedicated section titled “Additional Business Pursuits” or “Entrepreneurial Projects.”
- Incorporate into Work Experience: If relevant, list your business pursuits under your work experience to highlight your hands-on skills.
- Skills and Achievements Section: Highlight specific skills gained from these pursuits in a dedicated skills or achievements section, especially if they relate directly to the job.
2. How Can Adding Extra Business Pursuits to a Resume Benefit a Job Applicant?
Including additional business pursuits can provide several advantages:
- Showcases Initiative and Innovation: It demonstrates a proactive mindset and shows that you pursue interests beyond your main job responsibilities.
- Reveals Transferable Skills: Side businesses and freelance work can hone skills like time management, problem-solving, and financial literacy, all valuable to potential employers.
- Provides Differentiation: Highlighting unique pursuits helps you stand out, especially if these skills or experiences are rare within your industry.
3. Should I Create a Separate Section on My Resume for Additional Business Pursuits, and What Should I Call It?
If you have more than one pursuit, creating a separate section can add structure to your resume. Titles like “Additional Business Pursuits,” “Entrepreneurial Projects,” or “Side Ventures” can clarify that these pursuits are supplemental to your primary career.
When creating this section, consider placing it after your work experience or education. Ensure the title is professional, aligning with the overall resume tone.
4. How Can I Highlight My Additional Business Pursuits Without Overcrowding My Resume?
To avoid a cluttered resume:
- Prioritize the Relevant Pursuits: Only include those relevant to the job or those that highlight key transferable skills.
- Be Concise: Use bullet points to summarize key responsibilities and achievements, focusing on impact and results.
- Limit Descriptions: A brief description, along with quantifiable achievements, can offer valuable insight without taking up too much space.
5. What Are Examples of Business Pursuits That Can Strengthen a Resume?
Certain business pursuits resonate more with hiring managers, especially if they align with industry skills or demonstrate growth potential. Examples include:
- Freelance Design or Writing Projects: Showcases creativity, project management, and client handling.
- Online Store or E-commerce Business: Highlights marketing, customer service, and financial skills.
- Personal Blog or Content Creation: Demonstrates communication skills, consistency, and personal branding.
- Consulting Work: Shows expertise, credibility, and initiative in a particular field.
6. How Can I Describe My Side Business or Freelance Work in a Way That Aligns with My Career Goals?
Focus on describing your pursuits using language that aligns with your professional goals. For example:
- Highlight Achievements: Use data and outcomes to show your impact. Example: “Increased e-commerce sales by 30% through digital marketing initiatives.”
- Align Responsibilities with Career Path: If your goal is a marketing position, focus on marketing strategies used in your side business.
- Use Industry Keywords: Match terms in your pursuit descriptions to the job’s language, such as “customer acquisition” or “content strategy.”
7. Is it Appropriate to List a Personal Project as an Additional Business Pursuit on a Resume?
Yes, personal projects can be listed if they provide relevant experience or highlight skills transferable to your desired job. For instance:
- Coding Project for a Tech Job: A personal coding project demonstrates technical skills, problem-solving, and dedication.
- Writing Project for a Communications Role: Shows communication abilities and initiative.
- Art Portfolio for a Creative Role: Personal projects are often encouraged in creative fields, as they reflect unique vision and skills.
8. Should I Include My Business Pursuits if They Are Unrelated to the Job I’m Applying For?
When deciding whether to include an unrelated business pursuit, consider:
- Relevance to Core Skills: If the business demonstrates soft skills like leadership or project management, it could still be valuable.
- Company Culture Fit: If the company values innovation, your entrepreneurial spirit might align well, even if the field is unrelated.
- Resume Space: If space is limited, focus on relevant achievements that most benefit the role.
9. How Can I Quantify the Achievements in My Additional Business Pursuits to Make Them Stand Out?
Quantifying achievements adds value and specificity to your resume. Ways to quantify include:
- Financial Metrics: Revenue generated, cost reductions, or profit margins.
- Client/Customer Impact: Number of clients served, customer satisfaction ratings, or repeat business.
- Growth Metrics: Increases in followers, subscribers, or site traffic if relevant to the pursuit.
- Project Timelines: Completion times, efficiency improvements, or milestones reached.
10. Are There Any Downsides to Listing Additional Business Pursuits on a Professional Resume?
While additional pursuits can enhance a resume, there are a few potential downsides:
- Risk of Distraction: Listing too many unrelated pursuits can make your resume seem unfocused.
- Time Commitment Concerns: Some employers may worry your side projects could interfere with full-time responsibilities.
- Potential Overcrowding: Adding too much detail on additional pursuits might overcrowd your resume, diluting your main professional achievements.
In conclusion, how to list an additional business pursuit on a resume depends on strategic selection and alignment with career goals. Done right, showcasing additional business pursuits can make your resume unique, demonstrating valuable skills and qualities that enhance your candidacy in any field.
