8 additional information application examples (With tips)

Besides your job history, you may include additional information in your application, alongside examples of relevant achievements. This information can focus on things you've achieved in your own time, such as earning certifications or having an article published. By including this information, you give prospective employers insight into your current skills while proving that you're hardworking. In this article, we explain additional information you can include in an application and why they are helpful to include.

Additional information application examples you can include

When including additional information application examples, you can offer examples relevant to your industry. By tailoring your CV to fit the position, you can draw an interviewer's attention to how your profile matches the firm's values and business goals. You might stand out against rival applicants as a result. These examples of additional information in an application include:

• professional certifications

• published articles

• references from colleagues

• client testimonials

• technical skills

• volunteer work

• language skills

• personal achievements

Additional information to include in your application

It's important to take a holistic approach when writing a job application, only including information that boosts your chances of securing a position. You might mention how you used your experience to build up skills applicable to this job. These examples can include:

Professional certifications

To progress your career to a higher pay scale, you might wish to accrue professional certifications relevant to your industry. You can use these certifications to develop more specialist subject knowledge, as courses often focus on a single aspect of an industry in-depth. By earning professional certifications in your own time, you can prove to employers that you're willing to work hard to advance in life. You might find it easier to find work as a result.

For instance, to begin a career as an engineer, you might study via the Technical Report Route, regulated by the Institute of Civil Engineers. Here you produce two written reports before undertaking two interviews. These interviews test your subject knowledge and assess your professional experience. Instead, if you want to become a chartered accountant, you can study the ACA qualification offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Through this programme, you can study 15 examined modules covering key aspects of accountancy, such as regulatory compliance and business strategy.

Example:

Recruitment Qualification, Jan. 2021, issued by the British Institute of Recruiters.

Related: The Complete Guide to National Vocational Qualifications

Published articles

Besides general work experience, you might also mention any written works that you've had published in a newspaper or academic journal. By including these articles, you can ensure the interviewer has a good understanding of your professional expertise and interests. This helps interviewers make a more informed judgement on your suitability for the position, making it likely that you receive a formal job offer.

It's important to include published works when entering an industry where copywriting skills are useful, such as scientific research or journalism. Using these written samples, employers can assess your abilities as a writer and researcher. For example, when seeking employment as a newspaper editor, you may use samples to emphasise useful key skills, such as auditing facts and being attentive to detail. You can also present the prestige associated with being published as proof of your talents.

Example:

• Graham, Daniel 'A Review of Taxation Policy', British Economic Bulletin, Volume 56, Jun. 2021.

Related: How To Become a Journalist

References from colleagues

Through work experience and certifications, you might establish a network of professional contacts, such as former colleagues, lecturers and managers. You can ask them to produce a formal written reference to include within your application. It's important to ask the referee to include formal details, such as their electronic signature or email address. This helps employers easily verify that the reference is valid. You can then establish a more trusting relationship with an interviewer.

To have maximum impact, it's important your reference directly relates to the position you're applying for at the company. You might pick out certain keywords from the job description before passing this information on to your contact. For example, if you apply to be a public relations officer, you might ask a referee to highlight skills relevant to the post, such as communication or time management. This provides accredited proof of your abilities in PR, making you more attractive to employers as a result.

Example:

'A competent and considerate employee.' —a former manager at SoftCorp.

Related: Q&A: Should You Include References on a CV? (With Example)

Client testimonials

Similarly to references, client testimonials offer a formal recommendation of the services of a freelancer rather than a full-time employee. You might contact former clients before submitting a job application, asking them to provide evidence of your skills. This considered, you might ask them to discuss the project you worked on previously, endorsing your capabilities in a field. Like references, it's important to include the client's formal details alongside a testimonial to provide proof of its legitimacy.

For example, when applying for full-time work as a graphic designer, you could discuss the portfolio you built up when freelancing. You might ask former clients to testify that you possess relevant skills, such as photo-editing or time management. You can then find it easier to transition from freelance to full-time employment.

Example:

Recommended by a client to their friend for my 'outstanding' graphic design skills.

Related: Freelance Work: Everything You Need To Know About Freelancing

Technical skills

Technical skills are industry-specific knowledge you accrue to become better at a job, potentially advancing your career as a result. You may devote a section of your application to these skills, detailing how possessing them makes you well-suited to a role. You can also state how past work experience helped you establish these skills, proving your credentials as a hard worker. Conversely, when looking for an entry-level role, you can emphasise your education, particularly time spent at university. For example, you can highlight a previous project, detailing how you enhanced your subject knowledge whilst working on it.

Example:

Since starting a history blog three years ago, I have become well-versed in using WordPress to design a website and submit new written posts.

Related: Technical Skills: Definitions and Examples

Volunteer work

You might also discuss any current or prior voluntary work, regardless of the cause. By working for a charity, you can present yourself as an empathic and generous individual, willing to make a great effort to help others. You can show your commitment to gaining practical skills in your own time, without external help or supervision. This can also seem attractive to potential employers, reassuring them they're hiring someone well-suited to a collaborative and high-pressure office environment.

Example:

Raised money for the Royal British Legion by selling poppies at work and on the street.

Language skills

You might find being fluent in a language besides English helpful when working in some industries, such as business or tourism. You can mention the language in question before detailing how you became fluent in it. Developing this proficiency could show employers that you're a well-rounded individual committed to career and personal advancement. If you're a second-language English speaker, you can prove yourself a resilient person, adaptable to new circumstances. Either way, you might find that you can more easily stand out against rival candidates.

For example, when applying to work for a multinational firm, you might find bilingualism rather useful. Employers may trust you more than other candidates to manage employees working in different countries. You might progress your career more quickly as a result. Being bilingual can also help you build greater working relationships with international co-workers, strengthening your network at the company.

Example:

The languages I am proficient in are French (conversational) and German (fluent).

Personal achievements

Lastly, you may emphasise any past achievements, whether professional or personal. You might consider your achievement by explaining the goal, the steps you took to meet it and how success made you feel. Here you can give employers a better insight into your character traits, such as your motivations and interests. This might help them feel more confident about integrating you into their existing team structure. You might then boost your chances of securing the post. Also, by highlighting your achievements, your employer can know what projects are better suited to your skill set.

Example:

Having undertaken intensive fitness training during the preceding year, I managed to complete this year's London Marathon in under 5 hours.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.