How to List an Additional Business Pursuit on Resume

In today’s dynamic job market, showcasing a side hustle on your resume can be the edge you need to stand out. Adding an additional business pursuit to your resume isn’t just about demonstrating versatility; it’s a strategic move that highlights your entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and dedication to self-improvement. By integrating your side hustle, you’re painting a more comprehensive picture of your abilities, passion, and potential.

The Power of Side Hustles: A Strategic Career Move

A side hustle is more than just a supplementary source of income. It represents your willingness to take initiative, develop new skills, and adapt to evolving challenges. This mindset is invaluable in the eyes of employers, who see side hustles as evidence of an entrepreneurial spirit, resourcefulness, and an eagerness to grow beyond your primary job description.

By showcasing your side hustle, you demonstrate your ability to handle multiple responsibilities, making you appear more versatile and dynamic. For example, if you work as a marketing executive and run a freelance graphic design business, you’re showing employers that you possess both strategic and creative thinking skills.

Why Should You List Your Side Hustle on Your Resume?

Listing your side hustle on your resume isn’t just about filling space; it’s about communicating value. Including it can:

• Showcase Transferable Skills: Many skills developed through side hustles, such as project management, customer service, or technical expertise, are transferable to your main career.
• Highlight Entrepreneurial Traits: Employers value candidates who demonstrate initiative, problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrate Adaptability: Side hustles show you can adapt to different roles, industries, or challenges, making you a more flexible candidate.

How to Effectively Highlight Your Side Hustle

To make your side hustle shine on your resume, you need to be strategic about its placement and description. Consider these tips:

1. Choose the Right Section: If your side hustle is directly related to your primary job, include it in the “Professional Experience” section. Otherwise, place it under “Additional Experience” or “Skills.”
2. Use Action-Oriented Language: Use strong verbs like “launched,” “managed,” or “optimized” to describe your role.
3. Emphasize Achievements: Highlight measurable achievements rather than listing duties. For example, “Grew social media following by 50% in six months.”

Quantifying Achievements

Numbers are a universal language in the business world. Quantifying your achievements lends credibility and demonstrates the tangible impact of your side hustle. Instead of saying, “Managed an online store,” say, “Increased monthly sales by 35% through targeted marketing strategies.”

When you quantify your side hustle’s achievements, you provide evidence of your ability to deliver results. This can be particularly powerful if you’re applying for roles that require similar skills.

Storytelling Techniques

Storytelling is a powerful way to make your side hustle more engaging. Instead of presenting it as a list of tasks, craft a narrative around your experience. Explain why you started, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This not only makes your side hustle more relatable but also demonstrates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

For instance, “Started a freelance writing business to explore my passion for storytelling. Overcame the challenge of building a client base by leveraging social media, resulting in securing 20+ regular clients within a year.”

Addressing Concerns

One concern employers may have is whether your side hustle could interfere with your primary job. You can address this by emphasizing how you’ve successfully balanced both responsibilities. For example, mention that you manage your side hustle outside of work hours or that it has enhanced your time management skills.

Tips for Balancing a Side Hustle with Your Primary Job

Time Management Strategies

Use productivity tools like Trello or Asana to organize your tasks and stay on top of your responsibilities.

Setting Boundaries

Set clear boundaries between your side hustle and your primary job to prevent burnout. Dedicate specific hours to each pursuit.

Focusing on What Matters

Focus on high-impact tasks that generate the most value for your side hustle, ensuring you’re using your time efficiently.

Ethical Considerations and Disclosure

Always be honest about your side hustle when discussing it with employers. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates integrity.

Address potential concerns by explaining how your side hustle doesn’t interfere with your job performance, highlighting how it complements your skillset instead.

Use Your Side Hustle for Career Advancement

Your side hustle can help you connect with like-minded professionals, expanding your network and creating opportunities for career growth. Side hustles allow you to develop new skills that can make you more marketable in your primary career. Many individuals transition their side hustles into full-time careers. Use your side hustle to explore new fields and build a portfolio that showcases your expertise.

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Resume Example for a Writer with an Additional Business Pursuit

Conclusion

A well-presented side hustle can be the key to making your resume stand out. It reflects your entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and drive – qualities that employers highly value. Don’t hesitate to showcase your side hustle. Implement these strategies to make your resume a true reflection of your diverse skills and experiences.