Sometimes a minor is no minor detail!

When it comes to creating a resume, the education section would seem to be one of the easiest to complete. After all, once you know how to properly format the information, the rest of the process should be as simple as listing your schools, your major, and other pertinent details – or so it would seem. To create a resume that stands out, however, you should consider whether you also need to include a minor on your resume.

In this post, we will help you to determine whether you need to include your minor, and how you can do so in a way that makes your resume stand out from the crowd.

When should you include a minor on your resume?

The first thing you should do before you add your minor to your resume is consider whether its inclusion adds any real value by enhancing your qualifications. The last thing you want to do is add a minor that has no relevance to the position you're seeking, since employers may consider it a sign that you lacked focus during your college career. Minors that are related to your major field of study send a different message by demonstrating that you may have a broader base of knowledge than rival candidates. The same applies to concentrations or emphasises, depending on your university and degree program.

The important thing to remember is that your resume should be as concise and targeted as possible, to ensure that hiring managers can readily assess your qualifications for the position. Minors that demonstrate your ability to meet the job requirements are important additions. Any minor that has no bearing on those qualifications may prove to be nothing more than a distraction.

If you are still in college, it may be wise to think about the minor courses of study you wish to pursue and consider how they can enhance your future career prospects. A minor in music theory may be an interesting goal, but it will do nothing for your resume if you are applying for a job that aligns with your engineering major.

How to properly list your minor on your resume

Once you have decided to include your minor in your resume, you need to know which information to add to your education section and how those details should be listed. These tips can help:

1. Craft your education section

To list your minors properly, you will need a well-crafted education section with its own distinct heading. If you are a professional with a work history in your industry, this section should go after your work experience. Recent graduates with little or no work experience should move the education section closer to the beginning of their resumes.

2. Begin by listing your major

Always list your major first, even if your minor seems to have more relevance to the job. Be sure to include critical information like the name of the college, its location, and the dates you attended classes. Then list the degree you earned and your declared major. Your GPA can be listed as well, but that information is typically optional.

3. Add relevant minor(s)

Once you have listed your major, you can include any relevant minors. Again, only do so if the minor you achieved aligns well with the position you are seeking. You can include the minor on the same line as your major, or in a separate line immediately below that information.

4. Include separate listings for each institution

If you have multiple degrees from different institutions, you can include separate listings for each. List any relevant minors in their related college entries in the education section. Also, be sure to list these entries in reverse chronological order, with your most recent educational accomplishments listed first.

Drawing attention to important minors

Naturally, you will want to ensure that hiring managers take note of relevant minors. Since that information may be missed if a hiring manager only gives your education section a cursory review, you should make sure that you highlight relevant minors in your cover letter and resume career summary. That can be a great way to shine a spotlight on that qualification and help you to differentiate yourself from competitors.

Example: an education section with a minor listed

The following examples should give you some ideas about how to properly list your minor:

Example 1:

University Name                                                            Anytown, Anystate

Bachelor of Arts, Major in Accounting, Minor in Finance (Year to Year)

  • GPA (if appropriate)

  •  Relevant extracurriculars

  • Organizations, affiliations

  • Awards, achievements

Example 2:

University Name                                                            Anytown, Anystate

Bachelor of Arts, Major in Accounting (Year to Year)

Minor in Finance

  • GPA (if appropriate)

  • Relevant extracurriculars

  • Organizations, affiliations

  • Awards, achievements

Summary

While minors may not be the most important information to include in your resume, they can often help to enhance your qualifications and give you the edge you need in a competitive hiring environment. By carefully selecting only relevant minors, you can better ensure that hiring managers fully understand the value you can bring to their company.

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