by It’s common knowledge that crafting a strong application is your holy grail in finding a great job.
But few job candidates think about how to end a resume. And how exactly that completion can leave an important impression on hiring managers.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how you can best finish your document. I'll show how you can strategically emphasize your skills, summarize your experience, and craft a professional close that adds a call to action.
How to end a resume?
Optional sections at the resume conclusion can add value and differentiate you from other applicants. But be picky about which ones you should include and how you lay them out.
Here’s what you need to know how to close a resume with smart options.
1. References
It’s long been common practice to finish with the line "References available upon request". But you no longer need to use up space with this.
Employers will, of course, ask for recommendations when they want them, and you can prepare a separate document with your contacts for that purpose.
Focus on maximizing space for your skills and achievements rather than including references in your resume.
2. Call to Action
A modest call to action can also be a great way how to conclude a resume. It can communicate that you’re excited about the opportunity and are ready to take the next steps.
It’s quite common in a cover letter, but if included on your application, the intent works in your favor.
Resume ending example:
I look forward to navigating your hiring process, so I can hopefully explain in more detail how my abilities and expertise better suit the needs of your team.
This kind of line makes a subtle pitch that the job could be yours – and then gives you confidence that you are indeed a good prospect.
3. Hobbies
Incorporating a separate list of interests at the end of your resume is entirely optional. Usually it’s more appropriate to include it only if it’s relevant to the job, or if it demonstrates transferrable skills.
An example of this could be a position that requires leadership experience, and you are the captain of a local sports team.
List of resume hobbies for resume ending:
- Team Sports (Collaboration, leadership, teamwork)
- Photography (Creativity, attention to detail)
- Blogging or Writing (Communication, creativity, self-discipline)
- Hiking or Outdoor Activities (Resilience, perseverance, health-conscious)
- Chess or Strategic Games (Problem-solving, strategic thinking)
- Traveling (Adaptability, cultural awareness, open-mindedness)
- Music (Creativity, discipline, patience)
- Cooking or Baking (Creativity, time management, precision)
- Gardening (Patience, nurturing, long-term planning)
- Coding (Technical skills, problem-solving, self-learning)
- Yoga or Meditation (Stress management, mindfulness, focus)
- Art and Craft (Creativity, innovation, detail-oriented)
- Reading (Knowledge-seeking, focus, critical thinking)
- Mentoring or Tutoring (Leadership, communication, empathy)
4. Languages
If you are multilingual, a "Languages" section at the bottom of your resume might also be a good addition. Especially if the position requires communicating with diverse clients or teams.
Example of what to put at end of resume:
- English (Fluent)
- Spanish (Native)
- French (Conversational)
Specify what languages you speak and your level of fluency (mother tongue; completely fluent; comfortable with everyday conversation; etc).
Place this info under your contact details to make it pop. If you work for a multinational company, or a firm with a global focus that prizes language skills, your resume will stand apart.
5. Certifications
If you complete a training program that will make your application stronger, put it in a separate section. That way, it can only add value. Often, the job requires some qualification that’s not covered in your work experience part.
End of resume example:
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM), 2022
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, 2021
Certifications don’t just show you are qualified; they demonstrate that you will always strive to improve.
6. Volunteer Work
If you have donated time to any community activity, you can write this section at the resume conclusion. It demonstrates initiative, leadership, and a balanced personality.
Example of how to end a resume:
- Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity (Led teams to build homes for low-income families)
- Mentor, Girls Who Code (Taught coding to high school students)
7. Professional Memberships
If you happen to be a member of any societies or networks in your field (and in many cases you will be), saying this can help you to appear more credible. It shows your connecting to the sphere.
Example how to conclude a resume:
- Member, American Marketing Association (AMA)
- Board Member, UX Designers Association
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Resume ending examples
Here are different kinds of resume ending examples, including hobbies, volunteering, languages, certifications, and affiliations, tailored for various industries and experience levels:
Entry-Level Marketing
Hobbies:
- Social Media Content Creation (Engaging with audiences through creative posts)
- Photography (Capturing brand stories through visuals)
Volunteering:
- Volunteer, Local Nonprofit (Assisted in organizing fundraising events, increasing community engagement)
Languages:
- Spanish (Conversational)
- French (Basic)
Certifications:
- Google Analytics Certified, 2024
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification, 2022
Affiliations:
- Member, American Marketing Association (AMA), since 2015
- Student Member, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), 2004 - 2006
Mid-Level IT Professional
Hobbies:
- Coding Personal Projects (Building apps and websites in my spare time)
- Participating in Hackathons (Collaborating to solve tech challenges)
Volunteering:
- Tech Volunteer, Local Community Center (Taught coding basics to youth), 2022 - 2023
Languages:
- English (Fluent)
- Mandarin (Conversational)
Certifications:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect, 2022
- CompTIA Security+ Certified, 2017
Senior-Level Sales Executive
Hobbies:
- Golf (Networking and building relationships on the course)
- Traveling (Exploring international markets and cultures)
Languages:
- English (Fluent)
- Spanish (Fluent)
Certifications:
- Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
- Negotiation Mastery Certificate, Harvard Business School
Entry-Level Graphic Designer
Hobbies:
- Digital Illustration (Creating art for online platforms)
- Attending Design Workshops (Continuously improving my skills)
Volunteering:
- Graphic Designer, Local Charity (Designed promotional materials for fundraising events), 2009 - 2019
Languages:
- English (Fluent)
- Italian (Basic)
Certifications:
- Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Graphic Design, 2024
- UX Design Fundamentals Certificate, 2020
Senior-Level Financial Analyst
Hobbies:
- Investing in Stock Market (Staying updated on market trends and financial strategies)
- Reading Financial Literature (Enhancing my knowledge of economics)
Languages:
- English (Fluent)
- French (Fluent)
Certifications:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), 2024
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP), 2017
Affiliations:
- Member, CFA Institute, since 2018
- Member, Financial Planning Association (FPA), 2021 - 2022
Conclusion
Overall, completing your resume well should be as much a priority as everything else on it.
A good resume conclusion puts your qualifications in a fresh perspective, and remains in your hiring managers’ memories when they’re reviewing other candidates.
Every space on your resume – yes, every last word in that last sentence – helps organize the story so you sound like oh-so-desired employee.
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