Secondment on Resume

Should You List Secondment on Resume

It's beneficial to include a secondment experience on your resume, especially if it showcases unique skills, broadened responsibilities, or exposure to new cultures or industries. However, the decision to include it might depend on the job you are applying for, regional differences, and industry standards. For instance, in some countries like Europe, where secondments are common, it's crucial to highlight this experience. In contrast, in regions like the United States, where secondments may not be as prevalent, it's essential to ensure that the impact of the secondment on your career growth is clearly communicated.

Why to List Secondment on Resume

• Demonstrates adaptability and versatility: A secondment experience can show potential employers that you are flexible, capable of adapting to new environments, and willing to take on new challenges.
• Broadens skillset: Working in a different role or industry during a secondment can help you develop new skills and gain valuable insights into various aspects of business operations.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity: If your secondment involved working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, it highlights your ability to work effectively across cultures, an essential skill in today's globalized world.
• Network expansion: Building relationships during a secondment can open up new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career advancement.

Where to List Secondment on Resume

• Professional Experience or Work History: If the secondment was a significant part of your career progression, list it under this section. Be sure to provide details about the host organization, role, and duration of the assignment.
• Skills or Key Competencies Section: Highlight relevant skills you acquired during the secondment, such as leadership, cross-functional collaboration, or cultural sensitivity.
• Career Summary or Personal Profile: Briefly mention your secondment experience in a concise statement that emphasizes its impact on your professional development and career growth.

Examples of How to List Secondment on Resume

Example 1: Professional Experience Section

• Secondment at XYZ Corporation, London (January 2020 - December 2021)
• Led a cross-functional team responsible for implementing new sales strategies and processes
• Collaborated with regional offices to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency
• Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning the local market dynamics and cultural nuances

Example 2: Skills or Key Competencies Section

• Cross-functional collaboration: Led a secondment at ABC Company, Paris (June 2018 - December 2018), working closely with marketing, sales, and operations teams to develop and implement a new product line

What to Avoid While Listing Secondment on Resume

• Overemphasis: Focus on the skills, experiences, and achievements gained during the secondment rather than just describing the assignment itself.
• Lack of clarity: Clearly define the role you played, the organization you were seconded to, and the duration of the assignment to avoid confusion.
• Irrelevant details: Avoid including unnecessary or irrelevant information that does not contribute to your professional profile or the job you are applying for.
• Negative aspects: Highlight the positive outcomes and learnings from the secondment experience rather than focusing on any challenges encountered during the assignment.

How to List Intra-company Secondments on Resume

Best Practices for Intra-company Secondments

• Highlight the Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of the intra-company secondment, such as knowledge transfer, project management, or skill development. This provides context and shows the value you brought to the company during your tenure.

  Example: During my secondment at our Paris office, I was tasked with knowledge transfer for a new IT system implementation. By sharing my expertise, I successfully led the rollout of this project, ensuring seamless integration across both offices.

• Mention Duration: Specify the duration of your intra-company secondment to give recruiters an understanding of how long you were away from your regular role. This information can help them gauge your commitment and adaptability.

  Example: I spent six months on secondment at our Shanghai office, where I collaborated with regional teams to streamline supply chain operations.

• Detail Accomplishments: Similar to other roles on your resume, highlight key accomplishments during your intra-company secondment. These should demonstrate how you contributed to the success of the project or department you were working in.

  Example: Through my contributions during the secondment, I helped reduce supply chain costs by 15%, resulting in an annual savings of $200,000 for our company.

• Emphasize Skills Gained: Highlight any new skills or competencies you acquired during your intra-company secondment. This shows that you are adaptable and eager to learn, which are valuable assets in today's dynamic work environment.

  Example: During my time on secondment, I gained proficiency in a new language (Mandarin), which has proven beneficial in communicating effectively with our Asian markets.

• Provide Context: If necessary, offer some context about the structure of your company and how the intra-company secondment fits into it. This helps recruiters understand the broader picture and assess your role within the organization.

  Example: As part of a global organization with multiple locations, I was selected for an intra-company secondment to our Singapore office. This experience allowed me to collaborate closely with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds, further developing my ability to work effectively across teams.

Example 1: Intra-company Secondments on Secondment Resume

[In this example, we'll show a resume section for "Secondments" that includes the Intra-company Secondment as a subcategory]

Work Experience

• Secondments (2018 - Present)
  • Intra-company Secondment: Shanghai Office (2020 - 2021)
• Collaborated with regional teams to streamline supply chain operations, resulting in a 15% reduction of costs and an annual savings of $200,000.
  • Secondment: Paris Office (2018 - 2019)
• Led knowledge transfer for the implementation of a new IT system, ensuring seamless integration across offices.

Example 2: Intra-company Secondments in Secondment Context

[In this example, we'll show how to list an Intra-company Secondment within the broader context of secondment opportunities available at the company]

Work Experience

• Company Name (2016 - Present)
  • Global IT Manager
• Led IT initiatives across multiple offices.
  • Secondments (Available to high-performing employees)
• Shanghai Office (2020 - 2021)
  • Collaborated with regional teams to streamline supply chain operations, resulting in a 15% reduction of costs and an annual savings of $200,000.
• Paris Office (2018 - 2019)
  • Led knowledge transfer for the implementation of a new IT system, ensuring seamless integration across offices.

How to List Industry-specific Secondments on Resume

Listing industry-specific secondments on your resume requires a strategic approach that showcases your versatility, adaptability, and expertise in diverse professional environments. Here are some best practices:

• Highlight the Duration and Title: Start by specifying the duration of the secondment (e.g., "Seconded to XYZ Company from ABC Corporation: January 2020 - December 2020, Role: Project Manager"). This gives a clear indication of your tenure in the secondary industry.

• Seconded to XYZ Company from ABC Corporation: January 2020 - December 2020, Role: Project Manager

• Describe the Context and Purpose: Briefly explain the context of the secondment, including the reason for it (e.g., knowledge transfer, resource allocation, or project-specific requirements). This helps recruiters understand the strategic nature of your involvement.

• Seconded to XYZ Company from ABC Corporation as part of a knowledge transfer initiative between our organizations, where I provided project management expertise and facilitated cross-functional collaboration.

• Detail Key Accomplishments: Mention significant achievements during your secondment, focusing on quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in the secondary industry (e.g., increased efficiency, reduced costs, or completed projects).

• Successfully led a cross-functional team in implementing a new project management system, resulting in an 18% increase in productivity and a 20% reduction in costs.

• Emphasize Relevant Skills: Highlight skills that you developed or strengthened during the secondment, particularly those that are applicable to your target industry (e.g., specific software tools, industry-specific regulations, or sector-specific methodologies). This demonstrates your adaptability and versatility as a professional.

• Developed proficiency in XYZ software platform, a widely used tool in the financial services industry, enhancing my ability to contribute effectively to projects in this sector.

• Maintain Consistency: Ensure that your secondment section aligns with the overall structure and format of your resume, using consistent bullet points, font size, and line spacing. This makes it easier for recruiters to scan and understand your experience quickly.

Example 1: Industry-specific Secondments on Secondment Resume

In this example, let's assume that a marketing professional from the technology sector was seconded to a healthcare company for a six-month project:

Professional Experience

• Technology Company (2015 - Present), Marketing Manager
  • Seconded to Healthcare Corporation (January 2021 - June 2021), Project: Product Launch Initiative
  • Led a cross-functional team in planning and executing the launch of a new medical device, resulting in a successful market introduction.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy that targeted key stakeholders within the healthcare industry, expanding brand awareness and generating leads.

Example 2: Industry-specific Secondments in Secondment Context

In this example, consider a financial analyst who was seconded from a consulting firm to a retail company for a two-year period:

Professional Experience

• Consulting Firm (2014 - Present), Financial Analyst
  • Seconded to Retail Company (January 2018 - December 2019), Role: Financial Planner and Strategist
  • Assisted in the development of financial plans, budgets, and forecast models for various retail stores across the country.
  • Contributed to strategic decision-making by analyzing market trends, economic indicators, and competitive landscape, helping the company make informed investment decisions.

By following these best practices and providing concrete examples, you can effectively showcase your industry-specific secondments on your resume and increase your chances of securing interviews in your desired field.

How to List Short-term Consultancies on Resume

When including short-term consultancies on your resume, it's crucial to highlight the skills and experiences gained during these engagements. Here are some best practices:

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Mention the specific skills you utilized during the consultancy that are relevant to the job you're applying for. For example, if you were a short-term consultant in project management and are now applying for a project manager position, emphasize your project management skills.

• Project Management: Demonstrated proficiency in managing cross-functional projects from initiation to completion within tight timelines during the short-term consultancy at XYZ Corporation.

• Define the Scope of Work: Provide a brief description of the project or task you were responsible for during the consultancy, including any deliverables and outcomes. This helps potential employers understand the scope and impact of your work.

• Scope of Work: Led a team in the design and implementation of a new CRM system for XYZ Corporation's sales department, resulting in a 25% increase in efficiency.

• Use Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements during the consultancy. This makes your resume more dynamic and easier to read.

• Collaboration: Worked collaboratively with various departments to ensure smooth project execution and effective communication channels.

• Mention Duration: Clearly state the duration of each consultancy to provide context about the nature and scope of your work.

• Duration: Engaged in a short-term consultancy with ABC Corporation from March 2021 to May 2021.

• Include 'Secondment' Where Applicable: If the consultancy was undertaken as part of a secondment, make sure to include this information. This can help employers understand that you have experience working within an organization while maintaining your own professional identity.

• Secondment Context: Conducted a short-term consultancy with DEF Company during my secondment from GHI Corporation, demonstrating adaptability and commitment to delivering results in new environments.

Example 1: Short-term Consultancies on Secondment Resume

Suppose you were a project manager who took on a short-term consultancy while on secondment from your current company. In that case, your resume might look like this:

Project Manager | Short-term Consultancy (Secondment) | ABC Corporation | March 2021 - May 2021

• Demonstrated proficiency in managing cross-functional projects from initiation to completion within tight timelines during the short-term consultancy at XYZ Corporation.
• Led a team in the design and implementation of a new CRM system for ABC Corporation's sales department, resulting in a 25% increase in efficiency.
• Worked collaboratively with various departments to ensure smooth project execution and effective communication channels.
• Engaged in a short-term consultancy with ABC Corporation during my secondment from GHI Corporation, demonstrating adaptability and commitment to delivering results in new environments.

Example 2: Short-term Consultancies in Secondment Context

If you were a software engineer who undertook a short-term consultancy while on secondment, your resume might look like this:

Software Engineer | Short-term Consultancy (Secondment) | DEF Company | March 2021 - May 2021

• Designed and developed high-performance software solutions for DEF Company's product line, demonstrating expertise in C++ programming.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate new features into existing software systems.
• Participated in code reviews and debugging sessions to ensure the delivery of high-quality software products.
• Engaged in a short-term consultancy with DEF Company during my secondment from GHI Corporation, showcasing problem-solving abilities and adaptability in new environments.

How to List Government Projects on Resume

Listing government projects on a resume can be a strategic move for job seekers who have worked on such projects, especially during a secondment. Here are best practices to follow:

• Highlight Relevant Details: Start by mentioning the name of the project, the role you played, and its duration. For instance, "Government Project: Smart City Initiative - Seconded from [Your Previous Organization], Role: Project Manager (January 2020 - December 2021)"

  Detail: This section provides context about the project, your role within it, and the duration of your involvement. Mentioning the secondment helps to clarify that you were temporarily assigned to this project from a different organization.

• Outline Achievements: Briefly describe the achievements you made during the project. For example, "Successfully led a team of 15 professionals in delivering key Smart City initiatives on time and within budget."

  Detail: This shows that you were able to effectively manage a team and deliver results, which are valuable skills for many positions.

• Emphasize Impact: Explain the impact of your work on the project or the community it served. For example, "Contributed to the successful implementation of Smart City initiatives, improving city services and quality of life for over 500,000 residents."

  Detail: This helps recruiters understand the scale and significance of your contributions.

• Use Quantifiable Metrics: Wherever possible, use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your achievements. For example, "Managed a budget of $2 million, resulting in cost savings of 15% through efficient project management."

  Detail: This provides concrete evidence of your abilities and makes your accomplishments more tangible to the reader.

Example 1: Government Projects on Secondment Resume

Smart City Initiative (Seconded from [Your Previous Organization]) - January 2020 - December 2021

• Led a team of 15 professionals in delivering key Smart City initiatives on time and within budget.
• Contributed to the successful implementation of Smart City initiatives, improving city services and quality of life for over 500,000 residents.
• Managed a budget of $2 million, resulting in cost savings of 15% through efficient project management.

Example 2: Government Projects in Secondment Context

National Climate Change Strategy (Seconded from [Your Previous Organization]) - June 2018 - March 2019

• Worked as a key contributor to the development and implementation of national climate change strategies.
• Collaborated with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations in the fight against climate change.
• Successfully coordinated and managed several multidisciplinary teams, resulting in the successful completion of multiple projects within the strategy.

By following these best practices, you can effectively showcase your experience with government projects, particularly during a secondment, on your resume. This will help recruiters quickly understand the nature of your work and the value you can bring to their organization.

How to List International Assignments on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'International Assignments' on a Resume:

• Highlight the Duration: Mention the start and end dates of your international assignments, providing clarity about the duration of your stay in each location. This helps potential employers understand your commitment and adaptability.

  • International Assignment at XYZ Corporation (2018-2019)

• Specify the Location: Clearly identify the countries where you worked, especially those relevant to the job you're applying for. This not only shows your geographical adaptability but also indicates cultural awareness.

  • International Assignment: Sydney, Australia (2018-2019)

• Describe Your Role: Briefly outline your main responsibilities during the international assignment, focusing on skills and experiences that are relevant to the position you're applying for. This helps demonstrate your value in the context of the role.

  • Responsible for project management, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration within the Asia-Pacific region.

• Emphasize Achievements: Quantify accomplishments where possible to show the impact of your work during the international assignment. This helps illustrate your abilities and contributions in a tangible way.

  • Successfully led a team of 10, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.

• Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords, such as "secondment," to ensure your resume aligns with the job description and is easily scannable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This increases the chances of getting through initial screenings.

  • Completed a secondment at XYZ Corporation in London (2015-2016) to support global expansion efforts and assist with strategic initiatives.

Example 1: International Assignments on Secondment Resume

In this example, let's say you were a Project Manager who completed a six-month secondment assignment at a subsidiary of your current company in France. You oversaw a team and contributed to the successful launch of a new product line.

International Assignments on Secondment Resume

• Secondment: Paris, France (2018)
  • Project Manager role at ABC Corporation subsidiary (June-December)
  • Led a team of 6 to successfully launch a new product line, resulting in a 35% increase in sales.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure project alignment with company goals.

Example 2: International Assignments in Secondment Context

Suppose you were an HR Specialist who completed a one-year secondment at your parent company's office in Berlin, Germany, where you focused on talent acquisition and employee relations. You developed new hiring processes and improved employee retention rates.

International Assignments: Secondment Context

• Secondment: Berlin, Germany (2017)
  • HR Specialist role at XYZ Corporation headquarters (January-December)
  • spearheaded talent acquisition initiatives, resulting in a 45% increase in applicant pool diversity.
  • Collaborated with global teams to improve employee relations and boost retention rates by 20%.