Training on Resume

Should You List Training on Resume

Listing relevant training on your resume can significantly enhance your professional profile, particularly if the training aligns with the job you are seeking. However, it's essential to consider the context and region. In the United States, for instance, training is often seen as valuable professional development and may be more important in industries like technology or healthcare where certifications and ongoing learning are common. On the other hand, in some European countries, on-the-job training might be less emphasized, with a greater focus on academic degrees.

Why to List Training on Resume

• Demonstrates Initiative: Completing training shows that you're proactive about improving your skills and keeping up with industry trends.
• Enhances Credibility: Training can provide additional credentials, increasing your expertise in a specific area and making you more attractive to employers.
• Increases Employability: In some fields, specific training is a requirement or highly preferred, such as certifications for software or IT professionals.
• Shows Adaptability: By listing relevant training, you demonstrate adaptability, which is an essential quality in today's rapidly changing job market.
• Provides a Competitive Edge: In a crowded job market, training can help set you apart from other candidates.

Where to List Training on Resume

• Professional Summary or Objective: If the training is directly related to your career goals and aspirations, it can be included in this section.
• Skills Section: This section is ideal for listing any technical or soft skills gained through the training.
• Work Experience Section: If the training was job-related or provided additional skills that you used on the job, list it under the relevant position.
• Education Section (if applicable): If the training is part of a formal educational program or certification, it can be listed here.
• Certifications Section: For professional certifications or licenses earned through training, this section is appropriate.

Examples of How to List Training on Resume

Example 1: It Certification

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) - Cloud Platform

• Completed a comprehensive training program focusing on Microsoft Azure infrastructure and solutions.

• Achieved MCSA certification, demonstrating my expertise in cloud platform services and solutions.

Example 2: Soft Skills Training

• Effective Communication Workshop

• Attended a two-day workshop focused on improving communication skills for professionals.

• Learned strategies for active listening, assertiveness, and persuasive communication.

What to Avoid While Listing Training on Resume

• Vague Descriptions: Be specific about the training content, including the title of the course, duration, and any certifications earned.
• Irrelevant Training: Only list training that is directly related to your target job or industry.
• Outdated Training: Focus on recent training relevant to current trends and industry standards.
• Incomplete Information: Provide enough detail for the reader to understand the nature of the training without needing to ask questions.
• Excessive Detail: Avoid lengthy descriptions; focus on the most important aspects of the training that are relevant to the job you're seeking.

How to List Professional Development Workshops on Resume

Listing professional development workshops on a resume can demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and growth. Here are best practices for including this subcategory:

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Mention the skills you gained from each workshop, especially if they're relevant to the job you're applying for. For example, "Developed proficiency in Excel Macros at Microsoft Excel Advanced Training Workshop."

• Developed proficiency in Excel Macros at Microsoft Excel Advanced Training Workshop (January 2021)

  • Enhanced skills in data analysis, automation, and macro programming
  • Applicable to my role as a Financial Analyst

• Specify the Content: Clearly define what the workshop covered. This helps recruiters understand the depth of your learning experience. For instance, "Completed a four-day intensive workshop on Project Management Principles."

• Completed a four-day intensive workshop on Project Management Principles (March 2021)

  • Learned about project planning, resource allocation, and risk management
  • Equipped with the knowledge to manage complex projects effectively

• Indicate Certificates: If you received a certificate upon completion of the workshop, make sure to note this. This provides tangible evidence of your participation and learning. For example, "Awarded a certificate in 'Introduction to Artificial Intelligence' by Stanford University."

• Awarded a certificate in 'Introduction to Artificial Intelligence' by Stanford University (April 2021)

  • Demonstrates my commitment to staying current with AI technologies

• Include the Context: Briefly describe where the workshop took place and, if applicable, who facilitated it. This information can add credibility to your listing. For instance, "Attended a leadership development program at XYZ Corporation's annual conference."

• Attended a leadership development program at XYZ Corporation's annual conference (June 2021)

  • Benefitted from expert insights and networking opportunities in the industry

Example 1: Professional Development Workshops on Training Resume

Example: John Doe participated in an extensive four-day training workshop titled "Advanced Excel Formulas and Functions" at the Microsoft Excel Bootcamp, where he learned advanced techniques for manipulating data in Excel. As a Financial Analyst, this hands-on experience has significantly improved his ability to analyze large datasets efficiently and accurately.

Professional Development Workshops on Resume (Training Context)

• Microsoft Excel Bootcamp: Advanced Excel Formulas and Functions (February 2021)
  • Enhanced expertise in Excel formulas, functions, and pivot tables
  • Applicable to my role as a Financial Analyst

Example 2: Professional Development Workshops in Training Context

Example: Jane Smith joined an online course called "Agile Project Management Certification," offered by Scrum Alliance. Over the course of six weeks, she learned about Agile methodologies, Scrum framework, and Kanban principles. This training will support her role as a Product Manager at XYZ Tech Company.

Professional Development Workshops on Resume (Training Context)

• Scrum Alliance: Agile Project Management Certification (May 2021)
  • Gained in-depth understanding of Agile methodologies and Scrum practices
  • Prepared to effectively manage software development projects at XYZ Tech Company

How to List Internal Company Trainings on Resume

Listing internal company trainings on your resume can demonstrate your commitment to personal development, as well as the skills you've gained that are relevant to potential employers. Here are four best practices for effectively including this subcategory:

1. Use action verbs and concise language

• Clearly state what the training was about, where it took place (your company), and what you learned or accomplished as a result. Use action verbs like "developed," "implemented," "attended," and "facilitated."
• Example: Attended weekly sales strategy training sessions, resulting in a 15% increase in sales conversion rates.

2. Highlight key skills and achievements gained from the trainings

• Focus on the specific skills and abilities that you acquired or improved during the training sessions, such as leadership, communication, technical, or industry-specific knowledge. Emphasize any measurable results or achievements from applying these newfound skills in your work.
• Example: Completed a comprehensive data analysis course, which enabled me to identify trends, reduce errors, and increase efficiency by 30% in departmental reporting.

3. Organize the training section appropriately

• Group related trainings together under one subsection to help recruiters quickly understand your focus areas or skillsets. Consider categorizing trainings based on soft skills (e.g., leadership, communication), technical skills (e.g., software applications, programming languages), or industry-specific knowledge (e.g., compliance regulations).
• Example: Technical Skills Training:
  • Microsoft Excel Advanced Macros (2019)
  • Python Programming for Data Science (Coursera)
  • SQL Querying Best Practices (Pluralsight)

4. Quantify your impact and accomplishments when possible

• When discussing the results or outcomes of your training, use concrete numbers and statistics to demonstrate the positive impact on your work or the company. This will help recruiters understand the extent and value of your development efforts.
• Example: Successfully completed a customer service training program, resulting in a 20% decrease in customer complaints and a 15% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.

Example 1: Internal Company Trainings on Training Resume

• In my current role as a Project Coordinator at XYZ Corporation, I participate in regular internal company trainings designed to improve project management skills and enhance team collaboration. One notable training session was the Agile Project Management certification course, which I completed with a score of 95%. As a result, I've been able to effectively implement agile methodologies in our team, leading to increased efficiency and better project outcomes.*

Example 2: Internal Company Trainings in Training Context

• During my tenure as an HR Generalist at ABC Company, I took part in the company's comprehensive training program for professional development. One of the most valuable trainings was the "Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace" workshop. I learned best practices for fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment, which I have since implemented within my team to improve employee engagement and reduce turnover.*

How to List Industry Conferences/seminars on Resume

Listing industry conferences and seminars on a resume can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and growth. Here are some best practices to effectively include this subcategory on your resume:

• Highlight Relevant Topics: Include only the conferences or seminars that directly relate to the job you're applying for, focusing on topics such as industry trends, new technologies, or specific skills training.

  • Example: "Attended the 2020 Global Software Development Conference where I gained insights into the latest agile methodologies and best practices."

• Mention Key Takeaways: Summarize what you learned from each event, focusing on any new skills or knowledge that can be directly applied to the job you're seeking.

  • Example: "Gained hands-on experience with modern software development tools during a 3-day intensive training session at the 2019 Emerging Technologies Seminar."

• Identify Notable Speakers or Attendees: If any well-known figures in your industry were speakers or attendees, make sure to mention them to boost credibility.

  • Example: "Networked with renowned thought leaders in the field of data analytics at the 2018 Big Data Insights Conference."

• Incorporate Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs such as attended, participated, learned, networked, and gained to describe your involvement in each conference or seminar.

  • Example: "Actively engaged in hands-on workshops and networking opportunities at the 2017 Digital Marketing Summit."

• Organize Chronologically: List conferences and seminars in reverse chronological order, with the most recent events appearing first.

  • Example: "Conferences and Seminars"
• • 2021 Artificial Intelligence Forum: Attended sessions on AI ethics and compliance in the workplace.
• • 2020 Global Software Development Conference: Gained insights into the latest agile methodologies and best practices.
• • 2019 Emerging Technologies Seminar: Participated in a 3-day intensive training session on modern software development tools."

Example 1: Industry Conferences/seminars on Training Resume

Attended: Machine Learning Summit, 2018

In this conference, I took part in interactive workshops focusing on deep learning techniques and their applications. This advanced my understanding of machine learning algorithms and provided practical skills that I have since applied in my current role as a Data Scientist.

Example 2: Industry Conferences/seminars in Training Context

Attended: Web Development Bootcamp, 2017

This 5-day seminar offered intensive training on modern web development technologies like ReactJS and Angular. By the end of the bootcamp, I had developed a working knowledge of these tools, which has significantly improved my web development skills in my role as a Frontend Developer.

How to List Certification Programs on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlight Relevance: Clearly indicate how the certification program relates to the job you are applying for. Briefly explain what skills or knowledge you gained from the program that make you a strong candidate.

• Example: Microsoft Certified: Solution Developer (MCPD) - Obtained this certification to demonstrate my proficiency in developing enterprise-level solutions using Microsoft technologies. This skillset aligns well with the requirements of the Software Engineer position I am applying for.

• Specify Duration and Completion Status: Clearly state when you completed the program and whether it is still current (if applicable). Include any ongoing training or recertification plans if necessary.

• Example: Project Management Professional (PMP) - Achieved PMP certification in 2018 and am currently maintaining my credentials through ongoing professional development activities.

• Detail the Curriculum: Briefly describe the main components of the program, focusing on aspects that are particularly relevant to the job you're applying for. Avoid listing every single topic covered.

• Example: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) - Gained a comprehensive understanding of Agile principles and practices, including the Scrum framework, during this 2-day training course. I have since applied these methodologies in various project management roles to increase team productivity and collaboration.

• Include Certification Body: Make sure to mention the name of the organization that provided the certification, as it adds credibility to your listing.

• Example: Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ) - Earned this certification from Google demonstrating my expertise in using their analytics platform for data-driven marketing and analysis.

• Order within the Resume: List certification programs under the "Education" or "Professional Development" section, depending on the context and how it fits with your academic background. If you have many certifications, consider creating a separate subsection for them.

• Example: Certifications -

  • Microsoft Certified: Solution Developer (MCPD) - 2015
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) - 2018
  • Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ) - 2017

Example 1: Certification Programs on Training Resume

Consider a candidate applying for a Learning and Development Specialist role, who has completed several training programs related to instructional design, adult learning theory, and e-learning development. They might structure their resume as follows:

• Professional Development
  • Certifications
    • Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) - 2019
      • Demonstrates expertise in instructional design, adult learning theory, and performance improvement methodologies.
    • eLearning Industry Specialist (eLIS) - 2020
      • Acquired skills in creating effective online learning content and managing e-learning projects.
    • Articulate 360 Certified Trainer - 2018
      • Achieved proficiency in using Articulate software for developing interactive e-learning courses.

Example 2: Certification Programs in Training Context

For a candidate applying for a Sales Training Manager position, they might showcase their relevant certifications like this:

• Professional Development
  • Certifications
    • Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) - 2018
      • Demonstrates expertise in instructional design, adult learning theory, and performance improvement methodologies, which will be valuable when designing effective sales training programs.
    • Sandler Sales Training Certification - 2020
      • Completed comprehensive training on the Sandler selling system, including consulting skills and strategic account management techniques.
    • Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking and Human Relations - 2016
      • Gained communication and interpersonal skills that will enable me to deliver impactful sales presentations and lead successful sales teams.

How to List Online Courses/webinars on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Online Courses/Webinars on a Training Resume

• Provide Context: Clearly specify the title and purpose of each online course or webinar you've attended. This context helps potential employers understand what skills or knowledge you gained from the experience. For instance, "Online Course: 'Python Programming for Data Science' - Gained proficiency in Python and data manipulation libraries such as Pandas and NumPy."

• Mention Duration: Include the duration of each course, such as the total hours spent or the start and end dates. This provides a sense of commitment and dedication to continuous learning. For example, "Webinar: 'Leadership in Times of Crisis' - 1-hour webinar presented by [Provider Name] on [Date]."

• Highlight Achievements: If there were any assessments, projects, or certificates associated with the course, make sure to note these achievements. This can demonstrate your ability to apply learned skills and commitment to mastering new topics. For example, "Online Course: 'Graphic Design for Beginners' - Completed assignments and received a certificate of completion from [Provider Name]."

• Use Keywords: Utilize relevant keywords related to the training context within your resume. This will help Automated Tracking Systems (ATS) identify your skills more easily, increasing your chances of being noticed by potential employers. For example, "Online Webinar: 'Effective Communication in a Virtual Environment' - Learned strategies for clear and concise communication in remote settings."

• Organize Thoughtfully: Group online courses or webinars together under a specific section titled "Professional Development" or "Continuing Education." This keeps your resume organized and makes it easy for employers to find relevant information quickly.

Example 1: Online Courses/webinars on Training Resume

Online Course: 'Excel Mastery' - Gained expertise in advanced Excel functions, pivot tables, and macros.

• Completed 40-hour course over a period of two months
• Received a certificate of completion from LinkedIn Learning

Example 2: Online Courses/webinars in Training Context

Webinar: 'Project Management Fundamentals' - Learned key principles of project management, including scope management, time estimation, and risk identification.

• Participated in a 1-hour webinar presented by ProjectManagement.com on May 20th, 2021.
• Applied newfound knowledge to manage a successful team project at work.