An annotated resume is an extended version of your traditional resume used as a means of keeping track of detailed career information. Also referred to as a documentary resume, your annotated resume is not typically distributed to employers. Writing an annotated resume is similar to writing an annotated bibliography in that it should include several sentences to summarize each experience and achievement.

Creating an Annotated Resume

Gather all relevant career-related information. If you have a traditional resume already, you will be expanding on this document. Your annotated resume is a working document that you will continuously build upon and use to keep a detailed listing of your accomplishments.

Include your professional profile/career goal(s). Summarize who you are professionally and what you envision for the future. Be as specific as possible. For example, "I graduated in 2005 with a degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis Campus. I am working on a an advanced degree in psychology to be completed in 2009, and I plan to work as a clinical psychologist in the Twin Cities metro area."

Add or modify all of the sections present on a traditional resume including education/awards/honors/research, internships/work experience and volunteer experience/community involvement. Include all details that will help you better recall your experience.

For example, a traditional resume may include a brief listing of each employer you have worked for such as "2005-2007, Employer ABC, Location, Title" and a bullet-pointed lists of your duties. An annotated resume will go beyond that to include the company's full address and contact information, manager/co-workers contact information, all job-related conferences and trainings you attended with dates and locations, all recognition/awards you received and any other details you need to keep track of.

List those who may be able to provide a work or educational reference for you. Consider adding this as the final page of your annotated resume and make a separate copy to be used as the work reference page you will distribute to employers.