Should You Include A Side Gig In Your Resume? 3 Things To Consider

Revealing a side gig on your resume isn’t a clear-cut yes or no—it’s a strategic storytelling decision. The real question isn’t whether others will judge you, but how well you can frame the experience as an asset.

What matters most is alignment: does your second job enhance the narrative of who you are professionally? If you’re mentoring students as a college consultant while working in higher education, that’s not a distraction—it’s depth. It shows initiative, expertise, and a passion that extends beyond a paycheck.

In my experience, investors and hiring managers alike are drawn to people who demonstrate resourcefulness and drive. A side gig can signal both—especially if it builds complementary skills like client management, marketing, or time discipline. But if it’s purely transactional and disconnected from your core path, it may dilute your focus.

The smarter move? Decide not based on fear of judgment, but on message clarity. If you include it, own it. Craft your ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ story so the side gig reinforces, not competes with, your value. If you omit it, be ready to address the gap should it surface later.

We often overthink single elements of our pitch—a resume line, a title, a job hop—while underinvesting in outreach, follow-up, and narrative strength. A side gig won’t make or break your search. But how you present your entire journey just might.

Read the full piece to sharpen your approach to resume decisions that feel authentic and strategically sound.