resume education field

How to List Education on a Resume in 2024 (With Examples & Tips)

Not sure what degree to list? If you should include a GPA? It just so happens that there's a variety of ways to effectively list your eduction.

The education section of a resume may not always be the star of the document but knowing how to properly list your education can be essential for advancing into the next phase of the hiring process.

In this guide, we will cover all the ins and outs of crafting an education section for your resume. 

We'll cover the following:

• What to Include in an Education Section?

Tips for Listing Degrees (College, High-School, GED)

Listing incomplete education.

• Where to Include Education on a Resume?

What Employers Look for in an Education Section

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job.

What to Include in an Education Section

As we've covered, different formats of resumes may require different information to be included within an education section.

In general, there is some basic information that should be included within the education section of a resume:

• The name of the school — "e.g. Georgia Institute of Technology"
• The location of the school
• Your degree ( high-school diploma, GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, etc. )
• Graduation year ( if applicable )
• Major field or department of study (if applicable )
• Minor field or department of study (if applicable and relevant )
• GPA ( If you're a student or graduates who held lower GPAs, this bit of information may be good to omit unless specifically requested by the employer )

Here's what that looks like for and university grad:

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA B.S. in Computer Engineering, 2006 - 2010 GPA: 3.9/4.0

For high-school students, you can do something like the following:

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA High School Diploma, Graduated in 2010 GPA: 3.9/4.0

Remember, including a GPA  is optional. Only add it if it's required by the job listing or it's relatively high. If your GPA is low (under 3.5), it's better to just leave it out.

Listing Education with Limited Work Experience

In resumes that have limited or no work experience , as may be the case with college students or recent graduates, the education section may be a good opportunity to show off educational achievements instead.

Additional information that can be included in longer education sections can include:

• Internships completed as part of a curriculum 
• Academic awards or sponsorships
• Relevant coursework
• Academic assistantships with professors or other academic professionals

As covered, in documents such as CVs the education section could be fairly lengthy.

However, the education section for most resumes will be one of the shortest sections.

This is mostly because standard resumes will be used for entry-level or mid-level positions, while longer-form resumes like the CV will only come into play for more prestigious or hard to obtain positions. 

It is much more important to show either a robust work history or detail relevant and transferable skills, using your education as support rather than the main point of interest. 

Here are some quick tips for deciding what educational information to include in a resume:

1) When including professional hobbies and extra curricular activities, it is important to keep relevance in mind

Incorrect: Do not include information about sports clubs or other clubs that cannot be connected back to your qualifications for a job.

Correct: If you held leadership positions in clubs or other extra-curricular activities, this can be useful information to include to highlight non-paid leadership or management experience.

Keep your descriptions simple and concise

Incorrect: Including long-winded and wordy paragraphs explaining the relevance of a certain piece of information. If a piece of information is relevant, it should be easily explained in one, simple sentence.

Correct: Use bullet points to separate bits of information to keep your resume easy to read or skim.

The readability of a resume can be the defining factor of whether or not a job recruiter or potential employer moves the candidate into the next phase of the hiring process.

As such, using clear and concise wording and formatting is essential for not just the education section, but for all sections. 

Here are a few tips for different formatting options depending on the level and type of education you have completed.

1) Adding High School and GED on Resume

• If your highest level of education is a high school diploma or a GED, this should still be included as there are many jobs that are open to high school graduates as well as college graduates.
• Generally, this type of education section should be kept short and sweet. Listing that you have received either a diploma or a GED should be sufficient.
• If you have recently graduated high school or received your GED, including additional high school-related achievements may be beneficial (such as leadership positions, honor roll awards, athletics, etc.)

2) Adding Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees on Resume

• When listing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree on a resume, always include the name and location of the institution, as well as the date or expected date of graduation.
• While the education section should still be kept short, inclusion of any collegiate level academic achievements, such as honor societies or dean’s lists, can be useful to include.
• Don’t go too crazy including coursework of extracurricular information – stick to including the most relevant information. 

3) Adding Graduate School or Doctoral Programs on Resume

• Graduate and doctoral students may feel inclined to always include this information; however, it is important to be wary of including too much academic information in scenarios where it may render you overqualified for the position.
• Graduate and doctoral information is more likely to come into play for candidates seeking higher level positions at the management level. 
• For candidates seeking jobs in academic or scientific fields, a CV-style resume and longer-form education section providing higher level of details regarding graduate or doctoral programs may be necessary.

4) Adding Certifications on Resume

• In some cases, a candidate may not have attended college but may have completed a trade school or other program that resulted in various certifications. These certifications should be included when relevant.
• Certifications such as CPR or First Aid can be useful to include in most resumes, although they should perhaps be saved for a separate certifications section .

5) Listing Incomplete Education on Resume

Incomplete education can be tricky to include in a way that sounds positive — as such, if you have incomplete education, be wary of your wording and avoid words such as “incomplete” or “unfinished.” Instead try to do the following:

• Include relevant coursework or credits earned during your duration of education before the point of departure from the institution.
• Omit any wordy or lengthy explanations of why the education is incomplete. 

However, we've seen this be a common problem that many candidates have. Continue reading below to see how to effectively list education that is left incomplete. ‍

In some cases, a job applicant may have a partially-complete or incomplete educational credential they want to list on their resume.

Incomplete education can result from a variety of circumstances, including:

• A person who is still in the process of earning their diploma, GED, or degree, but has not yet earned the credential or graduated.
• A person who started a degree and completed relevant coursework, but ultimately did not finish the degree program.
• A person who chose a different career path than what they studied for, but still has relevant coursework for the new career path.

When listing incomplete education on a resume, it is important to stay highly mindful of how you are wording your limited educational credentials — as words such as “ unfinished ” or “ incomplete ” are not ideal to include within a resume. 

Here are some quick examples on how to properly list incomplete education in the education section of a resume:

For applicants who are in the process of completing a degree, it is important to note the expected timeframe of completion.

Incorrect: ‍ B.S. in Communications University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Not yet complete

Correct: B.S. in Communications University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Expected graduation May 2021

For applicants who began a degree, but ultimately did not complete the degree, it is key to be mindful of how you frame the education you did receive. 

Incorrect: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC

Why is this incorrect? Sure, this example indicates you, at some point, attended a university.

However, it provides no insight as to what relevant coursework or studies you may have completed.

Here's the correct way to describe your educational experience instead:

Correct: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC Completed 20 credits towards a BS in Communications

Alternatively: This could be a good opportunity to include a bulleted list of relevant coursework.

For applicants who did not complete high school, it is important to note if you either earned a GED or are in the process of earning a GED.

Incorrect: ‍ Watauga County High School Boone, NC Incomplete

Correct: General Educational Development Diploma Earned May 2021 — OR — Expected to earn May 2021

Generally speaking, the majority of jobs will require applicants to have earned at minimum a GED certification in order to qualify.

In some cases, an applicant may lack a degree but may be certified by a trade school.

For instance, a beautician would want to include any beauty and health related certifications or licenses earned under the education section. 

Take a look at this resume example of a college student below to see how to do this.

Where to Include Education on a Resume

When it comes to placing your educational credentials on a resume, there are many considerations to make.

Resumes can serve a variety of purposes and, as a general rule of thumb, should be tailored for specific jobs . 

It is also important to take into consideration the level of education you have completed, as this will impact how it should be presented as well.

For instance, a job applicant seeking a position in academia would have a much heavier emphasis on education and academic-related achievements — than someone seeking a job in a corporate environment.

Ultimately, not all resumes are the same, so the placement of the education section will differ depending on the type of resume being used and the intention behind its structuring. 

Choosing the right resume format

There are several different types of resume formats to choose from, but the main ones that are used are as follows:

1) Reverse-Chronological

‍ Emphasis is placed on the most relevant work experience, listing jobs from most recent to oldest. Education can be placed before or after the work experience section. However higher degrees that qualify a candidate for the position may be beneficial to mention sooner rather than later. 

2) Functional

‍ Functional resumes place a much heavier emphasis on skillsets and areas of expertise. This format of resume is typically used by job applicants lacking the relevant work experience or educational credentials. In this format, the education section may lead if the applicant has educational credentials but limited work experience but should follow after the skills section if education is limited. 

‍ Hybrid resumes combine the reverse-chronological work experience ordering with the emphasizing of skills. This can help to supplement resumes of applicants who may have some relevant work experience but still need to beef up their resumes with a skills section . The placement of the education section will depend on how applicable or high level the credentials are and should generally be kept brief. 

4) Curriculum Vitae (CV)

‍ CVs are a type of long-form and multi-page resume used most commonly by applicants seeking positions in either academic or scientific fields. In a CV, the education section will be a prominent component and should appear early in the document. This type of education section should include all credentials, published works, projects, awards, or other academic achievements — no details should be spared. 

The below example of a Physician Assistant's resume is listing education in the bottom-right corner as it's using a reverse-chronological resume format to shine on it's work history.

Employers can gather a variety of information about a job candidate from an education section, including:

• A job applicant’s work ethic, reflected through GPAs or other grade-related information
• Relevant skills or training an applicant has received through their schooling
• Name recognition of specific universities, such as ivy leagues, that may give a candidate a leg up on the competition
• Insight into a candidate’s interests or talents based on academic-related extracurricular activities included 

Understanding what employers are looking for in an education section included on a resume is key to understand how much or how little information to include.

What an employer is looking for will vary depending on the nature of the job being offered. 

For instance, an entry-level communications job at a corporation is likely to require a bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.

Comparatively, a job in the welding industry may require the completion of a trade school program but not require a four-year degree. 

It is of the utmost importance when you are applying to various jobs that you read the job descriptions provided carefully, as this is where you will find the necessary information regarding what educational credentials are required of eligible candidates.

This will also help you to tailor your education section according to what credentials or qualifications you have that meet the requirements of the job. 

In general, what an employer is mostly looking for is simply that an education section exists on a resume.

The majority of employers will want candidates who have shown a commitment to their education, reflected through the inclusion of an education section.

For candidates lacking a completed education, it is still considered best practice to include some information regarding what level of education was reached before the point of incompletion, as well as the inclusion of any relevant coursework and knowledge gained from the time the candidate spent pursuing further education. 

Here is a quick rundown of a few key factors to consider for applicants who may be unsure how much information to provide in an education section for a specific employer or position:

• The education section should prove that you have the credentials necessary to complete the job at hand.
• Oversharing of education can be detrimental in some situations, as overqualified candidates may not be considered by employers.
• Job descriptions will always be the best place to look for indicators regarding how much educational background information an employer is looking for.
• Never lie or over-exaggerate — while not all employers double-check applicants’ educational histories, many still do, and dishonesty can cost you the position in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Unless you are crafting a longer-form resume, such as a CV, the education section will generally be a fairly short summary of your academic credentials and achievements.

Education sections can be longer in some cases where job applicants may have hefty academic backgrounds but limited work experience.

Ultimately, the key to making a strong education section is to include only the most relevant information.

Always avoid deceptive wording, as employers can fairly easily run academic background checks if need be. 

Check out our resume templates to get your creativity flowing and get started on your ideal resume today. 

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What to Include in Your Education Section

The education section on a resume gives hiring managers a glimpse into your academic achievements , interests, and skills.

It can demonstrate your commitment to learning, your ability to succeed in a structured environment, and the relevant knowledge you've acquired.

The information you should include in this section, though, varies based on things like your career level, the exact job you're applying for, and how recent your education is.

This means you don’t always have to be super detailed. Some of the information about your education is optional, and some of it may even be redundant if you have relevant work experience, so you should only use it if you think it can give your resume a boost.

Let’s start with the details most employers expect to see:

Essential Information

• Degree Name. Include the type of degree and the relevant major. (E.g.: BFA in Graphic Design)
• University Name. Add the name of the institution you studied at. (E.g.: University of Saint Andrews)
• Location. If the university isn’t well known or the name doesn’t specify where it is, include the general location. (E.g.: St Andrews, Scotland)
• Years Attended. Usually, only the years you attend there are enough, but the mm/yyyy format is also popular. (E.g.: 09/2018 - 06/2021)

Optional Information

• Honors and Awards. If you’ve received any acknowledgments, list them here. (E.g.: Dean's List, Summa Cum Laude, Merit Scholarships, Valedictorian)
• Relevant Coursework. List three to five courses that directly apply to your target job. (E.g.: Marketing 101, Marketing Strategy, PR Basics)
• Thesis or Dissertation. We recommend including this for graduate-level degrees in research-heavy fields.
• Minor. If relevant, include any additional areas of study. (E.g.: BA in Creative Writing, Minor in Journalism)
• Grade Point Average. Only include your GPA if it's 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale. Anything lower can undermine your application.
• Extracurricular Activities. Mention any clubs or organizations that seem relevant. (E.g.: Debate team, Theater Club, School Newspaper)

Here’s an example of an education section that includes information from both categories:

Getting ready to find a job? Start by learning how to write a resume with our detailed guide!

How to Format Education on Your Resume

Now that you have an idea of what to include in your education section, let’s explain how you should do it.

In terms of structuring your education section, follow a reverse-chronological order ; this means, list your latest educational entry first and then go backward from there.

And remember – if you have a relevant university degree, there’s no need to waste precious space on your resume by listing your high school education .

As a general rule, if you’re an experienced professional and you have a Master’s degree, you can also omit your undergrad degree. Hiring managers are a lot more interested in your work experience section, so your education section should only focus on the basics.

However, if you’re a recent graduate , you might want to include more details to give your resume an extra kick. It’s always a good idea to leverage your education if you don’t have enough relevant work experience.

Now, regardless of your level of experience, add the name of your degree at the very top of the entry in your education section.

The same degree can be written down differently, for instance:

• Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Culture with a Minor in Teaching
• BA in English Language and Culture, Minor in Teaching
• B.A. English Language and Culture (Major), Teaching (Minor)
• BA, English Language and Culture

Here’s an example of what the formatting in your education section should look like:

If you graduated from a famous university with a good reputation, you can highlight that first. For example, list “Harvard University” before the name of your degree.

Where to Place Education on Your Resume

Another important thing to consider is where to position the education section on your resume.

This mostly depends on where you are in your career. Do you have a lot of relevant achievements in the field, or are you looking for your first job ?

As a rule of thumb, the top third of your resume should be reserved for your accomplishments , which are most relevant to the job you are applying for.

So before you place this section on your resume, ask yourself: is your education your biggest selling point to the hiring manager?

Most of the time, it won’t be. Work experience is way more important for just about any position above entry level, so it should be listed first.

Let’s look at an example of a resume that puts this into action:

As you can see, this architect resume starts by listing their relevant work experience and then includes a detailed entry of their most recent degree.

When Does Education Go Before Work Experience?

While your work experience section is generally more important, there are a few cases where you should list your education first.

These include:

• You have no work experience. When you have absolutely no work experience yet, you should focus on your academic achievements instead.
• You just graduated college. If you don’t have relevant work experience, you’re often better off not listing it. For example, if you’re applying for an entry-level office job, the part-time teenage jobs you had won’t be anywhere near as relevant as your recently earned BA in Marketing.
• You are currently studying. If you’re in the process of earning a degree that’s relevant to your targeted field, it’s better to list education before work experience. For example, if you’re making a career change , you would want your new education to be the first thing the hiring manager sees.
• You recently earned a new degree. Getting a fresh MSc, Ph.D., or MBA in your field is worth showing off. For example, if you’ve been a line manager for years but earned an MBA to qualify for an executive position, your education section should go first.
• You are applying to academia. Usually, when applying for a research or teaching position in academia, you’ll need an academic CV , not a resume. In that case, your education will always come first.

Not sure if you need a CV or a resume ? Check out our guide to learn what the difference between the two is and when to use which.

Use a (Free) Resume Template

Creating a resume can be a hassle.

You have to find a template that works with your favorite text editor, set the page margins, adjust the line spacing, choose a professional font , and all while making sure you never go past page one.

What if there was an easier way?

This is where our resume builder comes in!

Novoresume lets you choose from 16 professional resume templates , each crafted with feedback from HR professionals around the world, and create the perfect resume in minutes.

Just look at how one of our resume templates compares to a basic text editor resume template:

16 Examples of Education on a Resume

Looking for inspiration?

We’ve compiled a list filled with real-life examples of how education can be listed on a resume, with practical examples for different types and levels of education:

#1. High School Education

If you’re a high school student, you might have some volunteer experience or extracurriculars you can show off. In that case, you can start by listing those sections, so long as they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you volunteered with your local branch of the Red Cross, that’s a good experience to have when you’re applying to work at a shelter.

In most other cases, the education section would take the upper hand, and it would look something like this:

High School Diploma

Chapel Hill High School

2017 - 2021

• Courses: AP Science, Mathematics, Advanced Chemistry

If you’re still in high school, you can disclose it in your resume by writing down your expected graduation year or otherwise specifying that you’re currently still there.

2021 - Present

#2. General Education Development

If you were homeschooled or haven’t graduated high school, the previous example won’t apply to you.

But if you still received a General Education Development certificate, you can mention that in your resume in the following way:

GED Diploma

Durham Literacy Center

Just like with high school education, you can include the location of your school or GED center, as well as any relevant courses, if you have enough space.

#3. Associate Degree

If you went to a community college or opted for a vocational program, you can list it in your education section the same as any other undergraduate degree.

Associate degrees are typically cheaper and take less time than a bachelor’s degree. They tend to be focused on specific occupations and place more emphasis on daily job functions. Other than that, they follow the same formatting as any other educational entry.

Let’s look at some real-life examples of different types of degrees at this level.

First, an Associate of Arts degree:

AA in Business Designation

Community College of Denver

2015 - 2016

Summa Cum Laude

Next, here’s how you would list an ongoing Associate’s of Applied Science degree:

AAS in Medical Assisting

2018 - Present

Some associate degrees are what’s known as “transfer degrees.” Here, the long-term goal is to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.

Similarly, if you’ve completed accredited courses at a community college that can go towards a degree, you can list them under your education section, like this:

Medical Assisting Certificate

• 30 credits completed

#4. Certificates

Certificates can be included on your resume, either as part of the education section or in a dedicated section.

Unlike broad academic degrees, certificates can show specialized expertise and commitment to professional development. They tend to demonstrate more focused, essential skills that are directly applicable to a particular job or industry.

Treat these entries the same as any other: list the name of the certificate, the institution or organization that issued it, and the year you obtained it.

Here’s an example of how to list a professional certificate in an education section:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

American Institute of CPAs

And here’s how they would look in a separate section:

CERTIFICATES

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) - National Academy of Sports Medicine, 2020
• Certified Nutrition Coach - American Nutrition Association, 2023

But there are also other certificates you could list , such as after specialized software courses:

• Maya Autodesk: Advanced 3D & Animation Udemy, 2022
• Creation of Pixel Art Scenes for Video Games Domestika, 2023

#5. Undergraduate Degree

There are different ways to list a bachelor’s degree.

Let’s take a look at three different cases for a candidate with an engineering degree.

First, if you’ve graduated from university and received the degree, list it according to the following template:

B.Sc. Mechanical Engine ering

University of California, Berkeley

2002 - 2006

If you obtained a double major, you would write it down as:

B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering

If you have two or more majors, keep in mind that you should list the major that’s most relevant to the job you are applying to.

For example, if you majored in Applied Languages and International Relations, you should focus on the languages for a job as a translator.

Lastly, if you’re still attending college, just omit the finishing year when filling in your education section and add “Present” instead, like so:

But there are also different ways you can specify that you’re still studying. Instead of “Present,” you could write:

• 2021 - Current
• Expected Graduation: 2024
• 2021 - 2024 (expected graduation)
• 2021 - In progress
• To Be Completed: 2024

#6. Graduate and Postgraduate Degrees

Graduate-level education is, in general, more detailed since it requires participating in a more focused area of research on top of your graduate-level work. 

At this level, you probably contributed to the field with a dissertation of your own, which you should include in your resume.

Here’s an example:

Ph.D. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences

University of Rochester

Dissertation: Imaging, Computational Analysis, & Neural Representations in Young Children

Graduate and postgraduate education often includes scholarships , fellowships, or outside funding involved, which you might want to include in addition to all the general information about your degree.

Here are some real-life examples:

MBA in Business Administration

University of Maine

• Avangrid Scholarship
• Magna Cum Laude

When it comes to honors and awards, there are different ways you can list them to save space on your resume. Here’s an example that mentions them but leaves more space for the dissertation title:

MSc. in Information Systems

WU Vienna University of Economics & Business

Salutatorian, Summa Cum Laude

2015 - 2017

Dissertation: Leveraging User-Generated Content for Advertising Purposes Through Information Systems

And if you’re still studying, don’t forget to check out our student resume templates to get started on your job hunt.

#7. Unfinished Education

Even if you didn’t graduate from university, you can still mention it in your education section. Just be strategic about it.

If you have several years of relevant coursework from a degree program that relates to the job you're applying for, it can show that you’re knowledgeable even without the final credential.

B.Sc. in Civil Engineering

34 credits completed

2018 - 2019

However, if you only have basic courses or your degree isn’t relevant to the role, you might be better off skipping it altogether. There’s no need to draw attention to an unfinished degree if it won’t help you impress the hiring manager.

Need more examples? Check out our 90+ resume examples for different professions .

Do you still wonder something about education on a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions here:

#1. How Do You Put Your Degree on a CV?

Adding your degree to your CV is pretty much the same as adding it to your resume.

List your degrees in reverse chronological order, with the most recent degree on top. Always include the essential information, such as the degree name, your major, the name of the university, and the years you attended. If relevant, you can include your GPA, thesis title, study abroad experiences, and academic honors.

#2. How Do You Write Down Your Bachelor’s Degree?

There are different ways that a bachelor's degree can be written down on your resume. Usually, there’s no need to spell out the full degree name, so there are ways you can abbreviate it for your resume. These include:

BA (Bachelor of Arts) BS (Bachelor of Science) BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Just use the specific abbreviation that matches your degree type. (E.g.: BSc Computer Science, BA History, BBA Economics, etc. )

#3. What If I Have an Education Gap or Took Time Off from Studies?

Treat any gaps in your education the same as you would treat an employment gap . Be upfront with the hiring manager and list the start and end dates to account for the time of the gap on your resume.

Use your cover letter to briefly explain the gap without going into too much detail. Hiring managers are understanding, and reasons like health, family, or professional experience are all common to justify education gaps.

#4. How Far Back Should I Go When Listing My Education History?

Generally, you only need to list basic information about your education if you graduated a long time ago. Your work experience and more recent achievements will have a lot more weight than details about your time in college 14 years ago.

For most professionals, listing just your highest degree is more than enough. However, an academic CV for scientific or research-heavy roles might need a more comprehensive educational background.

Key Takeaways

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of our article!

We’re confident you’re an expert on how to list education on a resume by now, but before we part ways, let’s quickly wrap up our main points:

• Your education section belongs after your work experience section, though there are some exceptions.
• If you don’t have any work experience, recently earned a relevant degree, or if you’re applying for a research-oriented position or in academia, the education section should be listed first.
• When listing your educational entries, use a reverse chronological order. Start with the most recent degree you have and go backward from there.
• If you have some sort of higher education, there’s no need to list your high school education.
• Unless your GPA is exceptional, don’t list it. It might undermine your resume otherwise.
• There are different ways to list your education, depending on the type of school you went to and what you want to highlight. Scroll back up if you want to see some examples.

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Jobscan > Resume Examples > Education Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

Education Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

When you choose a career in education, you're committed to giving future generations the tools they need to change the world for the better. Get your dream job in this gratifying field with the resources and education resume samples our experts gathered for you.

Education resume samples

As an educator, you play a formative role in childhood development across the stages of their lives.You facilitate their acquisition of knowledge, values, and skills, spark curiosity about many concepts and topics, and help students identify their strengths and weaknesses. Your primary duties will be to:

• Plan appealing lessons.
• Manage the classroom.
• Engage uninterested students.
• Decide the class objectives.
• Provide timely feedback.
• Communicate with students and parents.

It’s essential that you have the right skills, and that you’re prepared to take on such important tasks, but that won’t do much for you if you don’t know how to present your capabilities. Show the board you have what it takes by building a solid resume .

The competition in the education sector is fierce, and you want to stand out from other applicants with a similar skillset. If you don’t know where to start when you’re writing a jaw-dropping resume, don’t fret. All you need to do is follow the different education resources and resume examples below.

Preschool teacher resume example

As a pre-K teacher, you’ll be introducing your pupils to the basic skills to thrive on their academic journey. The job might seem simple to the untrained eye, but you teach the foundation for your students to master many of life’s most important skills. The following is a resume sample that demonstrates flexibility and skill with small children.

Elementary teacher resume example

Kids can be a handful in elementary, but you’re teaching them so much ⁠— how to read chapter books, or the order of the planets, or what atoms are. They want to be stimulated, so make sure that you highlight your ability to be flexible and creative when planning your lessons. This template is a good guide if you’re stuck.

High school teacher resume example

If you’re looking to help kids close to adulthood, students preparing to take their first independent steps, and you want to get the ready for college or the job market, you should become a high school teacher. Your primary duties will be preparing engaging courses and mentoring your pupils so that they can reach their fullest potential. Follow this template to write an impressive resume.

Research assistant resume example

As a research assistant, you will support college professors and other faculty members as they conduct critical scholarly research. You’ll get to collect and analyze data and even help perform experiments. The work is hard, but you might be part of the next big breakthrough. If you’re interested, take a look at this resume sample.

Research associate resume example

Teaching is not all you can do to leave a mark in the academic world. If you have great analytic skills and you’re hungry for knowledge, you could become a research associate and find yourself getting the praise of the whole department. The resume template below is a good starting point if you can see yourself working in research.

Principal resume example

If you feel that you’ve earned a promotion, take your education skills out of the classroom and become a leader in the academic community. As a principal, you’ll represent your school and ensure all administrative operations and programs run smoothly. If you’re ready to advance your education career, take a look at the resume sample to see if you’re a good fit. ‌

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Education resume skills and keywords.

Most recruiters use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter out weak candidates right at the start. If you want to bypass this selection software, you’ll need to incorporate strong education resume skills into your resume. Look for the following examples in the job description and use them in your favor.

30+ skills for education

• Public relations
• Project planning
• Higher education
• Staff development
• Leadership development
• Early childhood education
• Public policy
• K-12 education
• Adult education
• Negotiation
• Teacher Training
• Communication
• Change management
• Behavior management
• Educational consulting
• Public speaking
• Personal development
• Language teaching
• Educational technology
• Clinical research
• Community outreach
• Educational leadership
• Special education
• Fundraising
• Elementary education
• Program evaluation
• Interim management
• Program development
• Instructional design
• Mental health
• Cooperation
• Lesson planning
• Differentiated instruction
• Intercultural communication
• Classroom management
• Event planning
• Strategic planning
• Team Leadership
• Computer literacy

Salary expectations for popular education roles

Your salary as an educator will depend on many factors, but as a rule of thumb, the longer you’ve been on the job, and the more credentials you have, the better the pay will be. The numbers vary from one state to another, but on average, here’s what you’ll make in the roles described above.

Education and certification requirements for education resumes

To start your career as an educator, you’ll need to at least have a bachelor’s degree in education and pass the state’s certification exam. However, according to the National Center of Education Statistics, most institutions ask their applicants for a master’s degree or higher. If you’ll be conducting research, you may need a Ph.D. in that discipline.

Having additional credentials will allow you to pursue more ambitious positions within the field, and you’ll find more opportunities ⁠— maybe even your dream role. Whether you choose secondary, early childhood, middle-level education, or special education, it won’t hurt if you get specific and specialize in disciplines like:

• Foreign languages

Keep in mind that education is an ever-evolving sector. Today’s educators must also have training in teaching technologies, online instruction, and modern pedagogical techniques, and that’s what employers are looking for.

• Career Blog

Education on Your Resume: Complete Guide 2024

When it comes to creating a winning resume, including education is a critical component that job seekers should not overlook. Education not only demonstrates one’s academic prowess, but it also shows an individual’s dedication, discipline, and ability to learn and grow. Therefore, education can be a powerful tool in career development, which is precisely why this topic is significant.

In this complete guide to incorporating education on your resume, we will explore the importance of education in career development and why it matters on your resume. Our guide will provide practical tips and examples to help you showcase your academic achievements and credentials effectively.

This article has a purpose to show you how education can be a valuable asset in your resume and how you can make it work for you. We understand that crafting a comprehensive resume can be a daunting task, and our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Whether you’re a fresh graduate, mid-career professional, or a seasoned executive, we believe that our guide will help you capture the attention of prospective employers and secure your next dream job. So let’s get started on this journey to exploring the value of education in your career development and how to showcase it on your resume.

Understanding Education on Your Resume

As a job seeker, the education section of your resume carries a lot of significance as it reflects your academic background and relevant qualifications. This section should be given ample attention to ensure that it aligns well with the requirements of the position and impresses the employer.

What should be included in the Education section?

The education section should include the following details:

• Degree : The type of degree you have earned (e.g. Bachelor of Science) should be clearly mentioned in this section.
• Major/Field of Study : Mention your major or field of study (e.g. Computer Science).
• Name of Institution : The name of your college, university or educational institute must be clearly stated.
• GPA : Your grade point average should be included if it is an impressive 3.0 or higher. If not, it may be better to leave it off.
• Graduation Date : Mention the date of graduation or expected graduation date.

How to format Education on Your Resume

There are two popular methods for formatting your education section. You can either list it in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent first) or by relevance to the position.

For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, listing your marketing degree and achievements first would be ideal, even if it wasn’t your most recent degree.

Ensure that your formatting is consistent throughout the resume, with the same font, bolding, and heading format.

Where to place Education on Your Resume

Generally, education is listed after the work experience section. However, if you are a recent graduate or your education is highly relevant to the position you are applying for, it may be wise to place it before your work experience.

Additional tips for showcasing Education on Your Resume

• Customize the language used to describe your degree and field of study to align with the job posting.
• Use action verbs to describe achievements, projects, or extracurricular activities.
• Mention academic awards, scholarships or honors earned, and relevant coursework.
• If you have recently graduated or have limited professional experience, highlight any related internships, projects or academic research experience you may have.

Remember to keep it concise and to the point. The education section should provide just enough information to demonstrate your academic qualifications and accomplishments, without overwhelming the reader with too much detail.

Follow these guidelines and make the education section of your resume stand out, impressing potential employers with your academic accomplishments and qualifications.

How to List Education on Your Resume

Education is a critical section of your resume as it shows your academic qualifications and the skills you have acquired from these institutions. When listing education on your resume, it is essential to ensure that you provide accurate information that adds value to your resume. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you list education on your resume effectively:

Basic Information in the Education Section

In this section, you should provide basic information about your educational background, such as the name of the institution, degree obtained, major, and graduation date. It is also important to include any relevant coursework or minors that are coherent with the job posting or industry.

Advanced Education on Your Resume

If you have advanced education, including a Master’s or PhD, it is crucial to list them in this section as well. In addition to basic information, you should also provide details such as the name of the program or degree, the name of the school, the graduation date, and any relevant thesis or dissertation topics. Also, highlight any achievements or recognition received while pursuing your advanced education.

Honors and Awards in the Education Section

If you received any academic or merit-based awards during your education, include them in this section. These awards showcase your achievements and demonstrate your commitment to your studies and the field. Remember to include the name of the award, the name of the institution, the date received, and any relevant details regarding the selection criteria.

Education Programs in Progress

If you are currently pursuing education, include the program in progress in the education section of your resume. Mention the expected date of completion, the institution, and the field of study. Also, indicate how this program aligns with your career goals or the applied job.

Your education section can be a powerful tool to showcase your skills, qualifications, and achievements. Ensure that you present your education professionally, accurately, and relevant to the job. Keep in mind to tailor the details of your educational background to a specific job posting or industry if necessary.

Choosing the Right Education to Showcase

In this section, we’ll discuss how to choose the right education to showcase on your resume. We’ll talk about relevant vs. irrelevant education, education matching the job description, and how to show education as relevant to the job.

Relevant Education vs. Irrelevant Education

When it comes to choosing the education to include in your resume, you want to focus on relevant education. Relevant education includes degrees, certifications, and courses that are directly related to the job you are applying for. On the other hand, irrelevant education refers to education that is not relevant to the job or industry.

While it might be tempting to include all of your education on your resume, this can be overwhelming for hiring managers. Instead, choose the most relevant education and highlight it on your resume.

Education Matching the Job Description

One of the best ways to choose relevant education to showcase on your resume is to look at the job description. The job description will provide you with an understanding of the key skills and qualifications that the employer is looking for. You can then use this information to identify the relevant education you have that matches the job description.

For example, if the job description lists a requirement for a bachelor’s degree in a particular field, you’ll want to highlight your bachelor’s degree in that field on your resume. If the job description mentions a specific certification or course, make sure to include it if you have it.

By matching your education to the job description, you’ll show the employer that you have the necessary qualifications for the job.

How to Show Education as Relevant to the Job

Once you’ve identified the relevant education to showcase on your resume, you’ll want to make sure to present it in a way that highlights your qualifications for the job.

One way to do this is to list your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or certification. Include the degree or certification name, the institution where you earned it, and the date of graduation or completion.

If you have relevant coursework or projects that you completed as part of your education, you can also include those. This will help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a particular area.

Finally, don’t forget to highlight any honors or awards that you received during your education. This can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you have exceptional skills and abilities.

Choosing the right education to showcase on your resume is essential. Focus on relevant education, match your education to the job description, and present your education in a way that highlights your qualifications for the job. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and landing the job you want.

Dealing with Education Gaps on Your Resume

Education gaps on your resume can be concerning, but they are not uncommon. Various factors can contribute to education gaps, and it’s essential to address them appropriately on your resume.

Common Causes of Education Gaps

The reasons for education gaps can vary from person to person. Some of the most common causes include the following:

Personal circumstances: Life events such as illness, family obligations, or financial difficulties may have prevented you from completing your education.

Career opportunities: Sometimes, people leave their education incomplete to pursue a specific career path.

Lack of focus or interest: It’s possible that you lost interest in your field of study or lacked the motivation to continue your education.

An educational institution’s failings: A lack of resources, scheduling conflicts, or unexpected events at a school or university may delay or prevent the completion of your education.

Regardless of the cause, education gaps can raise concerns for potential employers. However, you can take steps to mitigate their effects on your resume.

How to Address Education Gaps in Your Resume

The best way to deal with education gaps on your resume is to address them head-on. Here are some strategies you can use:

Be honest: Unexplained gaps on your resume can lead to assumptions, misconceptions, and ultimately, not getting the job. Be transparent about why you took a break from education and when you plan to return.

Focus on what you’ve accomplished: Even if you didn’t finish your degree, you likely learned valuable skills and gained relevant experiences that are transferable to your desired career. Highlight these skills and experiences on your resume to show that you’re still a qualified candidate.

Address the gap in your cover letter: Your cover letter is an excellent place to explain your education gap in more detail. Use it to emphasize what you did during your time away from school and how it made you a better job candidate.

Consider re-enrolling: If possible, consider going back to school to finish your education. This option can help fill the gaps on your resume and demonstrate your commitment to your career.

Alternative Options to Fill Education Gaps

If going back to school isn’t feasible, there are alternative ways to fill education gaps. Here are a few options:

Certifications: Earning industry-specific certifications or attending specialized training programs can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a particular field.

Online courses: Taking online courses can help you gain new skills and knowledge, and certifications from reputable providers can show employers that you’re motivated to learn.

Volunteer work and internships: Participating in volunteer work or internships can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your commitment to your career goals.

Education gaps can seem like a detriment to your job search, but they don’t have to be. Be transparent about why you have gaps on your resume, focus on what you’ve accomplished, and consider alternative options to fill the gaps.

Writing a Stand-Out Education Section

When it comes to writing an impressive education section on your resume, there are a few key elements that can make all the difference. In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of using action words to describe your accomplishments, highlighting class projects and research work, and describing academic achievements in a concise yet compelling manner.

Using Action Words to Describe Accomplishments

One of the most effective ways to stand out in the education section of your resume is to use strong action words to describe your accomplishments. Instead of simply listing your job duties or responsibilities, use verbs that demonstrate your active role in achieving success. For example, instead of saying “Assisted in leading a team project,” try “Led a cross-functional team project that resulted in a 25% increase in customer engagement.”

Other powerful action words to consider include “managed,” “created,” “implemented,” “coordinated,” and “developed.”

Discussing Class Projects and Research Work

Another great way to make your education section stand out is to highlight any standout class projects or research work you completed during your academic career. This is particularly important if you’re applying for jobs in a competitive industry or field where hands-on experience and practical skills are highly valued.

When discussing class projects, be sure to provide the project objectives, your role in the project, and any results or outcomes that demonstrate your skills or knowledge. For research work, highlight any publications or presentations you contributed to, as well as any awards or recognition you received for your work.

Describing Academic Achievements

Finally, when it comes to describing your academic achievements, it’s important to strike a balance between being impressive and being concise. Rather than simply listing your GPA or the names of the academic awards you received, focus on the impact your achievements had on your education and career goals.

For example, instead of saying “Received the Dean’s List award every semester,” try “Maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my academic career, demonstrating my commitment to academic excellence and dedication to achieving my career goals.” Similarly, instead of just listing the academic societies you were a part of, highlight any leadership roles you held or initiatives you spearheaded within those organizations.

By using action words to describe your accomplishments, highlighting class projects and research work, and describing academic achievements in a compelling way, you can create an education section of your resume that truly stands out to potential employers.

Tips to Make Your Education Section Impressive

If you want to make your education section on your resume truly impressive, here are some tips that could help:

Using Quantifiable Data to Display Skills

Quantifiable data can help showcase your skills and achievements better than generic statements. For example, instead of writing “developed excellent teamwork skills,” you can write “collaborated with a team of six to deliver a successful project that received a 95% satisfaction rating.” This not only shows that you have teamwork skills but also indicates that you can deliver results.

Writing a Summary of Qualifications

A summary of qualifications is a brief statement that summarizes your relevant skills and experiences and highlights your strengths. It’s like an elevator pitch that gives the recruiter an overview of your candidacy. This section should be the first thing the recruiter sees in your resume to create a powerful first impression.

Highlighting Transferred Skills

Transferred skills are the skills gained from previous experiences that are relevant to the job you are applying for but not necessarily gained from a formal education. These skills could be gained from volunteer work, internships, or previous jobs. It’s essential to highlight these skills in your education section to show that you have what it takes to thrive in the job.

Your education section could be your foot in the door to the job of your dreams. By using quantifiable data, writing a summary of qualifications, and highlighting transferred skills, you can make your education section impressive and stand out from the competition.

Examples of Education on Different Resume Formats

When it comes to including education on your resume, the format you choose can impact how it is presented to potential employers. Here are some examples of how to showcase your education on three different resume formats.

Chronological Resume Example with Strong Education Section

• Relevant coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Research Methods
• Honors and Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Varsity Soccer, Debate Team

In a chronological resume format, education is typically presented in reverse chronological order, with your most recent degree or certification listed first. This example showcases a recent graduate’s strong academic background, including their relevant coursework and high GPA. It also includes honors and extracurriculars from high school, which can be helpful for those who may not have as much work experience.

Functional Resume Example with Strong Education Section

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, 2014
• Certified Pediatric Nurse, American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2015
• Basic Life Support Certification, American Heart Association, 2016

In a functional resume format, education is listed towards the end of the document, after your skills and relevant work experience. This example highlights a healthcare professional’s education and certifications, which are essential qualifications for their field. It also shows they have continued to update their skills through additional certifications.

Combination Resume Example with Strong Education Section

• Relevant coursework: Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Financial Management, Marketing Strategy
• Relevant coursework: Algorithms, Data Structures, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence

In a combination resume format, education can be listed either after the skills section or after the work experience section, depending on the strengths of your qualifications. This example showcases an individual with strong educational backgrounds in business and technology, which are relevant to the jobs they are applying for. It demonstrates their relevant coursework and high GPAs, indicating their strong academic performance.

No matter which resume format you choose, make sure to highlight your education in a clear and concise manner. Including relevant coursework, GPAs, certifications, and academic honors can help showcase your qualifications and make you stand out as a candidate. Don’t be afraid to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting the education and skills that are most relevant to the position.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you work on crafting your resume, you may have questions on how to properly include your education section. Below are some frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers:

How Far Back Should You Go on Your Education Section?

When it comes to including your education section on your resume, you want to ensure that you are providing potential employers with relevant information. Generally speaking, you should include your highest level of education completed. For most individuals, this will be their college degree. However, if you have completed graduate school or any type of post-graduate program, you may want to include this as well. It’s important to note that you should only include the dates and degrees earned for the past 10-15 years, as any information beyond that may not be relevant to your current career goals.

What if Your Degree Doesn’t Match the Career You Want?

If your degree doesn’t exactly match the career path you are pursuing, don’t fret. Employers are looking for a variety of skills and experiences beyond just your education. Be sure to highlight any relevant experiences you have in the field, whether it be internships, volunteer work, or certifications. Additionally, you can include any relevant coursework that may align with your intended career path, even if it was not a part of your degree program.

Should You Include Your GPA or Relevant Coursework?

Whether or not to include your GPA or relevant coursework ultimately depends on your individual circumstances. If you have a high GPA or coursework that directly relates to the position you are applying for, it may be worth including on your resume. However, if your GPA is low or does not accurately reflect your abilities, it may be best to leave it off. Similarly, if you have multiple degrees or relevant coursework that could take up a lot of space on your resume, consider creating a separate education section that goes into more detail.

How to List Multiple Degrees on Your Resume?

If you have multiple degrees, you want to ensure that you are listing them in the most effective way possible. One option is to list them in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Another option is to create a separate education section for each degree, with the most relevant degree listed first. Whichever option you choose, be sure to clearly label each degree and include the dates of graduation.

Your education section should accurately reflect your academic achievements and their relevance to your desired career path. By following these tips and answering these frequently asked questions, you can create an effective education section that will impress potential employers.

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Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Mandela has left us with a compelling line that no one in the 21st century can ignore.

Currently, every student is concerned about getting a higher-level education to get a pleasant job and live a prosperous life.

Every year nearly 2 million students get a bachelor’s degree in the United States . So, how can you present yourself better than others in this competitive market?

You must showcase your education on resume elegantly to beat your competitors during the recruitment process.

We are helping you make that happen by answering these below-given queries:

• Should I put my GPA on my resume?
• How to list education on resume?
• How to list minors on a resume?
• When to include coursework on resume?
• Should you include high school on a resume?
• How to list education in progress on a resume?

How to List Education on a Resume?

Crafting your resume education section can be tricky. However, you can follow the tips below to frame an impressive education section on your resume.

The two possible places for your resume education section can be:

• Before your work experience section
• After your work experience section

Education on a Resume Before Your Work Experience Section

You should put your resume education section before your work experience section in the following cases:

Just graduated :

• You can consider putting your resume education section before your work experience if you just graduated from high school or college.
• It helps you build a good resume because you will have more educational background than work experience.

Starting a new education :

• If you were a professional and recently planned to get a new degree, it is advisable to put your resume education section first.
• Your new degree should be relevant to the job description.

An academic resume :

• Your resume education section should be positioned above the work experience for a fresher or academic resume.
• For academic posts/ fellowships, education matters more than the outside work experience.

Education on a Resume After Your Work Experience Section

You should put your resume education section after your work experience section in the following cases:

Seasoned professional :

• As a seasoned professional, you should put your resume education before your work experience section.
• Employers find your educational experience more relevant throughout your career.

High school graduate/fresher :

• If you are a fresher or high school graduate, you can place your resume education before your work experience section. Employers will look for your educational experience in your career.

How to List Education on a Resume: Educational Information

Choosing the correct resume education template is the first step you must take while building your resume.

You can follow the tips below to write an effective resume education section:

• Put your highest degree first.
• Follow reverse-chronological order for other degrees.

If you are a distinguished professional with tons of experience, it is not recommended to add your high school information.

The information that must add to your resume education section is:

• Degree you received
• Major/minor
• Institution Name
• Location of your institution (Area, Country)
• Graduation Year

Following are the resume education examples:

• BA in English LiteratureCambridge University | Cambridge, US | 20173.8 CGPA
• Stanford University | Chicago, US | 2013Masters in Computer Science4.0 GPA

In case you're lost, here is a quick resume education checklist:

• Spell out your degree as “Master of Science” or use the initials “MSc.”
• Use periods to separate the initials "B.A." or leave them like "BA."
• Write the name of your major as “MA in Business Administration” or separate your degree with a comma from your major as “MA, Business Administration.”
• Arrange the information based on importance. If your degree is not directly related to the job description, focus on the university rather than the course.
• Make sure your format remains consistent for all your resume education section entries.

How to List Education on Resume for High School Students

High school students should place the resume education section at the beginning of their resume.

No Work Experience

For a high school resume with no work experience, you can list the following parameters:

• GPA (if above 3.0)
• Relevant Courses (Courses that are related to the job profile)
• Honors/Academic Achievements
• Clubs/Organizations (Extracurricular activities)
• Positions of Responsibility

You can highlight the essential steps in your academic career by creating a “Major Achievements” section. It gives a detailed look at your skills and abilities.

You can include volunteer work also. It presents you as an active person. You appear as someone who learns quickly and manages a job efficiently.

Also Read: How to create a resume for your first job?

Some Work Experience

If you have actual work experience, you can keep the education section concise.

Having work experience means you have hands-on experience in your working area, which keeps more importance than any other theoretical knowledge.

Hence, if you have work experience, you can focus on detailing that in your resume rather than the education section.

How to List Education on Resume for College Students

• As a college student or recent graduate, place your resume education section at the beginning of your resume.

The length of your resume section depends on the amount of work experience you have

For the lack of work experience, make your resume education stand out, follow the following steps:

• Convey your organization skills, charisma, interpersonal ability, and active lifestyle
• Include your activities like clubs, major group projects, or your participation outside of academic life

If you already have work experience, focus on it more than the resume education section. It shows that you are familiar with the pressures and expectations of the professional world.

• Keep your resume education section to a minimum
• Feel free to list your activities, but emphasize your work experience

How to List Education on Resume for Working Professionals

If you are a working professional, your resume education section is just evidence of your degrees.

• You should place your resume education section below the Professional Experience section
• Be straightforward, do not include unnecessary details
• State your educational degree with your field of study and best achievements
• Try to avoid positions of responsibility, awards, recognitions
• Try to include a vast skill set, list your training, certifications

How to List Education on a Resume: Special Cases

What if you fall into the category of professionals who bore the brunt of misfortune for reasons beyond their control?

You don't have to worry. Here's a list of what you can do:

How to List Education on Resume for a Degree in Progress

If you are still in high school/or pursuing a degree, write:

Expected to graduate in 2022

You can use the following phrases to describe your education in high school resume:

• In progress
• Expected + year
• Expected Graduation + year
• To be completed + year

How to List Education on a Resume for an Unfinished Degree

• If you did not graduate high school, write the name of your school and the years you attended as Attended school from 2013-15
• If you did not finish a college or university level degree, write the credits you managed to get as Completed 63 credits toward MA in Physics

Awards, publications, and training

• If you want to show off your skills and achievements, add honors, awards, training, certifications, licenses, extracurricular activities you did during high school.
• Pick activities that illustrate the keyword skills listed
• Mention all the honors programs like graduated with Spanish honors (summa cum laude or magna cum laude), if any
• Acceptance into campus, national, or international honors societies
• List your publications under your degree
• Include a coursework description and add relevant classes to the job profile.
• A course of study that has a particular skillset
• List your recent extracurricular roles/ positions of responsibility
• Avoid adding controversial activities (political or religious)

Highlighting Soft Skills

If you have specific soft skills, you can add them to your resume education section.

Mention your participation in any activity that highlights these skills.

Following is the list of skills employers prefer on a high school resume:

• Ability to Work on a Team
• Communication Skills (Written + Verbal)
• Problem-solving Skills

Optimizing Resume Education for an ATS

Many companies have started using the Applicant Tracking Systems. This software helps an organization filter out undesirable applicants. This program goes through resumes and looks for keywords specific to the job profile.

If you want your resume to make it past an ATS, you need to keep in mind the following things:

• Use a clean format
• Ensure that this program can read your full resume
• Minimize the use of tables, graphs, or pictures
• Use keywords relevant to your job profile

Also Read: What are resume action words and power verbs?

Education Resume Template

A well-written education should follow this order:

Let's say that this is your educational background:

• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Science
• University: Harvard University
• Location of University: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Graduation year: 2022

In addition to this information, you can also put this add-on information to make your education section more meaningful:

• Relevant Coursework : Business Communication, Systems, and Circuits Designing, English Language Studies, Analog, and Digital Designing, Embedded Systems
• Extracurricular Activities : Captain of the Tennis Team

When you incorporate all that information in your resume, it looks something like this:

Dos and Don’ts while listing Education on Resume

You can practice and avoid the below-given points while listing education on resume for your next job search:

Resume Education FAQ

1. Should I put my GPA on my resume?

You should put the GPA in your resume if it is >3.5 or if the hiring organization asks for it.

2. How to list education on a resume?

The necessary educational details are:

• Institution
• Contribution

3. How to list minors on a resume?

The education on a resume often includes minors if it's relevant to the target job. In that case, you may include it under a sub-header of "Coursework.”

4. When to include coursework on resume?

Include coursework as a part of education on a resume only when:

• The candidate is a fresher
• It is required in the target job description
• It is relevant to the target job

5. Should you include high school on a resume?

Your resume education section can only include high school data when:

• High-school qualification is relevant
• To state high-school extracurricular activities/achievements

6. How to list education in progress on the resume?

To list continuing education on a resume, you should:

• List your education section at the top
• Write your dates in "Date - Present" format

Key Takeaways

You can keep these points in mind while framing your resume to make it impressive and technically stronger than your competitors:

• If you already have work experience, focus on it more than the resume education section
• Put your highest degree first . Follow reverse-chronological order for other degrees.
• If you are a working professional, your education on a resume is just evidence of your degrees.

Go to Hiration’s 360-Degree Career Platform , which has 24/7 chat support, and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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How To List Degrees on Your Resume

Write the Full Name of Your Degree

List multiple degrees in reverse-chronological order, recent graduates should feature extra information, how to list an associate degree on your resume, how to list a bachelor’s degree on your resume, how to list a master’s degree on your resume, education section frequently asked questions.

Education is often a key asset to your job search, so it’s important to list your academic credentials on your resume correctly. First, give the name of your degree, followed by your major if it relates to your target job. Next, write the full name of your school as well as the city, state, and (optionally) your graduation date. In this guide, we’ll show you how to properly feature your associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees on your resume.

Provide the full name of your degree followed by its abbreviation in parentheses. This ensures your document will achieve Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compliance for either “Bachelor of Arts” or “B.A.” when the software parses your document for keywords. Regarding the use of periods in degree abbreviations, standards differ among the Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), and other academic institutions. But whether you choose to write “Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)” or “Bachelor of Arts (BA),” stay consistent for all degrees in your education section.

When citing multiple degrees on your resume, put them in reverse-chronological order, or newest to oldest. If you’ve earned a master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree all within the same major, feel free to leave off your associate to save space.

Master of Science (M.S.), Information Technology University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Information Technology University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2018

If you’re just out of school and don’t have relevant work experience to highlight, you can compensate for this by noting the stronger aspects of your education. These extra details may include your grade point average (GPA), academic awards, associations, or even coursework.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Philosophy Harvard University, Cambridge, MA | 2021 GPA: 3.92/4.0

• President, Continental Philosophy Association, 2020 – 2021
• Member, Harvard Diversity Student Coalition, 2018 – 2021
• Editor, Harvard University Literature Magazine, 2017 – 2019
• Summa cum laude
• Dean’s List, 2017 – 2021

Write out the full name of your associate degree followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. If your work experience is limited, flesh out your education section with any academic honors or awards you’ve won.

Associate of Science (A.S.), Nursing University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY | 2021 GPA: 3.8/4.0

Follow the same format when detailing your bachelor’s degree. Keep your years of experience in mind here, as you won’t need to include details such as your GPA, academic awards, or an associate degree if you already have substantial hands-on experience in your field.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Software Engineering University of Seattle, Seattle, WA | 2021

In most cases, show both your master’s and bachelor’s degrees on your resume. Although hiring managers will likely assume you’ve earned a bachelor’s, failing to cite this degree could hinder your resume during the initial ATS scan. As previously mentioned, order your degrees from newest to oldest. You can also leave off additional academic achievements unless you lack relevant work experience to feature on your resume.

Master of Science (M.S.), Chemical Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | 2021

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemical Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | 2019

Should my degree be at the top of my resume? -

Not usually. As a general rule, order your resume sections by relevance. For most job seekers, that means putting the work experience section first and education second. But you may opt to reverse this order if, say, you just graduated, and your degree program speaks strongly to your target job.

How do I list an unfinished college degree? -

Although you may be tempted to leave your college experience off your resume if you didn’t finish your degree, it is helpful to include. Having some higher-level education is better than none, and may help you avoid being rejected by ATS if the company scans for a particular word or term like “bachelor's degree.” Write "Coursework toward" before the degree name, and list the dates you attended and the number of credits you earned so you don’t give the wrong impression that you graduated.

If you’re still completing the degree in question, put "Candidate" in front of the title, as in Candidate: Bachelor of Science (BS).

Coursework toward: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English Literature University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA | 2016 – 2018

• Completed 40 credits in English literature

Does it ever make sense to omit degrees on my resume? -

Yes, but rarely. As mentioned above, you might leave out an associate degree to save space. In rare cases, you may also choose to omit an advanced degree if it would overqualify you for the job opening at hand.

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How to Build a Resume Learn More
• Basic Resume Examples and Templates Learn More
• How Many Jobs Should You List on a Resume? Learn More
• How to Include Personal and Academic Projects on Your Resume Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Land Your Dream Job Learn More
• How to Organize Your Job Search Learn More
• How to Include References in Your Job Search Learn More
• The Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview Learn More

Last Published 7/25/24

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Resume Writing Tips

What is a resume

What is a Resume?

Your resume is a concise summary of your qualifications that relate to the position for which you are applying. It serves as an advertisement of what you have to offer and creates a prospective employer’s first impression of you. Employers screen resumes in between 2.5 and 10 seconds, so your resume should quickly capture the reader’s interest.  A resume distills to one page all of your education, training, leadership, and work experience in relationship to your potential value to an employer or an opportunity.

Brainstorm a list of experiences and skills that you might want to include in a resume. Consider your academic background, paid and volunteer work or internships, research projects, awards, and special skills. Once you have compiled your list, you can start organizing this information to the position or industry that you are targeting.

Gathering Career Information

After you have completed your personal inventory and have developed your career goals, you will then want to research these career areas and those employers that are active in them. For each potential position you need to know the qualifications, duties, and skills required for the job, and any special talents or personal characteristics sought by the employer.

Organizing Your Resume

Your name, address, telephone number, and email address are centered at the top of the page or placed to one side. Do not use headings such as "name," "telephone," "resume." This information is self-evident and the headings are unnecessary.

If you state a career objective, it should be brief, concise and address the current job only, not future career plans. This category should be used only when your job objective is clear or definite.

Your educational history should be placed near or at the top of the page if it is your most important qualification. Under this heading include the names of schools, degrees, major, minor or concentration and dates received or expected graduation.

These areas can be titled "Work Experience," or "Professional Experience,”  “Volunteer Experience,”  Internship Experience" or "Related Experience.” In describing your work experience, use action words which will show your strengths and skills.

This category can include club and professional memberships, awards, honors, volunteer experience, and community service.

Skills included should be hard skills, technical experience, or knowledge of another language. Academic or work accomplishments can be included.

Choosing a Format

There is no single prescribed resume format but the two basic styles of resumes are chronological and functional. Some resumes use features of both and are called combination resumes. 

• This is the most widely used and familiar format. The experience section is listed in chronological order, starting with your most recent experience. It is most effective when the job target is in line with your experience and academic background.
• If your most relevant experience for a particular career field was not your most recent, it can be featured by creating two "experience" sections. These can be called "Related Experience" and "Other Work Experience." By separating the information into two categories, you can maintain a chronological format while emphasizing your most pertinent skills.
• The functional resume highlights skills and accomplishments and de-emphasizes specific job titles, organizations, and dates of employment. Functional resumes are appropriate if you have held a number of unrelated jobs, the position that you are seeking is outside the academic field, or there are significant gaps in your work history.

General Resume Guidelines

• Font : Use an easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Cambria, or Garamond.
• Size : Stay between 10 pt. and 12 pt. Your name can be larger than 12 pt.
• Margins   : 0 .5-1” margins all around
• Must be well-organized, neat, and concise.
• Proofread to make sure grammar, punctuation, and spelling are flawless.
• Use "bulleted" statements rather than complete sentences where appropriate.
• Use quantities, amounts, dollar values where they enhance the description of what you did.
• Do not use "I".
• Do not include hobbies, avocational, or social interests.
• Put the strongest statements or qualifications at the top.

Common Mistakes in a Resume

• Spelling Mistakes -   Be sure that there are no spelling errors, poor word choice, or misuse of language.
• Repetitive Words   -   Do not use the same action verb repeatedly to describe your work experience.   List of action verbs
• Leaving Out Dates-   It might seem like you are trying to hide certain information.
• Just having One Version   -   Tailor your résumé for each job for which you are applying.
• No Cover Letter-   A cover letter should be sent out with every résumé.
• Unprofessional Email Address   - Use a professional address such as your school email or email that only includes your first and last name.
• Cluttered Information - Filter out information that might seem irrelevant to the position.
• Including Personal Information   -   Personal information, like age, gender, and head shot should not be included on your résumé (unless you are a performing arts student).
• Using Abbreviations or Contractions   - Be sure to omit abbreviations or contractions in your words or sentences.

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The objective of the Titan Resume Builder is to help students produce higher quality resumes on a 24/7 basis on- or off-campus through the portal.

It is easy to use, with examples specified to majors and fields of study. The Titan Resume Builder allows you to build, manage, and control multiple resumes.

Access Titan Resume Builder    Note: You will be prompted to login with your portal username and password if you are not already logged in.

If you need assistance with any aspect of this service, please contact the Career Center at   [email protected] .

Cover Letter Tips

An effective cover letter is just as important as an effective resume. The cover letter accompanies the resume - it is the piece of paper that the prospective employer sees first. You should write a cover letter even if the employer/recruiter does not require one.

The cover letter is an opportunity to:

• Direct the resume to a specific person.
• Describe briefly what you know about the job and employer.
• Provide key qualifications that relate to the specific position for which you are applying.

Pain Free Cover Letter  pdf file PDF file type   - A Step-by-Step Guide

Utilize   grammarly@edu,  a free CSUF student resource, to help with your grammar and  writing style for your cover letter. 

Writing a Cover Letter

Part 1: "Make the Match" - A Brief Introduction Statement

If you have been referred by someone known to the company, (an employee, alumnus, a professor, etc.) use that person's name in your opening paragraph, and indicate why the contact referred you to that particular company or position opening. If you do not have a personal referral, the introduction should include why you are writing, much like an objective or profile summary on a resume.

Part 2: "Make the Case" - Why Should They Hire You?

This section of the cover letter is where you build an argument for why you should be hired by highlighting your key strengths and skills. Do not repeat the content of your resume, but point to the skills and experience in your resume that relate to the position. You can provide examples and details that support your qualifications. If you are able to make a compelling case for your candidacy in this section, the employer will look at your resume for confirmation of your claims.

Part 3: "Make the Close" - Finish Strong

The last section "closes" the letter by recapping what you have to offer and how you are a fit for the position. It suggest that the reader look at your resume, give it positive consideration, and schedule you for an interview. Also, state what your own next action will be.

Follow-Up & Thank You letters

• An appropriate way to maintain contact with the interviewer. These letters should be brief and should express your appreciation for the interview and confirm your interest in the company.
• Send a thank you letter for every contact. It can be an email or a handwritten letter.
• Write it on the same day as the interview if possible.
• Be personal, specific, and genuine in your thanks.
• Correct any significant misunderstanding you may have realized after the interview.
• There are different ways to decline an offer, depending on the history of your contact with the employer or recruiter. If the offer comes in an email or a voice mail message, your best option would be to respond promptly. It is important that you display your professionalism throughout all stages of the job search, even if you are not interested in the job.

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