what to write for education on resume

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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• How to List Education on Your...

How to List Education on Your Resume - With Examples

10 min read · Updated on August 20, 2024

Show hiring managers you have the knowledge to succeed

How to put education on your resume

As with much of resume writing, the content and format of your resume Education section is fluid and will depend on where you are in your career. Still, it's important that you get it right to prove you're qualified for the job you want.

It sounds simple initially – when listing education on your resume, you just add the degrees you've obtained and the schools where you got them. 

But wait! There's more.

In some instances, it may be appropriate to include your GPA, some relevant coursework, or even give a nod to a major project you worked on. Much of this depends on whether you're fresh out of school or have some experience under your belt. 

Here are some other things to consider when writing the Education section of your resume:

Should your education section go at the top or bottom of your resume?

Can you include a degree if you're still working on it?

Does high school belong on a resume?

What's the best resume education format?

Let's start with the basics of how to list education on your resume.

1. Degree earned

When you finally graduated and received your diploma, what did it say? For example, you may have achieved a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Whatever it was, it's the most important education detail you can put on your resume, because it's the official designation of your education.

One of the key things to remember is that you should list your degrees in reverse chronological order. That means you start with the most recent one (which is likely to be your highest) and work backward. Once you get into college there is no reason to include high school education. Employers know that you have to finish high school to get into college, so they'll assume you graduated. 

Remember that one degree type can be applied to a variety of fields of study. For example, a Bachelor of Science degree can be earned for both physics and computer science. Therefore, in addition to the degree itself, you must include the major for which the degree was earned. This way, a hiring manager knows exactly what topics you've studied.

If you completed any minors or concentrations, you can include those too.

3. University, college, or institution

Add some context to your education by listing the university, college, or institution where you went to school. This is especially important if you attended a well-respected program in your field, because it will add more credibility and gravitas to your resume.

4. Years attended

The timeframe that you were in school is generally something you don't need to worry about including – unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year. Additionally, you might add the dates you were in school if you need to explain a gap in employment. Outside of these conditions, you should leave off the timeframe.

Whether or not you include your GPA in the Education section of a resume depends on many factors. If you earned your degree 20 years ago, your GPA is likely a defunct measure of your current abilities, so you can leave it off. If you earned your degree recently, however, adding your GPA can be a great move – but only if it's 3.5 or higher. You can also indicate any distinctions you earned based on your grades, such as summa cum laude , if applicable.

6. Extracurricular activities

If you were in an honors society, you can list your membership. If you were part of a fraternity or sorority, it's a toss-up. While you might think this is a good inclusion because it demonstrates you were participating in service-related activities and so on, Greek rivalries can extend way past college years and you wouldn't want to accidentally tip off your hiring manager that you belonged to a rival group.

7. Certifications 

Outside of formal education, you may also have taken the initiative to earn supplementary certifications or complete courses that are relevant to your field. Highlight these in your resume Education section, especially if they are on niche or high-level topics that prove your expertise far beyond a more generalized curriculum.

Resume education example:

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Bachelor of Business Administration | ABC University | 2021-2024

Dean's list - summa cum laude

President - Marketing Club

Certification : Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute | 2024

Additional considerations

Some of those basics are optional – as we mentioned, you wouldn't include the dates of your degree program if you've been out of school for more than a year. When you're learning how to list education on your resume, you may also have other questions and considerations. Here, we'll discuss how to add education to your resume in special circumstances.

Education on your resume when you've completed high school

Attending college may not be among the goals you've set for your life. That's okay!

Even if you decide to graduate high school and go straight to work, your career can still be rich and full. At this point, though, a lot of people ask if they should include high school on their resume. 

A few rules of thumb about adding high school to the Education section of your resume:

Exclude high school altogether if you go to college

Exclude high school if you've attended trade school

Include high school if you have no additional education, professional development, or certifications

Include high school if the job description specifically mentions that you need a high school diploma

Include high school if you're applying for a job while still in high school

Here's a resume education example you can refer to if your education ended with high school:

Diploma or GED [whichever is appropriate] | XYZ High School

Graduated: 2024

Relevant courses: Accounting, Business Law, and Ethics

Just because high school is the highest level of education you've obtained, that doesn't mean you can't take the opportunity to inject some relevant keywords into your resume. In the example above, the applicant has used the keyword accounting . That will make sure that their resume can be found when a recruiter searches their database for applicants with knowledge of accounting. 

Expert tip: Check out our article on tailoring your resume to different jobs to understand how important relevant keywords are when writing your resume.

Education on your resume when you have an undergrad degree

Once you graduate from college and start searching for your first entry-level position, it's assumed that you'll remove any information that refers to your high school activities and focus on your new undergrad degree.

Include your degree and major

Add the name of the school where you obtained the degree

Throw in some extras, like achievements, coursework, and affiliations

The last point about adding extras is extremely important if you have little to no work experience . Mentioning that you were a Resident Advisor or won first place in a robotics competition could be the detail that puts your resume at the top of the yes pile. 

Education on your resume when you have an advanced degree

Once you enter the world of Master's degrees and PhDs, the Education section of your resume becomes more robust and might include things such as the title of a dissertation, fellowships, or internships. 

As before, always start with your most recent degree and work backward. Here's how to present education on your resume as an example showing higher degrees:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Leadership Studies | CCC University 

International Student Scholar

Dissertation: Exploring the Relationships of Principal Preparation Programs and Leadership Styles on School Accountability Indices

Master of Arts (MA) – Counseling | BBB University 

Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Psychology (cum laude) | University of AAA

Education on your resume when you started college in one place but finished in another

If you attended college at one institution – perhaps a community college – and then completed your education in another place, you only need to list the university where you completed your degree. All the employer wants to know is which college supplied you with your degree at the end of your education; they don't necessarily care about how you arrived at that destination. Save that resume space for more important information.

Education on your resume when you didn't attend or finish college

If you attended college but didn't graduate, you may want to list the relevant courses you took – especially if you made it to some of the higher-level classes, to demonstrate the skills you built or the disciplines you were exposed to during your coursework.

Education on your resume when you're still pursuing a college degree 

If you're still attending college for either your undergraduate or graduate degree, you can simply add an expected graduation year to this information. You can also add a list of courses you've completed, as long as:

They're higher-level courses that are relevant to your career goals

You don't have a lot of relevant work experience to market on your resume

Education on your resume when you earned your degree more than 5 years ago

If you earned a degree or certification more than 5 years ago, place your Education at the bottom of your resume and remove the graduation date. It's important to demonstrate you've earned the degree, but there's no need to draw attention to how long ago this occurred.

Doing so will allow you to focus your resume on your skills, accomplishments , and professional experience. For those who have many years of experience, academic education becomes less and less important as you move forward in your career. Your professional career will hold more weight at this stage. 

Where does the Education section of your resume go?

If you're new to the workforce and your new degree is your main selling point, the Education section should appear toward the top of your resume, because 

You most likely have limited professional experience to list on your resume

Your education shows the main knowledge and skills that you wish to highlight for an employer

After you have a few years of relevant experience under your belt, the education section gets shifted to the bottom of your resume so your work history can take over the prime real estate at the top of the page. 

Key takeaways on how to list education on your resume

Presenting your education on your resume in a thoughtful way can open a lot of employment doors. Here's what you should keep in mind as you write it:

The way you list education on your resume depends on what stage of your career you're at

The main components of your Education section are degree, major, school, years attended, and certifications

Tailor your Education section based on keywords and qualifications mentioned in the job description

Be honest about ongoing education or degrees you've decided not to complete

The education format on your resume will vary depending on how much detail you need to add

Use the Education section to your best advantage

Remember, there isn't one resume format that fits all job seekers. How you list education on your resume requires a strategic approach that depends on where you are in your career and the roles you're aiming for.

Find out if you're showcasing your education well on your resume by getting a free resume review from TopResume.

This article was updated in 2023 and 2024. It contains work by Amanda Augustine , Lauren Settembrino , Heather Rothbauer-Wanish and Marsha Hebert.

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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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Writing the Education Section of a Resume (5 Key Tips)

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Here are the common guidelines to follow when listing education on a resume:

• Always include the following information: the degree you received, your major, the name of your school, its location, and your graduation year.
• Start with your highest educational attainment.
• List all other degrees in reverse-chronological order.
• Delete high-school education if you already graduated from college.
• Remove your graduation date if you earned it more than five years ago.

Of course, these guidelines don’t apply to all situations. When adding your education to your resume, you should add any recent education. This shows the hiring manager that you've got a gap because you were working on your skills.

But if your education was more than ten years ago, you don't need an education section on your resume. Also remove your education once you’ve accomplished 10 to 15 years of work experience. ( Remove the education section of your resume--or at least the dates of your education--because this section can make it easier for people to discriminate against you because of your age. )

I’ll discuss all these in more detail in the succeeding sections:

If You're In High School

List your education at the top one third of your resume, just below your skills summary. Let your education do the heavy lifting for now, even if you already have a bit of work experience.

If You're In College or Just Graduated

At this stage, you probably have more credentials related to your target job as a student, than as a working professional.

So, if you haven’t had a job, project, or volunteer work related to the position you’re applying for, put education before work experience on your resume.

You might argue that it’s better to list the odd and part-time jobs you did first. Maybe you think these job entries show that you’re employable and at least know what it’s like to work for a living.

Perhaps some hiring managers might consider that fact.

But what if they don’t read past your job title as “Waitress,” “Cashier,” or “Barista”? All the qualities and achievements you list below the job title will be ignored, too. Even if those skills are related to the job at hand.

For now, list education before your work experience first. Just consider it your first step in convincing employers that you've got the qualifications they need. 

If You're Already a Working Professional

At this stage, employers pay less attention to the GPA and college coursework of experienced applicants than they do with fresh graduates. Because of this, a seasoned professional’s education is either listed after their work history or at the bottom of the resume, just after the skills section.

1. High School

Below are different resume education examples, depending on where you are in your high school education.

Examples for High School 

If high school is your highest level of education, list it like this:

“Western High School, Baltimore, MD

Graduated in 2023”

But if you’re still at school, just change the second line so it looks like this:

Expected to graduate in 2025”

If you didn’t finish high school:

List the name of your school and its location, followed by the years you attended.

“Edmonson-Westside High School, Baltimore, MD

Attended school from 2020 to 2024”

If You Completed a GED

Some people who didn’t finish their high school education took a General Education Development (GED) test instead.

If that’s you, list the institution where you took your GED test followed by your high school information.

“GED High School Equivalency Diploma

Richland One Adult Education Center, 2020

Spring Valley High School, Columbia, SC

Attended 2020 – 2022”

Trade School

If you studied a trade after high school, list it on top of your high school education as long as it’s related to your target job.

Here's an example: 

“Dorsey School, Madison Heights, MI

HVAC Technician, 2023

Portage Central High School, Portage, MI

Graduated 2022”

2. Undergraduate Degree

Below are different ways to list college education on your resume.

College Graduate

“BS in Electrical Engineering, 2023

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA”

You can also write the degree type in full instead of abbreviating it:

“Bachelor of Arts in English, 2023

UCLA, Los Angeles, CA”

Still at School

If you’re still at school, just put “in progress” beside the course you’re taking.

“BS in Mathematics in Progress

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA”

You can also write “Expected in” followed by the estimate date of your graduation.

“BS in Economics, Expected in 2024

New York University”

Unfinished Degree

Not everyone who attends college completes it, for whatever reason. There’s no shame in that. So, don’t let your education go to waste by excluding it on your resume.

List your school’s name, followed by your start and end dates, so it’s clear you’re no longer enrolled. Then write how many credits you earned towards your chosen degree. Put your high school education below it.

“Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

2021-2022: Completed 32 credits towards BA in Education”

  J.P Stevens High School, 2023

Edison, New Jersey”

3. Graduate Studies

A graduate degree in your field increases your credibility as an applicant. That’s why it should be listed on top of your undergraduate degree.

The example below is impressive for an applicant in the IT sector. 

“MS in Computer Science, 2023

BS in Computer Science,

Michigan State University, 2021”

You can still list an advanced degree not related to your line of work. But it might be better to list it below your undergraduate degree if it’s not related to your current role.

For example, if you work in the IT sector, a master’s degree in political science isn’t relevant except perhaps for the skills you learn while researching for your thesis. To make this information worth including in your resume, highlight any coursework that may be applicable to your job.

“BS in Computer Science,

Michigan State University, 2020”

MS in Political Science, 2023

Coursework: Models and Methods, Security Studies”

This tip isn’t applicable to everyone, as it all depends on your career plan. For example, a master’s in business administration applies to many jobs with a management role.

Incomplete Graduate Studies

The strategy here is like that used in undergraduate degrees. List the anticipated graduation date on resume, if you still have a lot of coursework to finish before graduating. Here's an unfinished degree on resume example:

“Master of Science in Economics, to be completed 2024

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA”

But if you finished everything except the dissertation, write “all but dissertation,” which is sometimes abbreviated as “ ABD ” below your graduate program. Be warned, though, there are mixed opinions about this. 

“MS in Biology

All but dissertation (ABD), 2025”

City College of New York”

Always list your undergraduate degree below your graduate studies.

Discontinued Graduate Study

You can still list a master’s or doctoral degree on your resume, even if you didn’t finish it or ended up dropping out from the program entirely.

To avoid confusion, list this in a separate section called “ Research Work ” or “ Professional Development” instead of listing it together with your other education credentials.

Write the number of units completed in the subject, the name of the institution, and the dates you attended.

“15 credits in Applied Mathematics

University of Maryland, 2023-2024”

This example shows how you could list a MS in Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation, if you only did part of the coursework (i.e. Applied Mathematics)

You can also list it in this format, so it’s all in one line and it downplays the low number of units finished and the incomplete degree.

“Post-graduate coursework in Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland, USA, 2022-2023”

4. Master’s & Doctoral Studies

When adding your master’s degree, use the abbreviations or spell it out. Whichever you decide, be consistent throughout your resume. Here are some of the master’s degree abbreviations:

• A.M., M.A., MA (Master of Arts)
• M.B.A., MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• M.E., ME, Meng, M.Eng. (Master of Engineering)
• M.S., MS, M.Sc. MSc (Master of Science)

Here's a completed master’s degree example:

Dates you attended the program College, City of College, State of College Master of Arts in English

Here's how to show a master’s degree that hasn’t been completed:

College, City of College, State of College Master of Arts in Psychology Expected Graduation Date: (put date here)

 Doctoral Degree 

Add your doctoral degree in the resume education section. Your doctoral degree is formatted similarly to other degrees. Here's an example of adding your doctoral degree to your resume:

Name of university Doctorate degree years in university

Here's another example of how to add a doctoral degree to your resume:

University of Chicago Ph.D. in Education 2020-2026

5. Certifications

Some applicants may not have the formal education required for the job. But they made up for it through certifications, courses, seminars, and training events. Professional training and ongoing education can be listed in the education section of a resume, or under a separate section for “ Professional Development.”

Format to Follow : 

“Name of Training, Training Provider or Certification Body, Date Obtained, Location”

Here's an example:

“Oracle SBC Troubleshooting Certification, Pearson Vue Testing Center, 2023, Hong Kong”

Including the training location is optional, except for state-specific licensure and certifications.

If you haven’t completed the training, list it as “In progress” or write the estimated completion date.

“Oracle SBC Implementation by Oracle, Toronto, (To be completed, Sept 2024)

These templates can give your resume a better format:

Fresh graduates with no work experience sometimes have trouble filling out a one-page resume. It doesn’t have to be this way if you get creative in how you present your qualifications. No big fonts necessary.

Below is some good information you can add to beef up your resume:

List the GPA for coursework related to the job you’re applying for. Only do this if your GPA isn’t below 3.0.

 “BS in Economics, 2023

Ohio University, Cleveland, OH

Relevant Coursework

You can also list the subjects or units relevant to the job you’re applying for. Not sure which subjects are relevant? Compile job ads for five similar positions in your field, and then list the most common skills or educational requirements listed. Compare this keyword list with your college transcript to find the relevant coursework.

Here’s an example for a fresh graduate applying for an entry-level job as a Clinical Specialist

“BS in Biomedical Engineering, 2023

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Relevant coursework: Quantitative Experimentation and Design, Systems Physiology, Biomedical Systems Analysis, Biostatistics”

Check out this guide to get more information on how to use keywords in your resume: 

List honors, scholarships, and awards you received while studying. List these items after your education, if you've got less than three items to list.

If you've received more than three distinctions, it’s better to list them in a separate section called “Honors and Awards.”

Include the name of the institution that granted the award, and the date it was awarded to you. Here's an example format to follow: 

Here are some sample resumes to highlight your education:

1. If You've Got Minimal Education and Experience

If you don’t have a lot of education, it’s best to focus on any professional skills you’ve learned or any certifications you've got. If you've got a lot of credentials and training, try adding a section for that. Leaving the education section off your resume is best if you only have a high school diploma.

Here are the changes made to a resume for someone who has some training and only a high school diploma. As you can see, the education section was deleted, as well as the work experience section. The skills sections were kept and showcase relevant skills to the job that's being applied to. The certifications section was kept and added the relevant certifications. Also, a profile picture was added, and a positive summary to help convince the hiring manager.

3. If You've Got a Lot of Education and No Experience

In the resume education section, include any classes you took that would be relevant to the job you're applying to.

In the example above, the courses and the thesis that were added were relevant to the job that’s being applied to. When adding your GPA, only add it if it’s 3.0 or higher. If it’s lower, don’t add it to the resume.

In the experience section, add any volunteer work and unpaid internships. Also, add any achievements that you achieved during your volunteer experience or internships. Adding achievements shows the employers what you can do. Fill out the sections for the rest of the resume while remembering what job you’re applying for.

Here are some frequently asked questions about adding education to a resume:

1. What if You Went Back to School to Get a New Degree?

Are you changing careers? If you got a new degree because you want to pursue another type of work, then it’s vital that you include your new degree on your resume. Put it on top of your previous college degree.

When you switch roles, most of your previous work experience will be considered irrelevant. Let’s say you want to switch from nursing to selling life insurance or IT to managing a restaurant. In those cases, most of your previous qualifications—education, skills, achievements—are inapplicable.

That’s where your new degree comes in. You’re like a fresh graduate in your new field, but a tad better. Your formal education satisfies the job requirements of most employers, and your transferrable skills will boost your qualifications a bit more, so you’re not seen as a total newbie.

2. What if Your Degree Isn't Related to Your Job?

I know someone who graduated with a degree in design that's now working as a life insurance agent. I also know a nursing graduate who worked in IT for years, before becoming a real estate agent. This happens more than you know. So, don’t let this stop you from chasing after your dream job.

Below are two ways to downplay the lack of formal education in your target job:

• List the relevant coursework in your degree. Let’s say you've got a Psychology degree but want a job in marketing. If you took units in social psychology, communications, grammar, and business, those subjects show you've got the knowledge required for the job.
• List professional courses or ongoing training you took to compensate for your lack of formal schooling on the subject.

3. What if You Attended Multiple Schools to Finish One Degree?

Only list the school where you graduated or finished your degree. Educational institutions require transferring students to submit their transcript, along with a detailed list of the subjects they completed with their previous school.

Your school records are consolidated where you graduate, so that’s what you should list on your resume. If you put the wrong school, you may get a negative result from an employer’s pre-employment background check.

Having a college degree doesn’t guarantee you a job, not anymore. Still, a college education is one of the job requirements for high-paying work. So, you should learn how to list your education on a resume in a way that paints you as a skilled and knowledgeable professional, not just a student who only did the minimum work to pass.

Now that you're done listing your education on a resume, why not improve the other parts of your resume too?

Browse our professional resume templates on Envato Elements for a great resume design.

Envato Elements is the best source for any kind of resume template . They've got templates for people with no experience and for people with a lot of experience. Also, they've got themed resumes that you can use to match the job that you're applying to.

So, what's Envato Elements? It’s a premium subscription service where you pay a low monthly fee to gain unlimited access to premium digital assets . These assets include resume templates, fonts, stock images, audio, etc.

Professionals make every template to look stylish and impressive. This means that you're getting a high-quality product. When you use a template, you save time because it's already designed. All you need to do is add text in the designated sections. You still can if you like adding your personal touch to your resume. A good template is easily customizable.

In this article, you learned how to fill out the education section of your resume in several different circumstances. So, put those skills to use and download a premium template from Envato Elements. Also, learn more about making a great resume in our comprehensive series. There are several resume strategies to master that'll help you land the job you want.

Editorial Note: This content was originally published on August 17th, 2017. We're sharing it again because our editors have determined that this information is still accurate and relevant. It's been updated for relevancy and accuracy by Sarah Joy .

How to list education on a resumé

You’ve spent years of your life studying and now’s the time to show off all that hard work. Educational achievements of all kinds are worth listing on your resumé . Depending on your career path, they can even be the most important details to highlight.

Listing your education on your resumé is important as it lets employers see at a glance what knowledge and skills you bring to a role. Read on to learn more about how to list your education on your resumé and position yourself as a prime candidate for the job you want.

Information to include in the education section of a resumé

When it comes to listing your education, there are a few important factors that hiring managers are looking for when they’re reviewing your resumé. Depending on how in-depth you want to make your education section, here are some details you might want to include:

• Your school’s name
• Location of your school 
• Any degrees, diplomas or certificates you obtained 
• Your field of study 
• The year you graduated or the years you studied
• Any academic recognition, coursework, activities or other achievements 

How to list completed education on a resumé (with examples)

The way you approach listing your education on your resumé depends on how long you’ve been in the workforce. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned academic professional will change the level of detail you include. Here are some guidelines on how you should list your education for your circumstances.

Recent graduates (1–5 years)

If you graduated in the last five years, you should place your education section before your work experience. Chances are you haven’t gained much professional experience yet, so use your education to demonstrate your skills and knowledge instead. Be sure to include any extracurricular activities and if you received any special recognition. The exact formatting will depend on the style of your resumé, but remember to make sure it’s easily legible. For example:

Bachelor of Business Management, The University of Queensland 2016–2020 Achievements: Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence in Semester 2 President of University of Queensland Chess Club (UQCC), 2019

Experienced professionals (5 or more years)

If you’ve been in the workforce for more than five years, you should put your education section below your professional experience section. At this stage, most employers are more interested in your professional achievements , so you can remove any specific details, like attendance dates, extracurriculars and academic achievements. Here’s an example:

Bachelor of Business Management  The University of Queensland

Graduates with multiple degrees

If you’ve acquired several degrees or qualifications, you should list them with the highest-level qualification at the top. You can check the Australian Qualifications Framework to see how they’re ranked. There’s no need to go into too much detail unless it’s relevant for the position – just be sure to include the name of your qualification and the educational institution. For example:

Master of Business Administration MBA Melbourne Business School 

How to list incomplete or in-progress education (with examples)

If you haven’t finished your degree or you have an incomplete education, it’s still perfectly acceptable to include this in the education section of your resumé, as long as it’s relevant to the position you’re applying for. 

For in-progress education, you should include your projected graduation date if you’re on track to finish your degree. You might want to consider adding optional information, like honours, relevant coursework and any extracurricular activities. An example of this would be:

Bachelor of Business Management  The University of Queensland Graduating in November 2024

If you started a degree but chose not to finish it, you might still want to consider including it on your resumé. List the coursework you’ve completed and any special recognitions that are relevant to the job. 

Bachelor of Business Management  The University of Queensland Completed coursework: Accounting for Decision-Making, Economics for Business, Business Law and Introduction to Management

How do you list education on a resumé without a degree? 

You don’t need a degree to be able to list education on your resumé. You can list your high school certificate, TAFE qualifications, online courses, professional training and any other certifications you might have. 

If you’ve recently graduated high school, then list your school, the years you attended, and any additional achievements or qualifications. If you’ve been in the workforce for five or more years, then you can drop your high school education and focus on your other qualifications or professional experience. List items starting with the highest level of education first: 

Diploma of Leadership and Management TAFE Queensland, South Bank 2021–2022

Brisbane State High School 2015–2020 ATAR: 84.00 Electives: Accounting, Legal, English and Literature Extension, Economics Achievements: Excellence Award in Economics (2019)

Tips for your resumé education section

While the education section may only be a small portion of your resumé, it provides potential employers with crucial information about your technical skills , subject knowledge and academic accomplishments. It’s an opportunity to make a positive first impression and get one step closer to landing the role.

Here are a few tips for putting together an effective education section on your resumé:

• Start with your highest level of education: always list your education, certifications and qualifications from the highest level to the lowest. 
• Include relevant details:  make sure to include all the important information, including the name of your school or educational institution, the name of the degree or qualification and the major (if applicable). If you’re still studying, you should also include your expected graduation date.
• Include awards: list any academic awards, dean’s commendations, scholarships or other relevant recognitions
• List relevant coursework: if your resumé is lacking professional experience or your studies are incomplete, you might want to consider including the relevant coursework you’ve completed. 
• Include thesis or capstone project:  completing a thesis or a capstone project is a huge achievement, so be sure to list it as part of your education.
• Detail study abroad or exchange programs: completing study overseas demonstrates cultural awareness and adaptability, so it’s also worth mentioning in your education section.
• List professional development certifications: include any certifications, qualifications or workshops relevant to your education or the job you're seeking.
• Omit high school details: if you’ve completed tertiary education or you’ve been in the workforce for several years, it’s often not necessary to include your high school education.
• Tailor to the job:  you should customise the education section of your resumé based on the role you’re applying for. You only have limited space to work with, so be sure to highlight aspects of your education that are most relevant to the position. If you have several degrees or qualifications, it could be worth narrowing down your list to feature only those that are applicable.
• Proofread your resumé: double- and triple-check your resumé to make sure you haven’t missed any typos or grammatical errors. It’s also important to make sure you’re being consistent with your formatting throughout the education section so it’s visually appealing and easy to read.
• Use action verbs for descriptions: when incorporating action verbs into your education section, focus on describing your achievements, responsibilities and the impact of your activities. This will help to enhance readability and demonstrate your skills.

The education section is an essential part of your resumé. It demonstrates to potential employers that you possess the relevant skills and knowledge to succeed in the position you’re applying for. It also demonstrates commitment, diligence and other transferable skills that are important for success in the workplace. Whether you’ve recently completed additional qualifications or you’re applying for a new role, now’s a great time to review and refresh the education section on your resumé.  

Is it okay to list all your subjects under the education section of a resumé or is just mentioning a degree's title good enough?

When it comes to listing your subjects under the education section of your resumé, it’s usually best to only include the coursework you’ve completed that’s relevant to the position you’re applying for. Listing your subjects in addition to the degree’s title usually isn’t necessary if you’ve got multiple degrees, certificates or qualifications to include. Alternatively, if you’re including incomplete education, you’ve only recently graduated from high school, or you’re in the process of completing your degree, then including subjects can help to demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge for the position. 

Should I put education first on my resumé?

Your personal details and career objective or summary should always be listed first on your resumé. You should then include whatever is most recent from your work experience or education. If you’ve recently graduated, chances are you haven’t gained much work experience, so place the emphasis on your education and the relevant skills and knowledge you’ve gained. Alternatively, if you’ve been in the workforce for a few years, most employers will be more interested in your professional experience and how it can contribute to the position you’re applying for.  

Should I include my high school education on my resumé?

Unless you’ve recently left high school, there’s no need to include your high school education on your resumé. If you’re currently studying for a degree or other qualification, you might want to include more information about that than about your high school education. You can provide details about relevant coursework, academic achievements and your expected graduation date instead.

Should I list my GPA on my resumé?

If you’re a recent graduate of Law of Medicine and you achieved a high GPA, it can be a good idea to include your GPA in the education section of your resumé. After all, a high GPA demonstrates your academic achievement. With that said, the GPA grading system is not commonly used in Australia, and most employers scanning your resumé are only interested in your qualifications.

Should I include online courses or certificates in my education section?

Online courses, certificates and other qualifications all fall into the category of education, so if they’re recent and relevant to the position that you’re applying for, then it’s worth including them in the education section of your resumé. Completing courses and certifications helps to demonstrate your commitment to learning, as well as the skills and knowledge that you possess. 

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The Must-Haves When Writing Your Education On Your Resume [For 2024]

The education section on your resume is more important than you think. Here’s how to structure it, including advice for current students and recent grads.

3 years ago   •   11 min read

The education section is an easily overlooked part of any resume — which doesn’t mean it should be an afterthought. If you’re a current student or recent graduate, or if you’re applying to jobs that require a specific degree, you’ll know you need to put some thought into it, but the same is true even if you’ve been in the workforce for a while.

Here are some of our best tips for how to structure it, including where to put your resume education section and how to make the most impact without letting it take over more space than it needs.

Where to put your education on your resume

Where to put the education section of your resume mostly depends on how recently you graduated:

• If you've been out of school for a few years and have some relevant work experience, include your education section underneath your professional experience .
• If you graduated recently and your education is your most relevant experience, put your education section at the top of your resume .

We'll go into more detail on the why's and how's of listing your education vs work experience first on your resume later in the article. First, here's a quick guide on how to write a resume education section.

How to format a resume education section

• Create a separate section and title it "Education."
• List the name of the school and the degree you studied.
• List your graduation date. This is optional, especially if you graduated more than 10 years ago.
• List any major awards or honors, including cum laude or dean's list.
• If you're a current student or recent graduate, you can consider including extra details like GPA or relevant coursework (see below for more details).
• If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order, with your most recent degree first.

Resume education section template

Here are a couple of different templates you can use, depending on how much experience you have.

Education section for mid-level hires

Here's an example of a brief education section, suitable for experienced hires.

Use this template to copy this format:

EDUCATION Name of college or university, location Date of graduation Degree, major, and minor

Education section for students and graduates

This is a longer example you can use if you're a current student or recent graduate.

Here's the expanded template:

EDUCATION Name of college or university, location Date of graduation Degree, major, and minor Awards and GPA (if above 3.5) Relevant coursework

What to include in your resume education section

As a general rule, you should limit your education section to information that's relevant to the job you're applying for.

Must haves:

• The university or college you attended
• The degree you obtained
• Your major(s)
• The year you graduated

Awards and honors

Study abroad.

• Relevant coursework

Extracurricular activities

Other certifications, educational projects, internships and student placements, unfinished degrees, the university or college and degree.

This one's a no-brainer. If nothing else, you must include the name of your degree and where you obtained it.

Major and minor

You should pretty much always list your major, unless you completed your degree in a completely unrelated field. Listing your minor is a good idea if it's in any way relevant to the job you're now applying for.

More information: How to put a double major on a resume and the minors you need to include on your resume

Any major awards or honors should go in your resume education section. These include cum laude or magna cum laude, dean's list , and fellowships.

More information: How to list honors on your resume

Your GPA is very optional — only include it if you're a current student or recent graduate and it's above 3.5. In all other cases, leave it off.

If you’re a current student, it’s fine to list study abroad on your resume. You can list the experience under the host school, making sure to note that it was a study abroad program.

More information: Turn study abroad into a job with these resume tips

If you're an experienced hire, skip this step. If you have real work experience, including coursework will look strangely out of touch.

If you're a current student and don't have a lot of relevant work experience, relevant coursework can help demonstrate key skills and get you past Applicant Tracking Systems . You can list a handful of subjects on one line underneath your degree and major.

More information: What to put on your resume if you don't have a lot of experience

You can include student activities a subsection of your resume education section (if they only take up a line or two) or in a separate section (if you want to include key accomplishments).

More information: How to showcase extracurriculars on your resume

Other certifications and qualifications can go on your resume, but be critical about what you list. This could include certificates, licences, technical qualifications, and other types of continuing education — as long as they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for. You also don’t need to list every conference or seminar you’ve ever attended. Keep it limited to substantial qualifications that help you stand out.

More information: The right way to list certifications on a resume

Projects can also be listed in their own section if you choose to elaborate on your accomplishments — if you're a current student or recent graduate, this is a great way to highlight relevant skills. If you'd rather keep it brief, include a 'Projects' subheading in your education section and list them there instead.

More information: How to list projects on your resume

Internships — paid or unpaid — are generally a better fit for your work experience section, since they take place in a professional work environment. List these the same way as paid work experience, including the name of the employer, the dates of the internship, and a few key accomplishments in bullet points.

You can include student placements if they were a) significant, b) recent, and c) relevant. In other words, a six-month hospital placement belongs on your resume if you're a recent nursing graduate, but a two-week observation probably doesn't.

More information: How to write effective resume bullet points

It's fine to list an unfinished degree on your resume. Do list an unfinished degree if it's relevant to the job you're applying for, demonstrates key skills, or explains a long career gap. Don't list an unfinished degree if it's much older or  in a different industry than the one you now work in — only include it if it strengthens your candidacy.

It’s also okay to include your degree if you haven’t officially graduated yet — simply list it as “expected May 2024” (or whatever date applies).

Boston University (2020-2021) Boston, MA Bachelor of Arts in Communication — Completed 20 credit hours

More information: Listing an unfinished degree on your resume

I’d recommend uploading your resume to the tool below to find out if your education section is structured the right way. It’ll scan your education section and let you know if you’ve listed your degrees, majors & minors, GPA, honors, coursework and projects the right way. It’ll also let you know which of these belong on your resume and which ones to leave off entirely.

Do's and don'ts for structuring your education section

Here are some general do's and don'ts for formatting the education section of your resume:

• Keep it brief. In most cases, your education section only needs to be a line or two underneath your work experience.
• Highlight any particularly impressive accomplishments, like graduating summa cum laude or receiving a prestigious fellowship.
• Include unfinished degrees if you're still in school or they're relevant to the job you're applying for.
• List all your degrees, not just the most recent. You may think your bachelor’s degree in art history doesn’t matter if you have a master’s in engineering and are applying for jobs as an engineer, but it’ll look weird if you leave it off altogether.
• Leave a degree off your resume only if it isn’t relevant and it could make you appear overqualified — for example, if you have PhD in mathematics and are applying for jobs as an entry-level salesperson.
• Always include an education section, even if it's very short.
• Include more information than is necessary. Stick to details that strengthen your candidacy — if it's not relevant, leave it off.
• Include your GPA unless it's very high (above 3.5) . Listing a 2.0 GPA isn't going to impress any recruiters — but the good news is, once you've graduated, it isn't relevant anyway.
• List high school information (unless you're a current high school student).

Tips for writing a resume education section

Wondering how these rules apply to your specific circumstances? Here's some more targeted advice for different situations.

If you’re a recent graduate

As a recent graduate, always include your graduation date on your resume. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, a recent graduation date makes it obvious why.

Unlike more experienced hires , recent graduates can use your education section to highlight your achievements. This includes awards, student initiatives, study abroad programs, language proficiency , key leadership skills, and any major accomplishments.

If you’re a current student

If you’re still studying, your education section can be a lot bigger, since you’re unlikely to have a lot of relevant work experience. You should include any major accomplishments, including awards and involvement in extracurricular activities. If you know when you’ll be graduating, go ahead and list the expected date .

Any part-time work experience or internships can go in the work history section of your resume.

If you graduated a while ago

Try to keep your education section as short as possible.  The longer you’ve been in the workforce, the shorter it should be. If you graduated some time ago (e.g. 8+ years), it’s common practice to omit the date (and a good idea for those who want to avoid any potential age discrimination) .

If you transferred schools

If you started and finished your degree at different institutions — including transferring between four-year schools or from a community college — it's fine to just list the name of the school you graduated from. If you're a recent graduate and have achievements on your resume from your previous institution (like involvement in student organizations), you can consider listing both schools for clarification.

If you have multiple degrees

If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order with the most recent first.

Key takeaways

Remember that your resume is about presenting you as a strong applicant for a position rather than about adding as much information as possible. Normal resume rules apply — if it strengthens your candidacy, leave it in. If it takes the spotlight off more impressive work experience, take it off.

Everything on your resume should have a single purpose: Demonstrating that you’re a good fit for the position you’re applying to. This means:

• Tailor your resume : Add or remove experiences and qualifications from your experience section as necessary to fit each specific role.
• If you don't have much work experience: Expand your education section when you don’t have a lot of work experience, or if the experience you do have isn’t particularly relevant. On the other side, if your work experience is extensive or impressive on its own, anything else you add risks taking focus away from the parts you want to highlight.
• If you’re a career changer: Fresh qualifications can help bridge the gap between your old industry and the new role you want.

Should you lead with work experience or education on your resume?

The convention is for your education section to be after your work experience, but there are some situations where that doesn’t apply.

You can put your education section at the top of your resume if:

• You're still a student
• You graduated recently
• You're changing careers
• Your education is the most relevant part of your resume

Recent or current students can lead with your education section

If you’re a current student and don’t have a lot of work experience , it’s fine to lead with your education section. It’s the most recent (and likely most relevant) experience you have. Leading with your education also prevents anyone who’s skimming over your resume from assuming that you’re simply inexperienced or unemployed, when the reality is that you’re in full-time education.

The same applies if you’re a recent graduate. If your education is still the most relevant or most impressive experience you have, list it first.

Career changers can start their resumes with an education section, if it's relevant

The last exception is career changers . If you’ve gone back to school as part of the career change process, you can list your education first. A new qualification is more relevant than your experience in a different industry. It also provides important context for your application, as a resume that solely focuses on your past experience in a different sector might otherwise be confusing to a hiring manager.

If you’re a career changer looking for new qualifications to include in your education section but aren’t sure what skills you need, use the tool below to find a list of skills and keywords required for the job you want.

Otherwise, your work experience should come before your education section

If the situations above don’t apply to you, and you don’t have another good reason to list your education first, stick to the standard convention as lead with your work experience. Employers primarily want to know about your work history and achievements, so unless your education is very recent, you’re better of focusing on your professional accomplishments.

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Resume Examples & Samples

How to list education on a resume [examples].

Dayana Aleksandrova

Create a Resume in Minutes & Get More Job Interviews

Table of Contents

First things first, basic formatting, how to list high school education, mention awards.

Education is tough. You spend four years in college, stressing about exams and living off of gummy bears and ramen, often curled up on the library floor. That’s the best case scenario. Reward your efforts by expertly putting your education on a resume.

It’s crucial to know how to list your education on a resume at every stage. Applicants get confused by all the possible scenarios. What if you never finished high school? What if you only completed high school? What if you dropped out of college? Don't worry.

We will teach you how to:

• List your high school experience even if you never graduated
• Include your education if you’re still in college
• Present your education on a resume if you never graduated college
• Mention your college education once it’s completed
• Leverage skills and extracurriculars to complement your education

VelvetJobs Expert Tip

Need help? Check out our resume builder .

#first-things-first

Have you ever wondered what goes first, education or experience? They are both important and should be easy to spot on your resume.

You can have your education positioned:

• At the top of your resume, before experience
• After your experience but before your interests and hobbies

Both alternatives work.

If you have recently graduated, list education before experience on your resume. This is because, at this point, education is most likely the most relevant and extensive experience you’ve had.

If you’ve decided to go back to school after a few years in the workforce, you should put your work experience before your education. It's better to see that you can, say, generate $20,000 in sales over six months than a theoretical finance course you took.

Make sure to make education a priority on your resume. While you may choose not to put it at the top, don’t bury it at the very bottom. The bottom part of your resume should be for hobbies and interests, certifications and volunteer work.

Learn How and Why Put Hobbies on a Resume (20+ Real Examples) !

When should you put education after your work experience?

If you’ve been working for a few years and have a few solid positions to show, put your education after your experience. After all, companies want to hire you for what you can do , not what you’ve learned in theory.

Of course, a degree can be a very helpful asset, but the experience here has a higher value. If you’ve been working for 5-10 years, your experience has become more relevant and recent than your degree so you can put your education in the second part of the resume.

#basic-formatting

We will go over the basic formatting requirements of listing your education on your resume.

• List your highest degree first (Ph.D-MA - BA - Associate)
• If you put your college degree, you don’t need to list high school

It makes sense to list your highest degree first. It will be the one you obtained most recently and the most valuable of all. If you’ve got a Ph.D, it would be at the top of your resume. You can leave off the rest of your degrees in that case, especially if they are in the same discipline.

For example, if you have a Ph.D in Neuroscience and a Master's in the same sphere, just list your Ph.D. Besides the doctorate, Master’s degrees go next, followed by Bachelor’s and finally, Associate’s degree.

Additional details to include:

• School you graduated from
• Major/ minor
• Year of graduation
• Location of school

These are the four additional pieces of information you should mention when listing your education on your resume.

The name of your school is important. The area of study matters as well. If you had both a major and a minor, list the major first . The year of graduation is important as the recruiter will be judging your progress based on it.

Finally, the location of the school is a good piece of information to have, but it isn’t crucial. It’s important in case the name of your college is popular. For example, when you say you graduated from “Trinity College,” the recruiter would ask which one - the one in Ireland or Connecticut.

Here is an example of what this format looks like:

for example

2015 MA in Psychology

Boston University, Boston, MA

3.8 GPA Followed by:

2013 BA in Psychology

• Trinity College, Hartford, CT

As you can see, this candidate has listed their HIGHEST and MOST RECENT degree first, followed by their previous education.

Need some extra help? Check out these resume templates .

bonus tips:

• Every space on your resume counts. Shorten “Master’s” to MA, “Bachelor’s” to BA, etc.
• It’s good to put your GPA on your resume as long as it’s higher than 3.2.

If you attended an Ivy League school (Harvard, Princeton, Yale), you could lead with the name of the school instead of the major.

#how-to-list-high-school-education

We will follow the same format as above. If you didn’t graduate high school, simply say:

• Name of High School, Town, State
• Attended school from YEAR - YEAR

For example:

• Union High School, Gilford, NH
• Attended school from 2003 - 2005

Since your education is not the strongest suit on your resume if you didn’t finish high school, go ahead and emphasize your relevant work experience and qualifications instead.

If you are still in high school, list the following:

• Expected to graduate YEAR

It would look like:

• Expected to graduate 2010

Finally, if you didn’t finish high school, but later completed a GED, say this: GED High School Equivalency Diploma

• Institution, State, YEAR
• Attended High School From YEAR - YEAR
• GED High School Equivalency Diploma
• Greenville Center, Gilford, 2010
• Attended High School From 2003- 2005

Why do we list both institutions? This is because you began your education in high school and finished elsewhere. Together, the two add up to what the recruiter needs to know. You'll see this information in all good resume templates .

If you finished high school

Listing your completed education is very simple. Just say the following:

• Graduated in YEAR

It would look like this:

• Graduated in 2013

Looks simple? That’s because it really is, no catch. While your high school experience can be quickly summed up in a few lines, you should put more effort into discussing your skills and experience in case this is your highest level of education.

We know you're a rockstar. Check out these 50+ Essential Skills to Put on a Resume (And Get the Job) !

Now let’s talk about college education on your resume. We will look at how to list it in case:

• You never finished college
• You are still in college
• You completed a college degree

Simply list it like this:

• University of New Hampshire, Manchester, NH
• 2012-2014 Completed 70 credits towards BA in Economics
• Graduated in 2012

Here, we list your high school along with the college courses you’ve taken in order to demonstrate a more wholesome educational experience. If you did the work and completed a certain number of courses, definitely mention it.

Here is the best way to list your education on your resume if you are still in college :

• BA in Economics in Progress

Simply mention when you will have your degree. You can use the phrase “in progress,” or “anticipated,” or “expected.” These terms are interchangeable.

Listing a completed college degree on your resume is very straightforward. Simply say:

• YEAR Degree Type in Discipline
• University, City, State
• 2015 BA in Economics
• University of Boston, Boston, MA

#mention-awards

Let's have a look at how to list degrees higher than BA on your resume. Feel free to include additional details such as:

• Honors and awards
• Relevant courses taken
• Extracurricular activities and volunteer work
• Published work

It is always a good idea to mention any honors you’ve received with your degree or whether you’ve been a part of any societies such as Phi Beta Kappa.

This is what an example looks like:

• Honors BA in Economics, Summa Cum Laude
• Graduated in 2015

Other honors can include any scholarships you’ve received on Dean's List .

It’s a good idea to mention details about the courses you’ve taken if they are relevant. For example, if you are applying for a position in politics and you’ve taken courses in international political economy, politics of developing countries and international relations, do mention those courses.

Your resume should be one page long, so only mention these details if you have space left.

You can spend more time on your education section in case you have little to no work experience. That way, you will demonstrate that this is where the majority of your efforts have been focused.

What if you graduated with a degree that isn’t relevant to the position you are applying for? Then simply list the courses you’ve taken that can be helpful in the industry.

For example, if you’d like to work as a Human Resources Specialist, but you studied Economics, that’s fine. List courses that may be relevant, such as Psychology 101, Behavioral Psychology and Social Psychology.

• Bachelor of Arts in Economics
• Relevant Coursework: Psychology 101, Behavioral Psychology, Social Psychology

You can back your resume up with relevant extracurricular and volunteer experiences as well, such as:

• Mentor programs
• Debate team
• Sports teams
• Creative writing
• Student government

These extracurricular activities demonstrate that you’ve closely worked with people in a team and as a leader, as well as have imagination and creativity.

Don't be shy, it's fine to show off. Here's How to Mention Accomplishments on Your Resume (10+ Examples)

Here are the things to remember when discussing education on your resume.

It’s important to talk about your studies when you apply for a job. Though your experience will be more important if you’ve got ten years of experience under your belt, if you are just starting out or are still in school, your education matters.

You can list any sort of education - both high school and college, regardless of whether you completed a degree or not. There are different ways to speak about your education, depending on whether you have completed your studies, have dropped them or are still in progress.

You should leverage your extracurricular activities , honors and rewards and mention details about your coursework in order to position your candidacy best for the job.

Make sure to be concise in your education description, as your resume should be a neat one page. It’s easy to choose whether to put your education at the top or bottom of your resume, depending on how much professional experience you’ve accumulated.

If you have years of solid work experience behind you, place your education after your experience. In case you have recently graduated from school or don’t have much professional experience to show, put your education second.

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Education in Progress on Your Resume: How to List it

As job markets become increasingly competitive, it’s essential to have an impressive resume that stands out from the crowd. One key element of a strong resume is education. Employers seek candidates who combine practical experience with a solid learning background. But what if you’re still pursuing your degree or professional development courses? How do you include that education in progress on your resume effectively? This article discusses the importance of education on a resume and provides practical tips on how to present ongoing education.

Importance of education in a resume

Listing your education on a resume is essential as it demonstrates your commitment to learning, a strong work ethic, and a desire to fill knowledge gaps that enhance your skills. Formal education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, is crucial for some professions, while others demand additional training and certification.

Education information gives employers insight into your skills, which leads them to measure your potential for learning, reasoning, and critical thinking. Even if you don’t have completed education, highlighting the courses you’re currently taking or training you’re participating in can showcase your willingness to learn and your dedication to personal development.

How to present education in progress on a resume

If you’re still in school or taking courses, be sure to list the degree or certification you’re pursuing and include the expected date of completion. You can also provide details on relevant course work and academic achievements. If you’re taking courses for career development, mention the name of the course, the issuing institution, and the expected completion date. Remember to include any certifications you’ve earned from those courses or training programs.

Another way to showcase education in progress is to include the phrase “in progress,” “anticipated completion date,” or “expected graduation date” next to the corresponding certification or degree. These phrases help recruiters understand your current status in your academic journey.

The benefits of highlighting ongoing education on your resume

There are several advantages to highlighting education in progress on your resume. First, it demonstrates your commitment to your profession, your desire to learn, and your willingness to grow professionally. Additionally, it highlights the fact that you’re not resting on your past laurels.

Moreover, showing relevant courses and training programs can also help employers see that you have the necessary skills to handle the job’s requirements. This demonstrates that you have taken the initiative to develop those skills proactively.

Including relevant education in progress on your resume can enhance your credibility, and it’s an excellent strategy to differentiate yourself in a highly competitive job market. When done well, your resume can be your ticket to a more prosperous future.

Types of Education in Progress

If you’re still pursuing a new degree or certification, it’s important to list that information on your resume. Employers love to see that you’re working towards improving yourself and staying up-to-date in your field. Here are several types of education in progress that you may want to include:

Traditional College or University Degree

If you’re working towards a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at a traditional college or university, make sure to list your degree, major, and expected graduation date. You can also include any relevant coursework or projects that highlight your skills and knowledge. Employers want to see that you have a clear plan for completing your degree and are committed to your education.

Online Courses and Certifications

In today’s digital age, many people are turning to online courses and certifications to further their education. This option is great for those who may not have the time or resources to attend a traditional college or university. List any online courses or certifications you are currently taking or plan to take in the near future. Be specific about the course or certification title, the date you expect to complete it, and any relevant skills or knowledge gained.

Boot Camp Programs

Boot camp programs are intensive, short-term educational courses designed to teach specific technical skills. If you’re enrolled in a boot camp program, make sure to list the program title, start and end dates, and any relevant projects or skills learned. Boot camps are highly focused on practical skills that are in demand by employers, so highlighting your participation in one can be a major selling point on your resume.

Apprenticeships and Internships

If you’re gaining practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship, it’s important to include this on your resume. List the company name, your position or title, the dates of your apprenticeship or internship, and any relevant projects or achievements. Employers love to see that you’ve gained real-world experience and are actively working towards developing your skills.

Education in progress can be a major asset on your resume. Whether you’re pursuing a traditional degree, taking online courses, participating in a boot camp, or gaining practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship, make sure to list these education endeavors to showcase your commitment to personal and professional growth.

Choosing the Right Section for Ongoing Education

The education section of a resume is a crucial aspect that indicates the level of education and academic achievements. However, ongoing education and training also play a critical role in demonstrating the candidate’s continuous learning and career growth.

When it comes to highlighting ongoing education on your resume, several sections can showcase your dedication to growth and development. Here are the four main sections that you can consider:

Education Section

The education section is the most common section to showcase ongoing education, as it is the primary place where academic qualifications are listed. This section should include your formal education, such as degree or diploma programs, and mention any ongoing studies, coursework, or current enrollment in a degree program.

If you’re currently pursuing a degree or certificate program, it’s essential to mention the program’s name, educational institution, start and anticipated completion date, and degree or certification name.

Certifications Section

Another section to consider including your ongoing education is the certification section. This section focuses on industry-specific certifications and credentials that demonstrate your skills and expertise. Listing your certifications highlights your commitment to your field and indicates that you’re up-to-date with current practices and trends.

If you’re pursuing additional certifications, list them in this section, and mention the certification body, date of completion, and certification name.

Professional Development Section

The professional development section is an excellent place to highlight any non-degree programs or courses that you’re currently enrolled in or completed. This section can include workshops, webinars, conferences, or training programs that you attend to enhance your skills and knowledge.

It’s essential to list these programs according to the level of relevance to your career goals and industry. Also, mention the event or program name, the institution or organization providing the learning experience, and the date of completion.

Relevant Experience Section

Lastly, you can incorporate your ongoing education and training by emphasizing the skills gained from your education and professional development sections in your relevant experience section. This section should include a summary of your work experience, skills, and accomplishments relevant to your career goals.

Emphasize how your continual learning and ongoing education contribute to your skill set and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. For example, mention any responsibilities, tasks, or projects that showcase the skills acquired from your current and previous education and training experiences.

Carefully choosing the right section for ongoing education on your resume is crucial to reflect your career’s progression and dedication to growth and development. Consider all the above sections and highlight your ongoing education and learning commitment to the best of your ability.

Where to List Education in Progress on Your Resume

When it comes to listing education in progress on your resume, there are a few different options for placement. Depending on the details of your education and professional experience, you may want to consider one or more of the following methods:

Top of the Resume

One common option is to include any education in progress at the very top of your resume. This can be especially effective if your education is relevant to your desired job or career path. By highlighting your ongoing education right away, you can demonstrate your commitment to learning and professional development.

After Completed Education

Another option is to list any completed education first, followed by any education in progress. This may make the most sense if you’ve already achieved a degree or certification that is relevant to your field. By showing your completed education first, you can establish your qualifications and expertise before highlighting your ongoing education.

In the Professional Development Section

If you have a section on your resume that is specifically dedicated to professional development or continued education, you can include your education in progress there. This can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and staying up-to-date in your field.

In Description of Relevant Experience

Finally, if you have relevant experience that is directly tied to your ongoing education, you can mention your education in progress in the description of that experience. For example, if you’re currently pursuing a degree in marketing and you have hands-on experience working on marketing campaigns, you could mention your degree program in the bullet points describing your marketing experience. This can help to demonstrate how your education and experience are working together to make you a strong candidate for the job.

There is no one “right” way to list education in progress on your resume – you’ll need to consider your own background and goals in order to determine the best approach for you. By thinking carefully about where to include your education in progress, however, you can create a resume that showcases your skills, knowledge, and dedication to personal and professional growth.

How to Format Education in Progress

When you’re still in the process of completing your education, it’s important to format it correctly on your resume. Here are some key elements to include:

Name of the Program or Degree

Clearly state the name of the program or degree you’re pursuing. This will help recruiters and hiring managers understand your area of focus and level of expertise.

Institution or Provider

Include the name of the institution or provider where you are pursuing your education. This can help give insight into the rigor and quality of the program you’re taking.

Expected Completion Date

Indicate when you expect to complete your program or degree. This can be helpful for recruiters and hiring managers who are trying to assess your availability and qualifications.

Relevant Coursework and Projects

Highlight any relevant coursework or projects you’ve completed that relate to the field you’re pursuing. This can demonstrate not only your knowledge but also your initiative and ingenuity.

GPA or Grade Point Average

Include your GPA or grade point average if it is reasonably high. This can indicate that you’ve maintained good academic standing and that you are serious about your education.

Education in progress can be a valuable asset to include on your resume. By following these key formatting guidelines, you can help ensure that potential employers understand your qualifications and accomplishments in the best light possible.

How to Highlight Education in Progress in Your Work Experience

If you’re currently pursuing a degree or additional education while working, it’s important to showcase this ongoing education in your work experience section of your resume. Here are some techniques to effectively highlight your education in progress:

Including ongoing education in job titles

One way to display your education in progress is by adding it in your job titles. For example, if you’re currently pursuing a Masters in Marketing, you could list your job title as “Marketing Coordinator (Masters in Marketing in Progress)”. This will grab the employer’s attention and showcase your eagerness for continued learning and professional development.

Listing completed coursework in job descriptions

If you’re in the midst of completing your education, it can be helpful to list relevant coursework in your job descriptions. This not only highlights your education in progress, but it also demonstrates your knowledge and skills gained through your courses. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in finance and have completed several finance courses, mention them in your job description to show your expertise in that area.

Highlighting relevant projects

Finally, you can highlight your education in progress by showcasing relevant projects you’ve worked on that directly relate to your ongoing education. Choose projects that demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through your coursework. Include a brief description of the project, your role, and how it showcases your education in progress.

By implementing these techniques, you can effectively highlight your education in progress in your work experience section of your resume. This not only shows your eagerness for continued learning, but also demonstrates to potential employers that you have value to bring to their organization.

Example of Listing Education in Progress

When it comes to your resume, it’s important to showcase your ongoing learning and development. Listing education in progress can demonstrate your dedication to self-improvement and an eagerness to stay up-to-date in your field. Here are some examples of how to list different types of education in progress on your resume.

Traditional Degrees in Progress

If you’re currently working towards a traditional degree, such as a bachelor’s or master’s, you can list it on your resume in a few different ways. One option is to simply include the degree program and expected graduation date under your education section. For example:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, XYZ University   Expected Graduation: May 2022

Alternatively, you can include any relevant coursework or special projects you’ve completed within the degree program, as well as any notable achievements. Here’s an example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC University

• Relevant coursework: Data Structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, Database Systems
• Special project: Developed a chatbot using Python and TensorFlow
• Dean’s List (GPA above 3.5)

Online Courses and Certifications in Progress

With the rise of online learning, many people are pursuing courses and certifications outside of traditional degree programs. If you’re currently taking an online course or working towards a certification, you can list it on your resume like this:

Google Analytics Certification, Google   In progress

Make sure to include the name of the course or certification, the organization offering it, and the fact that it’s in progress. If you’ve already completed some coursework or modules, you can mention that as well.

Boot Camp Programs in Progress

Boot camps are intensive programs that provide hands-on training in specific skills, such as coding, UX design, or digital marketing. If you’re currently enrolled in a boot camp program, you can list it on your resume like this:

Full Stack Web Development Boot Camp, Coding School   Expected Completion: December 2021

Be sure to include the name of the program, the organization offering it, and the expected completion date.

Apprenticeships and Internships in Progress

If you’re gaining on-the-job experience through an apprenticeship or internship, you can list it on your resume to showcase your practical skills and industry-specific knowledge. Here’s an example:

Marketing Intern, Company X   Expected Completion: August 2021

Include the title of your role, the company you’re interning with, and the expected completion date. You can also mention any specific projects or tasks you’ve worked on during your internship.

Listing education in progress on your resume can demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and development. Whether you’re pursuing a traditional degree, online certification, boot camp program, or on-the-job training, make sure to highlight your education and experience in a way that showcases your skills and expertise.

How Education in Progress Enhances Your Skills

Continuous learning is essential in today’s fast-paced world. It is not enough to have a degree, as the skills and knowledge required in most professions are constantly evolving. Therefore, it is paramount for individuals to seek out and take advantage of educational opportunities throughout their careers.

Acquiring new skills and knowledge through education in progress demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and resilience, all of which are highly valued by employers. Learning a new skill or gaining knowledge in a particular area shows that you are investing in yourself and your career development, making you a more valuable asset to any company.

Moreover, education in progress highlights your dedication and commitment to a specific field or profession. It is evidence of your willingness to take responsibility for your professional development and, in turn, demonstrates your motivation to succeed in your chosen career.

Education in progress enhances your skills by keeping you up to date with the latest industry trends and advancements. It also shows that you are constantly seeking to improve and learn, which can only be a benefit to you and any company you work for. Demonstrating motivation and commitment is crucial when looking for employment or career advancement, and education in progress is an excellent way to showcase these traits.

Listing your education in progress on your resume is a simple yet effective way to demonstrate your commitment to professional development and increase your employability. By continuing to learn and develop your skills, you increase your value to employers and set yourself up for long-term career success.

Tips for Presenting Education in Progress on Your Resume

When it comes to listing education in progress on your resume, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your education section sets you up for success and highlights your achievements and progress:

Emphasize achievements and progress:  Rather than simply listing the courses you are currently taking, focus on the accomplishments and progress you’ve made thus far. This could include stellar grades, completed projects, or any other noteworthy achievements.

Avoid exaggeration and misrepresentation:  While you want to highlight your accomplishments, it’s important to be truthful and avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting your education. This includes being honest about the courses you’ve taken and the grades you’ve earned.

Tailor the presentation to the position and industry:  Depending on the position and industry you’re applying to, the way you present your education in progress may differ. For example, if you’re applying to a job in a highly technical field, you may want to include more specific details about the coursework you’ve completed. On the other hand, if you’re applying to a job in a more creative field, you may want to focus on the projects you’ve completed or the skills you’ve developed.

The key to presenting education in progress on your resume is to focus on your achievements and progress, while also being truthful and tailoring your presentation to the position and industry you’re applying to. By following these tips, you can create a compelling education section that helps you stand out from the competition.

Common Mistakes When Listing Education in Progress

When including ongoing education in your resume, there are some common mistakes to avoid. Here are three of the most significant:

1. Listing Too Many Programs

While it’s great to have a broad range of skills, listing too many ongoing education programs can give the impression that you’re indecisive or jack-of-all-trades. Instead of overwhelming your potential employer with many programs, focus on the ones that are the most relevant to the job or industry you’re applying for.

2. Disregarding Previous Education

Just because you’re still working on obtaining further education doesn’t mean that previous education has lost its value. It’s important to highlight previous educational experiences in your resume and show how they have prepared you for your current education.

3. Overemphasizing Ongoing Education

Of course, ongoing education is essential, but overemphasizing it can make it look like you don’t have any real-world job experience. Instead, find a balance between emphasizing your ongoing education while also drawing attention to your job experience.

By avoiding these common mistakes, your resume will showcase the value that your ongoing education brings to the table without losing sight of your previous experience.

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Inspector Resume: Sample & Guide (Entry Level & Senior Jobs)

Create a standout inspector resume with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.

Are you looking for a new job as an inspector? Then you will need a strong resume to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications. Our inspector resume example can help you create a professional and impressive resume that will stand out to potential employers. Whether you are an experienced inspector or just starting out in the field, our resume example can guide you in crafting an effective resume that highlights your strengths and gets you noticed in the job market.

We will cover:

• How to write a resume , no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a resume to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder .
• Why you should use a resume template

What does an Inspector do?

• Inspect and assess the quality of products or services
• Ensure that products or services meet regulatory standards and requirements
• Conduct thorough examinations and investigations
• Identify and document any defects or non-compliance issues
• Make recommendations for improvements or corrective actions
• Prepare detailed inspection reports
• Communicate findings to relevant stakeholders
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What are some responsibilities of an Inspector?

• Conduct inspections of buildings, equipment, and manufacturing processes
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards
• Identify and report any violations or non-compliance issues
• Document inspection findings and create inspection reports
• Recommend corrective actions to address non-compliance issues
• Collaborate with other departments to implement corrective actions
• Conduct follow-up inspections to verify the effectiveness of corrective actions
• Provide training and guidance to employees on safety and quality standards

Sample Inspector Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details

• Name: John Smith
• Date of Birth: January 15, 1980
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 123-456-7890

John Smith is a dedicated and detail-oriented Inspector with over 10 years of experience in conducting thorough inspections to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. He possesses excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and is committed to maintaining high quality and safety standards in all work environments.

Work Experience

• Senior Inspector at ABC Inspections (2015 - Present) - Conducted inspections of commercial and residential properties to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations - Prepared detailed inspection reports and communicated findings with clients and stakeholders
• Junior Inspector at XYZ Company (2010 - 2015) - Assisted senior inspectors in conducting inspections and gathering data at construction sites - Compiled inspection reports and maintained accurate records of findings
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering ABC University, 2010
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team

Certifications

• Licensed Professional Inspector (LPI)
• Certified Building Inspector (CBI)
• English (Native)
• Spanish (Proficient)

Resume tips for Inspector

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Inspector resume tips. We collected the best tips from seasoned Inspector - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

• Highlight relevant experience in inspecting, quality control, and compliance
• Showcase any certifications or training related to inspection processes
• Emphasize strong attention to detail and ability to identify defects or issues
• Demonstrate proficiency in using inspection tools and equipment
• Include any experience with specific industry standards and regulations

Inspector Resume Summary Examples

A resume summary or objective is important for inspectors as it communicates their skills, experiences, and career goals to potential employers. A well-crafted summary or objective can help inspectors stand out in a competitive job market and grab the attention of hiring managers. It also provides a brief overview of their qualifications, making it easier for employers to see how they can contribute to the company. For Example:

• Dedicated and detail-oriented Inspector with 5 years of experience in conducting thorough inspections of buildings and equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Skilled in using various tools and equipment to assess structural integrity and identify potential hazards.
• Excellent communication and report-writing abilities for accurately documenting inspection findings and recommendations.
• Proven track record of consistently delivering high-quality and reliable inspection services in fast-paced environments.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards and regulations, with a commitment to promoting a safe and secure work environment for all stakeholders.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Inspector Resume

Building a strong experience section for an inspector resume is crucial because it showcases your past work history and highlights your expertise in the field. It helps potential employers understand the depth and breadth of your experience, as well as the specific skills and knowledge you bring to the table. A strong experience section can make your resume stand out and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. For Example:

• Performed routine inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations and company standards
• Conducted thorough investigations of workplace accidents and incidents
• Issued violation notices and recommended corrective actions to improve safety and health conditions
• Collaborated with management and employees to develop and implement safety policies and procedures
• Evaluated machinery and equipment for proper functionality and safety features
• Provided training and guidance to staff on safety protocols and best practices
• Participated in emergency response and preparedness drills and exercises
• Documented and reported inspection findings and recommended improvements
• Conducted regular site visits to monitor ongoing projects for compliance with regulations
• Worked with regulatory agencies and law enforcement to address safety and health concerns

Inspector resume education example

An inspector typically needs at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may also require a post-secondary education, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Additionally, inspectors may need to complete specific training or certification programs to become qualified in their area of inspection, such as building codes, electrical systems, or environmental regulations. Continuing education and professional development may also be necessary to stay updated on industry standards and regulations. Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Inspector resume:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering - University of Texas, Austin, TX (2013)
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) - American Welding Society (AWS), (2015)
• ASNT Level II in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) - American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), (2016)
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certification - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), (2017)

Inspector Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills to an inspector resume to demonstrate the candidate's ability to effectively perform the necessary tasks and responsibilities of the role. By showcasing relevant skills, the candidate can differentiate themselves from other applicants and show their proficiency in areas such as attention to detail, critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical expertise. This can help employers make informed decisions when selecting potential candidates for the position. Soft Skills:

• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Organization skills
• Quality Control
• Problem Solving
• Technical Knowledge
• Attention to Detail
• Data Analysis
• Measurement Techniques
• Equipment Calibration
• Documentation Skills
• Regulatory Compliance
• Root Cause Analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Inspector Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

• Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
• Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
• Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
• Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
• Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
• Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
• Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Inspector resume

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting inspections and evaluating compliance with safety regulations
• Proven ability to identify and mitigate potential hazards in various environments
• Experience in completing thorough inspection reports and documentation
• Strong communication skills for effectively conveying findings and recommendations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to ensure safety and regulatory compliance
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards
• Attention to detail and the ability to spot potential issues before they become problems
• Technical skills for using inspection equipment and tools
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with industry best practices

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A résumé is a professional document highlighting your skills, education, goals, and experience. Employers will often spend less than 30 seconds looking at each résumé, so yours needs to stand out while clearly demonstrating your qualifications for the job, internship, or other opportunity. 

Get Started

Use these resources curated by the Career Center to help you craft a strong résumé.

Editable Worksheet

Use this worksheet to help you plan and develop your résumé content.

Editable Template in Word

Download this template and tailor your content to specific opportunities.

High School to College Transition

Learn how to transition your résumé format to make it career-ready.

Samples by Career Path

Review three sample résumés from each of our career paths.

• Communication, Arts, and Marketing
• Consulting, Finance, and Business
• Education, Nonprofit, and Social Impact
• Government, Law, and Public Policy
• Healthcare, Nursing, and Counseling
• Science, Technology, and Engineering

Why do you need a strong résumé?

• Your résumé is a tailored document that conveys to a potential employer the skills, experiences, and qualifications you have for a position you are interested in pursuing.
• In most cases, your résumé will be part of every job, internship, or graduate school application you submit.
• Your résumé—along with your cover letter—is what will determine whether you are invited for an interview.
• Your résumé is one of the few parts of the job search process over which you have 100% control. The effort you put into your résumé also sends clues to potential employers about the level of effort you put into your work. If your résumé looks like it was put together quickly with little attention to detail, what message might you be sending? Make sure your résumé is excellent!

Drop-in Sessions

Once you have a draft of your résumé, stop by our office for a 15-minute résumé review.

Get immediate feedback on your résumé as a supplemental resource to drop-ins.

• Content and formatting matter. If you have great content, but your reader can’t easily make sense of it or find it, you won’t get invited for an interview. Likewise, if you have a beautiful document, but don’t articulate your skills and experiences effectively, you won’t get invited for an interview. 
• If you're an advanced graduate student, you may, at times, submit a résumé of no more than 2 pages.
• Learn more about Applicant Tracking Systems here . 
• Use this article to learn how to write a résumé that gets through applicant tracking systems. 
• Your résumé is a dynamic document.  Continue to add to and edit your résumé on a semesterly or annual basis as you gain more experience. If your career interests change, it is recommended you rethink how you convey your experience on your résumé to align with your new field of interest.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, can be used to enhance your résumé. Read our best practices for appropriately leveraging AI in your application materials.

How to Write a Strong Résumé

Start with a blank document or our ATS-friendly, editable template . We don’t recommend using templates from sites such as Pinterest or Canva as they become restrictive when you are trying to adjust formatting later. Then add each of the sections detailed below.

Use this worksheet to help you plan and develop your résumé content. 

1. Contact Information

First, add your contact information at the top of the page

Your name should be large (e.g. 14 pt font or larger)

Your contact information should include your email address, phone number, city, and state (street address is not needed), and a personalized link to your LinkedIn profile.

To personalize your LinkedIn profile link, click on ‘Edit Public Profile & URL’ in the top right corner of your profile page. Edit your custom URL to your name.

Baldwin Eagle

Chestnut Hill, MA | 617-552-XXXX | baldwin@bc.edu | linkedin.com/in/baldwineagle

2. Education

Next, as a current student, your education section should be listed at the top under your contact information.

Information that should be included: 

• Institution name, city, and state
• School or college, including study abroad institutions and graduate schools, where relevant
• Date of graduation (month and year)
• Major, if known
• GPA, if above a 3.0 or if required by an employer

Other optional information:

• Relevant coursework: You can share up to five classes that are relevant to the position to which you are applying. This is a great way to tailor your résumé to a specific position and to show content knowledge that may not be reflected in your major or elsewhere on your résumé.  
• Academic honors or awards: e.g. Dean’s list (with dates) or other academic recognition can be included here
• High school can be included through your second year of college if space permits unless there is a compelling reason to keep it there (e.g. for networking purposes). 

3. Experience

For most students, your experience section(s) will come after Education. An exception would be if the position description calls for key technical skills.

• Keep in mind that your experience is not just your paid experience. It can include jobs, internships, research, volunteer work, leadership, or campus involvement. You can choose how you title your experience section(s). Some ideas include: Relevant Experience, Volunteer Experience, Leadership & Involvement. 
• Since you want your most relevant experience closer to the top of your résumé, consider how you want to represent your various experiences. What experiences are most relevant in terms of skills gained and content learned to the positions to which you are now applying? 
• Within each section, list your experiences in reverse chronological order by end date. 

How to write strong bullet statements for each experience:

Great bullet statements will describe your achievements rather than tasks.

Start each bullet with an action verb, then demonstrate the value you added to your work by stating what you did (Project), how you did it (Action), and why you did it (Result).

• What was the project or task?
• What actions did you take? (think specifically about your individual contributions)
• What was the result or outcome of your contribution?

Cite numbers whenever possible to demonstrate the scope of your work (e.g. number of people supervised, number of children in classroom, size of event, budget you oversaw, etc.).

• Example Action Verbs

4. Additional Sections to Consider

Following are some additional sections you may include on your résumé:

Objective or Summary: For most students, this is unnecessary and simply takes up space. However, if you are looking to enter a field in which you have very limited experience, it can be helpful to include a short objective that articulates what you are seeking and can show that you are applying to a role with intent and purpose. 

Skills/Interests: It is strongly encouraged to include a section on skills such as computer skills, languages, laboratory skills. For most students, this section will appear at the bottom of your résumé, but for students interested in science and technology, see specific tips in the next section. Personal interests such as hobbies can be included if space permits.

Career Field-Specific Résumé Tips

Creative fields.

• When applying for a creative position, such as a graphic designer, web designer, or creative manager, it can be appropriate to have a creative résumé designed in a program like Adobe InDesign.
• While a creative résumé can include graphics and colors, it should still look professional and be easy to read. 
• It’s a good idea to have a traditional version of your résumé along with the creative one. Applicant Tracking Systems cannot always pull information from graphics or heavily designed résumés, so use a traditional résumé when applying for a position online and save your creative résumé to be emailed directly or to give to someone in-person.
• See more information here about how to design a résumé for the creative fields.
• When applying to positions in the federal government, it is appropriate to submit a federal résumé. Federal résumés are generally 2-5 pages in length and include more required information, including U.S. citizenship status, veteran status, the address and contact information for prior employers and supervisors, and specific USAJobs.gov job identification number.
• As the large majority of federal jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov, we recommend using the website’s  résumé builder  for a step-by-step guide to craft your federal résumé.
• List the number of hours worked during clinicals.
• List any non-clinical work or volunteer experiences you have had. This shows the recruiter that you are well rounded.
• It is critical to keep your Nursing résumé to 1 page only.
• Additionally, if you have worked with any data entry system such as EPIC, list it under the skills section.
• Prioritize key technical skills, such as laboratory (e.g. PCR, gel electrophoresis, western blot, etc.) and statistical analysis software (e.g. R, SPSS, STATA, etc.), in the top half of the résumé. This is especially important if the position description explicitly calls for them.
• Include a research experience section that outlines any on- or off-campus research you have been involved with. Be sure to include relevant achievements in the bullet statements.
• If applicable, include a publications section following the citation style most commonly used in that field of research.
• For teaching in the public schools, create a Licensure and Certifications section, just below your Education section. The title and contents of this section depend on the norms for the state in which you are seeking work. For Massachusetts, include your SEI Endorsement; your 51A Mandated Reporter Training; your MTEL results (if you have passed all of them, you do not need to list each one); and any other endorsements or certifications you have achieved. 
• Create a category for Teaching and Related Experience, or break it up between two categories, such as Practicum Experience and Other Teaching Experience.
• Emphasize experiences with children with special needs; with English Language Learners; communicating with parents; using technology in the classroom, including remote teaching; using assessments to modify your teaching and improve student learning; and/or developing curriculum.
• Emphasize positive outcomes for your students - e.g. “collaborated with teachers to design and teach math units with an emphasis on encouraging students to build a strong foundation, explore the topics, and enjoy math.”
• View sample resume one and sample resume two .
• Prioritize key technical skills, such as programming languages (e.g. Python, C++, JavaScript, etc.) and analytical software (e.g. SQL, Spark, Hadoop, etc.), in the top half of the résumé. This is especially important if the position description explicitly calls for them.
• Include a projects section that outlines any personal or group projects you have been involved with to develop your coding skills. Be sure to include relevant achievements in the bullet statements.
• If applicable, include a link to your GitHub in the contact information section.
• In your heading beneath your name, include any theatre-related professional organization memberships such as SAG and AFTRA.
• For actors, include your physical description—height, weight, hair and eye color, and vocal range. Actors should also include a color 8 x 10 headshot with their resume. Singers should specify their notes.
• Column One: Name of play or movie.
• Column Two: Role you played.
• Column Three: Name and location of the theatre, the director’s name. You can save space by abbreviating "director" to Dir."

Action Verbs and Keywords

Can one word make a difference? Yes! Strong action verbs provide power and direction, so start each line of your résumé with an action verb instead of more passive words. Use keywords to make sure your résumé gets noticed. 

Management Skills

• administered
• consolidated
• coordinated
• prioritized
• recommended
• strengthened

Communication Skills

• corresponded
• interpreted

Clerical or Detailed Skills

• implemented
• systematized

Research Skills

• interviewed
• investigated

Technical Skills

Teaching skills.

• communicated
• facilitated

Financial Skills

Creative skills.

• conceptualized
• established
• illustrated
• revitalized

Helping Skills

• demonstrated
• familiarized
• rehabilitated
• represented

Keyword Strategies

• When you’re applying for a position, be sure to include keywords or skills from the job listing in your résumé.
• Browse online job listings in your field. Words that appear consistently in a variety of ads are your "key" words. Company pages on LinkedIn are another good resource.
• Talk to professionals in your industry.
• Include at least four industry- or job-specific keywords in your résumé. The ideal number is 12.

Keyword Examples*

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: Award-winning corporate controller with more than ten years’ experience in two $500 million corporations. Impressive record implementing financial record database architecture that saved over $2 million annually. Proficient in Oracle, Prism, Red Brick, and SAP systems, as well as MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and FrontPage.

SKILLS Languages: C, SQL, C++, Assembler, Pascal Software: Oracle Developer 2000, Informix NewEra, FoxPro OS: UNIX, Windows NT/95/3.11, MS-DOS RDBMS: Oracle7, Informix 7

*Pam Dixon,  Job Searching Online for Dummies

Résumé FAQs

What are the exceptions to the “one-page résumé” rule.

Undergraduate students should keep their résumé to one page, although there are some career fields for which a two-page résumé is acceptable (e.g. teaching and federal government). Longer résumé (up to two pages) are acceptable for graduate school applications as well. 

What is an applicant tracking system? How do I know if a company is using one?

Because companies receive so many résumés for each job, applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen résumés electronically are commonly used. Over 98.8% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS while 66% of large companies and 35% of small organizations rely on them ( Jobscan ). Given that so many companies use this technology, assume that your résumé will be screened by an ATS and create an ATS-friendly résumé.

The ATS will screen your résumé and cover letter for keywords that match the job description, so make sure to use keywords from the job description in your résumé and your cover letter.

What will make my résumé stand out to employers?

• Putting keywords on your résumé that match the job description (as long as they make sense). 
• Making sure your résumé is readable, neat, and free of typos and spelling or grammatical errors.
• Dividing your experience into Relevant Experience and Additional Experience with Relevant coming first.
• Using bullet points rather than blocks of text to describe your experiences. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb, and show the result or purpose of what you did in each bullet point.
• Using numbers to quantify achievements when possible (e.g. served over 100 customers per day during a three-hour shift).
• Having a well-rounded variety of experiences and activities.

Should I use a résumé template?

While it might be tempting to use a résumé template from sites such as Pinterest or Canva because it is predesigned, it is best to stay away from résumé templates and create a Word document from scratch. Résumé templates are often not compatible with ATS and could render your résumé unreadable by many employers. See our editable résumé template for ATS-friendly formatting. 

You should avoid using graphics and colors in your résumé unless you are applying for a creative position, such as a graphic designer, web designer, or creative manager. For these roles it may be appropriate to have a creative résumé designed in a program like Adobe InDesign, however you should still avoid using a template. See more information here about how to design a résumé for the creative fields.

Can ChatGPT write my résumé? How should I use it?

ChatGPT and other AI tools can be used to enhance your résumé, but should not be used to write one for you! AI should not replace your own creativity and perspective and the results generated are meant to provide suggestions rather than to be copied and pasted word-for-word. Think of these ChatGPT résumé prompts as a supplement to your own ideas and insights, not a replacement.

When using AI to help with your application documents, submit prompts that are specific to the role for which you are applying. This will help you create materials that are tailored to the position and demonstrate your relevant skills and experience.

Just like any other writing, edit and proofread anything generated by AI before submitting. Make sure the content flows well, the wording is typo- and error-free, and the metrics are accurate. You should be able to speak to every bullet point on your résumé if asked about it in an interview.

Should I include things I did in high school on my résumé?

Yes, you may include extracurricular activities, sports, jobs, internships, and volunteer roles on your résumé up through your second year in college or until you start replacing your high school involvement with activities you are involved in at Boston College. You may still keep work experiences from high school on your résumé if you have space and/or they are relevant to your future career interests.

What document format should I use when applying for jobs online?

There are pros and cons to submitting your résumé either as a PDF or Microsoft Word document. Read more here . Either way, follow the format instructions on the employer’s website or in the job description, if they provide them.

Should I include my pronouns on my résumé?

Some people choose to put their personal pronouns at the top of their résumé after their name. This is entirely optional. Do what feels most comfortable for you.

What is a CV? How is it different from a résumé?

A curriculum vitae (CV) contains significantly more information and is more detailed than a standard résumé. Unlike the one-page rule for résumés, there is no page limit for a CV. The CV includes your career history as well as your education, awards, special honors, grants or scholarships, research or academic projects, and publications. You might also include professional references, coursework, fieldwork, descriptions of dissertations, and a personal profile that lists your relevant skills and attributes. 

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Writing a CV  and a video overview of putting together your first CV .

Is there a difference between an undergraduate CV versus a graduate CV?

There are no formatting differences between an undergraduate and graduate CV except that a graduate CV might be longer because graduate students typically have more experience.

When would I use a CV? When would I use a résumé?

CV’s are primarily used when applying for faculty positions in higher education or high-level positions in the sciences. CV’s are also often used in countries other than the U.S., but they can vary by country so make sure to research each country’s specific guidelines ( Interstride’s country insights can be helpful here). Résumés are used when applying for most other types of positions in the U.S.

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Legal Intern Resume Examples and Templates

• Sep 19, 2024

Creating a standout resume is a crucial step for aspiring legal professionals seeking internships in the competitive field.

A well-crafted legal intern resume not only highlights your educational background and relevant experiences but also demonstrates your commitment to the profession.

This article provides comprehensive examples of internship resumes , offering insights into the key components that can make your application compelling. From showcasing your academic achievements to detailing your practical experience, we’ll explore how to present your skills and qualifications effectively.

Legal intern resume examples

• Legal clinic intern resume
• Corporate legal intern resume
• Legal research intern resume

Legal clinic intern resume template

Legal clinic intern resume sample | plain text.

Resume Objective Detail-oriented and driven law student with a strong passion for social justice and community service, seeking a Legal Clinic Intern position. Eager to leverage academic knowledge in legal research and client advocacy to contribute to a legal clinic’s mission of providing pro bono services. Education Juris Doctor Candidate University of Idaho College of Law , Moscow, ID Expected: May 2025 Coursework: Legal Research and Writing, Civil Rights Law, Family Law GPA: 3.7/4.0 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science University of Idaho , Moscow, ID Graduated: May 2022 Magna Cum Laude Dean’s List (2019-2022) Coursework: Constitutional Law, Public Policy, Comparative Politics Legal Experience Legal Intern Idaho Legal Aid Services , Boise, ID, June – August 2023 Assisted attorneys with case preparation for low-income clients. Performed client interviews and gathered essential information for case files. Supported the team in organizing and maintaining case records and evidence. Skills Legal Research & Writing . Proficient in legal research methodologies and drafting legal documents. Client Interaction . Experience in interviewing clients and understanding their legal needs. Communication . Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly. Organizational Skills . Adept at managing case files, maintaining records, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Technical Proficiency . Familiar with legal research databases (LexisNexis, Westlaw), Microsoft Office Suite, and case management software.

Why is it a good example of a law internship resume?

• The legal intern resume opens with a concise and focused objective statement . This clearly communicates Iris’s career goals and enthusiasm.
• The educational background is prominently displayed, showcasing her Juris Doctor candidacy and coursework.
• The resume is well-structured , with clear headings and bullet points that make it easy to read.
• Begin with your official name at the top of the application.
• Including an address is optional, especially if you’re applying to jobs in different geographic locations . You can just list your city and state if privacy is a concern.
• Provide a phone number where you can be easily reached. Make sure your voicemail message is professional as well.
• Use an email , ideally one that contains your name. Avoid using nicknames.
• If you have a LinkedIn profile that is up-to-date and relevant, you may attach the URL to the law internship resume.

If you're writing your legal intern resume for the first time, using a resume builder can simplify the process and ensure your document is professionally organized.

Resume Trick provides a range of customizable templates and step-by-step guidance to help you structure your resume effectively. It automates formatting and layout, ensuring your law intern resume adheres to industry standards and looks polished.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

A resume summary provides a snapshot of your qualifications and experiences.

When to use:

• You have some experience in the legal field or related areas.
• You want to showcase a blend of skills and accomplishments.

Legal intern resume summary example :

Motivated law student with over a year of hands-on experience in legal research and client advocacy. Proven ability to assist attorneys in case preparation, conduct thorough legal research, and communicate effectively with clients. Adept at managing multiple tasks and committed to providing high-quality support in a fast-paced legal environment.

An objective for an internship resume focuses on your career goals and how you hope to contribute to the organization you’re applying to.

• You are new to the sphere or have limited experience.
• You’re applying for internships or entry-level positions and need to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment.

Legal intern resume objective example :

Detail-oriented student looking for a Legal Clinic Intern position to apply strong research and writing skills in a practical setting. Eager to contribute to a team dedicated to providing pro bono legal services and to gain valuable experience in client advocacy and case management.

Corporate legal intern resume example

Resume Objective Motivated legal student with a strong interest in corporate law, seeking an Intern position. Eager to apply academic knowledge and hands-on experience to support a legal team in corporate governance, compliance, and contract management. Committed to leveraging research skills and proactive problem-solving abilities to contribute effectively to a dynamic corporate environment. Education Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Finance University of North Carolina at Wilmington , NC Graduated: May 2024 Dean’s List (2020-2022) Coursework: Financial Accounting, Business Law, Management Legal Experience Legal Intern Smith & Johnson LLP , Charlotte, NC, May – July 2023 Assisted with the preparation and review of contracts, including non-disclosure agreements and partnership agreements. Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on various corporate governance issues. Participated in client meetings and contributed to the development of legal strategies for business transactions. Legal Assistant Foster & Associates , Wilmington, NC, January – May 2022 Provided administrative support to attorneys, including organizing case files and managing documentation. Assisted in the preparation of legal briefs and research reports for corporate litigation cases. Coordinated with clients to gather necessary documentation and information for ongoing cases. Volunteer Experience Volunteer Legal Advisor Wilmington Community Legal Services , September 2022 – Present Conduct workshops on basic business law principles for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Finance and Legal Volunteer Local Chamber of Commerce , Wilmington, NC, June – August 2021 Helped in organizing and reviewing contracts related to chamber events and sponsorships. Skills Contract Negotiation Corporate Compliance Due Diligence Legal Writing and Documentation Client Relations Time Management

Why this law intern resume example is successful?

• Internships are directly related to the corporate legal field. They showcase hands-on experience in contract management, legal research, and compliance.
• The legal intern resume details specific tasks the candidate undertook during their internships.
• Volunteering shows commitment to the legal field and a proactive approach to gaining experience.
• Use keywords and phrases from the internship description.
• Clearly state your role or position .
• Include the name of the organization where you worked.
• Provide the city and state (or country if international).
• Mention the start and end dates (month and year) on your legal intern resume.
• Place your duties and accomplishments in bullet points for readability.
• Incorporate any quantifiable achievements or contributions you made in each role.

If you have other work experience that is less directly related but still valuable, include it under a separate heading.

Legal research intern resume template

Legal research intern resume sample | plain text.

Resume Objective Highly motivated, detail-oriented graduate student pursuing a position as a Legal Research Intern to apply strong analytical and scientific skills in a real-world setting. Committed to using academic knowledge and practical experience to support legal research initiatives and contribute effectively to a team. Education Juris Doctor Candidate Widener University Delaware Law School , Wilmington, DE Expected: May 2025 Coursework: Advanced Legal Research, Legal Writing, Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure GPA: 3.7/4.0 Honors: Dean's List (2023, 2024) Bachelor of Arts in Political Science University of Delaware , Newark, DE Graduated: May 2022 Magna Cum Laude Dean’s List (2019-2022) Coursework: Political Theory, Public Policy, International Relations Certifications Legal Research and Writing Certificate Widener University Delaware Law School Issued: June 2023 Introduction to Legal Research and Westlaw Westlaw Academy Issued: December 2022 Certificate in Legal Research Methodologies American Bar Association (ABA) Issued: August 2022 Experience Research Assistant Widener University Delaware Law School, Professor John Adams , January – May 2023 Assisted with research on constitutional law issues, including the preparation of research summaries and bibliographies. Analyzed and synthesized legal articles and case law for academic publications. Collaborated with Professor Adams on developing lecture materials and case studies. Skills Legal research methodologies Drafting legal memoranda Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other legal research tools Ability to analyze and interpret legal documents Reviewing and summarizing legal materials. Professional Affiliations Member , American Bar Association (ABA) – Student Division (since 2022)

Legal intern resume strong sides:

• By listing relevant coursework , the application demonstrates a solid foundation in legal principles and research methods.
• Geraldine's impressive GPA and inclusion of academic honors underscore her commitment to her studies.
• The certifications validate her practical skills and knowledge, making her a stronger candidate for the internship.
• State the type of degree you are pursuing or have obtained.
• Specify your major or field of study if relevant.
• Include the full name of the educational institution. Provide the location.
• Mention the month and year of graduation or the expected date.
• List courses that are particularly relevant to the internship you are applying for.
• Include academic honors and GPA if it’s strong and relevant to your law internship resume.
• Emphasize certifications that are pertinent to the intern role.

Write your most recent or ongoing degree first, followed by previous ones in reverse chronological order.

A strong legal intern resume is more than just a list of qualifications—it’s a strategic tool that reflects your readiness to take on new challenges. By presenting a polished, detailed, and tailored document, you increase your chances of landing the internship that will propel your legal career forward.

As you prepare your application, keep in mind the importance of clarity, relevance, and professionalism. With the right approach, your resume can open doors to valuable opportunities.

Trevor Richfield

Career Coach & Professional Resume Writer

Trevor is a professional resume writer, career coach, and Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) with well over 1,000 resumes under his belt. He emphasizes the importance of building an authentic professional brand you are proud to display to potential collaborators and employers. From recent graduates to executive leaders, Trevor has helped professionals land jobs at Fortune 500 companies and expand their own independent ventures.It's not only about results with Trevor, but about a continuous journey of professional and personal empowerment.

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