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Resume pitfalls: Education
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Let your resume stand out without mistakes! AP Photo Lynne Sladky
Don't make these mistakes
- Don't list older acheivements first
- Don't list high school if you can list college
- Don't make mistakes or typos
- Don't omit partial schooling
- Don't forget the extras
- Don't omit other forms of education
Education is an important aspect of your resume, as a marker of investment and achievement. Please see these articles on proper format and extras to include before addressing these pitfalls.
Each of the following come from real examples faced in helping people revamp their resumes.
1. Do not list your high school first, unless it is your highest level of education completed. It does not matter if you have local ties to the community or pride in your local school district. Unless it is the most recent and highest level of education you completed, do not list it first.
2. In fact, do not list a high school diploma or GED at all if you have completed a higher degree. If you have attained at least an Associate's degree, prospective employers know you have completed high school as well. Receiving a diploma or GED is an important achievement in a person's life, but seems measurably smaller to a prospective employer. Remember, only include something on your resume if it will impress the person reading it.
3. Do not make any mistakes or typos (for all the same reasons described here). Proofread VERY carefully.
4. Do not leave out partial schooling. Even if you dropped out of college, some is better than none. Do not hide the fact that you did not complete something. In this case, limited experience is better than no experience whatsoever. You may need to ultimately explain the decision at an interview, but use it as a chance to talk about overcoming hardships or finding new avenues of success. For example, I include time spent on graduate studies, despite the fact I did not earn the intended degree:
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Candidate for Master of Arts, Anthropology 2001-2004
Positions: Anthropology Club President 2002-2003
5. Do not forget to include anything. If you have reached several important achievements along the way, you should include them. Awards, scholarships, leadership positions, internships, honors theses. You will also want to include licenses, military experience, and more, as described here.
6. Do not forget, education means ALL forms of education. Include colleges, universities, trade schools, technical schools, certificate programs, licensures or any other form of formal training. From the employer's prospective, once you get past high school, all training, education and experience relates to the ways you can succeed at a job.
For More Information: Look at these articles detailing proper format and extras to include in Education on your resume. Additional help on crafting the perfect resume can be found here. As always feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
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