how to put bachelor's degree on your resume

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How to Write Your Degree on a Resume

Last Updated: June 9, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Colleen Campbell, PhD . Dr. Colleen Campbell is the Founder and CEO of The Ignite Your Potential Centers, Career and Life Coaching based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Colleen received her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Sofia University and has been career coaching since 2008. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 395,211 times.

Including information about your degree in a resume can be tricky business. You might wonder where to place your education section, how to list multiple degrees, or whether to list things like dates or your GPA. While there are few set rules about formatting or including content, there are several guidelines to follow. Format your education and other sections consistently. Include your university, its location, and your degree title, and list the date only if you’re a recent grad. Be concise and strategic when writing your resume, and try to include only relevant information that will make your application as competitive as possible.    

Sample Resumes

Formatting Your Education Section

• For example, if you bold employers’ names in your experience section, write your college in bold, especially if it’s a prestigious school or one known for excellence in your field.
• Use a standard sans-serif font, like Arial, for easy readability. Use a 10-12 point size for general text and 14-16 point for section headings.   

• If you’re a recent grad with a high GPA, you could opt to include your GPA. Just be sure to explain your GPA system by writing, for example, “3.92/4.0.”
• You can also include your graduation year if you’re a recent grad. Otherwise, you should avoid including dates, especially if your degree is older than 15 years.
• An example degree listing could be: Yale University, New Haven, CT. Bachelor of Arts in English, Magna cum laude .

• Avoid unnecessary words elsewhere in your resume, too. For example, don’t write “Email:” or “Phone:” before listing your contact information. Just write your email address and phone number.

• If you’re not a recent grad or have substantial professional experience, place your relevant experience section ahead of your education. In general, professional experience is more valuable information than your education.

• If you double majored, you can just list both degrees in the same section under your university: Yale University , New Haven, CT. Double major: Bachelor of Arts, English. Bachelor of Arts, Art History.

• If not, and if your high school diploma is your highest degree, include your high school's name and location, graduation date (if it's within the last three years), and, if it's above a 3.5/4.0, your GPA: Nashua High School, Nashua, New Hampshire High School Diploma, 2016. GPA: 3.8
• If your highest degree is a GED diploma or state equivalent certificate, include it if you don't have substantial work experience: Education General Educational Development Diploma, 2016. Education CHSPE (Certificate of Proficiency from the State of California), 2016.

Including the Best Information

• Don’t include undergraduate degree acronyms after your name. For example, never write, “Jane Smith, B.A.”

• Exceptions to this rule include study abroad programs or coursework at prestigious institutions. For example, you might include relevant information like this: University of Georgia , Athens, GA. Bachelor of Science in Biology (Marine Biology emphasis), 2016. University of Auckland , Auckland, New Zealand. Study abroad program with emphasis in ecological preservation.

• For example, you could describe an incomplete undergraduate degree like this: Yale University , New Haven, CT. Bachelor of Science, Biology (expected 2017)
• You could describe a graduate degree like this: Yale University , New Haven, CT Master of Business Administration degree candidate Thesis under development; anticipated completion June 2018

Tailoring Your Resume for Each Application

• For example, suppose you’re applying for an engineering job and earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering in 2009 and a master’s in graphic design in 2012. You should list your engineering degree first.
• You might have also researched your prospective job and found that the department head who will read your resume graduated from your undergraduate university. You might then want to include your undergraduate degree first and place your education section at the top of your resume.

• For example, you could structure your education section like this: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering , University of Texas, Austin, TX. Relevant courses : Thermodynamics, Properties of Engineering Materials, Solid Mechanics, Dynamics of Machines, Strength of Mechanical Components.

• For example, instead of listing computer programs and other skills you learned at school in a block of text under your degree, put them in a separate section at the top of your resume. Be sure to include skills, programs, and other keywords from the job posting.    

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/ocs/files/hes-resume-cover-letter-guide.pdf
• ↑ https://careercenter.georgetown.edu/major-career-guides/resumes-cover-letters/resume-formatting-tips/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-list-education-on-a-resume
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/high-school-education-on-resume
• ↑ https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/career_srv/student_alumni/build_a_resume/assets/resume-faq2.pdf
• ↑ https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/blog/2023/01/17/exactly-when-where-and-how-to-list-certifications-on-your-resume-because-youve-earned-them/
• ↑ https://career.arizona.edu/resources/tailoring-your-resume/
• ↑ https://icc.ucdavis.edu/materials/resume/step2

About This Article

To write your degree on your resume, start by writing the name of your school, followed by where it's located. Then, write your degree and any honors you received. For example, you would write something like, “Yale University, New Haven, CT. Bachelor of Arts in English, 2.1” If you’re a recent grad with a high GPA, you can include your score at the end. Write your degree at the top of your education section so it’s above your high school. If you've completed or you're currently studying a postgraduate degree, put this above your undergraduate degree so it's in chronological order. In addition to your major, feel free to include your minor underneath if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you haven’t graduated yet, you can still include your degree on your resume, but make it clear that you’re still studying by putting something like, “Expected 2020,” in brackets at the end. For more tips from our Careers co-author, including how to tailor your resume for each job application, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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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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How to List a Degree on a Resume

When creating a resume, experience, and skills are often highlighted. However, it’s important to remember that your educational background is also essential. Specific courses of study and levels of education are required for specific jobs.

Correctly listing your educational qualifications , such as a seminar you’ve attended, or a course or certification you’ve completed, shows that you have the training and, therefore, the skills you need.

Arguably the most influential titles you can will be a diploma or degree .  

Having a degree or diploma says something about you as a future employee – you had the determination and perseverance to complete multiple years of study. Your hiring manager knows you’ll bring that same work ethic to the job.

It’s not enough to state you have a certain qualification. You will need to be able to list it correctly on your resume. This will give your application a boost as recruiters can really see what you learned and how it can be helpful in the workplace.

Not sure if you know exactly how to show a degree on a resume?

Follow our tips below to understand the best ways to add your qualifications and stand out.

How to List Degree on a Resume

Many types of degrees exist, but the same basic format is used for each in your resume education section.

You’ll need to include the following details to display your credentials in an organized manner:

• Name of the school
• Location of the school
• Type of degree earned

You can also choose to list the year you graduated . However, depending on when you finished college, it may be better to add it or leave it out.

If you have more than 5 years of experience, you don’t need to list the year you graduated in your resume.

Remember to include the city and state when you mention the location or country if you studied abroad.

Try our  intelligent resume builder  to  ensure that these details stay organized  in your application. Nothing looks worse than a sloppy education section.

How to List Different Degrees on a Resume

You may think that having more than one college degree is automatically a positive and will look good no matter what.

It’s fantastic that you can display your advanced knowledge, but having the right plan in place for listing your degrees on a resume is critical.

To effectively add your well-deserved degrees you should:

• List your degrees in reverse chronological order
• Place your highest level of education at the top of your education section and continue from there
• Separate your double majors with an & symbol to avoid clutter

Remember to  include any noteworthy honors or distinctions  along with your  degrees , especially if they’re relevant to the position you are applying to.

Here’s an example:

Master of Business Administration, Focus on Finance, Ivy League University, 2023

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Double Major: Marketing, Management, State University, 2020

• Relevant Coursework: Strategic Marketing, Operations Management, Organizational Behavior
• Achievements: Graduated Cum Laude, President of the Business Club (2019-2020)

How to Impress Hiring Manager’s With Your Associate’s Degree

While it may take less time to get an associate’s degree is  nothing to look over , especially on a resume.

That means you’ll need to highlight your achievements,  just like on bachelor’s or master’s degrees .

Generally, you will record your associate’s degree in the format of the example below:

Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design, Springfield Community College, 2021

• Relevant Coursework: Digital Illustration, Typography, Web Design
• Honors: Graduated with Distinction

As a general rule, you should spell out the name of the degree rather than abbreviating it. This prevents confusion on the part of the recruiter.

If you’re running out of space on your one-page resume,  you can opt to abbreviate . These are common associate’s degree abbreviations and their meanings:

• AA means Associate in Arts
• AAB means Associate of Applied Business
• AAS means Associate in Applied Science
• AAT means Associate of Arts in Teaching
• ABA means Associate of Business Administration
• AS means Associate in Science

Depending on your college, your degree may be called “Associate of” or “Associate in.” Double-check to make sure you are using the correct terminology. Also, never write “Associate’s Degree” on your resume.

It should always be listed as the proper degree name, without an apostrophe “s”.

How to List Bachelor’s Degree on Resume

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that takes four or more years of study. As like an associate’s degree, you will list your degree with the years you were in school, the university name, the city, and state, the type of degree, and the subject of study. Here’s an example:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Magna Cum Laude, University of Michigan, 2021

• Major: Marketing, Minor: Communication Studies
• Relevant Coursework: Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media Marketing

Remember to  spell out the name of your degree  rather than abbreviating it. If you need an abbreviation to save space, you can use BA for Bachelor of Arts or BS for Bachelor of Science. Additional, less common abbreviations include:

• B.A. for Bachelor of Arts
• Bach. Sci., B.Sc., S.B., B.S., BCs for Bachelor of Science
• BJHum for Bachelor of Journalism and Humanities
• BMPD for Bachelor of Media Production and Design
• BMusA for Bachelor of Musical Arts
• BPAPM for Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management
• BScFS for Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science.

Before using any of these uncommon abbreviations, think seriously about whether the meaning will be clear to your hiring manager.

Again, you won’t be using an apostrophe. It’s “Bachelor of” not “Bachelor’s.” As with the high school diploma, you can also cite your GPA if it was above 3.5 and include any distinctions, such as graduating Cum Laude .

How to Include Unfinished Degrees on a Resume

What if you are currently working on your degree, but have not yet graduated?

List it similarly, with your expected graduation date as the closing year. If you list a future date, your hiring manager will understand it is your expected graduation date. Optionally, following the listing, you can place the words “Expected graduation in [year]”.

What if you worked hard in college but  did not finish your degree ?

Don’t worry! Life happens. This experience can  still be placed on your resume . You can still list your relevant classes and focus on the transferable skills you picked up while studying.

Consider this unfinished degree on resume example:

2019-2022 Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN Completed 48 credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in English

How to List a Master’s Degree on a Resume

Once you’ve obtained a bachelor’s degree, you might get a master’s degree. These graduate degrees usually require two additional years of study.

Always  list your master’s degree first  and your bachelor’s degree second.

Like previously discussed degrees,, your master’s degree listing will include the standard format, meaning dates, the institution’s name, etc.

If you need to abbreviate, the following are common master’s degree abbreviations:

• A.M., M.A., or MA for Master of Arts
• M.B.A. or MBA for Master of Business Administration
• M.E., ME, MEng, or M.Eng. for Master of Engineering
• M.Ed. or MEd for Master of Education
• M.S., MS, M.Sc., or MSc for Master of Science
• M.S.Met. for Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering

How to Add a Ph.D. to a Resume

If you have a Ph.D. it will look fantastic on your resume or CV , especially if you are looking for a position in the field of education.

Having a Ph.D. in a field that values it will help your application big time. 

However, if you are applying to a field that is unrelated to your Ph.D. no need to show it off that much.  But let’s say your Ph.D. is relevant to the position . Where should you place it?

Since it’s the highest distinction you can earn in education, you’ll want to place your Ph.D. at the top of your education section , and even s how it off in your summary.

Here’s how it should look when written on a resume:

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Focus on Artificial Intelligence, ABC Institute, 2019

• Dissertation: “Deep Learning Approaches to Natural Language Processing”
• Advisor: Dr. John Doe
• Research Interests: Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Sentiment Analysis
• Publications: 3 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals
• Teaching Experience: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Programming, Prestigious Institute (2019-2021)
• Awards: Best Paper Award, International Conference on Machine Learning (2022)

How to List a High School Diploma

If you’ve only completed high school, don’t worry; your education section can still shine! A large portion of the U.S. job market only has a high school diploma to their name.

However, there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself before including your high school diploma:

• What if you received a General Education Development Diploma or a General Education Development Certificate (GED)?
• Should you list your high school education on your resume if you have later degrees?

Firstly, a GED is the equivalent of a high school diploma , and it should be listed similarly.

Secondly, If you have just one additional degree, you can also list your high school. Remember to place the college degree first and the high school diploma second, following the reverse chronological order.

Listing your high school information is unnecessary if you have multiple graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Variations in Listing Your Degrees

Now that we’ve looked at how to list each type of degree, let’s look at  some acceptable variations .

First, you don’t always have to list all the years you attended a college in [Year-Year] style. It’s also okay to list the year you graduated.

You can also adjust the order of the listing if you want to  emphasize  what  you studied  rather than  when  you graduated.

This is especially helpful if you  completed your education many years ago . You can replace the year, school/place, and degree order with a degree, school, and year order. Here’s an example of what that might look like:

[Type of Degree] in [Subject] [University Name, City, State] [Graduation Year]

You can also do this if you’re still working on your degree. Then, it will look like this:

[Type of Degree] in [Subject] [University Name, City, State] Expected Graduation in [Year]

The important thing is that you maintain the same format throughout your resume.

In Conclusion

Having the right education can mean the difference between getting your desired job and missing out. Therefore, it is essential to master listing your degrees in your resume education section.

Whether you need to list a high school diploma, GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., the steps are the same.

Remember to always list your education in reverse chronological order , placing the most recent achievements – and the highest degrees – first. It’s up to you to place the education section before or after the work experience section.

Your choice should depend on how much experience you have, as education is great for new applications, and if education is more pertinent to the position. 

In either case, you can use a resume template and these tips to ensure you create a stand-out application.

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Degrees on Your Resume: How to List Associate & Bachelor

As a job seeker, your resume is your first opportunity to impress potential employers. A resume is a document that summarizes your professional experience, skills, education, and achievements. It provides a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and serves as your personal marketing tool.

B. Importance of Education on Your Resume

One of the most important sections of a resume is the education section. Your educational background can help set you apart from other candidates and provide valuable information to potential employers. Listing your degrees on your resume can help demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications for the position you are applying for.

Types of Degrees

When it comes to listing educational degrees on your resume, there are two main types to consider: Associate Degrees and Bachelor’s Degrees. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand the differences before deciding which degree to pursue or list on your resume.

A. Associate Degrees

Definition of Associate Degree:  An Associate Degree is an undergraduate degree offered by community colleges, trade schools, and some four-year colleges. It typically takes two years of full-time study to complete and is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need for entry-level jobs in a particular field.

Pros and Cons of Associate Degree:  One of the main advantages of an Associate Degree is that it is a relatively affordable way to get started on your education. It also allows you to gain practical, hands-on experience in your chosen field before committing to a longer degree program. However, the downside is that it may limit your career options and earning potential.

Examples of Associate Degrees:  Some common Associate Degrees include Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Programs vary widely but may include nursing, culinary arts, paralegal studies, and computer science.

Benefits of Listing Associate Degree on Your Resume:  If you have an Associate Degree, it is worth listing on your resume even if you plan to pursue further education. It can demonstrate your commitment to your chosen field and show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform well in an entry-level position.

B. Bachelor’s Degrees

Definition of Bachelor’s Degree:  A Bachelor’s Degree is an undergraduate degree offered by four-year colleges and universities. It typically takes four years of full-time study to complete and is designed to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills in their chosen field.

Pros and Cons of Bachelor’s Degree:  One of the main advantages of a Bachelor’s Degree is that it can open up a wider range of career options and higher earning potential. It also provides a more well-rounded education and prepares students for advanced studies. However, the downside is that it can be more costly and time-consuming to earn than an Associate Degree.

Examples of Bachelor’s Degrees:  Some common Bachelor’s Degrees include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Programs vary widely but may include biology, psychology, literature, engineering, and more.

Benefits of Listing Bachelor’s Degree on Your Resume:  If you have a Bachelor’s Degree, it is essential to list it on your resume. It demonstrates to potential employers that you have completed an accredited program, possess the necessary skills and knowledge, and are committed to your field of study. Additionally, it can improve your chances of being considered for higher-paying jobs and promotions.

How to List Associate Degree on Your Resume

When including your associate degree on your resume, it’s important to include all relevant information that showcases your education and qualifications. Here are the key elements to include:

Begin by listing the full title of your associate degree, such as “Associate of Arts” or “Associate of Applied Science”.

B. Name of Institution

Next, list the name of the institution where you obtained your degree. This could be a community college, technical school, or other type of institution.

C. Field of Study

Include the field of study that your associate degree focused on, such as “Business Administration” or “Nursing”.

D. Graduation Date

List the month and year you graduated from your associate degree program. This helps provide a timeline of your education and career progression.

Include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. This shows your academic achievements and dedication to your studies.

F. Honors and Awards

If you received any honors or awards during your time in your associate degree program, list them here. This could include academic honors like Dean’s List or awards for specific achievements in your field of study.

G. Relevant Coursework

Highlight any relevant coursework you completed as part of your associate degree program. This could include classes related to your field, as well as any general education requirements that helped you develop important skills.

H. Professional Certification

If you obtained any professional certifications related to your field of study, list them along with your associate degree. This demonstrates your commitment to ongoing professional development.

I. Summary of Relevant Skills and Accomplishments

Finally, include a summary of your relevant skills and accomplishments. This could include any internships, work experience, or other achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for the positions you are applying for.

By including these key elements when listing your associate degree on your resume, you can showcase your education and qualifications in the best possible light to potential employers.

How to List Bachelor’s Degree on Your Resume

When it comes to listing your bachelor’s degree on your resume, there are several important pieces of information to include. Here’s what you need to know:

List your degree as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS), followed by the type of degree you earned. For example, Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

Include the name of the college or university where you earned your bachelor’s degree.

Indicate your major, as well as any minors, concentrations, or areas of emphasis. If you had multiple majors, list them in order of importance or relevance to the position you’re applying for.

Include the month and year you graduated from college.

If your GPA is high (3.5 or above), it’s worth including on your resume. However, if your GPA is lower, it may be better to leave it off.

List any honors, awards, or academic achievements you received while in college, such as Dean’s List, scholarships, or academic organizations.

Include any coursework that is relevant to the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, include relevant classes such as Marketing Strategy, Consumer Behavior, and Social Media Marketing.

If you have any professional certifications that are relevant to the position, include them on your resume as well.

Finally, include a section that summarizes your relevant skills and accomplishments. Use this section to highlight any internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and experience.

When listing your bachelor’s degree on your resume, focus on providing clear, concise, and relevant information. Keep in mind the position you’re applying for and tailor your resume accordingly. With these tips, you can showcase your education and experience in a way that impresses potential employers.

When to List Both Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees

When it comes to listing both your associate and bachelor’s degrees on your resume, there are certain scenarios in which it’s appropriate and can be beneficial. Here are some examples:

A. Examples of When to List Both Degrees

When both degrees are relevant to the position you’re applying for: If the job requires skills and knowledge that you acquired from both your associate and bachelor’s degree, it’s a good idea to list them both.

When the associate degree is in a different field than the bachelor’s degree: If you have an associate degree in a different field from your bachelor’s degree, listing both can demonstrate your versatility and breadth of knowledge.

When the associate degree is your highest level of education: If your associate degree is the highest level of education you’ve completed, but you also have a bachelor’s degree, it’s important to list both to avoid any confusion or assumptions.

B. Benefits of Listing Both Degrees

Listing both your associate and bachelor’s degree on your resume can bring several benefits, such as:

Demonstrating a wide range of skills and knowledge: Listing both degrees can showcase your ability to learn and excel in different areas.

Showing your commitment to education: Listing both degrees can demonstrate your dedication and investment in education.

Making you a more competitive candidate: Having both an associate and bachelor’s degree can make you stand out among other candidates with only one degree.

C. How to List Both Degrees on Your Resume

To properly list both your associate and bachelor’s degrees on your resume, follow these guidelines:

List your highest level of education first: If your bachelor’s degree is your highest level of education, list it first followed by your associate degree.

Use consistent formatting: Use the same format for both degrees, such as including the name of the degree, the name of the institution, and the date of graduation.

Be clear and concise: Avoid wordiness and unnecessary details when describing your degrees.

Listing both your associate and bachelor’s degrees on your resume can showcase your skills, versatility, and dedication to education, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market. Follow the guidelines above to ensure your resume accurately portrays your educational background.

Possible Challenges When Listing Degrees on Your Resume

As much as having a degree can increase your chances of landing a job, there are still some potential challenges that you may need to overcome when listing your degrees on your resume. Here are some of the most common challenges and some strategies to help you address them:

A. Incomplete Degree

If you didn’t finish your degree program, you may worry that it will be a major disadvantage when it comes to your job search. However, there are ways to position your incomplete degree so that it doesn’t hinder your application.

Firstly, you can list the years you attended school and the courses you completed. This way, potential employers can see that you have some education under your belt. Additionally, if you have any relevant coursework or experience, make sure to highlight those on your resume. Lastly, focus on the skills and knowledge you gained from your time in school that can support your application.

B. Multiple Degrees

On the surface, having multiple degrees may seem like an advantage – and in many cases, it is. However, there are situations where having multiple degrees can pose a challenge. For example, if you’re applying for a job that doesn’t require any specific degree or has a lower level of education than the degrees you have earned.

To overcome this challenge, focus on emphasizing your most relevant degree and how it relates to the job you are applying for. You can also highlight the skills and experiences you gained from your other degrees that can support your application.

A low GPA can be a major concern for many job seekers, but it’s not always a deal-breaker. While a high GPA can demonstrate your intelligence, a low GPA doesn’t necessarily mean that you are less capable or qualified.

One way to address a low GPA is to highlight other achievements and experiences that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in your field. You can also explain any extenuating circumstances that led to your low GPA, such as health issues or a difficult family situation. Finally, if you have relevant work experience, make sure to include that on your resume to demonstrate your practical skills.

D. Non-Relevant Degree

It’s not uncommon for candidates to have degrees that are seemingly unrelated to the job they are applying for. This can be challenging, as it may raise questions about your qualifications and experience in the industry.

To overcome this challenge, focus on highlighting transferable skills that you gained from your degree program, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. You can also showcase any relevant work experience or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your interest in the industry.

E. Strategies to Overcome Challenges

The key to overcoming any challenge when listing your degrees on your resume is to focus on the skills, experiences and achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Other Tips to Enhance Your Resume

In addition to properly listing your degree on your resume, there are other tips you can use to make your resume stand out to potential employers.

A. Layout and Format

The layout and format of your resume is crucial to attracting the attention of potential employers. Make sure you choose a format that is easy to read and highlights your most important information. Use bullet points, bold and italic text, and adequate spacing to make your resume visually appealing.

B. Use of Keywords

In order to get your resume noticed by automated tracking systems used by many companies, it’s important to include relevant keywords. Look at the job listing and include some of the keywords in your resume to increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

C. Relevant Work Experience and Internships

Be sure to highlight any relevant work experience or internships you have had in the field you are applying for. This shows potential employers that you have practical experience and can perform well in that industry.

D. Extracurricular Activities and Volunteer Work

Participation in extracurricular activities and volunteer work can demonstrate skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. Including this on your resume can make you stand out to potential employers and show your commitment to making a positive impact in your community.

E. Professional Networking

Networking is a powerful tool in your job search, and you should take advantage of all opportunities to connect with professionals in your field. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and reach out to alumni from your college or university to build your network. Mentioning any professional networking activities on your resume can demonstrate that you are invested in your career and are well-connected in your industry.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance your resume and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Remember that your degree is important, but it’s only one aspect of your qualifications. Make sure your resume showcases your skills, experience, and personality to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Dos and Don’ts in Listing Degrees on Your Resume

When it comes to listing degrees on your resume, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Here are some tips on how to effectively list your associate and bachelor degrees:

• DO include your degree and major

Make sure to list your degree and major in a prominent place on your resume. This information should be clear and easy to read so that potential employers can quickly identify your educational background.

• DO include your school and graduation date

In addition to your degree and major, be sure to include the name of the school you attended and the date you graduated. This information can help employers verify your education and also provides context for your degree.

• DO highlight any honors or special achievements

If you graduated with honors or received any special recognition, be sure to highlight this on your resume. This can demonstrate your academic achievements and may make you a more attractive candidate to employers.

• DO tailor your education section to the job

Consider tailoring your education section to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a specific field, you may want to emphasize relevant coursework or certifications.

• DON’T include irrelevant information

While it’s important to list your degree and major, you don’t need to include every detail of your educational history. Avoid including irrelevant coursework or degrees that don’t relate to the job you’re applying for.

• DON’T exaggerate your qualifications

Be honest about your education and qualifications. Don’t exaggerate or embellish your achievements, as this can damage your credibility as a candidate.

• DON’T overlook the importance of formatting

Make sure your education section is easy to read and well-formatted. Use bullet points and clear, concise language to make it easy for employers to scan your resume and quickly understand your educational background.

• DON’T forget about continuing education

Lastly, don’t forget to include any relevant continuing education or professional development you’ve completed. This can demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and may be an asset to potential employers.

Listing your degrees on your resume requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following these dos and don’ts, you can effectively showcase your educational background and make a strong impression on potential employers.

Example of Resume with Associate Degree

A. analysis of the example.

This resume example beautifully showcases the candidate’s associate degree in Graphic Design. The layout is clean, organized and easy to navigate. The candidate smartly arranges their content in reverse chronological order by starting with their most recent work experience first.

The candidate also includes a clear summary statement which highlights their skills and experiences. They include relevant coursework under their education section which demonstrates their technical abilities. Additionally, the candidate highlights their relevant work experience and provides details of their specific contributions to each organization they worked at.

B. Tips for Improvement

While this resume is impressive, there are a few ways in which the candidate can improve it. Here are some tips:

1. Add Soft Skills

The candidate does a great job highlighting their technical skills, but it would be helpful if they also showcased their soft skills. Soft skills are just as important as technical skills in certain industries. Including skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving can help the candidate stand out to recruiters.

2. Tailor the Content

While the candidate does an excellent job highlighting their relevant experiences, they should tailor their content to the specific job they are applying for. This means researching the job description and company culture and adjusting your resume to highlight any relevant experiences or skills.

3. Include Metrics

The candidate does a great job providing details of their specific contributions at each job. However, including metrics, such as percentages, revenue generated, or cost-savings, can add credibility to their accomplishments and further demonstrate their value to potential employers.

4. Use Active Language

The candidate can improve their resume by using active language in their bullet points. Using action verbs and highlighting your accomplishments can help your resume stand out and demonstrate your abilities.

5. Consider Additional Certifications

While the candidate has an impressive degree, adding additional certifications can further showcase their skills and expertise. This can include online courses, professional development workshops, or industry-specific certifications.

This resume is a great example of how to showcase an associate degree on your resume. With a few tweaks, it can become even stronger and increase the candidate’s chances of standing out to recruiters.

Example of Resume with Bachelor’s Degree

When it comes to listing your educational background on your resume, it’s important to do it in a way that is clear, concise, and effective.

The Example

Let’s take a look at an example of a resume that includes a Bachelor’s degree:

This example is well-structured and easy to read. The candidate’s name and contact information are clear and easy to find.

In the education section, the candidate lists their Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, along with the name of the university they attended and their graduation date. They also include their GPA, which can be a good indicator of academic performance.

In the experience section, the candidate clearly outlines their job responsibilities as a Marketing Assistant.

Finally, the skills section highlights the candidate’s relevant abilities without being too long or extensive.

One potential improvement could be to include some bullet points under the education section that highlight any relevant coursework or academic achievements. This can help to further emphasize the candidate’s knowledge and expertise in their field.

This example serves as a good template for how to list a Bachelor’s degree on your resume. It’s clear, concise, and effectively highlights the most important details.

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How to List Your Degree on Your Resume

Having your education on your resume is an important way to showcase yourself and your background. Find out what to include, where to list it, and how to present it.

Your resume is your sales pitch for any jobs or courses you apply for, so it’s essential for it to represent you fully. To accomplish this, you must list your degree clearly, with all relevant information. This document typically represents your first chance to make a great impression and show potential employers why you’re an excellent fit for their needs. Doing so requires highlighting your educational background and qualifications.

In this article, you’ll learn how to write an education section and where and how to include your degree within it. You’ll also find examples and tips for writing a show-stopping resume.

What are employers looking for in a resume?

Employers look at your resume to see how your background aligns with the position and the company. Resumes are like your own personal marketing tool and an opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications. Think of your resume as a document that can entice recruiters to want to learn more about your skills and experience.

Employers will use it to assess exactly what you can do based on what you tell them you have achieved in the past. With this in mind, they want to know about your previous roles, education, certifications, and the skills you developed along the way. Tailor your skills, education, and experience to the job posting and include relevant examples of actual achievements rather than simply a list of your duties and responsibilities.

Why is adding your degree to your resume important?

It’s essential for your resume to represent all you’ve achieved so employers can determine if your background meets their needs. Graduating is a significant achievement, and highlighting it to employers is a must.

It’s also often a minimum requirement for job roles or access to master’s degree courses. Employers will scan your resume to ensure you meet this criteria if this is the case. Even if you don’t feel your degree is directly related to the position or the course you’re applying for, it’s still highly valuable as it demonstrates that you can study at a high level.

How to list your degree on your resume

When it comes to listing your degree on your resume, it’s important to make sure it is prominent and integral to the document and that you include any relevant details about your degree that will sell you to an employer or college.

Review the steps below to discover how to list your degree for maximum effect.

1. Create a resume education section.

Designing a distinct resume education section is straightforward, but it’s critical to use effective formatting. Doing so allows your qualifications to stand out to employers who quickly scan your resume to see if you meet their requirements and for applicant screening software (ATS) looking for specific keywords.

At a minimum, this section must include:

Degree title

College name and location

Graduation date

In addition to this, you may include more information. Explore those details below.

2. List degrees in reverse chronological order.

List your degrees and education in reverse chronological order. Start by placing your recent education in the most prominent position. Doing so lets you highlight your highest level of education first and foremost. 

An exception to this rule is if you are applying for a role where a less recent degree is most relevant to the position. For example, if you are applying for a construction role and have a degree in engineering from several years ago and have since completed a degree in French, your engineering degree will likely impress the employer. In this case, you may reposition your degrees so the most relevant is at the top, more like a functional resume format. You may even choose to have separate sections for “relevant” and “other” education.

How to list multiple degrees

If you have multiple degrees, be consistent with the reverse chronological order. Place your highest degree first. For example, if you have recently studied a master’s degree, this sits above a previously studied bachelor’s degree.

3. Include relevant majors and minors.

If your degree is relevant to the role or the course you’re applying for, include your major and any minors that also help to tailor your education section. This is especially important if a job post asks for something specific and you have covered it in your degree program.

4. Add any relevant projects.

Relevant projects, extracurricular activities, and coursework are excellent points to help you stand apart from other candidates. If your degree program included projects that were very relevant to what you’re applying for, make sure you include them. However, avoid adding everything you covered in your degree unless it is highly relevant and will add something to your resume.

5. Include awards and accolades.

Awards, scholarships, or special mentions are an excellent addition when listing your degree. This is especially so if they relate directly to the role, but regardless, showing you have the commitment and skills to achieve an award can make you stand out.

6. Include your GPA if it’s high.

You’ll find mixed advice about including your GPA, but the general consensus is to add it if it is noteworthy. If your GPA is below average, lower than 3.4 [ 1 ], it’s best not to highlight this. If it is exceptionally high, use it as a selling point.

7. Position your education section.

Where you place your education section depends on a few factors. If you have limited experience in the field you’re applying for, but your degree is highly relevant, you may want to put your education section near the top of your resume. It might be directly under your summary.

However, if you have many years of relevant experience and a strong career progression, your degree subject may be less important, especially if it is in a different field. If this is the case, place it lower down your resume, below your experience section.

Example education section

Below is an example of an education section for a seasoned professional.

Bachelor of Arts Marketing , 2022

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Minors : Management 

Special projects : Participated in a marketing project, developing a marketing plan for a small hospitality business.

How to list an unfinished degree

If you have a degree in progress and haven’t finished yet, it’s valuable to list it anyway. However, listing an unfinished degree varies slightly from the above example of a completed degree program.

When listing the date of your degree, note an expected graduation date. It’s still a good idea to list your major, special projects, awards, and any extracurricular activities if these strengthen the section. You can even include your GPA if it is high.

Example of an unfinished degree listed in the education section:

Bachelor of Arts Psychology

Expected graduation: June 2024

Minors : Child development

Awards: Dean’s list for seven semesters

Tips for writing your resume

Now you know how to format and construct your education section, let’s take a look at some tips for finishing your resume:

Tailor your resume: It’s important to write it with a job role in mind. Look at what recruiters put in the job listing and the position’s description. Ensure your resume includes details that align with what the employer is looking for, provided they also match your background. The employer is scoring you on how well your resume fits the role.

Use keywords: Many companies use an ATS,  requiring job seekers like you to make sure their resumes include keywords relevant to their experience that match the job description and keywords associated with the role and industry to stand a good chance of being selected.

Focus on achievements : It’s easy to list duties and responsibilities on your resume, but your individual achievements can help you stand out against others. Give examples of things you have done, awards you’ve earned, factors you’ve improved, and people you’ve helped.

Be clear and concise: Recruiters skim-read resumes, and it’s essential to deliver the details that catch their interest with just a quick scan, enticing them to continue reading and learning more about you. Keep your information relevant and format it clearly to break up text with bullet points and subheadings for easy scannability.

Get started with Coursera.

Building a strong resume means having a solid education section. Getting a degree isn’t your only option to build a strong resume. You can also stand out by taking online classes and increasing your qualifications. For example, Professional Certificates on Coursera effectively show your skills and knowledge in various areas.

For example, you could hone your sales skills with a Salesforce Sales Operations Professional Certificate , explore marketing analytics with the Meta Marketing Analytics Professional Certificate , or master the fundamentals of network operations with a Network Engineering Professional Certificate from Akamai.

Article sources

Indeed. “ How To List Education on a Resume (With Examples) , https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-list-education-on-a-resume.” Accessed April 4, 2024.

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How to Put an Unfinished Degree on a Resume (with Examples)

7 min read · Updated on December 07, 2023

You went to college, but didn't finish – that's okay because you can still put it on your resume!

They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Sometimes you start down the road to a destination but don't complete the trip. That doesn't mean your progress is for nothing. 

When it comes to college, even an unfinished degree may be something you'll want to let people know about. It doesn't matter whether circumstances prevented you from finishing, if you made a conscious decision to quit, or if you're going to finish it but just haven't yet. The steps you took in your academic career could be the thing that unlocks future employment doors.

But how do you put an unfinished degree on your resume? As it turns out, it's not difficult or something to be avoided. In this article, you'll find out when to include an unfinished degree on your resume plus some examples of how to write it. 

Some college is often better than no college

All employers care about is whether you'll be able to do the job they have open. They'll want to see how your skills and knowledge align with the job description. This is of the utmost importance when writing your resume. 

Consider the following:

Were any of the courses you took relevant to the job you're applying to?

Did you participate in, or complete, any major academic projects that would demonstrate the practical application of skills and knowledge?

Did you participate in any relevant clubs or extracurriculars that would pique a hiring manager's interest?

What type of independent study or research have you taken part in that would demonstrate initiative?

Do you have any certifications that improve your knowledge? 

What skills did you acquire while you were at college? How are those relevant to the job you want?

Did you take on any leadership roles in college? Think about things like fraternities, sororities, and student government.

How does your professional network look? What did you do to build it up?

All of this is meant to shift your thinking so that you can focus on valuable experiences rather than your unfinished degree. 

How to put an unfinished degree on your resume

Even though your focus should now be shifted from, “I didn't finish my degree, now what?” to “What skills and knowledge do I have that employers want?” you still have to include the fact that your degree is incomplete if you want to talk about it on your resume.

Adding a degree in progress on your resume

Sometimes, you'll run into an opportunity to apply for your dream job, but you haven't quite finished your degree yet. Pursuing your education shouldn't stop you from applying for the position you want. However, you want to be honest about the fact that your degree isn't complete yet. 

At this point in your career, the Education section of your resume will look a bit like a Work History section, because you'll put more details about your degree and where you're getting it. At this point, because of your need to emphasize how your skills, knowledge, and coursework align with what's required in the job, you'll need to include those things on your resume. You also need to let a prospective employer know approximately when your degree will be complete. 

Here's an example of how to include a degree that's still in progress on your resume:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | XYZ University | Expected completion: 12/2024

Relevant coursework: Introduction to Psychology, Psychology Research, Statistics, Psychology in the Workplace, Organizational Behavior, Coping Mechanisms, and Behavior Change. 

GPA: 3.8/4.0 

Internship: ABC School District, Teacher Support Program

PRO TIP: Only include your GPA if it's 3.5 or higher. We wrote a comprehensive article about when and if you should include your GPA on your resume. Click here to read it.

The inclusion of relevant coursework and an internship provides a great opportunity for you to inject relevant keywords into your resume. Those keywords will help your resume to be found by the applicant tracking systems that an astonishing number of employers use to weed out unqualified applicants. 

Adding a degree you're not going to finish on your resume

Almost everyone has gone through a period of indecision regarding their degree plan. Some even change their major in college multiple times before landing on a path that suits them. Perhaps you've decided that college is no longer in your future or won't serve you very well in the career you've chosen to pursue. 

It could still benefit you to add it to your resume. You could even include some details such as relevant coursework, if you need to get some keywords into your resume . As long as you keep the focus of your Education section on skills, achievements, and experiences gained during your time at school, an unfinished degree shouldn't make or break your candidacy for a job. 

PRO TIP: Position yourself as someone with practical knowledge and a strong skill set to win that coveted interview offer. 

Here's an example of how to add an unfinished degree that you're no longer pursuing to your resume:

Bachelor of Business Administration | XYZ University 

Completed 80/120 credit hours, including finance, management, and marketing

Served as President of the Finance Club

Executed market analysis project that connected business with target market

In this example, you've shifted the focus away from the fact that the degree isn't finished. Instead, the reader – a hiring manager or recruiter – gains insight into your experiences, adding value to your application and demonstrating how you'll benefit the new team.

Don't forget the cover letter

The beauty of having a cover letter that complements your resume in situations when something needs to be explained can't be overstated. While your resume affords you some opportunity to dive into how your history aligns with the job opening, your cover letter lets you expand on the narrative to make it clearer. 

Providing extra context in your cover letter to emphasize your skills can help you to stand out as a top candidate among the hundreds of other people applying for the same position. 

Address the unfinished degree on your cover letter

You'll start a paragraph of your cover letter by quickly bringing up your unfinished degree. Talk about how a shift in your career focus has led you to change your mind on college. Emphasize that your desire for practical experience won out, as you felt that would be the best way to add value to future employers.

“I began my formal education working toward a Bachelor of Business Administration, but decided that it would serve future employers better if I had practical skills in marketing.”

Highlight skills you've acquired

Just like you did in your resume, talk about how your skills make you a great match for the job that the new company has available. Use verbiage from the job description to tailor your cover letter to the needs of the position. 

“The coursework I finished, especially the courses in marketing and finance, has equipped me with a solid foundation in analysis and strategy planning that brings companies and consumers together to improve sales and profits.”

Mention achievements - employers love achievements!

Any time you can talk about something you've achieved, you show prospective employers value. By witnessing your past accomplishments, they get a real sense of what you can do for them.

“When I was the President of the Finance Club, I consistently found ways to automate manual processes to save time. One such process improvement reduced a 5-day turnaround to 2 days.”

Leverage your practical knowledge

Having an unfinished degree isn't the end of the world, as long as you can turn your educational experiences into a narrative that shows you're a determined individual with the right practical knowledge. In this sense, you're not someone with an incomplete degree, you're an engaging professional ready to make solid contributions to prospective employer teams. 

Don't let an unfinished degree hold you back. Why not let us help you to craft a compelling resume that shifts the focus to your skills and achievements in a way that will land your resume at the top of the pile? Submit your resume now for a free resume review!

Recommended reading:

How to Create a Resume With No Education

What To Include in the Education Section of a Resume

Ask Amanda: What's the Best Way to List Education on a Resume?

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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Crafting a Standout Resume: Grads With A Bachelor’s Degree

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Most col­leges don’t do a great job with job mar­ket prep. In fact, you might get through col­lege with­out ever learn­ing to write a resume. While col­leges teach a lot of impor­tant stuff, they often for­get about prac­ti­cal things like this. Writ­ing a resume is super impor­tant for get­ting a job, but many stu­dents grad­u­ate with­out know­ing how to do it. This can leave them feel­ing unpre­pared when they start look­ing for work. Col­leges need to do more to help stu­dents get ready for the real world after grad­u­a­tion. But in the mean­time, I’d like to use my place at Bachelor’s Degree Cen­ter to tell you the best tips for craft­ing an impres­sive bach­e­lor’s degree resume.

Table of Contents

• Resume Writ­ing Guide for Bach­e­lor’s Degree Holders
• Resume Tips: Basic Resume Writ­ing for Recent Graduates
• Resume Tips: High­light­ing Aca­d­e­m­ic Achieve­ments and Extracurriculars
• Resume Tips: Tai­lor­ing Resumes for Spe­cif­ic Job Applications
• Bach­e­lor’s Degree Resume Examples

As a for­mer col­lege writ­ing cen­ter direc­tor, I helped many stu­dents with their resumes. I under­stand how impor­tant resumes are for get­ting a job. Whether you’re a high school senior, a par­ent help­ing your child apply for col­lege, or a col­lege stu­dent about to grad­u­ate, know­ing how to write a good resume is cru­cial. In this guide, I’ll share tips specif­i­cal­ly for cre­at­ing a win­ning resume for bach­e­lor’s graduates.

First pub­lished in March 2024. All data was accu­rate at time of publication.

Resume Writing Guide for Bachelor’s Degree Holders

When I was a writ­ing cen­ter direc­tor, the tough­est part for new grad­u­ates when writ­ing their resumes was not hav­ing job expe­ri­ence. This made them unsure about how to show their qual­i­fi­ca­tions well. But, what I liked most was help­ing them see how their aca­d­e­m­ic achieve­ments, activ­i­ties out­side of class, and skills they could use in dif­fer­ent jobs were valu­able. By high­light­ing these things in their resumes, they could prove they were ready for work even if they had­n’t had many jobs yet.

One thing I often sug­gest­ed was talk­ing about class­es they took that relat­ed to the jobs they want­ed. I also told them to men­tion any intern­ships, vol­un­teer work, or part-time jobs they had that gave them use­ful skills. Even being part of clubs or lead­ing activ­i­ties on cam­pus could show they were good at work­ing with oth­ers and tak­ing on responsibilities.

I also told them to include num­bers when they could to show what they achieved. This could be things like their grades, rank­ings in class, or results from projects or vol­un­teer work. Adding num­bers made their achieve­ments more impres­sive and eas­i­er for employ­ers to remember.

Over­all, even though not hav­ing much job expe­ri­ence might seem hard, with the right help and think­ing dif­fer­ent­ly about their skills, new grad­u­ates could make resumes that showed they were a good fit for the jobs they wanted.

Relat­ed Resource:

Col­lege Intern­ships: The Impor­tance of Real-World Experience

Bachelor’s Degree Net­work­ing: The Impor­tance of Build­ing Career Connections

Resume Tips: Basic Resume Writing for Recent Graduates

When it comes to writ­ing a resume, there are some things that are true no mat­ter what kind of resume you’re writ­ing. Your resume should be easy to read and under­stand quick­ly. Make sure to include only rel­e­vant infor­ma­tion that relates to the job you want. Check every­thing for mis­takes before you send it out. 

If you fol­low these rules, you’ll have a good resume that gets noticed by employers. 

• Keep it Short : Try to make your resume fit on one page. This makes it clear and rel­e­vant. Focus on the most impor­tant stuff to get the recruiter’s attention.
• Sim­ple Lay­out : Choose a neat, pro­fes­sion­al design with clear head­ings and bul­let points. Employ­ers like well-orga­nized resumes that look professional.
• Show Rel­e­vant Expe­ri­ence : Talk about expe­ri­ences that relate direct­ly to the job. This could be intern­ships, part-time jobs, vol­un­teer­ing, or impor­tant projects from your class­es. High­light what you achieved to show off your skills and what you can bring to the job.
• High­light Trans­fer­able Skills : Talk about skills you’ve gained through school, activ­i­ties, and any jobs you’ve had. These skills, like com­mu­ni­ca­tion, team­work, lead­er­ship, prob­lem-solv­ing, and time man­age­ment, are real­ly impor­tant to employers.
• Check for Mis­takes : Go through your resume care­ful­ly to catch any spelling or gram­mar errors. It’s also help­ful to get feed­back from men­tors or career advi­sors to make your resume even better.

Resume Tips: Highlighting Academic Achievements and Extracurriculars

Craft­ing an impres­sive bach­e­lor’s degree resume is dif­fer­ent from reg­u­lar resumes, too. For recent grad­u­ates, it’s about show­ing what you’ve learned in school and any oth­er activ­i­ties you’ve been involved in. You might not have much work expe­ri­ence yet, so you have to high­light oth­er things like intern­ships or projects you worked on. It’s impor­tant to focus on the skills you’ve gained, like prob­lem-solv­ing and com­mu­ni­ca­tion, and show how they relate to the job you’re apply­ing for. 

Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when it comes to writ­ing a resume as a new graduate. 

• Edu­ca­tion Sec­tion : Put your aca­d­e­m­ic achieve­ments first. Include your degree, major, uni­ver­si­ty, grad­u­a­tion date, and any awards you got. This part shows what you’ve studied.
• Rel­e­vant Course­work : Cus­tomize your resume by talk­ing about class­es that relate to the job you want. This is espe­cial­ly impor­tant if you don’t have much work expe­ri­ence yet. It shows you’re ready for the job.
• Extracur­ric­u­lar Activ­i­ties : Talk about any clubs you were in, lead­er­ship roles you had, vol­un­teer work you did, or hob­bies you’re pas­sion­ate about. These things show what you’re like out­side of class.
• Projects and Research : High­light any big projects, research papers, or pre­sen­ta­tions you worked on. This shows you’re curi­ous, good at think­ing crit­i­cal­ly, and can solve problems.

Resume Tips: Tailoring Resumes for Specific Job Applications

One thing about resume writ­ing that a lot of peo­ple for­get is that you can’t just send the same resume to every job. Every job is look­ing for some­thing a lit­tle dif­fer­ent. Tai­lor­ing your resume to each job you apply for is cru­cial. This means adjust­ing your resume to high­light the skills and expe­ri­ences that are most rel­e­vant to the spe­cif­ic job and com­pa­ny you’re apply­ing to. 

By cus­tomiz­ing your resume for each appli­ca­tion, you show employ­ers that you’ve tak­en the time to under­stand their needs and that you’re gen­uine­ly inter­est­ed in the posi­tion. It also increas­es your chances of mak­ing a pos­i­tive impres­sion and land­ing an inter­view. So, take the time to per­son­al­ize your resume for each job opportunity—it could make all the dif­fer­ence in your job search success.

• Research and Cus­tomize : Before you write your resume, learn about the job and the com­pa­ny. This helps you make your resume fit the job bet­ter. Under­stand­ing what the employ­er wants lets you per­son­al­ize your resume to stand out.
• Use Key­words : When you write your resume, use words from the job descrip­tion. This helps your resume get noticed by com­put­er sys­tems many com­pa­nies use. Using the right words makes it eas­i­er for recruiters to find your resume and see you’re a good match.
• Tell Them What You Want : Write a short state­ment about your goals. Make sure it match­es what the com­pa­ny wants. This shows you’re real­ly inter­est­ed in the job and starts your appli­ca­tion off on a good note.

Bachelor’s Degree Resume Examples

If you’re not sure what to do with your resume, it helps to look at some exam­ples. Here’s a resume for a recent com­put­er sci­ence graduate: 

Jane Smith 456 Oak Avenue, Tech City, USA | (555) 987‑6543 | [email protected] Objec­tive: Recent col­lege grad­u­ate with a Bach­e­lor’s degree in Com­put­er Sci­ence seek­ing an entry-lev­el posi­tion in soft­ware devel­op­ment. Eager to apply aca­d­e­m­ic knowl­edge and gain prac­ti­cal expe­ri­ence in a dynam­ic tech environment. Edu­ca­tion: Bach­e­lor of Sci­ence in Com­put­er Science Tech Uni­ver­si­ty, Tech City, USA Grad­u­at­ed : May 2024 Rel­e­vant Coursework: Intro­duc­tion to Programming Data Struc­tures and Algorithms Web Devel­op­ment Data­base Man­age­ment Systems Expe­ri­ence: Soft­ware Devel­op­ment Intern | Tech Solu­tions, Tech City, USA | Sum­mer 2023 Con­tributed to the devel­op­ment of web appli­ca­tions using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Assist­ed in debug­ging and test­ing soft­ware solutions Col­lab­o­rat­ed with team mem­bers on var­i­ous cod­ing projects Tech­ni­cal Sup­port Assis­tant | Tech Sup­port Ser­vices, Tech City, USA | Part-time dur­ing college Pro­vid­ed tech­ni­cal assis­tance to cus­tomers via phone and email Resolved soft­ware and hard­ware issues effi­cient­ly and effectively Doc­u­ment­ed trou­bleshoot­ing pro­ce­dures for future reference Skills: Pro­fi­cient in pro­gram­ming lan­guages: Java, Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript Famil­iar­i­ty with data­base man­age­ment sys­tems (SQL) Strong prob­lem-solv­ing and ana­lyt­i­cal skills Excel­lent com­mu­ni­ca­tion and team­work abilities Detail-ori­ent­ed and high­ly organized Extracur­ric­u­lar Activities: Mem­ber, Asso­ci­a­tion for Com­put­ing Machin­ery (ACM) Vol­un­teer, Girls Who Code men­tor­ship program Ref­er­ences: Avail­able upon request

I’ve helped many stu­dents improve their resumes. I know how impor­tant resumes are for your career. By fol­low­ing the tips in this guide, you can stand out to employ­ers. Show off your achieve­ments, tai­lor your resume to each job, and make sure it reflects who you are. Your resume is your chance to shine, so put in the effort to make it great.

On your resume, list your degree under an “Edu­ca­tion” sec­tion. You can write it out in a full for­mat like “Bach­e­lor of Arts in Eng­lish Lit­er­a­ture” or use abbre­vi­a­tions like “B.A. in Eng­lish.”  If you’re tight on space, using abbre­vi­a­tions is okay, but make sure your resume for­mat­ting is consistent!

Since you’re a recent grad, focus on show­cas­ing your aca­d­e­m­ic achieve­ments. List your degree, rel­e­vant course­work (espe­cial­ly if it relates to the job you’re apply­ing for), and any aca­d­e­m­ic hon­ors you received.  Don’t for­get about vol­un­teer work, intern­ships, or research projects you par­tic­i­pat­ed in dur­ing col­lege. These expe­ri­ences can high­light valu­able skills like team­work, com­mu­ni­ca­tion, and time management.

Gen­er­al­ly, you can skip list­ing your asso­ci­ate’s degree if your bach­e­lor’s degree is in a sim­i­lar field.  How­ev­er, if your asso­ci­ate’s degree is in a rel­e­vant area that your bach­e­lor’s degree does­n’t cov­er, it might be worth men­tion­ing. For instance, if you have a Bach­e­lor of Arts in His­to­ry but also have an Asso­ci­ate’s Degree in Para­le­gal Stud­ies and are apply­ing for a legal assis­tant job, includ­ing the asso­ci­ate’s degree could be beneficial.

Almost always include your bach­e­lor’s degree on your resume! It’s a sig­nif­i­cant accom­plish­ment and shows employ­ers you have the edu­ca­tion­al foun­da­tion for the job. It also demon­strates your com­mit­ment to high­er learn­ing and per­se­ver­ance. There are a few rare instances where you might con­sid­er leav­ing your bach­e­lor’s degree off your resume, but it’s gen­er­al­ly rec­om­mend­ed to include it. Here are some excep­tions to con­sid­er: • Dif­fer­ent Degree Need­ed: Apply­ing for an elec­tri­cian job with an Eng­lish degree? List your elec­tri­cian skills instead of your Eng­lish degree. • Out­dat­ed Degree: Your com­put­er sci­ence degree is from the 1980s? It might not be as help­ful. You can still men­tion it if the skills are use­ful (like prob­lem-solv­ing). • Lots of Expe­ri­ence: If your resume is burst­ing with rel­e­vant work expe­ri­ence for the job, you could skip the bach­e­lor’s degree to save space. Usu­al­ly, include your degree! It shows you have a good edu­ca­tion and are a hard work­er. Only skip it in rare cas­es. You can always change your resume for each job you apply for.

Skip “fresh grad­u­ate” on your resume. Instead, use phras­es like “Recent Grad­u­ate” or “Bach­e­lor of Sci­ence in Com­put­er Sci­ence — May 2024” (or your grad­u­a­tion date): • New grad­u­ate • Entry-lev­el pro­fes­sion­al • Junior pro­fes­sion­al You can also get cre­ative and high­light your skills and expe­ri­ences. For exam­ple, if you did a senior project in web devel­op­ment, men­tion it! This way, you’re show­cas­ing your abil­i­ties while still acknowl­edg­ing you’re a recent grad.

How to List Academic Honors on Your Resume With Examples

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What are Latin honors?

When to include latin honors on your resume, how to include latin honors on your resume, examples of how to list academic honors on a resume, tips for including academic honors on a resume.

Graduating with honors is an impressive accomplishment, and it’s certainly one you should highlight on your resume as a recent graduate. However, many graduates are unsure if, when and how they should list Latin honors and other academic achievements on their resume. In this article, you’ll find resume tips and examples for graduates who have earned the distinction of cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude.

 Here are the three levels of distinction for academic degrees used by high schools, colleges and universities:

• Summa cum laude, meaning ‘with the highest distinction’
• Magna cum laude, meaning ‘with great distinction’
• Cum laude, meaning ‘with distinction’

If you graduated with honors, your resume should highlight this academic achievement. These details won’t take up much space, and they will help demonstrate your commitment to excellence.

The fact that you graduated with honors matters more when you are first entering the job market as a student or recent graduate. At this stage, you may not have much professional experience to list on your resume, so mentioning that you graduated with honors will help show employers that you are highly motivated, intelligent and hardworking. Once you have gained more experience, your academic performance becomes less important. Some employers will care about your GPA and honors, while others will not. Either way, it’s a good idea to include them on your resume. At best, they will weigh in your favor, and at worst, they’ll simply be ignored. 

Follow these steps when listing Latin honors on your resume:

1. Firstly, place them in the education section

If you graduated with honors, you should include that detail in the education section of your resume. Do this even if your resume has a section for honors and awards. Your Latin honors should be listed under the relevant degree so that it is obvious when and where you earned them. This is especially important if you have multiple degrees listed in your education section. You don’t want to mislead employers in any way. For instance, if you have completed both an undergraduate and graduate degree, it should be clear which degree the Latin honors are associated with.

2. Secondly, decide how to format your education section

One formatting style would be to keep the section simple by listing each institution and the dates you attended, followed by basic information about your degree. This should include the type of degree you earned, your major, your GPA and your honors. In this format, your honors should be listed directly after your major, separated by a comma. You can include your GPA in parentheses after the Latin honors.

Another formatting style is to expand your education section by listing your academic activities and honors after each degree. You may prefer this format if you participated in several extracurricular activities and received multiple honors. In this format, under each institution you attended, you should list your degree, honors, major and graduation date. Below that information, you should include two subsections—one for activities and one for honors. Your Latin honors should be included in the honors section.

3. Lastly, italicize the names of Latin honors

Since cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude are Latin phrases, you should use italics when listing these honors. These phrases should also be lowercase. You may find some examples and style guides that do not require you to italicize Latin honors, but using italics is the safer option. Plus, italics will help these words stand out.

If your school uses English instead of Latin phrases, the rules are different. English honors should not be italicized, and they should be capitalized. English honors are typically listed as with Honors, with High Honors or with Highest Honors. The word ‘Distinction’ may be used instead of ‘Honors.’ Always use the exact wording adopted by your university.

Here are a few examples of how to list academic honors on a resume:

Examples with an expanded education section

The format of these two examples allows you to list your academic activities and honors beneath your degree. The UNC example includes the student’s honors directly before the major and uses the school’s English phrases. The WVU example lists the student’s Latin honors and GPA in the honors subsection.

The University of North Carolina | Chapel Hill, NC

B.S. with Highest Distinction in Accounting, May 2015

• Minor in business administration
• Phi Beta Kappa

Activities:

• Policy Debate Team
• University Democrats

West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV

Bachelor of Arts in English, August 2016

• Magna cum laude  (3.7 GPA)
• Professional writing and editing concentration
• Sigma Tau Delta
• The Daily Athenaeum,   editor
• Eberly Writing Studio, tutor

Examples with a simplified education section

If you would rather include honors and activities in a separate section, you can trim down your education section. 

• The University of Texas at Austin | May 2013

B.S. in Public Policy, graduated with High Honors (3.8 GPA)

• West Virginia University | December 2016

B.S. in Animal and Nutritional Science, summa cum laude

• The University of North Carolina | August 2015

B.A. with Distinction in Anthropology

Here are a few more tips for people who graduated with honors:

Including your GPA is not necessary, but it can be helpful

Graduating with honors implies a high GPA. However, not all schools use the same standards. Some employers prefer to see your exact GPA. Including your GPA can be especially helpful if you achieved a 4.0 or if your GPA was higher than the minimum to graduate with honors.

You do not need to mention Dean’s List

Making the Dean’s List is a vaguer achievement than graduating with honors. If your resume already says that you graduated magna cum laude, listing the Dean’s List as an honor could be redundant. Use that space to include something that adds more value to your resume.

Be consistent in your formatting

Whatever format you decide to use, make sure each entry follows the same template. A break in formatting will be distracting and make your resume look less professional. Along the same lines, choose a format that will fit well with the rest of your resume. The formatting of each section will not be identical, but it should be similar.

Give your resume an extra proofread

Once you mention that you graduated with honors, an employer’s expectations will rise. Everyone should proofread their resume, but those who graduated with honors should be extra careful. Careless mistakes in grammar, spelling and formatting can undercut your academic achievements.

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How to Craft a Winning Resume: Step-By-Step Guide

A standout resume showcases your fit for the role and reflects your professional narrative and brand, emphasizing your qualifications, experience and the unique value you bring to the position.

Quality Verified

Updated: April 5, 2024

On This Page:

• Why Your Resume Matters
• Step 1: Job Description
• Step 2: Format
• Step 3: Objective
• Step 4: Work Experience
• Step 5: Skills
• Step 6: Education & Credentials
• Step 7: Optional Sections
• Step 8: Proofread

Additional Resources

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

An effective resume is much more than a simple list of skills and career history. Your resume often makes the first impression on potential employers and is vital to securing an interview during a job search . When crafted correctly, it's a tool that reflects your qualifications, experiences and compatibility with the position you're applying for.

Importance of a Well-Crafted Resume

A well-crafted resume does more than state your work history — it's a strategic way to present your professional narrative in the most compelling light. Here's why a resume is vital in your job application process:

Step 1: Carefully Read the Job Description

The first step in crafting a compelling resume is a thorough understanding of the job description. It sets the direction for how you'll customize your resume to meet the specific needs and requirements of the role. Here's how to approach it:

Read Attentively

Begin by reading the job description carefully. Pay attention to the language used and the listed responsibilities and requirements. This will give you a clear idea of what the employer values most.

Highlight Key Skills and Qualifications

As you read, underline or highlight the essential skills and qualifications mentioned. These are usually listed under sections titled "Requirements," "Qualifications," or "Skills."

Match Your Skills

Compare your experiences and skills to those in the job description. Identify where your background aligns with the job requirements. This step is crucial for tailoring your resume to show you're an ideal fit.

Incorporate Keywords

Integrate keywords and phrases found in the job description throughout your resume. Use them in your summary, work experience and skills sections. This shows that your qualifications match the role and helps your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which screen resumes based on specific keywords.

Step 2: Choose the Best Resume Format

Choosing the right resume format ensures that your application captures the attention of hiring managers by presenting your background in the most effective and relevant way. Below are the three most commonly used resume formats, along with guidance on who should use each and why:

Chronological Resume

This format arranges your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent job at the top. It's ideal for individuals with a solid and steady work history. The chronological resume highlights career progression and is particularly effective for those looking to advance in the same field.

Best for: Seasoned professionals with consistent employment in their field.

Example: A marketing manager with 10 years of experience seeking to become a marketing director.

Functional Resume

This format emphasizes your skills and abilities rather than the chronological chronology of your professional experience. It's beneficial for those with career gaps in their employment, newcomers to the workforce or career changers, as it allows them to highlight how their skills transfer to the position they're applying for.

Best for: Career changers, individuals with employment gaps or those with diverse skill sets not tied to specific roles.

Example: A professional transitioning from a teaching career to a corporate training position, emphasizing skills in curriculum development, presentation and educational technology.

Combination Resume

A hybrid of the chronological and functional formats, this style allows you to showcase your relevant skills and work history. It's perfect for those with a solid employment record who also want to highlight specific skills that are particularly relevant to the job they're applying for.

Best for: Professionals with a robust work history and specific, transferable skills directly applicable to the job opening.

Example: A software developer with extensive experience in project management looking to focus on agile project management roles.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective

Your summary or objective should introduce your resume and encapsulate your professional identity and value proposition, making a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate for the position. Here's how to differentiate between the two and write them effectively:

Resume Summary

Ideal for experienced professionals, a summary provides a concise overview of your career achievements and key strengths. It highlights your experience, major accomplishments and the value you bring to a potential employer.

Example: "Customer Service Manager with over seven years of experience specializing in improving customer satisfaction and team performance. Achieved a 30% increase in customer satisfaction at XYZ Co., demonstrating proficiency in CRM software and effective team leadership."

Resume Objective

Best suited for those at the entry level, career changers or applicants with gaps in employment, an objective focuses on your career goals and how they align with the company's needs, emphasizing your enthusiasm and potential contributions.

Example: "Recent Computer Science graduate passionate about software development and problem-solving. Aiming to apply academic knowledge and innovative thinking in a Junior Developer role. Awarded university prize for excellence in project development, showcasing strong technical skills and creative solutions."

• Be Concise: Keep your summary or objective brief, targeting three to five lines.
• Showcase Your Value: Mention specific skills and experiences that align with the job description, indicating how you can solve problems or add value to the team.
• Use Active Language: Start sentences with action verbs and use the active voice to convey dynamism and proactivity.

Step 4: Detail Your Work Experience

The work experience section of your resume is where you showcase your professional journey and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Here's how you can effectively list your work experience:

Chronological Order

Begin with your most recent position and proceed backward in time. This format allows employers to quickly understand your current level of responsibility and track your career progression.

Dynamic Action Verbs

Initiate each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., led, developed, increased, optimized) to capture attention and actively convey your role in each achievement.

Quantify Achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers, percentages and specific outcomes to quantify your achievements. This approach provides tangible evidence of your contributions and impact on your roles.

Beyond Duties

Focus on your achievements in each position rather than simply listing job duties. Describe how you added value, solved problems or improved processes. This distinction helps employers gauge your potential impact on their organization.

Tailor to the Job

Select experiences and accomplishments most relevant to the position you're applying for. Tailoring this section to the job description ensures you highlight the skills and experiences that align closely with what the employer is seeking.

Step 5: Highlight Your Skills

The skills section can be an opportunity to respond directly to the job description's call for specific competencies. Follow these steps to make your skills section stand out:

Inventory Your Skills

Compile a comprehensive list of your skills, including technical skills and interpersonal skills. No skill is too small to consider.

Prioritize Relevant Skills

From your inventory, select the skills that most closely match the job description. These are the ones you should highlight in your resume.

Balancing Hard and Soft Skills

A well-rounded candidate possesses hard and soft skills . Hard skills demonstrate your specific qualifications for the job, while soft skills illustrate how you interact with others and approach your work.

Presenting Your Skills

When listing your skills, consider using bullet points for clarity and ease of reading. Provide brief examples of how you've applied each skill in a professional setting, either within the skills section itself or elsewhere in your resume.

Integrating Soft Skills Throughout

While it's important to list soft skills, you can also integrate them into your work experience and achievements.

Step 6: Include Your Education and Credentials

This section should highlight your academic achievements and underscore your commitment to professional development. Consider the following tips to showcase your education and credentials effectively:

List Your Highest Education First

Begin with the most advanced degree you've earned, followed by others in reverse chronological order. For each, include the degree type, your major, the name of the institution and your graduation year (or expected graduation year if you're currently enrolled).

Certifications and Licenses

List any professional certifications or licenses you hold, especially those directly relevant to the job. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization and the date of attainment or expiration, if applicable.

Relevant Coursework, Honors and Awards

Mention any courses, honors or awards directly relevant to the job or that showcase exceptional achievement. Place these details under the appropriate educational entry, keeping the descriptions brief yet descriptive.

Formatting for Clarity

Use bullet points for each element to ensure the section is easily scannable. This helps potential employers quickly grasp your academic and professional learning achievements.

Prioritizing Information

Your educational background will be particularly important if you're starting your career or a recent graduate. In this case, consider placing your education section above your work experience. For those more advanced in their careers, education can follow the work experience section, focusing more on degrees and certifications than on coursework or honors.

• Master of Science in Data Analytics – XYZ University, 2023
• Specialization: Big Data Processing and Visualization Technique
• Honors: Received the Dean's Award for Outstanding Graduate Research

Certifications

• Certified Data Analyst – Data Science Institute, 2022

Step 7: Consider Optional Resume Sections

In addition to the essential components of your resume — such as your career summary, skills, work experience and education — consider including optional sections to further develop your brand, showcase a comprehensive skill set and stand out from other candidates. Select optional sections that add value and are relevant to the position you're applying for. Here are some possibilities:

Volunteer Work

Highlight significant volunteer roles and community service activities. These experiences can illustrate your commitment to social causes, leadership abilities and application of professional skills in a volunteer setting.

Detailing relevant certifications underscores your dedication to professional development and expertise in your field.

Share hobbies that reflect positively on your personality and offer insights into your soft skills, such as teamwork, creativity or leadership. Choose hobbies that are relevant or could contribute uniquely to the job.

Awards and Honors

Include professional or academic recognitions to emphasize your commitment to excellence and achievement in your career or field of study.

Listing language proficiencies can demonstrate your ability to communicate in diverse environments, an essential skill in many global or multicultural roles.

Professional Affiliations

Show your engagement with the professional community through memberships in associations, which can indicate a broader network and up-to-date industry knowledge

Step 8: Proofread and Format Your Resume

Errors, typos and inconsistencies in formatting can significantly detract from your professionalism and attention to detail. Here are some strategies to ensure your resume is polished and professional:

Be Consistent

Use a consistent format for headings, bullet points and fonts throughout your resume. This uniformity helps maintain a clean, professional look.

Choose a Professional Font

Use a professional, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Maintain a font size of 10 to 12 points for body text and slightly larger for headings.

Bullet Points

Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities, improving the document's readability and making it easier for employers to scan.

Margins and Spacing

Set your margins to 1" on all sides to create a balanced, uncluttered layout. Adequate spacing between sections further enhances readability.

Multiple Rounds of Proofreading

Go beyond a cursory spell check. Read your resume several times, each focusing on different elements — first for typos and grammar, then for consistency in formatting and finally for overall flow and persuasiveness.

Get a Second Opinion

Having someone else review your resume can provide valuable insights and catch errors you might have missed.

Use Digital Tools

Leverage grammar and spell-check tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word's Review features for an additional layer of error checking.

Here's a list of valuable resources for crafting a standout resume that effectively navigates modern job application processes. Each offers unique insights and guidance tailored to different aspects of resume writing and job search strategies:

• GCFLearnFree.org : Features a wide range of guides, including formatting resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems and tailoring resumes to specific job applications​​.
• U.S. Department of Labor : Shares tips for writing a federal resume, including tailoring your resume to the job's requirements and selecting the right format​​.
• Workshops for Warriors : Provides targeted advice for veterans transitioning to civilian work, focusing on showcasing military training, certifications and soft skills​​.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.