Graduating from high school is an important milestone in every person’s life. As you start your career, a common question that comes up is: should I include my high school information on my resume? The quick answer is: it depends.
Generally, once you have a bachelor’s degree or higher, listing high school details is unnecessary. However, there are some cases where including high school may still be beneficial.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover when you should and shouldn’t put high school on a resume. We’ll discuss factors like your level of education and work experience, the relevance of high school details to the job, and tips for formatting high school information on a resume properly.
When to Include High School on a Resume
Deciding whether or not to include your high school education on your resume can be a tricky decision. While it is generally recommended to focus on your higher education and work experience, there are certain situations where including your high school information can be beneficial.
If You Have No Higher Education
If you have not pursued any higher education after high school, it is important to include your high school education on your resume. This is especially true if you have completed specialized courses or programs during high school that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Including this information can showcase your commitment to learning and your dedication to acquiring the necessary skills for the position.
If You Have Relevant Awards or Achievements
If you have received any notable awards or achievements during your high school years, it can be beneficial to include them on your resume. These accolades can demonstrate your strengths, skills, and dedication, which can be valuable to potential employers.
For example, if you received a scholarship for academic excellence or were recognized for your leadership skills, these achievements can set you apart from other candidates.
If You’re a Recent High School Graduate
As a recent high school graduate, it is common to have limited work experience. In this case, including your high school education on your resume becomes more important. It allows potential employers to understand your educational background and any relevant coursework or projects you have completed.
Additionally, including any extracurricular activities or volunteer work during high school can showcase your involvement and commitment outside of the classroom.
If You Have Limited Work Experience
If you have limited work experience, including your high school education on your resume can help fill in the gaps. It shows that you have completed your education and have a foundation of knowledge and skills.
Additionally, including any relevant coursework or projects can demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. However, as you gain more work experience, it is generally recommended to remove your high school information and focus on your higher education and recent work accomplishments.
Remember, the decision of whether to include your high school education on your resume ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and the specific job you are applying for. It is important to carefully evaluate your qualifications and consider what information will best showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers.
When to Leave High School Off a Resume
You Have a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
If you have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher, it is generally not necessary to include your high school information on your resume. Employers are typically more interested in your advanced education and professional experience.
Your higher education achievements and relevant certifications should take center stage on your resume.
Your High School Details are Not Relevant
If your high school education is not directly related to the job you are applying for, it may be best to leave it off your resume. Instead, focus on highlighting your college degree, vocational training, or any additional certifications that are more relevant to the position.
This will help streamline your resume and make it more tailored to the specific job requirements.
You Have Extensive Work Experience
If you have several years of work experience in your field, it may be unnecessary to include your high school information. Employers are typically more interested in your professional accomplishments and the skills you have acquired through your work experience.
However, if your high school experience is directly related to the job or showcases relevant skills, it may still be worth including.
You Attended High School Over 10 Years Ago
If you graduated from high school over a decade ago, it may be best to omit this information from your resume. Hiring managers are typically more interested in recent educational achievements and work experience.
Instead, focus on highlighting your recent accomplishments and skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Remember, the goal of your resume is to showcase your qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Tailoring your resume to each job opportunity will increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the job.
How to List High School on a Resume
When it comes to creating a resume, many individuals wonder if they should include their high school education. While it ultimately depends on your unique circumstances and the job you are applying for, there are some general guidelines to follow when deciding whether to include high school on your resume.
Put High School in the Education Section
If you are a recent high school graduate or have no other post-secondary education, it is recommended to include your high school information in the education section of your resume. This allows employers to see your educational background and understand your level of academic achievement.
Include Only Relevant Details
When listing your high school on your resume, it is important to include only relevant details. This typically includes the name of your high school, its location, and the year you graduated. If you received any honors or awards during your high school years that are relevant to the job you are applying for, you may also include them.
However, it is important to keep this section concise and focused.
List in Reverse Chronological Order
When listing your education on your resume, including high school, it is generally recommended to list it in reverse chronological order. This means listing your most recent education first, followed by the older ones.
By doing so, employers can easily see your most recent accomplishments and qualifications.
Use a Consistent Format
When including your high school education on your resume, it is important to use a consistent format throughout the document. This includes using the same font, font size, and formatting style for all sections, including the education section.
Consistency in formatting creates a professional and polished look for your resume.
While including high school on your resume can be beneficial in certain situations, it is important to assess whether it is relevant to the job you are applying for. If you have extensive post-secondary education or relevant work experience, the focus should primarily be on that.
Remember, the goal of your resume is to highlight your qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.
Formatting High School on a Resume
School Name and Location
When including your high school on a resume, it is important to provide the name and location of the school. This helps employers get a sense of your educational background and can be especially useful if your high school is well-known or prestigious.
For example, if you attended a renowned high school like Phillips Exeter Academy or Stuyvesant High School, mentioning the name can showcase your academic achievements.
Graduation Date
Including the graduation date from high school can give potential employers an idea of your age and level of experience. However, if you have extensive work experience or have been out of high school for a significant amount of time, it may be more beneficial to leave out the graduation date and focus on your more recent accomplishments.
Remember, the goal is to highlight your qualifications and relevant experiences for the job you are applying for.
GPA (If High)
If you had a high GPA in high school, it can demonstrate your academic capabilities and dedication to your studies. Including your GPA on your resume can be beneficial, especially if it is above a certain threshold or if you are applying for a position that requires strong academic performance.
However, if your GPA was not particularly high or if you have more recent achievements that are more relevant to the position, it may be better to focus on those instead.
Relevant Coursework
If you took any courses in high school that are directly related to the job you are applying for, it can be worth mentioning them on your resume. This shows employers that you have some background knowledge in the field and can be a valuable asset to their team.
For example, if you are applying for a position in computer programming and took advanced computer science courses in high school, mentioning those courses can help strengthen your candidacy.
Awards and Honors
If you received any awards or honors during your high school years, it is definitely worth including them on your resume. These accolades can demonstrate your exceptional skills, achievements, and dedication.
Whether it was being the valedictorian, receiving a scholarship, or being recognized for your leadership abilities, showcasing these accomplishments can set you apart from other candidates and impress potential employers.
Remember, when formatting your high school information on your resume, it is important to prioritize relevant and recent experiences. Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for, focusing on the qualifications that align with the position.
By showcasing your academic achievements and relevant experiences, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing a job.
What to Avoid When Listing High School
Irrelevant or Excessive Details
When listing your high school on your resume, it’s important to include only relevant information. Potential employers are typically more interested in your recent educational and professional experiences.
Therefore, avoid including unnecessary details about your high school experience, such as specific courses or extracurricular activities that are not directly related to the job you are applying for. Instead, focus on highlighting your more recent achievements and experiences that are relevant to the position.
Grammar or Spelling Errors
One of the most common mistakes people make when listing their high school on their resume is overlooking grammar and spelling errors. Regardless of the level of education, a resume with grammar or spelling mistakes can create a negative impression on potential employers.
Therefore, it is essential to proofread your resume multiple times to ensure it is error-free. Utilize grammar-checking tools or ask a friend or family member to review it for you.
Outdated Information
Another important aspect to consider when listing your high school on your resume is the relevance of the information. If you graduated from high school several years ago and have obtained higher education or relevant work experience since then, it may be best to omit your high school from your resume altogether.
Including outdated information can give the impression that you have not progressed in your career or education.
Inconsistent Formatting
Consistency in formatting is crucial when presenting your resume. If you choose to include your high school information on your resume, ensure that the formatting matches the rest of your document. This includes using the same font, font size, and formatting style for all sections.
Inconsistent formatting can make your resume appear unprofessional and disorganized, which may negatively impact your chances of getting an interview.
For more tips and guidance on creating an effective resume, you can visit reputable websites like The Muse or Monster. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your skills, experiences, and professionalism, so taking the time to avoid these common mistakes can greatly improve your chances of landing your dream job.
Conclusion
The decision to put high school on a resume is situational. As you gain more higher education and work experience, listing high school becomes less important. However, high school details may still be useful in some cases for recent grads or to showcase relevant achievements.
By understanding when to include your high school background and formatting it properly, you can put your best foot forward on job applications. Just be sure to keep your information concise, tailored, and error-free.
