What What I Put On A Resume Under Education If A Person Didn’t Finish High School?
December 22, 2009 by career
Filed under Resume Questions
I am helping a friend out with a resume. This person didn’t complete high school but is planning to go back to get their GED. What should I list under the “education” part of the resume or should I just leave it blank?
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There are many things you could put under education, regardless of whether they graduated or not. Consider the following:
- Volunteering. Did they volunteer in the school library, cafeteria or computer lab? Were they a member of the grad committee? Did they get involved with student government? Work on the yearbook?
- Work Experience Placements. Did they complete any internships or work experience placements?
- Sports/Academic Accomplishments. Were they on the basketball team or on the chess club? How many years? Point out that this demonstrates teamwork skills, a strong work ethic and the ability to balance priorities. Add any championships or medals they earned, and any leadership experience such as team captain or coach.
- Awards and Accomplishments. Did they receive a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Attendance? Or for leadership? Or for volunteering at the school? Did they achieve academic standing? These accomplishments can offer “proof” to an employer of their character, dependability, work ethic and commitment.
- Specific Courses. Did they take any individual courses that are relevant to the job they are applying for? Also think about courses that may not be relevant but may provide “proof” of their skills, such as Peer Tutoring or Entrepreneurship. Also mention any particularly high grades or special projects they were involved in.
- Workplace Training. Did they earn any workplace training certificates? Many schools offer industry-recognized training in customer service, first aid, safety, food handling, hazardous materials and conflict resolution.
- Computer Training. Did they take any computer courses? Include specific courses they completed, software and operating systems they have experience with, and also keyboard speed if it’s relevant to their job target.
- Night School. Did they take any night school, correspondence, continuing/adult education, workshops or other part-time courses? These could also be important to potential employers.
Hope that helps!
Michael Howard
Professional Resume Writer and Author of “Alternative Resumes”
http://www.alternativeresumes.com
either say “some high school” or “currently pursuing GED”