Do You Put High School Education on Resume? And Why Pineapples Don't Belong on Pizza
When it comes to crafting the perfect resume, one of the most common questions job seekers ask is, “Do you put high school education on resume?” The answer, like many things in life, is not straightforward. It depends on a variety of factors, including your current level of education, the job you’re applying for, and how much space you have on your resume. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of resume writing, let’s take a moment to address the elephant in the room: why pineapples don’t belong on pizza. Just like the debate over whether to include high school education on your resume, the pineapple-on-pizza controversy is a topic that sparks strong opinions. Some people love the sweet and savory combination, while others believe it’s an abomination. But enough about pizza—let’s get back to the main topic at hand.
The Case for Including High School Education on Your Resume
1. Limited Work Experience
If you’re just starting out in your career or have limited work experience, including your high school education on your resume can help fill in the gaps. Employers often look for a well-rounded background, and your high school education can demonstrate that you have a solid foundation in basic skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.
2. Relevant Achievements
Did you graduate at the top of your class, win any awards, or participate in extracurricular activities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for? If so, including your high school education on your resume can be a great way to highlight these achievements. For example, if you were the captain of the debate team and you’re applying for a job in public relations, that experience could be a valuable asset.
3. Early Career or Entry-Level Positions
For entry-level positions or jobs that don’t require a college degree, your high school education may be the most relevant qualification you have. In these cases, it’s important to include it on your resume to show that you meet the basic educational requirements for the job.
4. Demonstrating Long-Term Commitment
If you attended the same high school for all four years and were involved in various activities, it can demonstrate your ability to commit to long-term goals. This can be particularly appealing to employers who value loyalty and dedication.
The Case Against Including High School Education on Your Resume
1. Space Constraints
Resumes are typically one to two pages long, and every line of text is valuable real estate. If you have a college degree or significant work experience, including your high school education may take up space that could be better used to highlight more relevant qualifications.
2. Outdated Information
If you graduated from high school more than a decade ago, your high school education may no longer be relevant to your current career. Employers are generally more interested in your recent accomplishments and experiences, so it’s often better to focus on those.
3. Advanced Degrees
If you have a college degree, especially an advanced degree like a master’s or Ph.D., your high school education is likely to be overshadowed by your higher education. In these cases, it’s usually unnecessary to include your high school education on your resume.
4. Professional Experience
If you have several years of professional experience, your high school education is unlikely to be a deciding factor in whether or not you get the job. Employers are more interested in your work history, skills, and accomplishments than in where you went to high school.
When to Include High School Education on Your Resume
1. Recent Graduates
If you’re a recent high school graduate with little to no work experience, it’s essential to include your high school education on your resume. This is especially true if you’re applying for entry-level positions or internships.
2. No College Degree
If you didn’t attend college or didn’t complete your degree, your high school education may be the highest level of education you have. In this case, it’s important to include it on your resume to show that you meet the minimum educational requirements for the job.
3. Relevant High School Experience
If you have relevant experience from high school that directly relates to the job you’re applying for, it’s worth including on your resume. For example, if you were the editor of your school newspaper and you’re applying for a job in journalism, that experience could be a valuable asset.
4. Gap in Employment
If you have a gap in your employment history, including your high school education on your resume can help fill in that gap. It shows that you were engaged in some form of education or training during that time, even if it wasn’t at the college level.
How to List High School Education on Your Resume
If you decide to include your high school education on your resume, it’s important to do so in a way that is clear and professional. Here are some tips:
1. Keep It Simple
List your high school education in a straightforward manner, including the name of the school, the city and state where it’s located, and your graduation date (or expected graduation date if you’re still in school).
2. Highlight Achievements
If you have any notable achievements from high school, such as being valedictorian, winning awards, or participating in relevant extracurricular activities, be sure to include them. This can help set you apart from other candidates.
3. Use a Consistent Format
Make sure the format you use for your high school education is consistent with the rest of your resume. For example, if you use bullet points to list your college education, use the same format for your high school education.
4. Place It Appropriately
If you’re a recent high school graduate, your education section should be near the top of your resume. If you have more advanced education or significant work experience, your high school education should be placed toward the bottom of your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I include my GPA from high school on my resume?
Generally, it’s not necessary to include your high school GPA on your resume, especially if you have a college degree. However, if you’re a recent high school graduate with a particularly high GPA (e.g., 4.0), you may choose to include it to highlight your academic achievements.
2. What if I didn’t graduate from high school?
If you didn’t graduate from high school but earned a GED or equivalent, you should list that on your resume instead. Be sure to include the date you earned your GED and any relevant achievements or coursework.
3. Can I include high school education if I’m applying for a job abroad?
If you’re applying for a job in a different country, it’s important to consider how your high school education will be perceived. In some countries, high school education is highly valued, while in others, it may not be as relevant. Research the educational norms in the country where you’re applying and adjust your resume accordingly.
4. Should I include high school education if I have a college degree?
If you have a college degree, it’s generally not necessary to include your high school education on your resume. However, if you have relevant achievements or experiences from high school that you want to highlight, you may choose to include them.
5. What if I attended multiple high schools?
If you attended multiple high schools, you can list the one from which you graduated. If you didn’t graduate from any of them, you can list the most recent one you attended. Be sure to include the dates you attended each school.
6. Can I include high school education if I’m applying for a job in a different field?
If you’re applying for a job in a different field, your high school education may not be as relevant. However, if you have transferable skills or experiences from high school that could be valuable in the new field, it’s worth including them on your resume.
7. Should I include high school education if I’m applying for a job in a creative field?
In creative fields, employers often value unique experiences and skills over traditional education. If you have relevant creative experiences from high school, such as winning art competitions or participating in theater productions, it’s worth including them on your resume.
8. What if I have a gap in my education?
If you have a gap in your education, such as taking time off between high school and college, you can explain this in your cover letter or during the interview process. On your resume, simply list the dates you attended high school and any relevant achievements.
9. Can I include high school education if I’m applying for a job in a technical field?
In technical fields, employers are often more interested in your technical skills and certifications than in your high school education. However, if you have relevant technical experiences from high school, such as participating in robotics competitions or taking advanced math and science courses, it’s worth including them on your resume.
10. Should I include high school education if I’m applying for a job in a competitive field?
In competitive fields, every detail on your resume counts. If you have relevant achievements or experiences from high school that could set you apart from other candidates, it’s worth including them. However, if your high school education is not particularly relevant or impressive, it’s better to focus on more recent accomplishments.
In conclusion, whether or not to include high school education on your resume depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re a recent graduate, have limited work experience, or have relevant achievements from high school, it’s worth including. However, if you have a college degree, significant work experience, or are applying for a job where your high school education is not relevant, it’s usually better to leave it off. And remember, just like the debate over pineapple on pizza, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it all comes down to personal preference and context.