One of the most important parts of a resume is your post-secondary education and training. Many employers set educational requirements or preferences, so you must list these clearly on your resume to even be considered.
Is education or work experience listed first on a resume?
Education should be listed first if you are currently enrolled in a program, or if you have little to no work experience. If you have been working for more than two years in your field, it is best to list work experience first.
What is included in the education section?
Always include any university degrees earned after secondary school. You may also decide to include relevant classes, trainings or certificates in this section. Others choose to list trainings and workshops in a separate section – there is no right or wrong way.
Everyone has a unique educational background, but anything that is included in the education section must be from a formal program/organization.
How do I format this section?
Just like work experience, most people use a reverse chronological format for their education section. This means you list your most recent training or degree first, which is often beneficial because it is usually the most relevant.
For each educational experience, include the following information:
- Type of diploma or certification (i.e. Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, Certificate)
- Name of the course of study (i.e. Psychology, Law, Data Analytics)
- Month and year when you finished program or are expected to finish
- Name and location of the institution
- Grade average (if strong and if applicable)
- Any specializations, awards or indicators of strong academic performance
What if I haven't completed any post-secondary education?
In this case, list your high school (or equivalent) in the education section. If you started a post-secondary program but didn’t finish it, then you can still include it in your education. For example, if you completed some classes then you can write “Classes in” or “Coursework in” instead of writing the type of diploma.
Vicky Blom
As a professional recruiter, I have over 10 years of experience helping candidates find work with businesses that match their skills, personalities and goals. Here on Resume Supply, I share some of the key things I have learned over my career to help job seekers with resumes, applications and interviews.