cv example education section

How to write your CV education section + examples

Your education section of your CV is crucial part of the document.

But it can be tough to know to write, where to put it, and what you should include.

This guide will show you exactly how to write an impressive education section for your own CV, whether you are a school leaver, experienced professional, or anything in between.

Where to put your education on your CV?

Where you position your education section on your CV will largely depend on your level of experience and how long ago you left full-time education.

• Little/no experience – If you’re just leaving education and therefore don’t have a lot of experience behind you, place your education section nearer the top of your CV, under your personal profile . Be sure to go into plenty of detail because, at this point in your career, your academic record will receive more attention, and employers will need lots of info to be persuaded to hire you.
• Experienced candidate – If you’re a more experienced candidate who has gained skills and knowledge through past positions, your employment history takes precedence. In this case, your education section should go under your employment section because employers are likely to be more interested in your real-world experience – although they will still value your education.

CV templates 

What to include in your education section?

This section should outline your formal education, qualifications and certificates in reverse chronological order. Here’s an overview of what this might include:

• Degree – As a university graduate, you need to include your degree , and if you’ve got post-graduate qualifications, your most recent degree must come first. To do this, include the name of the university, the title of your degree, the dates you studied there and the grade you received. You might also wish to include details of any relevant modules you studied
• A-levels – If you took A-levels at college, you probably completed three to four subjects. Be sure to include the name of your college, the dates you studied there and the subjects you completed.
• Vocational qualifications – School or college aren’t the end of the road for your education but if you chose not to study a degree, you may have obtained other vocational qualifications. If so, you need to include these too. Follow the same formatting rules by including the name of the institution, the qualification and the date you achieved it
• GCSEs – Listing your GCSEs can be trickier as there are often more of these. So if you have lots of GCSEs, include your school name, the years you were there and then abbreviate your list of subjects. For example, ‘10 GCSEs including maths and English’
• Mandatory certificates – There might be mandatory training you need to undertake to get a job, for example, health and safety certificates. In this case, you should include these in your education section, listing the level of certification, name of the course and date you received it. You might also wish to include the name of the accrediting body if they are well-known in the industry.

Education section examples

Now you have a better understanding of what could be included in your education section, let’s take a closer look at how these should be written with some examples.

School leaver

As a school leaver hoping to land a job, it’s likely that your GCSEs are going to be your highest level of qualification.

When adding these to your CV, you should include the full name of your school and the dates you attended. Underneath this, you can begin to outline your GCSEs.

Baxton Hill High School – 2014 to 2019 10 GCSEs

• English (A) | Language & Literature
• Maths (A) | Achieved best coursework award
• Biology (B)
• Physics (B)
• Chemistry (B)
• Information Technology (A) | Specialised in Microsoft Office
• Geography (C)

Extracurricular activities and achievements:

• Grade 5 piano
• Grade 3 flute
• Captain of the school hockey team
• Voted ‘Most Spectacular Sportsperson of the Year’ in Year 10 and 11

Because this makes up the basis of your educational background, you can afford to outline all of your subjects and grades in more detail.

You could also include any awards or clubs in which you participated, it might look a little something like the above.

College leaver

As a college leaver, you will still need to include your GCSEs, particularly if they are relevant to the role you’re applying for, but your main focus should be on your more recent A-Levels.

London Central College – 2019 to 2021 3 A-Levels

• Photography (A) | Including wildlife photography project and paper
• English Language (A) | Studying “Of Mice and Men”
• Graphic Design (B) | Completed a complete product design of a toy package

Achievements

• Practical experience in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
• Proficient using DLSR camera, as well as experience developing film in the darkroom
• Achieved A grade and finished in top 10% of my class for print media and photography project

Baxton Hill High School – 2014 to 2019

10 GCSEs grade A to C including English, Maths, IT and Art

As you study fewer subjects at A-Level (typically three to four), you can give a bit more detail about each subject, your grades and anything else that could boost your application.

For example , you could outline particular projects that you were proud of or some of your key achievements. In this case, your education section might look a little something like the above.

Experienced professional

After college, or perhaps even during your time at college, you may have chosen to undertake a vocational qualification as a way of boosting your skills and gaining some real-world experience. This could be in the form of an NVQ , BTEC or a diploma.

City & Guilds NVQ (L1) in Hospitality Skills – 2020 – 2021

• Learning to maintain a safe, hygienic and secure working environment
• Working with the team to prepare, cook and safely store food
• Industry-standard training in kitchens and restaurants around London

London Central College – 2018 to 2020

A-Levels including English Language (A), Business Studies (A) and Food Science (B)

Baxton Hill High School – 2013 to 2018

10 GCSEs grade A to C including English, Maths and Food Technology

So although your experience in the workplace will likely take precedent on your CV, your education section is still important, and you need to give a little more detail about your vocational qualifications.

You can still include any A-Levels you have as well as GCSEs, but these should be kept to brief summaries like the above.

Recent Graduate

As a recent graduate , your degree is going to be one of your key selling points, particularly if you don’t have a great deal of work experience behind you.

BSc (Hons) Computer Science – Queen Mary University – 2018 – 2021 Final grade: 1st Class

• Modules including: Big data processing, data mining, Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) and algorithms and data structures
• Achieved a 1st (96%) for my dissertation on ‘issues with privacy and security when dealing with big data’, coming top of my class
• Gained practical experience in software engineering, procedural programming and data mining

A-Levels including Information Technology (A), Business Studies (A) and Graphic Design (B)

10 GCSEs grade A to C including English, Maths and IT 

You will still need to include your A-Levels and GCEs, but these sections don’t need to contain as much detail. Your focus should be on showcasing your degree, the key skills you gained and any achievements during your studies. You might also include any modules you studied that are relevant to the role.

The format should include the type of degree, as well as the full title, and you should include any honours along with your final grade.

Experienced Graduate

If you are a graduate with experience, whether that is because you left university a few years back or because you undertook a work placement as part of your course, this section can be less detailed.

BA (Hons) Digital Marketing – Queen Mary University – 2018 – 2021 Final grade: 2:1

• Modules including: Interactive media technologies, media streaming and the Cloud, programming for data analysis and personalising the digital experience

A-Levels including English Language (A), Media Studies(A) and History (B)

10 GCSEs grade A to C including English, Maths and Media Studies 

You should still include your degree, A-Levels and GCSEs as shown above, but you can give fewer details, as the focus will lie with your real-world experience.

That said, this section should follow a similar format, including the type of degree and the full title, the university you attended and your final grade. In this case, your education section might look something like the above.

How to write your education on your CV

No matter what stage you’re at in your career, knowing how to structure , format and effectively showcase your education on your CV is critical. To help you get it right, we have pulled together some of our top tips for nailing your education section.

Adapt for your experience level

As we mentioned earlier, you should always include your educational experience in reverse chronological order, listing your most recent qualifications first. You also need to adapt this section depending on your level of experience.

You can see in the examples we’ve given above, if you’ve got work experience behind you, then you can afford to be more sparing on the details. However, if you don’t have a lot of relevant experience to speak of, you should go more in-depth about your key subjects, skills and achievements in your education section.

Only include relevant qualifications

As with every section on your CV, you need to make sure that you’re only providing information that is relevant to the role and employer. Otherwise, you could be wasting valuable space.

The more experience you have behind you, the less detail you need to give in terms of your education. Therefore, you can leave out any qualifications that aren’t relevant to the role. This is the reason you don’t need to list all 10 of your GCSEs unless this is the only educational background you have.

The same applies when you include your modules, achievements or extra-curricular activities. If they aren’t relevant to your career path, you are better off saving that space for something that is.

Use bullet points and break information up

Finally, it can be helpful to use bullet points throughout your education section, particularly when going into more detail about your experience. This is because bullet points can improve the format, make your CV more readable and help draw the recruiter’s attention to the details that matter the most.

Remember, you only have a few seconds to grab their attention and impress them, so you need to make it as easy as possible for the reader to find the key information quickly and effortlessly.

How to List Education on a Resume in 2024 (With Examples & Tips)

Not sure what degree to list? If you should include a GPA? It just so happens that there's a variety of ways to effectively list your eduction.

The education section of a resume may not always be the star of the document but knowing how to properly list your education can be essential for advancing into the next phase of the hiring process.

In this guide, we will cover all the ins and outs of crafting an education section for your resume. 

We'll cover the following:

• What to Include in an Education Section?

Tips for Listing Degrees (College, High-School, GED)

Listing incomplete education.

• Where to Include Education on a Resume?

What Employers Look for in an Education Section

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job.

What to Include in an Education Section

As we've covered, different formats of resumes may require different information to be included within an education section.

In general, there is some basic information that should be included within the education section of a resume:

• The name of the school — "e.g. Georgia Institute of Technology"
• The location of the school
• Your degree ( high-school diploma, GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, etc. )
• Graduation year ( if applicable )
• Major field or department of study (if applicable )
• Minor field or department of study (if applicable and relevant )
• GPA ( If you're a student or graduates who held lower GPAs, this bit of information may be good to omit unless specifically requested by the employer )

Here's what that looks like for and university grad:

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA B.S. in Computer Engineering, 2006 - 2010 GPA: 3.9/4.0

For high-school students, you can do something like the following:

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA High School Diploma, Graduated in 2010 GPA: 3.9/4.0

Remember, including a GPA  is optional. Only add it if it's required by the job listing or it's relatively high. If your GPA is low (under 3.5), it's better to just leave it out.

Listing Education with Limited Work Experience

In resumes that have limited or no work experience , as may be the case with college students or recent graduates, the education section may be a good opportunity to show off educational achievements instead.

Additional information that can be included in longer education sections can include:

• Internships completed as part of a curriculum 
• Academic awards or sponsorships
• Relevant coursework
• Academic assistantships with professors or other academic professionals

As covered, in documents such as CVs the education section could be fairly lengthy.

However, the education section for most resumes will be one of the shortest sections.

This is mostly because standard resumes will be used for entry-level or mid-level positions, while longer-form resumes like the CV will only come into play for more prestigious or hard to obtain positions. 

It is much more important to show either a robust work history or detail relevant and transferable skills, using your education as support rather than the main point of interest. 

Here are some quick tips for deciding what educational information to include in a resume:

1) When including professional hobbies and extra curricular activities, it is important to keep relevance in mind

Incorrect: Do not include information about sports clubs or other clubs that cannot be connected back to your qualifications for a job.

Correct: If you held leadership positions in clubs or other extra-curricular activities, this can be useful information to include to highlight non-paid leadership or management experience.

Keep your descriptions simple and concise

Incorrect: Including long-winded and wordy paragraphs explaining the relevance of a certain piece of information. If a piece of information is relevant, it should be easily explained in one, simple sentence.

Correct: Use bullet points to separate bits of information to keep your resume easy to read or skim.

The readability of a resume can be the defining factor of whether or not a job recruiter or potential employer moves the candidate into the next phase of the hiring process.

As such, using clear and concise wording and formatting is essential for not just the education section, but for all sections. 

Here are a few tips for different formatting options depending on the level and type of education you have completed.

1) Adding High School and GED on Resume

• If your highest level of education is a high school diploma or a GED, this should still be included as there are many jobs that are open to high school graduates as well as college graduates.
• Generally, this type of education section should be kept short and sweet. Listing that you have received either a diploma or a GED should be sufficient.
• If you have recently graduated high school or received your GED, including additional high school-related achievements may be beneficial (such as leadership positions, honor roll awards, athletics, etc.)

2) Adding Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees on Resume

• When listing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree on a resume, always include the name and location of the institution, as well as the date or expected date of graduation.
• While the education section should still be kept short, inclusion of any collegiate level academic achievements, such as honor societies or dean’s lists, can be useful to include.
• Don’t go too crazy including coursework of extracurricular information – stick to including the most relevant information. 

3) Adding Graduate School or Doctoral Programs on Resume

• Graduate and doctoral students may feel inclined to always include this information; however, it is important to be wary of including too much academic information in scenarios where it may render you overqualified for the position.
• Graduate and doctoral information is more likely to come into play for candidates seeking higher level positions at the management level. 
• For candidates seeking jobs in academic or scientific fields, a CV-style resume and longer-form education section providing higher level of details regarding graduate or doctoral programs may be necessary.

4) Adding Certifications on Resume

• In some cases, a candidate may not have attended college but may have completed a trade school or other program that resulted in various certifications. These certifications should be included when relevant.
• Certifications such as CPR or First Aid can be useful to include in most resumes, although they should perhaps be saved for a separate certifications section .

5) Listing Incomplete Education on Resume

Incomplete education can be tricky to include in a way that sounds positive — as such, if you have incomplete education, be wary of your wording and avoid words such as “incomplete” or “unfinished.” Instead try to do the following:

• Include relevant coursework or credits earned during your duration of education before the point of departure from the institution.
• Omit any wordy or lengthy explanations of why the education is incomplete. 

However, we've seen this be a common problem that many candidates have. Continue reading below to see how to effectively list education that is left incomplete. ‍

In some cases, a job applicant may have a partially-complete or incomplete educational credential they want to list on their resume.

Incomplete education can result from a variety of circumstances, including:

• A person who is still in the process of earning their diploma, GED, or degree, but has not yet earned the credential or graduated.
• A person who started a degree and completed relevant coursework, but ultimately did not finish the degree program.
• A person who chose a different career path than what they studied for, but still has relevant coursework for the new career path.

When listing incomplete education on a resume, it is important to stay highly mindful of how you are wording your limited educational credentials — as words such as “ unfinished ” or “ incomplete ” are not ideal to include within a resume. 

Here are some quick examples on how to properly list incomplete education in the education section of a resume:

For applicants who are in the process of completing a degree, it is important to note the expected timeframe of completion.

Incorrect: ‍ B.S. in Communications University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Not yet complete

Correct: B.S. in Communications University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Expected graduation May 2021

For applicants who began a degree, but ultimately did not complete the degree, it is key to be mindful of how you frame the education you did receive. 

Incorrect: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC

Why is this incorrect? Sure, this example indicates you, at some point, attended a university.

However, it provides no insight as to what relevant coursework or studies you may have completed.

Here's the correct way to describe your educational experience instead:

Correct: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC Completed 20 credits towards a BS in Communications

Alternatively: This could be a good opportunity to include a bulleted list of relevant coursework.

For applicants who did not complete high school, it is important to note if you either earned a GED or are in the process of earning a GED.

Incorrect: ‍ Watauga County High School Boone, NC Incomplete

Correct: General Educational Development Diploma Earned May 2021 — OR — Expected to earn May 2021

Generally speaking, the majority of jobs will require applicants to have earned at minimum a GED certification in order to qualify.

In some cases, an applicant may lack a degree but may be certified by a trade school.

For instance, a beautician would want to include any beauty and health related certifications or licenses earned under the education section. 

Take a look at this resume example of a college student below to see how to do this.

Where to Include Education on a Resume

When it comes to placing your educational credentials on a resume, there are many considerations to make.

Resumes can serve a variety of purposes and, as a general rule of thumb, should be tailored for specific jobs . 

It is also important to take into consideration the level of education you have completed, as this will impact how it should be presented as well.

For instance, a job applicant seeking a position in academia would have a much heavier emphasis on education and academic-related achievements — than someone seeking a job in a corporate environment.

Ultimately, not all resumes are the same, so the placement of the education section will differ depending on the type of resume being used and the intention behind its structuring. 

Choosing the right resume format

There are several different types of resume formats to choose from, but the main ones that are used are as follows:

1) Reverse-Chronological

‍ Emphasis is placed on the most relevant work experience, listing jobs from most recent to oldest. Education can be placed before or after the work experience section. However higher degrees that qualify a candidate for the position may be beneficial to mention sooner rather than later. 

2) Functional

‍ Functional resumes place a much heavier emphasis on skillsets and areas of expertise. This format of resume is typically used by job applicants lacking the relevant work experience or educational credentials. In this format, the education section may lead if the applicant has educational credentials but limited work experience but should follow after the skills section if education is limited. 

‍ Hybrid resumes combine the reverse-chronological work experience ordering with the emphasizing of skills. This can help to supplement resumes of applicants who may have some relevant work experience but still need to beef up their resumes with a skills section . The placement of the education section will depend on how applicable or high level the credentials are and should generally be kept brief. 

4) Curriculum Vitae (CV)

‍ CVs are a type of long-form and multi-page resume used most commonly by applicants seeking positions in either academic or scientific fields. In a CV, the education section will be a prominent component and should appear early in the document. This type of education section should include all credentials, published works, projects, awards, or other academic achievements — no details should be spared. 

The below example of a Physician Assistant's resume is listing education in the bottom-right corner as it's using a reverse-chronological resume format to shine on it's work history.

Employers can gather a variety of information about a job candidate from an education section, including:

• A job applicant’s work ethic, reflected through GPAs or other grade-related information
• Relevant skills or training an applicant has received through their schooling
• Name recognition of specific universities, such as ivy leagues, that may give a candidate a leg up on the competition
• Insight into a candidate’s interests or talents based on academic-related extracurricular activities included 

Understanding what employers are looking for in an education section included on a resume is key to understand how much or how little information to include.

What an employer is looking for will vary depending on the nature of the job being offered. 

For instance, an entry-level communications job at a corporation is likely to require a bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.

Comparatively, a job in the welding industry may require the completion of a trade school program but not require a four-year degree. 

It is of the utmost importance when you are applying to various jobs that you read the job descriptions provided carefully, as this is where you will find the necessary information regarding what educational credentials are required of eligible candidates.

This will also help you to tailor your education section according to what credentials or qualifications you have that meet the requirements of the job. 

In general, what an employer is mostly looking for is simply that an education section exists on a resume.

The majority of employers will want candidates who have shown a commitment to their education, reflected through the inclusion of an education section.

For candidates lacking a completed education, it is still considered best practice to include some information regarding what level of education was reached before the point of incompletion, as well as the inclusion of any relevant coursework and knowledge gained from the time the candidate spent pursuing further education. 

Here is a quick rundown of a few key factors to consider for applicants who may be unsure how much information to provide in an education section for a specific employer or position:

• The education section should prove that you have the credentials necessary to complete the job at hand.
• Oversharing of education can be detrimental in some situations, as overqualified candidates may not be considered by employers.
• Job descriptions will always be the best place to look for indicators regarding how much educational background information an employer is looking for.
• Never lie or over-exaggerate — while not all employers double-check applicants’ educational histories, many still do, and dishonesty can cost you the position in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Unless you are crafting a longer-form resume, such as a CV, the education section will generally be a fairly short summary of your academic credentials and achievements.

Education sections can be longer in some cases where job applicants may have hefty academic backgrounds but limited work experience.

Ultimately, the key to making a strong education section is to include only the most relevant information.

Always avoid deceptive wording, as employers can fairly easily run academic background checks if need be. 

Check out our resume templates to get your creativity flowing and get started on your ideal resume today. 

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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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CVs & Résumés

• Jan 7, 2022

How to Write a Résumé's Education Section (with Examples)

Not sure what to put where in the education section of your résumé? We've covered everything, from the best writing tips, format and best practices.

Chris Leitch

Editor-in-Chief & Résumé Expert

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

For most people, writing about their education on their résumé is a pretty straightforward endeavour. After all, it’s just listing the qualifications you earned, the schools you attended, and your dates of attendance. But it’s not always that simple.

What about grades? Should you include them?

Should you include your graduation date if you’re an older student?

Which qualification should you list first? Your most recent or your oldest?

And where do you put all this information, anyway?

All these questions — and more — are answered in this handy guide to help you write a great résumé  and get you one step closer to job search success.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What employers look for

Where to place your education section

• What to include
• Formatting tips
• Writing tips

Résumé examples

What employers look for in your education section.

Each component of your résumé tells a more complete story about you, and your education section in particular helps the hiring managers determine whether you’re qualified to do the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a position as a doctor, they want to make sure you have a medical degree and the appropriate training. Likewise, if they’re seeking a business manager, for example, they might be looking for an MBA .

Some recruiters, meanwhile, don’t just look at your credentials. They also look at the schools you attended — especially if their company only hires Ivy League graduates or, if in the UK, Russell Group graduates.

Where the education section goes in your résumé depends on where you are on your career journey.

If you’ve got at least three years of professional experience, for example, then it goes at the end of the document, right before the skills section and any other sections besides the essentials. If you’re an entry-level candidate and have limited work experience, though, your education should be placed towards the top of the document, immediately after the profile section.

These two situations apply to the chronological résumé format .

Now, if your résumé follows the skills-based format , then your education goes after your skills and before your work history. If, however, you’re using the combination format , then you’ll place this section after both your skills and work history (this is much like the chronological format, though placement of the skills and work history sections would be reversed).

What to include in your education section

At the very least, each entry of your education section should include:

• The type of qualification you earned or you are working towards
• The full name of your school
• The location of your school
• Your graduation date (if applicable)

If you’re a current student or a recent graduate , you can also include a short description for each entry to make up for your limited work experience. This description can include details about:

• Your coursework
• Your grades
• Any awards you won
• Any activities you took part in and clubs you were a member of

How to format education section entries

Here, we’ll show you how individual entries in your education section should be formatted.

Type of qualification

On the very first line of the entry, you should put the type of qualification you earned or are currently working towards, whether it’s a high school diploma or an academic degree . For example:

            BSc in Computer Science

This should be formatted in bold or otherwise stand out from the rest of the information you will add later.

School name

Next up is the name of the school you attended, which should be added on a separate line, like so:

            King’s College London

Always write out the school’s official name in full. Don’t use abbreviations, acronyms or, worse, nicknames.

School location

On the same line you’ve written the name of your school, write its location. For example:

            London, UK

It’s a good idea to separate the school location from the name with a symbol, like a dash or a vertical line.

Graduation date

The graduation date goes on the same line as your school’s name and location. Just add the year, not the full date. For example:

            2020

You can use a dash or vertical line again to separate the date from everything else on this line or, better yet, use a tab stop to align it to the right end of the line.

If you’re still in school or university, meanwhile, simply write your expected graduation date here.

Description

Adding a description of your coursework, grades, awards, activities and club memberships is generally only recommended for entry-level professionals with little to no work experience. Use a bulleted list to organise this information into easily digestible pieces, like so:

• Coursework: Computer systems, Software engineering, App development, Data science, Computer networks
• Grade: A (1st Class)
• Awards: President’s Education Award
• Activities: Peer tutoring, Member of Video Gaming and eSports Society

Keep the description as concise as possible, typically limiting bullet points to two lines at most.

Meanwhile, only list grades if they’re above average. For A-levels in the UK, for example, this would be grade C and above; for GPA grades in the US, this would be 3.5 and above.

Here’s what bringing all this together looks like:

Tips for writing your education section

When writing about your educational background on your résumé, there are some important things to keep in mind. Here are our top tips:

1. List your highest education first

When recording your educational experiences on your résumé, always do so in reverse-chronological order — that is to say: start with your most recent experience first and then go backwards through time from there.

2. Use keywords

Every section of your résumé should be tailored to the position you’re applying for, and your education section is no exception.

You can do this by naturally incorporating relevant keywords and phrases from the job ad, such as specific degree programmes and subjects. This will, ultimately, help you get your résumé past the robots (aka applicant tracking systems ) and into the hands of a human reader.

3. Don’t embellish or falsify things

Though you might be tempted to embellish or downright lie about your educational background (or anything else) on your résumé, particularly if you feel it will boost your chances of getting an interview, you really shouldn’t.

The truth always has a funny way of coming out in the end, and being caught in a lie will only tarnish your professional image — dishonesty, after all, is not a quality that employers look for in candidates . It’s also a fireable offense (if the truth comes out after you’re hired), and you could get into trouble with the law.

4. Be strategic with dates

For the most part, you should always include your graduation date.

There is, however, one exception: if you completed your education 15 or more years ago and you’re an older jobseeker. In this case, it’s a good idea to remove your graduation date altogether. This encourages the hiring manager to focus on your experience and achievements rather than how long ago you graduated and, consequently, your age.

5. Add the right education

Be selective about what education you include in your résumé.

For example, if you’ve finished university, you should only list qualifications from your bachelor’s degree onwards. You shouldn’t list your high school education. (The only time you should include details about your high school experience is if you’re still in high school or you’ve just started your postsecondary education.)

Meanwhile, your preschool and primary education really have no place on your résumé.

Want to see the education section in action? Check out the following résumé examples for some inspiration when writing about your educational background.

When you’ve completed your education

Here’s an example of what a résumé should like if you’ve finished university, based on our Luminous template.

Get the Luminous template

When your education is incomplete or in progress

This example is based on our Geometric template and illustrates how to best format your education section when your education is ongoing or incomplete.

Get the Geometric template

Key takeaways

Let’s wrap up everything we learned in this article:

• The education section generally goes towards the end of your résumé, unless you have fewer than three years’ work experience.
• Each entry should include the type of qualification you earned, along with the school’s name and location, and your graduation date.
• You can also, optionally, add information about coursework, grades, awards, activities and memberships, particularly if you have limited work experience.
• Only include grades if they’re above average.
• List your educational experiences in reverse-chronological order.
• Omit graduation dates if you graduated over 15 years ago and you’re an older jobseeker.
• Be honest about your education.

Got a question? Not sure if you should place your education before or after your work history, or how to provide details about your degree when space is limited? We’re here to help — just drop us a comment below!

This article is an update of an earlier version published on 12 June 2018.

Courses and Qualifications

Résumé Sections

• CV Examples
• CV Templates
• Cover Letter
• Job Interview

CV education and qualifications guide

The Education section of your CV gives the employer a brief overview of your education, studies and qualifications to date. Alongside the Employment section, it is considered to be one of the most important parts of your CV.

What to include in this section

You can include any of the following in this part of your CV:

• Academic results, degrees, diplomas and certificates
• Technical and professional qualifications *
• Work and vocational training received *

Studies that you can list in this section include:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
• A-Levels, BTECs and other college-level courses

How to list GCSEs on your CV

If you are highly educated (i.e. you hold a Master’s degree or PhD) or you are a senior professional, you should not include your school’s GCSE results on your CV. This information would be considered highly irrelevant and outdated at this stage in your career.

In all other cases, it is a good idea to list or mention your GCSEs in this section of your CV because GCSEs are highly valued by employers and most jobs require candidates to have GCSEs in at least English and Maths at grades C or above.

There are two acceptable ways of listing your GCSEs on your CV:

• English (A)
• Science (A*)
• Geography (A)
• Business (C)
• History (B)

This is the ideal format for school leavers or those that apply for their first job.

As can be seen from the first approach above, it takes up a lot of precious space of your CV that can be better utilised for other information.

Instead, you could write it in one simple sentence:

This is the recommended format for most candidates who are university students or graduates or already have some relevant work experience.

How to list A-Levels on your CV

For higher level qualifications, such as A-Levels, it is essential that you are more descriptive on the subjects and grades awarded of the qualifications.

Do not write:

That doesn’t mean anything to the employer!

Instead, you should mention the subjects and results of your A-Levels:

If you’d like to list down your A-Levels instead of writing it as one sentence:

How to add your degree on CV

If you want to find out how to write your degree on your CV, make sure you follow the guidelines outlined in How to present your degree on your CV .

It contains tons of examples and tips on how to get this right – even if you are still studying and haven’t graduated yet.

Should I include my training qualifications in this section?

That depends on the CV format that you have selected.

Some CVs have a separate ‘Qualifications’ section in which candidates can list their additional professional or vocational training qualifications.

Other CVs do not have this section.

If your CV does not contain this separate section then you could include your professional training and qualifications in the Education section or in the Employment section of your CV, depending on the type of training or qualification.

Location of the education section on your CV

A CV’s ‘Education’ section usually comes straight after the ‘Employment’ or ‘Work Experience’ section . This is the most common approach adopted by most candidates and favoured by employers.

The following are exceptional cases in which you would place the ‘Education’ section before the ‘Employment’ section:

• When having impressive academic qualifications
• When one has recently graduated with little or no work experience
• When applying for a job that especially requires educational excellence

Both of these approaches are correct, and it comes down to your personal choice and preference which format you adopt for your CV.

Tip: Don’t assume the reader will understand your qualifications!

There are dozens of terms and abbreviations that are used to describe courses and qualifications. Do not assume that the prospective employer, who may not be highly experienced, to be familiar with all types of qualifications and their significance.

Consider the following terms for various levels/types of qualifications:

• BSc Honours

Ask yourself: Will the prospective employer understand all the academic terms and abbreviations that I have written in my CV’s education section?

If in doubt, expand on these terms by using the full title rather than a simple abbreviation and also state at what level they were taken.

How to write and format your CV’s education section

The following is the minimum information that is required for each entry in this section:

• The name of the qualification (e.g. BSc Computing)
• The name of the institution (e.g. The University of London)
• The start and end date (e.g. September 2015 – July 2018)
• The grades/results of the qualification (e.g. 2:1)

What do you write first?

• The name of the course?
• The name of the institution?

The answer is… it depends 🙂

Which approach is the best for you depends entirely on your personal circumstances and preferences:

The most common format for writing education and employment entries on a CV is to first mention the dates followed by other information. This is the approach that we have taken in our CV examples .

If, however, you are senior in age you should never list the dates first.

This may make the potential employer think,

“Gosh, this candidate finished their secondary education before I was even born !”

We have already discussed the implications of mentioning one’s age or date of birth on one’s CV .

Best practise: Mention the course or the institution first, drawing away the reader’s attention to these other details rather than focusing on dates.

If the educational institution (college or university) that you studied in is a prestigious institution, you should write the name of the institution first.

For example:

Studied at Cambridge University? Not bad… not bad at all.

If the course that you studied is significantly related to the job that you are applying for, you should write down your course name first.

If you are applying for a Business Manager position:

Remember: be consistent! Prospective employers do not have time for solving puzzles. Choose one particular format and stick to it throughout your CV.

• Use bullet points rather than long sentences or paragraphs.
• Entries should be generally presented in a chronological order, i.e. starting with the most recent.
• Do not include any outdated or irrelevant qualifications.
• Include any modules or units that you have studied as part of the qualification if it is relevant to the job that you are applying for.

3 Examples of different CV education sections

There are a number of different ways in which you can present your education or qualifications on your CV. There is no single “right” way of doing it.

Below you will find 3 good examples of how to present this section on your CV:

Relevant modules:

• Social Research I
• Introduction to Social Policy
• Crime, Subversion and Injustice
• Philosophies of Welfare
• Poverty, Class and Inequality
• Media and Society

2013 – 2014           A-Levels           Mayfield College Subjects: History (B)     Geography (A)     English Literature (B)

2006 – 2013           GCSEs           Aspire Academy Results: 10 GCSEs at Grades A-C, including Maths and English.

2003-2009     Strafford High School                       2-week training in Personal Safety (including in First Aid)                       10 GCSEs at grades A*–C

Relevant Units:

• Serving Food & Drink
• Food Preparation & Cooking
• Food Safety in Catering
• Preparing & Serving Drinks
• Employability And Communication Skills

2009 – 2016             GCSEs             Monk’s Hill School Results:

• English (B)
• Mathematics (C)
• Design Technology (B)
• Electronics (C)
• Physical Education (A)
• Religious Education (B)
• Geography (C)
• Your CV Education section is considered to be one of the most important sections of your CV so it is recommended that you make sure it’s written and presented with the utmost care and consideration.
• Experienced or highly educated professionals should completely omit information about their school and O-Levels / GCSEs results. This information would be considered irrelevant and outdated.
• A-Levels entries should be accompanied by the subjects studied and grades achieved.
• All entries in this section should contain at least the following four elements; (1) Name of the qualification, (2) name of the institution, (3) start and end date and (4) the grade awarded.

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• CV and Cover Letter
• How to list education on a CV...

How to list education on a CV (with examples)

7 min read · Updated on April 18, 2024

Learn how to write the education section on your CV

An education section is one of the basic requirements of a great CV, but it's crucial to ensure that it's in the right place and that you have the right level of detail. In this article, we'll share a few tips and discuss the main considerations to ensure your education has the right impact when listing it on your CV. 

Why is it important to list education on your CV?

The education section enables hiring managers to assess whether you have the right academic qualifications for the job. This will carry greater or lesser weight in the recruitment process depending on how much work experience and relevant coursework you have. However, it's still considered to be vital information to include.

How to write an education section on a CV

Here are the basics of how to list education on your CV:

What to include in your CV education section

There are a few fundamentals the recruiter will expect to see in the education section of your CV. They include:

Name of the institution – school, college, or university

Qualification with grades

Dates of attendance or the year the qualification was awarded

If you're a recent university graduate, you should also include details of relevant modules to highlight your candidacy.

Where to list education on a CV

Where you position your qualifications depends on how recent your education is and how relevant your work experience is to your intended next steps. 

Education leaver: If you're just leaving formal education, your academic record will carry more weight with a recruiter or hiring manager than your professional experience, so you should position an education section above your employment history.

Current professional: If you're settled into your career and have gained skills and knowledge through your work, then the employment history section will take precedence and education can be positioned below it.

Career changer: The exception to this rule is for those writing CVs to change careers . For example, suppose you've had a long career in retail but wish to pursue a career as an accountant. In that case, you can place education before employment history and include details of the accountancy qualifications and relevant coursework you're taking in preparation for the transition.

How to format the education section of your CV

A few general rules exist for adding your academic qualifications and achievements to your CV. Here are a few guidelines to follow:

Reverse-chronological order: Start with your most recent education and work backwards

Add extra detail: Include relevant modules, coursework, and awards if they will add weight to your job application

Formatting consistency: Mimic the formatting of your CV, including a bold section heading, bullet points, and sentence structure

When writing your education, use this template:

Institution name – Dates attended (from-to)

Qualification/subject – Grade

Or, for space-saving, you could try a more compact version:

Qualification, grade – Institution – Year

How to list your education if you're still studying

You can still list a qualification on your CV if you're working towards completion. You just need to clarify that it still needs to be finished. For example, say “In progress” or “Due to complete in 2025.” 

You'll need to include the level of the qualification, such as BSc (Hons) or MBA, as well as the name of the course, like “International Business” or “Sports Therapy.” You should also include the name of the educational institution awarding the qualification ‒ usually the name of your university.

Modules, projects, dissertations, and theses can also be listed, focusing on the higher-level work and modules of particular interest or relevance. You can also mention if you're a member of any clubs or societies relevant to your chosen career path.

As your high school education or undergraduate degree is the main selling point on your CV at this time, you should also include any lower-level qualifications you have. Level, subject and year of completion are enough details here.

If you're still studying, your education section may look like this:

How to write your degree on your CV

It's always best to include any postgraduate or undergraduate degrees on your CV, no matter where you are in your career. If you're a seasoned professional, lower-level qualifications can be omitted if they don't add anything of value to your application.

Recent graduates will still need to include all of the details above and the completion date of the high school diploma or college degree. If you received a strong grade – a first or a 2:1 – you can also include that.

In this case, you may list further education like this:

How to write your A-Levels and GSCEs on your CV

Suppose you have no plans to go to university and are planning to start work after finishing your formal education at school or college. In that case, you must include more details about the qualifications you've achieved there. The level of the course, the subjects and the years of completion are the bare minimum.

Also include any strong grades, defined as grade C or above for A-levels and grade 4 or above for GCSEs (grade C for those slightly older!).

If you held any positions of responsibility during your studies and academic career, you could include those too – maybe you were a prefect, football team captain or student council member. Once you have some work history behind you, you can omit this level of detail.

Your education section could look like this for now:

Writing education on a CV: FAQs

What should i include in my education section if i have professional experience.

When you have some strong work experience or professional training under your belt, you need less detail in your education section; your career will carry more weight with a recruiter at this stage. However, you should still include a top-level summary of your highest level of education.

One line stating the level of qualification and subject is enough. For university-level qualifications, include the name of the institution as well. Do include the year of completion unless there's a risk of age discrimination. Suppose your qualifications were O-levels or CSEs rather than GCSEs. In that case, you might want to consider leaving them off completely ‒ even without stating the year, your age is implied, and ageism could affect your application.

At this stage of your career, your education section may look like this:

What should I do if I started a qualification but never completed it?

Incomplete qualifications or unfinished education should not be mentioned at all. Even though there may be perfectly valid reasons for not completing a course, when written in summary and compared against the CVs of other candidates, it looks weak.

If eliminating the qualification or incomplete education creates a large and unmistakable gap in your CV , you may need to include it to cover the gap. In this case, try to present the incomplete qualification positively.

For example:

What should I do if my grades are poor?

If you didn't quite achieve the grades you hoped for, the solution is easy: leave them out! A third-class degree is still a degree. For GCSEs or A-levels, list only the subjects that you passed.

How often should I update the education section of my CV?

Your education is integral to the CV, so it should be reviewed every time you update the document with a new job or ongoing course. Make sure that you still have the right amount of detail for your experience level and that irrelevant parts are removed. You should gradually move from a long and detailed section to a one-liner as you progress from high school or college student to seasoned professional.

Ultimate objective

In summary, your aim for the education section is to ensure that it complements your career goals by being relevant and sufficiently detailed. You won't go far wrong with this golden rule as your guide. 

Are you properly showcasing your education and other academic achievements on your CV? Find out by getting a free CV review here .

This article was originally written by Jen David and has been updated by Laura Slingo. 

Recommended reading:

How to write first class honours on a CV

Certifications on your CV: how to list them - with examples

How to make a CV for your first job

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See how your CV stacks up.

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Learning About Your Resume Education Section: Tips and Tricks

When skimming a resume, one of the few sections recruiters really pay attention to is your education.

What’s the reason for this?

All the details in your education section say a lot about you and your background, which in turn says a lot about how you are suitable for the role you’re applying for.

When you’re applying for a job and your educational qualifications or training credentials are required to complete the job, your education section is going to bring your resume to the top of the pile.

In this article, we’re going to show you the different ways to lay out your education section and give you some resume tips for the education section.

Keep reading to find out how to:

• Write your education section when you’re a professional.
• Include your high school education , even if you didn’t get your diploma.
• List your college background if you’re still studying, never finished, or hold a degree.

Along with plenty more important information.

Let’s do this…

What Goes Into Your Resume’s Education Section?

The most vital information that you must include is any degrees you have and the schools you went to. You have to make sure you include:

• School or institution name
• Degree subject and level
• Location of the school
• Which years you attended

Using that as your starting point, you can add in any academic honors you got, scholarships you received, and any other relevant and applicable achievements.

When it comes to the numbers…

Add in your graduation dates if they weren’t all that long ago. Don’t include the dates if it’s been a fair few years since you were at school.

Pro-Tip Stick with the truth on your resume, as obvious as it sounds. If you get caught out lying after you get the job, you’re likely to get fired.

How to Write Resume Education Section?

You might have an unusual or interesting educational background, but whatever the nuances, a hiring manager still wants your education section to be laid out so it’s easy to navigate.

Here are the steps you need to follow when formatting your resume:

• Name the school or education provider, then type of school if it’s not obvious, and where it is
• Give the time that you went there or your graduation date, with a clear note if your studies are completed, in progress, or not finished
• Add your specialization and the level of qualification, certificate, or diploma, if it applies to you
• Note your field of study and what your major and/or minor were, if applicable
• Where it’s relevant, include your GPA , too

It should look a little something like this:

It’s important to note that you should list your education starting with the most recent achievements.

If you’ve got both a master’s and bachelor’s degree, the master’s comes first on the list and then you note down your bachelor’s.

It’s as easy as that!

Pro-Tip If you’re lucky enough to have a lot to pack into your education section, you can use subsections to keep it ordered. Use headings like “Awards and honors”, “Certificates”, and “Professional qualifications”.

Where Does the Education Section Go in Your Resume?

Does your education go above your work experience if you’re still studying but have got some jobs under your belt?

Sounds like a tough call.

We’ve got the answer to where your education section will land.

• For college students or recent graduates , you should highlight your education nicely and high on your resume. The interviewer will see your academic achievements even if you’ve not worked much yet.
• When you’re changing careers and you’ve expanded your education to make the shift, make sure your education section comes before your work experience.
• For those with strong and impressive work history , you can look to add the education section lower down in your resume.

The optimum place to drop in your education section is going to depend on what you’ve achieved academically, as well as how solid your work experience section is.

Pro-Tip To get to grips with resume writing quickly and effectively, and learn how to target it to your skills and profession, check out our resume writing guide .

Does My GPA Belong In My Resume?

If your college years were a blur of frat parties, beer pong, and borrowing class notes, should you be including your GPA on your resume?

There’s a simple rule…

If your GPA isn’t impressive, leave it off.

Meaning that…

A student or someone freshly graduated with a not-so-great GPA, but other accolades and achievements, can leave off their GPA. Instead, look to include something else significant, like “Jones Scholar” or “Hockey team captain”. After you’ve been out of school for a few years, you don’t even need to add in your GPA at all.

To give you a feel for what it can look like:

Pro-Tip Once you’ve been out of school for a few years, there’s no need to include your GPA on your resume, no matter how impressive.

What to Do When I Only Finished High School?

Writing a resume education section for high school students is a little different.

If you didn’t study at a college, what you include in your resume education section should be pretty easy to complete. You just need to write down the name of the high school that you went to, where it was, and the dates that you attended.

For someone whose highest education is high school, your education section will look like this:

When you’ve only got a high school to include, you can show off some of the skills you’ve picked up and other achievements.

These can include school honors, academic awards, and participation in extracurricular activities, as well as any jobs you held when you were at high school.

Check out this example for some ideas:

Wrote 16 articles for your high school newspaper? Played defense on the football team and got to the state finals? These things are definitely worth mentioning in the education section of your resume.

It all comes down to this…

You want to talk about anything that shows you’re enthusiastic about work and you have a great work ethic.

Pro-Tip If you got a professional license or certificate after you graduated high school, you definitely want to include it if it’s directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Remember also to use an appropriate resume format. For details about how to choose the right resume format for you, check this out.

What if I Didn’t Finish School?

When it comes to writing a resume education section for current students or people who didn’t finish their education, here’s how you can handle it.

This is the process:

Include a list of any coursework that you completed

You can include a different section called “Professional development” where you can highlight how you continued your vocational education.

For unfinished college education, you can still add details to your resume to show how far you did get:

• Write the number of credits earned and the major you were pursuing, so: Completed 120 credits toward Bachelor of Science, Organic Chemistry, 1997-2000.
• Students still at college should include this fact on their resume, for example: Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Anticipated graduation date: June 2021

This is also a good place to add details of any coursework that has already been completed and talk about classes you’ve taken that have relevance to the job you want to land.

Pro-Tip Keep everything in your resume relevant to the post you’re going for, in the education section, and everywhere else. Just recently we shared about how to write a strong resume objective and get your resume contact information section right.

It might seem pretty straightforward to write your educational history for your resume. All that you need to do is list the schools you’ve been to in chronological order and all in well.

Simple, but hold up…

There are some things that you need to make a choice about in the education section of your resume. You need to think about where it goes and how to make it stand out to your prospective employer. Always make sure you have the following information listed:

• Institutions name
• Type of degree
• When you graduated, or will graduate

You can also add extra details if it’s appropriate for your situation, such as:

• Academic achievements and honors
• An impressive GPA score
• Coursework relevant to the role
• Extracurricular roles, organizations, and activities

When you’re making choices about what to add, keep it honest and think smart .

Looking at where to add your education to your resume, you need to consider where you’re up to on your career path and what you want your future employer to notice most .

• When your education is the most relevant and prominent feature of your resume, it goes near the top
• When you’ve got plenty of industry experience, put this high up and your education below it

With this one, there are no solid rules that you can get completely wrong when you’re looking at your education section in your resume. For someone who doesn’t have any education, training, licenses, or certificates, it’s not the end of the world because you can just leave it out completely. There are other sections of your resume that will show off who you are and what you can do. Check out our guide to writing a killer resume skills section .

Last of all…

To make sure you’ve got everything listed that you need and you’re not making any glaring errors, it’s a great idea to use our well-structured resume templates . Or just start creating your CV using our online resume editor. Sign up now 👈

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How to Write the CV Education Section: Examples and Tips

• · April 23 2024
• · 4 min read

Table of contents

The education section provides crucial information about your qualifications and expertise, allowing prospective employers to evaluate your suitability for a position. Moreover, education, whether it be formal or informal, serves as a powerful differentiator, underscoring your commitment to personal and professional growth. 

How to format the education section on a CV

The format and structure of the education section on a CV are crucial because they provide a clear and organised presentation of your qualifications, making it easier for recruiters to assess your educational background. Additionally, proper formatting ensures compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), helping your CV pass through automated screening processes and increasing your chances of being shortlisted for further consideration. When writing education in a CV, follow these guidelines:

Start with your most recent degree and list your education in reverse chronological order, i.e., from the most recent to the earliest.

Include the name of the institution you attended, your degree, and your area of study.

Include the dates of your education, preferably indicating only the year if it was obtained within the past 10-15 years.

If you have completed any relevant coursework, include it as well.

Mention any honours or awards you received during your education, such as scholarships, academic awards, or research grants.

Where to list education on a CV

Writing a CV is not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather a flexible process that incorporates various strategies tailored to your level of experience and career objectives. Depending on your specific circumstances and the format you choose.

Listing education under work experience allows recruiters to prioritise your relevant work experience and achievements, which are crucial in assessing your qualifications for a role.

Prioritising education before work experience showcases your practical skills, industry knowledge, and ability to excel in real-world scenarios. Recent graduates or individuals with education highly relevant to the position may choose to prioritise their education section.

Remember to tailor how you include education on your CV to suit your specific goals, industry, and the job requirements you're applying for.

Education section CV examples

Key takeaways

When showcasing education on a CV, there are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:

Only include the most important information about your education, such as the degree earned, institution, and date of graduation. If you have multiple degrees, only include the most recent one(s) or the one(s) relevant to the job.

If you earned any awards, honours, or special recognitions during your education, include them in your education section.

Only include courses if relevant to the position you're applying for.

Ensure your education section's formatting is consistent with the rest of your CV.

For more information on other CV sections, refer to our cornerstone article on how to write a good CV .

Next steps?

If you're seeking assistance with updating your CV, we recommend exploring our CV Writing Service with a team of experts that can help you craft a compelling and professionally polished CV. Additionally, we offer a diverse collection of over 20 professional templates designed to seamlessly complement your CV.

Looking to create a professional CV?

What are the different levels of uk education.

In the UK, the education system is divided into different levels, but for a CV, the most important is key stage 4, more commonly known as GCSEs in England. Between 16-17, you have AS level; if you complete the second year 17-18, you have A Levels. Scotland has N5 Qualifications for GCSEs, Highers, and Advanced Highers for AS and A levels.

What to include for education if I recently graduated in the UK?

Firstly, place your education section at the top of your CV to highlight your recent academic achievements. Secondly, mention your recent graduate status in your profile to draw attention to your fresh qualifications. These strategies will effectively showcase your educational background and ensure that it receives proper emphasis in your CV. Refer to our student or graduate CV examples and writing guides for inspiration.

How should I format my CV if I don't have any education to include?

If you do not have formal or tertiary education to include in your CV, you can still showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications. Keep the section heading “Education" and place either your secondary education or relevant courses/professional training. Addition tips include:

Highlight relevant work experience, internships, apprenticeships , or vocational training. Include any relevant certifications or qualifications earned outside of formal education.

Format your CV to highlight strengths and transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Consider using a skills-based CV format if you have no work experience.

List volunteer work, personal projects, or extracurricular activities demonstrating skills and qualifications.

How can I address poor grades on my academic record?

If you have other achievements, such as extracurricular activities, hobbies , volunteer experience, or work experience, focus on those in your CV. Additional tips include:

Instead of emphasising your grades, focus on the skills you gained during your education, such as research, writing, or analytical skills.

Emphasise an essay or exam in which you performed exceptionally well to showcase specific areas of the course where you excelled, even if your overall grade does not fully reflect it.

Provide an example of how you managed to improve your grades over time.

How often should I update my education information?

There is no set timeline for updating your education information on your CV, but it's important to keep it current and relevant to your career aspirations. You should try to update your education information on your CV or LinkedIn whenever you complete a new qualification or training course.

Should I include secondary education on my CV?

It depends on various factors, such as your level of experience. If you have limited space or it needs to be more relevant to the job, you may want to prioritise other information.

Should I put my education at the top or bottom of my CV?

This depends on the situation. If you are a recent graduate, consider including it higher up on your CV. Alternatively, if it is outdated and irrelevant, consider moving it after your work experience.

Do you put a degree or qualification in progress on a CV? 

Yes, it is important to include any course or type of qualification, even if it is in progress since it shows your ability to multitask.

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How to Write a Good CV in the UK (Examples, Tips, and Templates)

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Education Specialist CV Example for 2024 (Skills & Templates)

Create a standout education specialist cv with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.

This Education Specialist CV Example is a great resource for anyone looking to gain insight into the best way to present their educational experience and credentials when applying for a position in the education field. It provides a comprehensive overview of the most important sections to include in a CV and gives helpful tips and advice on how to make it stand out from the competition. With this guide, you can be sure that your CV will be perfectly tailored to the specific job you are applying for.

We will cover:

• How to write a CV , no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a CV to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a CV fast with our professional CV Builder .
• What a CV template is, and why you should use it.

What does an Education Specialist do?

A Education Specialist is someone who specializes in helping students reach their educational goals. They provide guidance and support to students and educators on curriculum development, instruction, assessment, and student learning. They also help teachers and administrators develop and implement plans for improving the quality of instruction and student learning. They may also be involved in creating and delivering professional development activities for teachers.

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What are some responsibilities of an Education Specialist?

• Developing and implementing curricula and educational programs
• Assessing students' learning needs and progress
• Researching and evaluating new educational programs and techniques
• Collaborating with other education professionals, such as teachers, school administrators, and parents
• Supervising teachers and other staff
• Providing guidance and direction to students
• Maintaining educational records and reports
• Managing budgets and resources
• Developing policies and procedures for educational programs
• Advocating for educational reform

Sample Education Specialist CV for Inspiration

Personal Details

Name: Jane Doe

Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: [email protected]

Jane Doe is an experienced Education Specialist with a passion for helping students of all ages reach their full potential. She has a comprehensive background in developing and implementing educational programs, curriculums, and activities across a variety of settings. She is eager to bring her expertise to a new role.

• Education Specialist, ABC School District - Anytown, USA (January 2018 - Present)
• Developed and implemented educational programs, curriculums, and activities for students in grades K-12.
• Created and conducted professional development workshops for teachers.
• Provided individualized instruction for students with special needs.
• Collaborated with teachers and administrators to enhance student learning.
• Teacher, XYZ Middle School - Anytown, USA (August 2016 - December 2017)
• Taught 8th grade Social Studies.
• Developed and implemented differentiated curriculums.
• Collaborated with other teachers to plan and execute educational activities.
• M.A. in Education, Anytown University, Anytown, USA (September 2012 - May 2014)
• B.A. in History, Anytown University, Anytown, USA (September 2008 - May 2012)
• Curriculum Development
• Professional Development
• Instructional Design
• Classroom Management
• Student Assessment
• Instructional Technology, Anytown University (May 2014)
• Special Education, Anytown University (May 2012)
• English (Native)
• Spanish (Intermediate)

CV tips for Education Specialist

Crafting an impeccable CV that kickstarts your career is a challenging endeavor. While adhering to fundamental writing principles is beneficial, seeking guidance customized for your unique job pursuit is equally prudent. As a newcomer to the professional realm, you require Education Specialist CV pointers. We've curated top-notch advice from experienced Education Specialist individuals. Explore their insights to streamline your writing journey and enhance the likelihood of fashioning a CV that captivates potential employers' attention.

• Highlight any education-related experience or certifications.
• Mention any awards or recognition you have received in the field.
• Include a summary that outlines your educational background and qualifications.
• Create separate sections for each job or project you have worked on.
• Use keywords related to the field of education throughout your CV.

Education Specialist CV Summary Examples

A CV Summary or CV Objective is an important part of a CV for an Education Specialist. It provides an overview of the professional's experience, qualifications, and accomplishments that are relevant to the position they are applying for. It helps employers quickly identify the most qualified candidate for the job and can be used to demonstrate why the applicant is the best fit for the role. For Example:

• Highly experienced Education Specialist with 5+ years of teaching and administrative experience in K-12 schools. Demonstrated ability to improve student engagement and academic outcomes.
• Dedicated Education Specialist with degrees in both Education and Psychology. Experienced in conducting workshops and implementing student-centred learning environments.
• Talented Education Specialist with 8+ years of experience in school leadership roles. Skilled in developing and implementing effective educational programs.
• Results-oriented Education Specialist with a passion for teaching. Proven ability to implement innovative educational strategies that drive student success.
• Accomplished Education Specialist with 10+ years of teaching and curriculum development experience. Skilled in developing student-centred learning programs and mentoring students.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Education Specialist CV

Building a strong experience section for a Education Specialist CV is important because it showcases the candidate’s qualifications and skills in education. It demonstrates to potential employers that the candidate has the necessary qualifications needed to fulfill the role of an Education Specialist. By listing relevant experiences in the field of education, employers can see at a glance the candidate’s expertise and can better decide if the candidate is a good fit for the position. Additionally, if the candidate has held a variety of positions in the field of education, employers can get a comprehensive picture of the candidate’s abilities and assess the candidate’s ability to work with a variety of education-related tasks. For Example:

• Managed and maintained a caseload of students with diverse learning needs, providing tailored instruction to each student.
• Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) for students to ensure appropriate educational goals and objectives.
• Collaborated with school personnel, parents, and other professionals to create positive learning environments for students.
• Conducted assessments to evaluate student performance, progress, and needs.
• Integrated technology into the curriculum to support student understanding of content and applications.
• Provided instructional support to teachers, including classroom management techniques.
• Planned and facilitated professional development sessions for teachers and staff.
• Provided feedback and guidance to teachers to facilitate student success.
• Assisted in the development and implementation of special education policies and procedures.
• Assisted in the development and monitoring of academic and behavioral intervention plans.

Education Specialist CV education example

A Education Specialist typically needs a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Education, Educational Administration, or a related field. For some positions, a Master's degree in Education or a related field may be required. Depending on the particular job, additional certifications or licenses may be required. Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Education Specialist CV:

• B.A. in Education - University of Maryland, College Park, MD (2016)
• M.Ed. in Educational Technology - George Washington University, Washington, DC (2019)
• Certified Education Specialist (CES) - National Education Association (2020)
• 30+ hours of professional development in educational technology, curriculum design, and instructional strategies

Education Specialist Skills for a CV

It is important to add skills for an Education Specialist CV because it allows employers to quickly identify the qualifications and abilities of a candidate. Skills provide employers with a snapshot of the candidate’s proficiency in certain areas and how well suited they are for the role. Skills can include knowledge of curriculum development, classroom management, assessment methods, instructional strategy, and more. Adding skills in an Education Specialist CV can help to demonstrate the candidate’s ability to be a successful educator and help them stand out from other applicants. Soft Skills:

• Interpersonal Communication
• Leadership Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Time Management
• Collaborative Skills
• Problem Solving
• Creative Thinking
• Decision Making
• Critical Thinking
• Curriculum Design
• Lesson Planning
• Teaching Strategies
• Data Analysis
• Assessment Strategies
• Behavioral Psychology
• Technology Integration
• Student Counseling

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Education Specialist CV

In today's competitive job market, an average of 180 applications floods employers' inboxes for each vacant position. To streamline this influx of CVs, companies frequently employ automated applicant tracking systems that weed out less qualified candidates. If your CV manages to surpass these digital gatekeepers, it must still captivate the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager. Given the sheer volume of applications, a mere 5 seconds is typically allocated to each CV before a decision is reached. With this in mind, it's crucial to eliminate any extraneous information that might relegate your application to the discard pile. To ensure your CV shines, consult the list below for elements to avoid including in your job application.

• Skipping the cover letter: A well-crafted cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your suitability for the role and express your enthusiasm for it.
• Excessive jargon: CVs laden with technical terms can alienate hiring managers who lack specialized knowledge.
• Neglecting vital details: Incorporate your contact information, education, work history, and pertinent skills and experiences.
• Relying on generic templates: Tailoring your CV to the specific job exhibits your commitment to the position and company.
• Errors in spelling and grammar: Proofreading is essential to eliminate typos, spelling errors, and grammatical blunders.
• Overemphasizing duties: Highlight accomplishments to underline your candidacy's value.
• Sharing personal information: Steer clear of revealing personal details like age, marital status, or religious affiliations.

Key takeaways for a Education Specialist CV

• Highlight your knowledge of best practices in education.
• Include relevant experience in classroom instruction, assessment, and curriculum development.
• Showcase any experience in developing training materials or leading professional development seminars.
• List any certifications you have obtained related to your work as an Education Specialist.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.
• Include any experience in working with diverse populations.
• Provide evidence of your ability to build and maintain positive relationships.

Federal resume example

Federal agencies hire professionals for many types of roles, including administration, tech, finance, and science. However, creating an effective resume for a federal position requires that you properly showcase your qualifications and include all of the standard information required from applicants. Here’s how to do both so you can stand out in federal applicant pools and finally land a government job.

Key sections to include in resume

Your federal resume should include all the information a hiring manager needs to learn about your professional background and how to contact you for an interview. If you’re wondering what it entails, here are seven key sections to help you build the ideal application.

This section of your government job resume should include all the information that will help the hiring manager identify you, including your name, phone number, and email address. If you have an updated LinkedIn account, feel free to include that as well.

Federal resumes also require some special information in this section. This includes the job announcement number, job title, and job grade, all of which you can find in the job description. When giving your location, keep in mind that federal resumes should include your full address — not just the city and state. (1)  

Header section example:

Job Announcement #: 24-12406864-CBWQ Job Grade: DL 00 Job Title: Technical Director

Melanie Clarke 921 Halo Top Court Arlington, VA 20301 [email protected] Daytime Phone: (703) 927-8137 Evening Phone: (571) 215-7224 LinkedIn.com/melanieclarkecybersecurity

Professional summary

This section of your federal resume functions almost like a cover letter sample . Here, you will write a short narrative summarizing your experience, accomplishments, skills, and personal traits. Make sure that all details you include are relevant to the industry and position you’re applying for.

Professional summary section example:

Senior security analyst with 10+ years of experience developing and implementing security protocols across large organizations. Deep knowledge of penetration testing and threat detection, yielding an 85% success rate in avoiding potential breaches. Implemented company-wide security training that led to a 56% decrease in security incidents. Proven track record mitigating data breaches, saving organizations $15M+.

Work experience

Your work experience section details your professional journey. When describing each job, include your job title, the business address and location, and the dates of your tenure. Then, use bullet points to describe your major job duties and achievements to show how your experience qualifies you for the position.

When crafting a federal resume, there are a few additional requirements for this section, including (1) : 

• An indication of whether the job was full or part-time
• The average number of hours worked weekly (if the job was part-time)
• The salary or wage you earned
• A listing of any temporary positions
• An occupational series and starting and ending grades for federal positions (does not apply to military personnel) 
• The supervisor’s name, address, phone number
• An indication of whether your last supervisor can be contacted

For a federal-style resume, you should begin this section with your current role. Then, list all your other relevant roles in chronological order after that. Be aware that this structure is quite different from that of many resume examples , so you’ll likely have to tweak them to fit these instructions.

Work experience section example:

Cybersecurity Analyst, Verge Government IT Services Full-Time, May 2018-July 2020 Salary: $75,000/year Supervisor: Hannah Bell, 12264 Mylar Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22030, (703) 776-1912 (Okay to Contact)

• Conducted regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing to proactively uncover 85% of potential threats
• Mitigated major data breaches using deep knowledge of blue team tactics, saving the company $5M+ in potentially lost revenue
• Implemented company-wide security training and single sign-on/multi-factor authentication protocols, resulting in a 56% decrease in security events 

This section should include the type of degree you earned, your major(s), the name of the school, the school’s location (including city, state, and zip code), and the date your degree was conferred. If you are still in school, note the number of semester hours you have completed.

Be aware that some federal positions may also ask you to include the name of your high school, its location, and the date your GED or high school diploma was issued. (1) If you have taken any job-related training courses, you can list those in this section. 

Education section example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science George Mason University Fairfax, VA 22030 Degree conferred May 2018

Certificates and licenses

Here, you can simply give the title of any certifications you have earned, the date you earned them, and the organization that issued them (if applicable). If the job you’re applying for requires any licenses, you can list them in this section. 

Certificates and licenses section example:

CompTIA Security+ Certification, June 2018 The Computing Technology Industry Association

Certified Ethical Hacker, August 2020 EC-Council

Your skills section should be a simple listing of the capabilities you possess that make you a great fit for the job. Save the context information for your cover letter . You should include technical/functional skills (those competencies specifically related to the job) and soft skills (those that help you do your job well). 

Skills section example:

Technical skills:

• SIEM management
• Network security
• Data analysis
• Reverse engineering

Soft skills:

• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Time management

Hobbies and interests

This section of your federal resume is your chance to showcase your personal interests. This can include languages you have learned or volunteer work you have completed. Make sure that all you include is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Hobbies and interests section example:

• Languages: Native English speaker with full professional fluency in Spanish and a working knowledge of French
• Volunteer Work: Volunteer regularly with Network Legion, a pro-bono cybersecurity service working to help local non-profits keep their networks safe

Tips for writing the role-specific resume

Writing a role-specific resume for a government position isn’t easy. There are lots of requirements to meet, and whether you get the job can hinge on your ability to be creative while still following directions and best practices. 

One way you can create an effective federal job resume is to tailor your resume to the job opening. This involves combing the job description to gather important keywords and figure out what the hiring manager wants in an ideal candidate. You can adjust your skills and work experience so that you’re only including what is highly relevant.

Additionally, don’t forget that there is no specific federal format. Resumes for federal jobs, however, require adherence to strict guidelines for certain sections. For example, best practices for the work experience section include listing your most recent position followed by all other relevant experience in chronological order. (1)  

This structure is quite different from what you may find in a standard reverse chronological, functional, or hybrid resume format . 

It’s also a good idea to quantify your achievements as much as possible, as this helps to show the impact you’ve made in previous positions. You can do this by noting how much money you have saved an organization, how many new hires you’ve trained, or the percentage of time you were able to successfully resolve a customer’s issue.

Finally, make sure to use action verbs when describing your job responsibilities. Words like “achieved,” “created,” “improved,” and “developed” help you come across as confident and clarify your role and contributions.

Remember that while most resume articles encourage you to keep your document to one page, this isn’t the case for a government resume. (1) It isn’t unusual for federal resumes to be much longer than standard corporate resumes, so don’t feel you have to leave out critical details, especially if they help you showcase your qualifications.

An effective federal resume is all about standing out while maintaining the standard

As you are creating your federal resume, it’s important to:

• Know the key sections to include, such as your header, professional summary, education details, certifications and licenses, skills, and hobbies
• Pay attention to special details required for each section, such as job announcement numbers, salary information, and previous supervisor names
• Stick to relevant details to keep the resume focused on the specific job
• Use keywords, quantitative data, and action verbs to strengthen your resume and tailor it to the job description

If you’re not sure how to build your federal resume from the ground up, Jobseeker can help. We have many resume articles, guides, examples, and even cover letter templates to help you craft a standout application. Use our resources to start creating your best federal resume today.

(1) U.S. Department of Labor: Tips for Writing a Federal Resume

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5 Technical Sales Resume Examples for 2024

In technical sales, a strong resume is crucial. This article provides resume examples and strategic advice to help you secure an interview. We will cover how to highlight your technical knowledge, sales skills, and achievements effectively. Clear guidance will be given on structure and content. Let's ensure your resume stands out.

• 18 Jun 2024 - 4 new sections, including 'Education placement', added
• 18 Jun 2024 - 5 new resume templates, including Aspiring Technical Sales Professional, added
• 16 Jun 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 26 Jun 2024

Here's what we see in the best resumes for technical sales jobs.

Show Impact With Numbers : Use numbers to show your impact. Metrics such as increased sales , reduced costs , boosted client satisfaction , and time savings are common.

Include Relevant Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are CRM software , data analysis , product demos , technical documentation , and sales forecasting . But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Highlight Your Technical Expertise : Show your technical expertise, especially if you have knowledge of software integration or hardware specifications . Use phrases like worked with APIs or developed solutions .

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Technical Sales Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

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Education placement

If you’re just entering the technical sales field or are a recent graduate, put your education section at the top of your resume. This shows employers your most recent and relevant achievements. However, if you’ve been working in technical sales for a while, move your education section below your work experience. This highlights your practical skills and past roles first.

For experienced professionals, place your education section towards the end, especially if your work history is extensive and relevant. Doing this shows employers your real-world expertise before your academic background.

Entry-Level Technical Sales Representative Resume Sample

Leverage technical skills.

In technical sales, emphasize technical skills that are relevant to the products or services you plan to sell. Mention any certifications or software tools you’ve mastered. Highlight how your technical knowledge has led to successful sales or improved client relationships.

Including examples of past technical sales success can also set you apart, like projects where your technical expertise directly led to closing deals. Use specific metrics, such as percentage increases in sales or numbers of new clients, to show your achievements clearly.

Senior Technical Sales Consultant Resume Sample

Resume length.

A one-page resume is ideal if you’re entry-level or have less than 10 years of experience in technical sales. Focus on your skills and recent achievements to make sure this short format works best for you. You can reduce less relevant details or remove extra sections like hobbies.

For senior professionals with over 10 years of experience, a two-page resume is acceptable. Highlight your significant roles, project outcomes, and leadership experiences to make each page count. This helps employers understand your career growth and expertise.

Technical Sales with Cybersecurity Specialization Resume Sample

Client communications.

Effective communication is crucial in technical sales. Highlight any experience you have in customer service, consultations, or client relationship management. Employers look for candidates who can explain technical concepts in simple terms for their clients.

Include any training or experience you have in giving presentations or product demos. Also, mention any successes you’ve had in resolving client issues or negotiating sales. These skills show you can manage both the technical and interpersonal sides of the job.

Aspiring Technical Sales Professional Resume Sample

•   Entry-Level Sales Associate Resume Examples
•   Sales Consultant Resume Examples
•   Sales Development Representative Resume Examples
•   Salesforce Developer Resume Examples
•   Salesforce Resume Examples
•   Salesforce Business Analyst Resume Examples
•   Salesforce Consultant Resume Examples
•   Sales Manager Resume Examples

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