A resume review takes employers an average of “six seconds” to read through a resume, according to a study. And maybe the high school you graduated from isn’t the most impressive. So when is the appropriate time to take it off your resume? Or maybe you even didn`t graduate? There are a few things to consider when thinking about removing your high school from your resume. So, let`s take a closer look.
When should you take high school off your resume?
When thinking of resume composition, young people usually don`t know when it`s time to leave the high school information off the resume. Most of the time, recent graduates list their high school on their resumes because they lack working experience.
While you’re still in school, list your high school honors, accomplishments, and other achievements! You’re still young but gaining experience. These parts contribute to defining who you are and what you can accomplish.
When it comes to generalities, most people would agree that after high school, high school is no longer as essential. However, if you’re a recent graduate or have been out of school for less than five years, it’s probably best to keep your high school information on your resume.
If you have been out of school for more than five years or you didn’t graduate, it’s probably time to take your high school off your resume. At this point, you should have enough work experience and other accomplishments that listing your high school is no longer necessary. Listing your high school could also make it appear as though you’re not qualified for the job or that you have been out of school for an extended period of time.
However, there are a few things you should consider before making that decision.
Employment gap: If you have been out of school for more than five years, it might be time to take your high school off your resume. The longer you`ve been out of school, the less important your schooling becomes to employers.
Relevant to the job: Consider whether or not your high school is relevant to the job you`re applying for. If you`re applying for a job that doesn’t require a high school diploma, then it’s probably not necessary to list your high school on your resume.
Achievements: If you have achieved something significant since you graduated from high school, then you might want to keep your high school information on your resume. This could include winning awards, being published in magazines or newspapers, or becoming a member of a professional organization.
In conclusion, there is no definitive answer as to when you should take high school off your resume. It depends on a variety of factors, including how long you’ve been out of school, what job you’re applying for, and whether or not your high school is relevant to the job. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not listing your high school is beneficial to your job search.
What if you don`t take high school off your resume?
But is it really bad to leave the high school on your resume after a certain point? Let`s say you`re 30 years old and you still have your high school listed as your most recent education. Is that going to hurt your job prospects? The answer is: maybe.
It depends on the job you`re applying for and how long it’s been since you graduated from high school. If you’re applying for a job that requires a high school diploma, then having your high school on your resume could hurt your chances of being considered for the job. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a job that doesn’t require a high school diploma, then listing your high school on your resume probably won’t make much of a difference.
What should you include in the resume?
Include the following items in your resume and be sure your employer would be informed about all your achievements.
- Relevant coursework:
That is the first and most important question. If you have relevant coursework, it should be included in your resume. The courses you took should be related to the job you are applying for. If they are not, then it is not necessary to include them.
- Internships:
If you have completed any internships, whether they were paid or unpaid, they should be included in your resume. Internships are a great way to gain experience in your field and can often lead to full-time employment.
- Work experience:
If you have any work experience, whether it is part-time, full-time, or volunteering, it should be included in your resume. Work experience shows employers that you have the skills and abilities to do the job.
- GPA:
All high school graduates should include their GPA on their resumes. If you have a high GPA, it will show employers that you are a hard worker and have the ability to succeed in your company.
- Honors and awards:
Not mandated, but still useful. If you have any honors or awards, they should be included in your resume. These items show that you are a high achiever and have been recognized for your accomplishments.
- Skills:
Include a list of skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. These could include computer skills, foreign language skills, or customer service skills. Be sure to only include skills that you actually have.
- References:
References are not required on a resume, but if you have them, they should be included. If you do not have references, you can simply say “references available upon request.”
How to write a good resume if you are in high school?
In case you are a student and you wonder how to write a good resume if you don`t have working experience. It may seem complicated at first, but there are some steps you can follow in order to write an impressive resume, even if you don`t have any working experience.
First of all, include all the information that may be relevant to the job you are applying for. This means that you should list all your skills, interests, and achievements, both academic and extracurricular. If you have worked on any projects, either in school or outside, make sure to include them as well. Any type of experience is valuable and will make your resume stand out.
Secondly, pay attention to the way you format your resume. Make sure it is easy to read and clear. Use bullet points and short sentences. Highlight the most important information and don`t forget to proofread your resume before sending it.
And lastly, don`t forget to include a cover letter. A cover letter is just as important as your resume and it will give you the chance to introduce yourself to the employer and explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
So, for those students who are still in high school and don`t have any working experience, don`t worry. Just follow these simple steps and you will write a great resume that will help you get the job you want.
Final words
Those are the basics of what should be included on a resume, as well as some tips on how to write a great resume if you are still in high school. Just remember to include all relevant information and format your resume in a clear and easy-to-read way. And don`t forget to proofread everything before sending it off!