How to list education on your resume (with examples)
Employers pay close attention to your resume's education section. It informs them about your background and if you are suitable for the role. Relevant details and necessary credentials can improve your chances of getting the job.
Let's discuss how to organise the education section on your resume and where to place it. We'll also go through some examples of different education scenarios.
Here's what we'll cover:
- Information to include in your resume education section
- How to list completed education (with examples)
- How to list incomplete or in-progress education on a resume (with examples)
- How to list education in resume if you don't have a degree (with examples)
- Tips for your resume education section
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Information to include in your resume education section
When listing formal education on your resume, hiring managers look for these details:
- school or institute name
- school location
- the degree, diploma, or certification you obtained (if applicable)
- your field of study
- your graduation date or year (if relevant)
- your GPA if it's in the range of 4 to 5
- any relevant honours or academic recognition, activities, coursework, or other achievements you attained
Keep the education section concise, ideally around 15 to 30 words. Format your resume to match the requirements of the job you are applying for.
Add your educational details in reverse chronological order, starting from your highest degree. If you have recently graduated, provide more details, like courses relevant to the role. You can also include completed projects and relevant certifications in your coursework. Ensure your education section features academic accomplishments since they're your primary experience.
If you have prior work experience, keep the education details brief while listing education. Highlight your job history and your roles and responsibilities to show professional development. This helps hiring managers know more about your professional experience. You can also add a relevant advanced degree.
How to list completed education on resume (with examples)
Here are some tips to add an education section to your resume with examples:
For recent graduates (1–2 years)
If you've recently graduated, you may not have work experience to include on your resume. In such cases add your educational qualifications. List details like institution name, degree or course, dates of enrollment, and GPA. Include your GPA in the education section if it's between 4.0 and 5.0. You can also include academic honours or accomplishments, if any.
Here's an example of a resume education section:
- Nanyang Technological University
Singapore, 2013–2017
Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering
GPA: 4.81/5.00 (Highest Distinction)
For experienced professionals (over two years)
Focus on your work experience if you have two or more years of experience. This helps the employer review your work history. They can understand your past roles and responsibilities better. It also helps them decide if the role matches your work experience and qualifications.
Leave out details such as the dates you attended college or your GPA. But list your highest education and prioritise it over your undergraduate degree.
Include your graduate-level education or advanced degrees, if any. For instance, if you have a doctoral degree, list your PhD before your master's degree and bachelor's degree.
Here's an example to illustrate your educational qualifications:
- Nanyang Technological University
Singapore, 2020–2023
PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
- Nanyang Technological University
Singapore, 2018–2020
Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence
For graduates with multiple degrees
If you hold multiple degrees or a double major, it is important to organise the education section well. This helps employers understand your academic achievements better. Put the highest or most relevant college degree first, depending on the job.
Let's say you have a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and a master's degree in business administration. You are applying for a lead position. Then, add your Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree before your bachelor's.
List each degree separately. Include details such as degree title, field of study, university name, and graduation year.
Here's an example of how to list education for graduates with more than one degree:
- NUS Business School
Singapore, 2017–2019
Master of Business Administration in Finance
- Nanyang Technological University
Singapore, 2013–2017
Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering
GPA: 4.81/5.00
Following these guidelines helps employers see your education. It also helps them understand how your college degrees relate to the job you're applying for. This could give you an edge over other jobseekers.
How to list incomplete or in-progress education on a resume (with examples)
You could still be attending college. In that case, include your recent projects and expected graduation date. This allows potential employers to see your studies, relevant coursework, and notable achievements. It helps them decide if you have the necessary qualifications for the position.
If you're a student, include this section below your contact details and professional summary statement. Include the name of the institute and the degree of the ongoing education. Add your cumulative grade point average (CGPA), academic honours, and extracurricular activities.
Secondary and tertiary education examples
Here are some examples of in-progress education:
High school education example
- Raffles Institution
Singapore, 2023 (Expected graduation date)
Integrated Programme Student
CCA: Member of the chess club
Awards: Gold medalist in the National Mathematics Olympiad 2022
Tertiary education example
- Nanyang Technological University
Singapore, 2018–2022 (Expected)
Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering
Prominent Coursework: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Management, System Design
CGPA: 4.7/5
Volunteer in the community engagement programme
Incomplete education example
If you've unfinished education, you can still list relevant coursework you completed. Including certifications can also enhance your resume education section. Likewise, you can include your CGPA up to the point of the semester you completed if it's between 4.0 and 5.0.
This information can be valuable to employers if it relates to the job requirements. Be honest and accurate when presenting your educational background in this scenario.
Below is an example:
- National University of Singapore
Singapore, 2019–2021
Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering (incomplete)
Prominent Coursework: Advanced Programming, Computer Systems Engineering, Data Structures and Algorithms
GPA: 4/5 (up to the point of the last completed semester)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Azure, 2020
How to list education on a resume if you don't have a degree (with examples)
If your highest education is a high school diploma, focus on showcasing your skills and achievements. You may include honours, awards, or extracurricular activities. Align your resume writing to the job description.
Add activities that include the keyword skills listed in the job description. You can add coursework descriptions. Also, consider adding classes relevant to the position you're applying for.
For example, you are applying for a customer service job with high school education. Then, here's how you can include your education on your resume:
- Raffles Institution, Singapore
Graduated in 2021
Completed GCE O-Level examinations with distinctions in Mathematics, English, and Science
CCA: Captain of the school badminton team
Completed a short course in Basic Customer Interaction Skills, MySkillsFuture Singapore, 2021
But what if you didn't graduate high school? Here's an example of how to structure your education section:
- Hougang Secondary School, Singapore
Attended school from 2019 to 2021
Captain of the school football team
Completed Service Excellence SkillsFuture WSQ Course, MySkillsFuture Singapore, 2021
Tips for your resume education section
Here are some simple tips for your resume education section:
- Provide clear and accurate information. Double-check all details like school or university names, dates attended, and degrees earned. Mistakes can compromise your resume's credibility.
- Prioritise the most relevant degree. If you hold multiple degrees, highlight the one that aligns best with the position you are applying for. This directs the hiring manager's attention to your most relevant qualifications.
- Select the information you want to include. Keep the section concise and avoid adding extra information unless necessary. Only include pre-tertiary education details if you are a recent graduate with no work experience.
Conclusion
The resume education section is crucial for displaying your qualifications to potential employers. It gives insight into your academic background, skills, and accomplishments. To make this section impressive, provide accurate details. Emphasise the most relevant college or university degree and use action verbs in descriptions.
Now is a great time to review and update your resume's education section. Add any new courses or certifications you've completed to reflect your accomplishments accurately. A well-crafted education section can enhance your prospects in the job market.
FAQs
Here are answers to several frequently asked questions on the topic of education on your resume:
- Should you list all your subjects under the education section or mention the degree title?
It is usually enough to mention the degree title in the education section of your resume. Listing all subjects may be unnecessary and could clutter the layout. Employers often prioritise the bachelor's or graduate degree over individual coursework.
However, there are exceptions, especially for specialized technical or professional roles. In such cases, you can mention relevant courses as bullet points under a separate section titled 'Relevant Coursework.' Always tailor your resume to highlight the most pertinent information based on the job requirements. - Should I add education first on my resume?
You can choose to prioritise the education section by placing it at the top of your resume. This helps if you are a recent graduate or if your education closely aligns with the job you are applying for. By highlighting your education first, you draw attention to your qualifications for the hiring manager to review.
On the other hand, if you have extensive and relevant professional experience, consider prioritising the work experience section instead. In this scenario, position your education section below your work experience. Employers may be more interested in learning about your roles and accomplishments in previous workplaces. - Should I include my primary and secondary education details on my resume?
If you have already graduated or have significant work experience, it is best to avoid listing your primary and secondary education. However, if you've graduated recently or have limited relevant experience, you may choose to include it in your resume. - Should I list my GPA on my resume?
Including your GPA on your resume is neither standard nor necessary. Your resume highlights your skills, academic experience, and qualifications. Yet, there are circumstances where including your GPA could be beneficial:
Academic positions: For a job in academia or research where your GPA is relevant to the role, you may include it.
Fresh graduates: If you're a recent graduate with a limited work history, you can include a high GPA, usually 4.0 to 5.0. This can help you highlight your academic achievements.
Competitive programs/scholarships: A high GPA can help you with study abroad programs. It can also help you with many scholarships.
- Should I include online courses or certificates in my resume education section?
Yes, you can add online courses or certificates. It adds more value if they align with the job you are applying for. These achievements highlight your ongoing learning, skill development, and commitment to professional growth.
Here are some tips to make a positive impression when including online courses or certifications:
Title and provider: Mention the course or certification name and the institution.
Relevance: Prioritise courses related to your target job or industry.
Certification date: Include the completion date to show the recency of your achievement.
You can include online courses in a separate "Education and Certifications" section. But ensure that you include only credible and recognised courses to boost the value of your resumé. If you have completed several courses, consider listing only the most relevant ones. - Should I list National Service (NS) in the educational background section?
Avoid including NS in the resume unless you have limited work experience. But you can add it if you are applying for a job where your NS experience may be relevant. For instance, you may include your NS experience if you are applying for a leadership role. It indicates that the NS experience helped you develop leadership and management skills. - Should I include 'A' level results on my resume?
Many students in Singapore choose to apply for internships or jobs after completing their 'A' level examinations. They do this to get some work experience before continuing their education. If you are a student too, you can include your 'A' level examination scores provided they are high.
But, if you already have more advanced degrees or significant work experience, avoid including it in your resume.
