Accurately Reporting Your High School Education on Job Applications and Resumes
When it comes to job applications and resumes, specifying your educational attainment is crucial. A common query is how to document your high school education accurately. This guide will help you understand the correct terminology and formatting to use when listing your high school diploma on job applications and resumes.
High School Diploma on Job Applications
For job applications, it is essential to be specific and clear about your educational background. If you have already graduated from high school, listing your high school diploma is appropriate. Rather than repeating that a high school diploma constitutes a degree, simply state:
High School Diploma: [Name of High School] [City State] [Year of Graduation]
Graduated High School: [Year of Graduation] [Name of High School] [City State]
When creating your job application, you can simplify this to:
High School Diploma:
Graduated High School:
If the application requires more detail, you can include the name of the school, location, and graduation year. However, there is no need to redundantly refer to a high school ‘degree’ as it is not a degree but a diploma.
High School Diploma on Resumes
On a resume, the focus is on a concise yet comprehensive representation of your professional background. The high school diploma is an important milestone, but it is often overshadowed by your tertiary education or relevant work experience. Here’s how to accurately report your high school education on your resume:
High School Diploma: [Name of High School] [City, State] [Year of Graduation]
High School Graduation Diploma: [Name of High School] [City, State] [Year of Graduation]
Diploma: [Name of High School] [City, State] [Year of Graduation]
If you achieved any notable distinctions such as being valedictorian or standing out in your graduation, you can also include this information:
High School Diploma: [Valedictorian] [Name of High School] [City, State] [Year of Graduation]
Note that for most professional positions, the focus is often on higher education, relevant certifications, and work experience. Therefore, ensure to include these details prominently if they are applicable to the job you are applying for.
Other Considerations
It’s important to tailor your resume and job application to the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. Some hiring managers may prefer more details while others might not. If the application or job description specifically asks for your high school education, ensure you provide the necessary information clearly and concisely.
For instance, if the job description states:
Required: High school diploma or equivalent
You can write:
Education: High School Diploma [Name of High School] [City, State] [Year of Graduation]
Nevertheless, if other credentials like a degree are more relevant, make sure to highlight them prominently.
Conclusion
Adhering to the correct terminology and formatting is vital for accurately reporting your educational background. Whether you are filling out a job application or updating your resume, using the terms High School Diploma or Graduated High School (along with the relevant details) is the standard practice. This ensures that your application stands out in a positive light and aligns with the expectations of potential employers.