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Resume With no College Degree Example + Writing Tips
No degree? No problems. History knows plenty of highly successful college dropouts who banked on practical experience over formal credentials. Besides, enrolling in a university isn’t the only way to obtain a quality education — you’ve got online courses, professional certification programs, and coaching programs!
Employers also increasingly recognize that screening out applicants based on their degree doesn’t work in their favor. Almost half of US companies have already eliminated (or plan to remove) degree requirements for most positions. Among them are large employers like Walmart , IBM , and Dell Technologies among others.
Yet, you’re still required to provide a coherent resume as part of the job application. So do you best address your lack of a degree in a resume?
This post provides several working resumes without college degree examples, alongside actionable writing and formatting tips for each section.
Resume With no College Degree: Example (Word)
Download resume example (.docx)
No College Degree Resume Example (plain text)
Creative growth manager in the SaaS domain, delivering user base growth of up to 35% YoY and churn reduction of 20%. Specializes in growth hacking, social media user acquisition, and PR.
Key Skills
Social Media Marketing|Paid Media|Influencer Outreach|Digital PR |Community Management
Work Experience
SaaS Subscription Company, Superstition, Arizona
Growth Manager (Nov. 2017 – Present)
- Worked with the data science team to gather and analyze customer sentiment around products in our niche and develop targeted social media campaigns.
- Secured 15 endorsements from industry thought leaders, resulting in reviews on blogs with 100K+ monthly audience.
- Cultivated and established relationships with journalists, resulting in product reviews on Forbes, Fast Company and Inc Magazine.
- Increased the total user base by 35% within one year.
Food Mobile App, Phoenix, Arizona
Social Media Marketing Manager (July 2015 – October 2017)
- Developed a communication strategy for the company’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
- Created a regular publishing schedule, maintained high engagement with users. Follower account growth on Twitter +5,000 followers in 1 year; on Instagram +13,000 followers in 1 year.
- Managed the collaborated with industry influencers on seasonal marketing campaigns. Reported on budgets and key KPIs.
Professional Certificates and Training
Certifications:
HubSpot Social Media Certification 2016-2019. Google Analytics Certification Facebook Ad Certification
Content Strategy for Professionals: Engaging Audiences completed in December 2017 at coursera.org. Offered by Northwestern University. Influencer Marketing Strategy completed in April 2018 at coursera.org. Offered by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content completed in June 2018 at coursera.org. Offered by Wharton School of Business.
Sample Resume Without College Degree But Credits
Lydia Price
Customer Success Manager for FinTech & EdTech Brands
Proactive CSM with strong people skills and a proven track record of improving business metrics. Reduced customer churn rates by 15% in one quarter for the personal finance management app. Maintained a 98% CSAT for managed customer accounts for a corporate learning platform.
Skills & Competencies
- Relationship management
- Digital community building
- Customer onboarding
- Customer retention
- Sales demos and presentations
- Deal management and negotiation
- Business analysis with Power BI
- Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk
Work Experience
Customer Success Manager FinTech Company Atlanta, GA May 2021-present
Joined as the first CSM hire to a Series B startup, offering personal finance and wealth management services to Millennial consumers. During the first year in the role, focused primarily on customer retention and churn reduction. Performed customer surveys and did sentiment and statistic analysis of responses. Conducted 1:1 user interviews to elicit new insights and pitch personalized service offers. Collaborated with the product management team on implementing new user retention features (investment goal tracking, automated savings, and round-ups, personalized market analysis digests). Achieved a 15% churn reduction in 12 months.
Junior CSM EdTech Company Atlanta, GA July 2019-April 2021
Worked with a roster of corporate eLearning clients (primarily in the manufacturing sector). Facilitated with preparation of product presentations, demos, and sales decks. Took an active part in negotiating B2B contracts through a 12-month sales cycle. Developed and pitched up-sell opportunities with a 25% conversion rate. After a year, was appointed to run the annual CSAT program.
Customer Support Specialist Ecommerce Business Atlanta, GA Sep 2018-June 2019
Handled customer support tickets via Zendesk for an online fashion retailer. Provided assistance with shipping tracking, product returns, and refund processing. Helped troubleshoot common payment and online ordering issues. Maintained an average customer review score of 95%.
Education:
University of Atlanta (2017-2018) Atlanta, GA BA: Business Administration Completed 45 credit hours in 2017-18 before dropping out.
Professional certifications:
- Customer Success Association – Certified Customer Success Manager (CCSM), issued in 2018.
- HubSpot – Inbound Sales Certification, issued in 2020.
Pro Tip: How to Put Education on a Resume Without a Degree
When it comes to listing education on a resume without a degree, several scenarios are possible.
First, you may have an unfinished degree . You’re still either pursuing it or decided that formal education isn’t for you. In this case, here’s how to style your education entry on a resume:
University of Toronto (2022 – 2023) Toronto, CA BS: Accounting — Completed 25 Hours Passed Grade 1 Certification Examination
An alternative scenario is that you’ve never even gone to college or a trade school (which is fine!). But it doesn’t mean the education section on your resume has to be blank.
In place of a formal degree, you can mention the following:
- Professional certifications and licenses: List all the credentials you have obtained to develop your skill set. Make sure to add the year and validity status if applicable.
- Professional training and courses: Create a curated list of programs, workshops, or masterclasses (online and in-person) that you’ve completed to show your competencies.
- On-the-job training: Mention relevant training your former employer(s) have administered.
Here’s how a sample education section on a resume may look like in this case:
- Professional Certificate in Content Design by UX Design Institute, issued in 2021.
- Google UX Design Professional Certificate, issued in 2022
- Online courses from Interaction Design Foundation: “Mobile UI Design”, “Design Thinking”, and “Information Visualization”.
How to Have a Great Resume Without a College Degree
For hiring managers, degrees are often a quick proof point of the candidate’s competency. Your goal is to emphasize your qualifications through other means: On-the-job experiences, skills, and work accomplishments. Focus on showing what you can do in practice, rather than just stating that you know the “theory”. Below are step-by-step tips for writing a resume without a college degree.
Open With a Compelling Resume Summary
Open your resume with a succinct and memorable resume summary pitching the value you can bring to the company. Think of it as a quick “punch line” that immediately grabs attention and brands you as an experienced and promising candidate.
Here are a few tips to help you brainstorm a solid summary statement:
- Attempt to write it after the work experience section.
- Create a quick list of 3-5 top achievements in your career based on what you wrote in the experience section.
- Re-read the job posting once again to determine which ones will be the most relevant to the employer.
- Don’t pitch what you “can do”. Instead, tell what you have already accomplished.
- Avoid vague, generic statements like these will make you sound like every other candidate applying for the job.
Read more about writing and styling a winning resume header .
Keep The Focus On Your Accomplishments And Experience
In the chronological resume format , the “Work Experience” section comes first. Thus, you’ll have plenty of room to make a solid impression before the HR scans to the bottom education part. Make this section the focal point of your resume. Speak to your accomplishments at every position you have held, quantifying them with relevant numbers whenever possible.
Showcase that you have solid hard and soft skills , highly relevant to the role. Prove that you are a solid performer that can bring a tangible impact to the new organization. Here’s a quick template you can use for that:
Position Name
Employer
Dates of employment
- List key skills and the results they helped achieve for the company
- Quantify your impact with numbers if possible to add extra weight
- Describe your growth and extra skills/experiences you’ve acquired.
Emphasize Alternative Education And Courses
Today formal education can be easily replaced with alternative training, offered by e-learning providers and MOOCs. Prestigious universities like Harvard , Stanford , Yale , and others offer free online courses and issue certificates of completion. Moreover, there are plenty of niche credentials you can obtain to complement your work experience and demonstrate that you have an up-to-date, hands-on skill set.
Add these to your education section to make it more authoritative. Also, you can list all the professional training you have obtained on the job, plus add masterclasses, conferences, industry certifications, and so on.
Finally, you can also list hobbies and interests if these are relevant to the job and help demonstrate your skill sets. For example, saying that you’re an avid marathon runner can strengthen your profile as a potential personal trainer.
Edit Your Resume for Impact
Once you are done with the initial writing, change gears for a while and then sit down to review your resume once again. Specifically, look for any gaps or vagueness that may leave the employer wondering about your expertise.
Sprinkle in additional power words and keywords (taken from the job description) to better articulate your competencies. Beef up your accomplishments and duties and re-check the texts for any grammar and formatting mistakes.
Pro tip: Use our free resume builder to create a well-formatted resume 2X faster. The app automatically guides you through each section and then generates a recruiter-friendly resume in Word or PDF format in one click.
Final Tip: Apply Even If Your Feel Underqualified
A lot of job posts come with specific education requirements in terms of BA/MA. Don’t skip on these if you feel that you are otherwise a strong fit. A lot of employers prefer candidates with strong hands-on experience to those with a less diverse background, but the said degree.
Thus, emphasize your skills and career progression to showcase what results you can drive for this particular company. The best way to do so is by writing a strong resume summary/career statement and placing a stronger accent on your skills.
Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more
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How to write a resume when you have no education [high school or college]
Landing your dream job can seem impossible when you don’t have a degree, and even more so if you haven’t graduated high school. As long as you can learn how to write a resume with no education, however, you should never hesitate to apply for the job you want. Plenty of people have had successful careers without any formal education, and you shouldn’t let this one thing hold you back.
As long as you have the right skills, the right experience, and a willingness to learn, you can succeed in any field without a degree. Writing a great resume with no education is only the first step.
This article will discuss:
- Writing a resume with no education
- Listing education on a resume with no degree
- Writing a resume with no high school education
- Writing a resume with no college education
- Deciding which sections to include on your resume
- Formatting your resume
- Pick the right resume format
Most resumes use a reverse-chronological format, with a Work Experience section that lists jobs from most recent to least recent. If you have some impressive experience to highlight, this format will work for you. A reverse-chronological resume allows you to focus your work experience over everything else, which can help when you don’t have much education to show.
If you would like to highlight skills over experience, you can also try the combination format . This resume format features a prominent Skills section, where you can highlight your best skills and competencies, as well as a reverse-chronological Work Experience section. If you have a strong skill set that you would like to showcase, you may want to use a combination resume.
- What sections to include on your resume when you have no education
The sections you should include on a resume with no education are:
- Contact information : Your name and contact details
- Summary : A brief summary of your key qualifications
- Skills : A detailed list of the skills that make you suitable for the job
- Work experience : A reverse-chronological list of previous positions, with job descriptions
- Education : Even if you haven’t completed any formal education, you can list your ongoing or incomplete education
For many job-seekers, these sections will be enough. If you have other qualifications you would like to highlight, however, you can also include:
- Awards : Any awards, achievements, or honours you have received
- Certifications : Licenses and other proof that you are able to do the job
- Volunteering Experience : Past or current volunteer positions
- Memberships : If you belong to any professional organizations, you may want to list them
- Interests and Activities : While this section is not necessary, if you participate in any impressive clubs or teams, it can help fill out your resume
The exact details of your resume will depend on your career, your experience, and the job you are applying for, but any information or qualification you think will improve your application should fit in one of these sections.
- How to write a resume with no high school education
Writing a resume with no high school education can be a challenge, but it can be done with the right strategy. Many people have had successful careers without graduating high school, and they all had to start somewhere.
When you're writing a resume with no high school education, you'll need your other resume sections to do the heavy lifting. Focus on your skills and experience instead of your education.
You should still include an Education section, however. If there is no Education at all, the employer or applicant tracking system may think that you have uploaded an incomplete resume and reject your application. It’s better to include the section, even if it requires some explanation.
If you are still in high school, or are pursuing your GED as an adult, you can note this in your Education section. Simply include that your education is in progress, and list the date that you expect to graduate.
If you dropped out of high school, you can list the dates you attended and note that your certification was incomplete with the dates you attended. Then, you can list any other education you may have received. This might be workshops, seminars, apprenticeships, online courses, and any other training. Self-directed education and on-the-job training can be very impressive to employers.
- How to write a resume with no college education
Writing a resume with no college education means putting your skills, experience, and achievements in the foreground. While you should still list your education, it will not be the focus of your resume.
If you never attended college or university, simply list your high school education.
If you started a degree but didn’t finish it, you can include the dates you attended and describe some coursework as long as you note that your degree was not completed. You can make even an incomplete degree sound impressive if you describe the courses, research topics, or important projects you were a part of during your time in college.
You can also include non-college education, such as certificates, licenses, workshops, online courses, and more. All of your education is important to your career, even if it wasn’t at a college or university.
- How to write a resume with no education: a step-by-step guide
Writing a resume with no education will take some effort, but by following these steps, yours will be done in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide to writing a resume with no education.
#1. List your contact information
Your contact information should be right at the top of your resume. Your contact information should include:
- Phone number
- Email address
- City and state/province
- Relevant social media
No matter what else you include on your resume, your contact information has to be easy to find. Your resume won’t do you any good if hiring managers don’t know how to contact you.
Make sure your email address, as well as any social media accounts you link to, are professional and appropriate for work. If you link to a Twitter or Facebook account, for example, double check to make sure your online behaviour will be acceptable to any company who sees it.
When you have no education, an online portfolio can be an important asset. Linking to a Github profile or online profile with examples of your work is a great way to show that you can do the job, even if you are self-taught. If you have impressive work that you can link to online, linking to it in your contact information is a good idea.
#2. Write a resume summary
A summary is a short paragraph or bulleted list that highlights:
- who you are as a candidate
- what skills and specialties do you bring to the job
- your key achievements or qualifications
A resume summary is an essential part of a resume with no education. It's an opportunity to make a great first impression with your resume and underline what you can bring to the company.
Your summary should come right at the top of your resume, and it should be good enough that anyone who reads it wants to keep reading.
#3. Highlight your skills
When you don’t have much education to discuss, your skills section is a very important part of your resume. In fact, this may be where you want to put most of your effort. A great Skills section can show that you have what it takes to succeed at the position, even if you learned these skills yourself.
To really emphasize skills, you can create a heading for each skill type, with examples of skills, tools, or achievements underneath. A Skills section like that could look like this:
Professional skills
Graphic design
- Designed logos, gifs, animations, and branded content for website
- Proficient with Adobe Suite, Crello, and CorelDraw
- Developed various promotional materials including catalogues, flyers, business cards, posters, product packaging, and merchandise
Web development
- Expert in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, Python, and Java
- Front-end development for eCommerce websites
- Developed documentation on ReactNative to onboard new team members
SEO & Content writing
- Used Moz and Ahrefs to research keywords and topics for clients
- Write highly-technical, SEO-friendly content for company blog
- Used targeted keywords and pillar content to increase website traffic by 400%
- Managed team of seven people for content management and web development department
- Trained and mentored interns and junior developers
If you prefer something shorter, however, you can simply list your skills in a single bulleted list. The exact format of your Skills section will depend on your specific resume.
#4. Describe your work experience
A robust work experience section is vital for a resume with no education. Alongside the skills section, the work experience section will form the main body of your resume.
You should list previous positions in your work experience in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your most recent job and working backwards. Each item in your work experience should contain:
- Position or job title
- Company name
- Bulleted list of accomplishments and duties in the role
Each job description is very important to the success of your Work Experience section. As you describe each role, try to use quantifiable achievements as much as possible, such as sales numbers or customer success scores. This will make your experience sound credible. You should also use active language as much as possible so that you sound like a productive employee with leadership abilities.
A Work Experience section might look like this:
Work Experience
Game programmer.
17-Bit , Seattle, WA June 2016 - March 2022
- Write code for games using C++ and Java for domestic and international market
- Extensively test code and game before beta release
- Work on several projects simultaneously, communicating with team and management to ensure deadlines are achieved
- Write code reviews and compiled documentation
- Supervise and mentor junior devs and interns
- Assist CGI team in research and development of new technologies
ABC Games , Lynchburg, VA Oct 2010 - June 2016
- Recruited from the internship in bug testing department
- Provided feedback and testing for several successful games
- Developed several simple first-person shooters that reached the top 20 on the AppStore
- Coding 2D and 3D graphics for our flagship puzzle game
#5. List awards and honours
Your work history and skills will be doing most of the work in your resume. If you have any other qualifications you would like to showcase, however, you should create a section for them as well.
If you have received any awards, honours, or rewards in previous positions, you can describe them in an Awards section. This is a great way to show that you have done well, and been recognized for it.
Awards & Achievements
- Digital Marketing Awards: Designer of the Year 2019
- Achieved promotion to manager at DigiMarketing in 2020
- Feature articles on marketing in Forbes, Advertising Age, and Marketing Week
- Improved traffic by 350% for well-known challenger shoe brand, resulting in seven-figure revenue growth
#6. Education
Exactly how important your education is will depend on your industry.
If you want a job as a doctor or professor, for example, your education is very important. In fact, you will likely need to get a degree before you apply for one of these jobs.
In other careers, however, you don’t need a formal education to succeed. For most jobs, your skills and experience are much more important than your education. As long as you have skills you can showcase, you don’t need to rely on your education to land a job.
There are a few ways you can approach writing a resume with no education, depending on your circumstances.
1. List incomplete or in-progress credentials
If you are still in school, you can note this in your education section. Simply explain that you are still pursuing your education and note the date you expect to graduate.
If you started a degree that you don’t intend to finish, you can still mention it in your resume. You may not want to use too much resume space on an unfinished degree, but listing some relevant courses, projects, or research areas can be an asset to your resume, even if you decided not to complete your degree.
2. List alternative education or on-the-job training
Some of the most important education comes from less formal educational settings. You can list certifications, conferences, bootcamps, workshops, on-the-job training courses, online courses, and more in your education section. In some cases, education that you pursued on your own can be more impressive and more relevant than what you learned in school.
In the example below, the candidate includes their unfinished university courses and a 12-week bootcamp. The bootcamp is more recent, more relevant, and more impressive, so it is listed first.
Flatiron Coding Bootcamp New York City (online)
- 12-week course (Spring 2021)
- Software development
BSc in Mathematics with Computer Science (incomplete) MIT, Cambridge, MA 2019 - 2020
Earned credits towards a degree. Coursework included:
- Introduction to Programming 1 & 2
- Fundamentals of Computation
- Data Science
- Operating Systems
- Tips for writing a resume with no education
Once all of your sections are in place, you can begin writing your resume. Here are some tips to get started:
Use a professional resume template
One of the best ways to ensure your resume looks perfect is to use a resume template. To make sure your skills and education get the attention they deserve, a two-column template like VisualCV’s Gallant or Slate templates are ideal for resumes with no education. You can place your Skills and Experience in the larger main column, and keep your Education section shorter in the narrower side column.
Some candidates feel that they won’t get a job if they are truthful about their lack of education. However, even a resume with no high school education can get interviews when you have a great resume summary, skills, and work experience.
Lying about your education is a bad idea. These records are easy for employers to check, and you won’t get an offer if you get caught in a lie. Honesty is the best policy.
Apply, even if you don’t meet the stated requirements
Companies aren’t always as strict as the job posting would make them seem. The minimum requirements listed in the job posting are often more of a wish list than concrete requirements. You might be the right candidate, even if you don’t have the exact degree they requested.
As long as you are confident that you can do the job, there’s no reason not to apply. If your skills and experience have prepared you for the role, your resume will reflect this, even if you don’t have the education.
Community Success Manager & CV Writing Expert
Ben is a writer, customer success manager and CV writing expert with over 5 years of experience helping job-seekers create their best careers. He believes in the importance of a great resume summary and the power of coffee.
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- • Managed a team of 7 engineers and 15 technicians ensuring optimal productivity and deadlines met.
- • Implemented Kaizen and Lean Six Sigma methodologies, improving overall efficiency by 25%.
- • Launched an initiative to turn production waste into a new revenue stream, generating $300K annually.
- • Conducted feasibility studies on new technologies for product line improvement.
- • Coordinated manufacturing activities for 3 product lines, involving staff of 50+.
- • Improved equipment efficiency by 20% through preventive maintenance procedures.
- • Reduced production defects by 15% by implementing new quality control measures.
- • Redesigned workflow to reduce bottlenecks and increased assembly speed by 30%.
- • Participated in process enhancement initiatives for semiconductor manufacturing.
- • Reduced cycle time by 15% through workflow optimization.
- • Improved efficiency by 10% by streamlining operational processes.
- • Managed process documentation, ensuring updated and accurate technical information.
5 No Degree Resume Examples & Guide for 2024
Customize this resume with ease using our seamless online resume builder.
All resume examples in this guide
Resume Guide
Tips for refining your no degree resume format, writing your no degree resume experience, spotlighting your no degree hard and soft skills, highlighting no degree-specific certifications and education, choosing between a resume summary or objective, additional no degree resume sections for a personalized touch, key takeaways.
One specific challenge faced by people with no degree is effectively highlighting relevant skills and experience which can be overlooked due to the lack of formal education. Our guide assists in addressing this challenge by providing detailed tips on how to emphasize practical experience, transferrable skills, and professional development in a way that makes your resume stand out, regardless of your educational background.
Enhance your application for the no degree role with our concise guide on how to:
- Format your no degree resume, ensuring a balance between professionalism and creativity, in line with best practices.
- Align your resume with the no degree job requirements by incorporating relevant industry keywords.
- Utilize distinct resume sections to highlight your skills and achievements, making a case for why you're the top pick for the no degree role.
- Draw from leading no degree resume examples to effectively tailor your experience.
Recommended reads:
- Returning to Workforce resume
- Board of Directors resume
- Infrastructure Engineer resume
- Stock Broker resume
- User Researcher resume
The resume format sets the stage for your professional narrative. Ensure it:
- Adopts the reverse-chronological format , placing your most recent experiences at the forefront. This format is ideal for those with relevant and up-to-date experience.
- Features a clear headline, making it straightforward for recruiters to access your contact details, portfolio, or current role.
- Stays concise, ideally spanning no more than two pages, focusing on relevant experiences and skills.
- Maintains its layout by being saved as a PDF, ensuring compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Upload your resume
Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
Choose a functional resume template that offers ample space to showcase your unique no degree expertise.
Key sections to include in your no degree resume are:
- The header - with your contact details (like email and phone number), a link to your portfolio, and a headline.
- The summary (or objective) - highlighting the high points of your career so far.
- The experience section - limit yourself to six bullets per role to focus on specific results.
- The skills list - offering a balanced mix of your personal and professional talents.
- Education and certification - displaying your most relevant degrees and certificates for the no degree role.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Relevant Skills: What practical abilities have you developed that are directly applicable to the job? This could include both hard and soft skills.
- Work Experience: Any work history, including internships or part-time jobs, can provide evidence of your capabilities and reliability.
- Certifications/Training: Non-degree education, like online courses, professional certifications, or vocational training can be important in some fields.
- Personal Projects: For roles such as software development or design, personal projects can demonstrate creativity, initiative, and technical capability.
- References: Especially without a degree, having positive references from previous employers or mentors can make a big difference in how a recruiter views your application.
- How to Use Resume Lines
- Resume in PDF or Word
Here are some quick tips on how to curate your no degree professional experience:
- Always ensure that you quantify your achievements by implementing the Situation-Task-Action-Result framework;
- When writing each experience bullet, make sure you're using active voice;
- Stand out by including personal skills you've grown while at the job;
- Be specific about your professional experience - it's not enough to say you have great communication skills, but rather explain what your communication track record led to?
Wondering how other professionals in the industry are presenting their job-winning experience? Check out how these no degree professionals put some of these best practices into action:
- Developed and implemented a customer relationship management (CRM) system, resulting in a 20% increase in customer retention.
- Led a team of 10 sales representatives, achieving a 30% increase in monthly sales revenue.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing costs by 15%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch a new product line, generating $500,000 in sales within the first quarter.
- Implemented data-driven marketing strategies, increasing website traffic by 40%.
- Managed end-to-end recruitment process, resulting in a 25% decrease in time-to-fill for open positions.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs for new hires, improving employee productivity by 15%.
- Implemented performance evaluation systems, leading to a 10% increase in employee satisfaction.
- Revamped the onboarding process, reducing employee turnover by 20%.
- Collaborated with HR team to develop and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives, resulting in a more inclusive work environment.
- Designed and developed responsive websites for clients, resulting in a 50% increase in website traffic.
- Implemented search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, improving client websites' search rankings by an average of 20 positions.
- Collaborated with graphic designers to create visually appealing user interfaces for web applications.
- Developed custom web applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, resulting in improved user experience and efficiency for clients.
- Provided technical support and troubleshooting for client websites, ensuring high uptime and customer satisfaction.
- Developed and executed social media marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in brand engagement.
- Managed the company's online presence through various digital platforms, growing the customer base by 25%.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor strategies to make data-driven recommendations for product positioning.
- Implemented email marketing automation, leading to a 20% increase in conversion rates.
- Collaborated with influencers to promote products, resulting in a 40% boost in sales.
- Managed a portfolio of 100+ clients, achieving a 90% client retention rate.
- Developed customized investment strategies based on clients' financial goals and risk tolerance.
- Conducted financial analysis and market research to identify investment opportunities for clients.
- Executed trades and monitored portfolio performance to maximize returns for clients.
- Provided regular updates and reports to clients on portfolio performance and market trends.
- Led a team of 15 customer service representatives, achieving a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction ratings.
- Implemented a customer feedback system, resulting in a 15% reduction in customer complaints.
- Developed and delivered training programs to enhance the team's product knowledge and communication skills.
- Implemented process improvements, reducing average call handling time by 10%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve complex customer issues, ensuring high levels of customer retention.
- Managed full-cycle software development projects, delivering on-time and within budget.
- Led a team of developers, testers, and designers to develop scalable and high-performance software solutions.
- Collaborated with clients to gather requirements and provide technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Implemented Agile methodologies, resulting in a 20% increase in project efficiency.
- Conducted code reviews and implemented best practices to ensure code quality and maintainability.
- Managed a portfolio of key accounts, achieving a 15% annual revenue growth.
- Identified upselling opportunities and successfully expanded business within existing accounts.
- Collaborated with product development teams to align client needs with product enhancements.
- Provided market intelligence and competitor analysis to guide strategic decision-making.
- Resolved customer escalations and ensured high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing plans to drive brand awareness and increase sales.
- Managed social media platforms and grew the company's online following by 50%.
- Coordinated and executed promotional events, resulting in a 30% increase in customer footfall.
- Led market research initiatives to identify new target segments and refine marketing strategies.
- Collaborated with advertising agencies to create impactful marketing campaigns.
- Provided technical support to customers, troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
- Resolved customer inquiries via phone, email, and live chat, maintaining high customer satisfaction levels.
- Collaborated with the product development team to identify and report software bugs and suggest improvements.
- Assisted in creating user documentation and knowledge base articles for self-service customer support.
- Delivered product training sessions to customers, ensuring smooth adoption and usage.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Include the number of projects you have successfully completed to demonstrate your ability to deliver results.
- Feature the size of the teams you've worked with, as this can indicate your collaboration and leadership skills.
- Mention your years of experience in relevant fields, illustrating your expertise and commitment.
- List any quantifiable savings or revenue increases you contributed to, showing your direct impact on a company's bottom line.
- Highlight the number of times you've been promoted or given additional responsibilities, showcasing your potential for growth and reliability.
- Indicate the number of industry-relevant certificates or courses completed, pointing to your dedication to self-improvement and learning.
- Note down the volume of clients or customers you managed or interacted with, reflecting your people skills and customer service abilities.
- Present the percentage improvement in efficiency, satisfaction, or other key metrics due to your efforts, underlining your problem-solving capabilities and performance-driven attitude.
Tips for no degree newcomers launching their careers
Lacking extensive experience for that no degree role? No worries.
Sometimes, hiring managers go for the unexpected candidate when they see potential.
Here's how to convince them you're the right fit:
- Opt for the functional skill-based or hybrid formats to highlight your unique professional value.
- Always tailor your no degree resume to emphasize the most critical requirements, usually listed at the top of the job ad.
- Compensate for limited experience with other relevant sections like achievements, projects, and research.
- In your no degree resume objective, pinpoint both your achievements and how you envision your role in the position.
- Resume Without Work Experience
- Resume Job Description
Use the SOAR (Situation - Action - Results) method for each of your no degree experience bullets. Reflect on specific challenges you've addressed, the actions you took, and the outcomes. This approach also preps you for potential interview questions.
Hard skills denote your technological proficiency and expertise in specific tools or software. These skills are often validated through certifications and hands-on experience.
Soft skills , on the other hand, reflect your interpersonal abilities and how you navigate workplace dynamics. These skills are cultivated over a lifetime and can be more nuanced.
Why the emphasis on both? Hard skills demonstrate your technical competence and reduce training needs. Soft skills suggest adaptability and cultural fit.
To optimize your skills section:
- Forego basic skills like "Excel" in favor of more specific proficiencies like "Excel Macros".
- Highlight core values and work ethics as soft skills, indicating what you prioritize in a professional setting.
- If relevant, create a distinct section for language proficiencies.
- Balance hard and soft skills by crafting a strengths or achievements section, illustrating outcomes achieved through both skill sets.
To assist you, we've curated a list of skills highly sought after by recruiters. Ensure you integrate those that resonate with your expertise and the prospective employer's needs:
Top skills for your no degree resume
Technical Aptitude
Physical Stamina
Basic Computer Skills
Equipment Operation
Sales Experience
Hand-Eye Coordination
Manual Dexterity
Customer Service
Maintenance Knowledge
Time Management
Adaptability
Communication
Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Reliability
Sometimes, basic skills mentioned in the job ad can be important. Include them in your resume, but don't give them too much space.
Your resume education section can be a treasure trove of skills and experiences relevant to the role. Here are the best practices when it comes to featuring it on your resume:
- Highlight advanced qualifications, detailing the institution and duration.
- If you're currently pursuing a degree, mention your expected graduation date.
- Consider omitting unrelated degrees.
- If your academic journey boasts significant achievements, especially in research, elaborate on them.
What's more, shocasing relevant industry certifications can bolster your credibility, even if you lack extensive work experience.
To effectively present your certifications:
- Place pivotal industry certifications prominently in a dedicated section.
- If a certification is particularly impressive, consider featuring it near your name or within the header, summary, or objective.
- Provide details, where relevant, to underscore alignment with the role.
- Recent certifications should be given advantage, as they show your up-to-date knowledge.
Both education and certification sections highlight your commitment to professional growth, a trait valued by employers. Below, explore some of the most current and sought-after no degree certifications to enhance your application:
Best certifications to list on your resume
I'm sorry but I can't generate the list you're asking for without a specified job title. Please provide a job title so I can give you the relevant certifications.
Remember, certifications can be woven into various resume sections, like experience or summary. Detail how a particular certification enhanced your performance or opened new opportunities.
- Expected Graduation Date Resume
- Activities Resume for College
Many no degree candidates ponder whether to include a resume summary or objective.
Here's a breakdown:
- A Resume objective outlines your career aspirations. It tells recruiters why you're applying and the value you can bring.
- A Resume summary offers a snapshot of your significant achievements, giving a quick overview of your expertise.
New professionals might lean towards an objective, while seasoned experts might prefer a summary. Whichever you choose, ensure it's tailored to the role.
For inspiration, review examples from established no degree professionals.
Resume summary and objective examples for a no degree resume
- Software engineer with five years of experience in Python, C++, and Java. Pioneered a machine learning algorithm that increased efficiency by 30% at ABC Tech. Seeking to apply my technical proficiency to a challenging new role.
- Data analyst with a decade of experience using SQL and Tableau for transforming raw data into clear insights. Developed a predictive model that saved XYZ Corp over $2M annually. Eager to leverage my analytical skills in a dynamic environment.
- Experienced project manager in the construction sector, aiming to pivot to software development. Self-taught proficient in Python, C#, and agile methodologies. Looking forward to leveraging my leadership skills and passion for coding in my next challenge.
- High school teacher with an aptitude for data analysis. Gained proficiency in R, Excel and Power BI during various educational projects. Excited about transitioning into a data-driven role where I can utilize my excellent problem-solving abilities.
- As a recent graduate, I've developed solid foundational knowledge in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS through academic projects. While I am just starting my professional journey, I am highly motivated to learn and grow within a collaborative tech-oriented team.
- Holding a bachelor's degree in English literature, I'm now eager to step into the digital marketing realm. I've obtained Google Analytics and AdWords Certifications and have a keen interest in SEO. Driven to contribute fresh ideas and creativity to a forward-thinking marketing team.
To further personalize your no degree resume, consider adding sections that reflect your unique qualities and achievements.
Popular choices include:
- Projects to showcase significant work achievements.
- Languages to indicate proficiency levels.
- Awards to celebrate industry recognitions.
- Hobbies and Interests to share personal passions.
- A clear resume layout helps present your info well.
- Use all main resume sections to show how you fit the job.
- Detail specific skills or tasks and their impact.
- Show your personality through interests or hobbies.
- List certifications to back up your technical skills.
Looking to build your own No Degree resume?
- Resume Examples
12 Great Jobs for Seniors (With Tips)
Paralegal resume advice you can use, is it ok to lie on your resume, creating a professional development plan – a guide based on experience, is it appropriate to submit a double sided resume, how big should your name be on a resume.
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How To Write a Resume with No Degree: Expert Tips & Examples
If you are an experienced professional worrying that you don’t have a college degree to include on your resume, you aren’t alone. Questions about how our resume writing team would approach writing a resume with no degree are some of the more common inquiries I have received in all my years as a professional resume writer .
In the second decade of the 21st century, increasing numbers of employers began including a degree requirement as a minimum qualification for open jobs. Mind you, these were jobs that previously had no educational requirements attached to them. Considering that some two-thirds of Americans do not have a college degree, this became an increasingly difficult barrier for the majority of workers, and among our clients, an increasing issue for them to deal with on their resumes . But good company or not, if you are one of these people missing out on job opportunities that you are otherwise qualified for simply because you didn’t complete a degree, knowing that you are one of many is likely little comfort.
But happily, this trend is now reversing, according to a recent Harvard Business Review report of an analysis conducted in partnership with Emsi Burning Glass, a labor market data company. After analyzing 51 million job postings published between 2017 and 2020, researchers found that degree requirements had been lowered for 46% of middle-skill occupations and 31% of high-skill occupations. While there is still much room for improvement, and some of the reset can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent “ Great Resignation ,” these findings show that approximately 1.4 million new jobs could open up to those without degrees over the next few years.
Still, that middle ground between jobs that undeniably require higher education (e.g., physician) and those that do not (e.g., restaurant server) is immense. Many of these employers still have degree requirements in place. If you do not have a degree and wish to compete for these jobs , what is the best way to handle education on your resume? The answer is: “it depends.” The best approach will be very individual to your circumstances. But, here are some time-tested strategies and suggestions for you.
Carefully Review the Job Announcement for Both Required and Desired Qualifications
Job announcements are often very specific and state both the required and desired qualifications for the “perfect” candidate. Go through the announcement with a highlighter, carefully noting every qualification mentioned. Especially if you are missing one of these qualifications—a degree—your task will be to show exactly how you are a match for every other requirement.
The closer you are to matching the requirements, the greater your odds of successfully competing for the job. However, keep in mind that some gaps will be too wide to cross. For example, if you are not just missing a required degree but are also missing 50% of the other stated requirements.
But if you are a match for all or most of the qualification requirements, except for the degree, and you can provide concrete examples of how you have still used your skills to add value to your employer , your odds increase exponentially.
Create a Hybrid / Combination Format Resume
Think of your resume structure as a pyramid. The most impressive and relevant information should be at the beginning (top of the pyramid) of the resume. The less impressive and less relevant information should be at the end (bottom of the pyramid).
A combination format resume will usually lead with a really strong professional summary . This will give you the space to call out all of the skills and experiences that match the other requirements of the job. And you will do so right at the forefront of your resume.
With this type of modern resume layout, your will list your education at the end of the resume. This provides you with the format to make a persuasive case for why you are perfect for the job before the employer notices that you don’t quite meet the desired educational requirements.
This example resume template structured in a hybrid format shows how to create this type of resume.
How To Include Education in Your Resume When You Don’t Have a Degree
It is important to remember that almost all employers and recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to store resumes and track candidates through the hiring process. Hiring managers can input certain criteria and specifications to filter and rank resumes and narrow applicants to a manageable list.
The problem is that education is often one of the filters used to narrow candidates. In some cases, if a degree you don’t have is required, you may have no choice but to accept that you will not get your resume through these filters. If you wish to pursue the job , you will need to find other channels, and this is where brushing up on your networking skills will be helpful.
Considerations related to ATS are also why just dropping the Education section from your resume is not recommended except in the most extreme situations (and be prepared to network heavily if you do). Whenever possible, you should always have a major section labeled “Education” on your resume. Review the following situations to decide what to include in the Education section of your resume.
Situation 1: You worked toward a degree but didn’t complete it
Despite the challenges an ATS presents, if you are applying for a job without a degree, yet you worked toward a degree that you didn’t finish, you should state this in your resume. This provides you the possible opportunity to include the requisite keywords that may get you included in the ATS shortlist of applicants. Here are some possibilities for how you would phrase this on your resume:
Coursework toward Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology NAME OF UNIVERSITY, City, State
Of course, the above could imply two courses toward the degree before you dropped out or three years of coursework. If you feel the need to include context, you have a few options:
Coursework (XX credits) toward Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology NAME OF UNIVERSITY, City, State
Coursework (X semesters) toward Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology NAME OF UNIVERSITY, City, State
Coursework toward Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology NAME OF UNIVERSITY, City, State (20XX to 20XX)
Situation 2: You are enrolled in a degree program now
If you are currently enrolled in and working on a degree program, include it. Again, as shown above, include the degree name as this increases your chances of getting through the ATS cut.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology in progress, degree expected 20XX NAME OF UNIVERSITY, City, State
Situation 3: You completed professional coursework but not toward a degree
If you have completed professional training or courses, even if not toward a degree, include it in the education in the same format as if it were a degree. For example, you could include a list like this:
- NAME OF COURSE/TRAINING, Name of organization that provided the training (20XX)
If the courses you completed were more significant or comprehensive, or especially important in your field, you might wish to give the listing more prominence, like this:
NAME OF TRAINING PROGRAM (20XX) Organization that provided the program
If you are using this strategy, think beyond traditional job-related training or college courses. There are many self-directed online and correspondence courses. If you have completed any relevant ones, you may include these in this section too.
Also, make sure to include any professional certifications you have earned under the education section.
Situation 4: Everything else
Suppose you cannot show work toward a degree, coursework or job-related training, or certifications. In that case, your goal should be to include items in the Education section of your resume that show your commitment to professional development even without more traditional education.
Ideas for this include conferences you have attended, presentations you have delivered, or completed apprenticeships. I even remember one client who had personally read and studied dozens of respected books on her field of interest and regularly read relevant trade magazines and other periodicals. We included a comprehensive list which was quite impressive. As a bonus, the titles of these books included many important resume keywords and phrases that helped her in ATS searches.
Final Considerations
Never forget that it isn’t the job that requires the degree you are missing. It is the employer. Do not ever be tempted to be deceptive on your resume and include a degree you don’t have. It is unnecessary. As shown in this post, you have many opportunities to write a resume even without a degree that shows how you are qualified and can add value . Experiment with the format of how you include this in your resume and you will find the right formula .
Employers are interested in how you can make them money, save them money, improve efficiency, or solve their problems. Show them that you can do this in a more profitable way than your competitor for the job (who happens to have a degree but not the great experience you have), and you will be irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to write a resume if i don't have a degree.
If you don’t have a degree, you can still write a strong resume by focusing on your skills , experiences, and other qualifications. Start with a professional summary that highlights your strengths, and list your education at the end of the resume. If you’ve taken any professional courses or training, include those as well.
How can I make my resume stand out without a degree?
To make your resume stand out without a degree, focus on showcasing your skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Use a combination format resume that starts with a strong professional summary. Include any professional training or courses you’ve completed, and highlight your commitment to professional development.
Can I still get a good job without a degree?
Yes, you can still get a good job without a degree. Many employers are more interested in your skills and experiences than formal education. Show how you can add value to the company, such as by improving efficiency or solving problems.
What should I put in the education section of my resume if I don't have a degree?
If you don’t have a degree, you can still include an education section in your resume. List any coursework you’ve completed, even if it wasn’t part of a degree program. Include any professional training or certifications you’ve earned. You can also list conferences you’ve attended, presentations you’ve delivered, or books you’ve studied related to your field.
Is it okay to leave the education section off my resume if I don't have a degree?
It’s generally recommended to include an education section on your resume, even if you don’t have a degree. This section can include professional training, certifications, or other forms of professional development. Leaving it off entirely could cause your resume to be filtered out by applicant tracking systems.
Can I include a degree I'm currently working on in my resume?
Yes, if you’re currently enrolled in a degree program, you should include it in your resume. List the degree you’re working towards and the expected completion date.
Is it okay to list a degree I started but didn't finish on my resume?
Yes, if you started a degree but didn’t finish, you can still list the coursework you completed on your resume. This can help you get past applicant tracking systems that filter resumes based on education keywords.
About the Author: Michelle Dumas
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How to format your resume if you don't have a degree: 'You can just omit that' education section altogether
A bachelor's degree has long been regarded as the way to get ahead in the work world. Still, many Americans ultimately forgo a higher education (though, not always by choice). In 2021, 27.9% of adults ages 25 and older had a high school degree as their highest level of education, according to the Census Bureau . Nearly 15% had completed some college but didn't have a degree.
These days, when it comes to getting hired, that might not be a detractor . "We are seeing a huge increase in the share of job listings that do not require a college degree," says Sinem Buber, lead economist at ZipRecruiter . IBM stripped bachelor's degree requirements for more than half of its U.S. job openings in 2021, for example, focusing on relevant skills rather than education when it comes to some of their tech roles. Accenture has recently done the same .
Still, if you're a jobseeker without some form of higher education, how do you format your resume to ensure you're being considered by hiring managers? Here's what experts recommend .
Focus on professional development and credentials
If you've received certificates or have had some sort of training relevant to the job you're vying for, instead of an education section, try adding a training or credential section.
People adding such a section can "talk about some of the professional development that they've done or any certifications that they may have gotten during the course of their career," says Yolanda Owens, career expert at The Muse . "That will suffice in lieu of" an education section.
If you've completed some college credits but haven't gotten a degree, you can keep the education section at the bottom of the resume. "Put down the school that you've attended, the years that you attended there or how many credit hours you completed," says Owens. "That way they can tell that you've had some college education."
Many people build soft skills like written and verbal communication during their degree, and showing you've done some of that training can prove to employers you've been accruing those as well.
'It's fine for you to just omit that'
If you've been in the job market for a while and you're applying for a job that's directly relevant to the experience you've accrued, you might be able to remove your education section altogether.
When it comes to what recruiters are looking at in terms of your resume, what they're asking is, "what are the things that you've done in your professional career that align with the job that I'm hiring for right now?" says Phoebe Gavin , career and leadership coach. What responsibilities you had at work, what you have accomplished and contributed to previous teams, and so on. That's all in your experience section.
Education sections tend to come at the very end of the resume. "The bottom of the first page, the bottom of the second page, it's just not a place where recruiters are spending a lot of mental energy," she says. "And so it's fine for you to just omit that and not have any education section if you don't have a degree."
One thing to steer clear of: Don't include an education section that just has a high school diploma.
"That's drawing attention to the fact that you don't have a degree and it brings up questions that don't necessarily need to be asked in the first place," says Gavin. "If you're applying for a job that you can do, then there isn't any reason for us to create extra, additional barriers for you. You can just omit that altogether."
How to format your resume the right way, according to experts: 'The standard template is 3 sections'
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Don't forget this key section of your resume—it's your first chance to impress hiring managers
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How to Create a Resume With No Education
5 min read · Updated on December 17, 2021
Once you know how to effectively highlight your skills and experience, a resume with no education won't keep you from getting hired.
You've found a job you know you're qualified for based on your skills and experience — but you don't have the right education or lack a specific degree. Essentially, you have a resume with no education relevant to the position. Should you pass over that job? Absolutely not!
According to a 2019 TopResume survey asking employers to rate what they desire in their candidates, education was at the bottom of the list. Instead, their preferences were potential (45 percent), experience (37 percent), personality (16 percent), and finally education (only 2 percent).
Given this data, a lack of education shouldn't keep you from considering a job you could otherwise perform — and perform well. You just need to put in a little extra effort to create a resume that shows you're truly qualified despite your less-than-compatible educational background.
Choose the right resume format
If you need to create a resume with no formal or relevant education, use a hybrid resume format that combines the best parts of a chronological resume — which shows your work experience in reverse order — and a functional resume, which highlights your skills and achievements.
Also, make sure to put your education section at the end of the resume so that the hiring manager will see how much you have to offer before they see that you don't necessarily meet all of their educational criteria. The goal? To have them find the first parts of your resume so impressive that your education won't matter.
Prepare a persuasive professional summary
The professional summary (versus an objective statement) at the top of your resume is where a hiring manager gets their first impression of you. Briefly state the key experience and skills you possess that make you a great fit for the role. Try to match the job description as closely as possible, using the same keywords and phrases when possible.
Emphasize your strongest relevant experiences
When it comes to your professional experience, make every word count. Provide specific details of your experience doing the same job or similar jobs, including accomplishments such as improving sales, completing projects at or under budget, or successfully supervising a team or department. List the skills you have that match the job description and use language that shows off your industry knowledge.
Basically, help your potential employer see that you would be such an asset to their operation that your lack of formal education or preferred education specific to that job doesn't really matter. You already have the tools to be a valuable employee; you just need to make sure you're highlighting them correctly.
Support your credentials
Make sure you are listing any key achievements or credentials within your professional experience, education, or skills section that are worth knowing. This can include:
Publications: List any published materials that prove you're an expert in your area. These can include books, white papers, and blog posts.
Presentations: Describe any public speaking you've done in your field that you think would be important to a hiring manager. Along with proving your expertise, it shows that you are an effective communicator.
Awards: State any awards you've received for outstanding accomplishments or dedication in a similar job role or in the industry in general.
You can also consider listing any professional memberships you belong to that are relevant to your field, along with listing any volunteer work on your resume done either while employed or unemployed. Give your years of involvement as well as accomplishments or leadership roles you held.
Keep your education section positive and proactive
When creating a resume with no education to list, highlight the ways you've taken the initiative to learn and grow in your field rather than focusing on an incomplete or interrupted education.
List any job-related training you've completed, either through your own initiative or your company's direction. These can include apprenticeships, conferences, seminars, online classes, and certification courses. In some cases, this more recent training is more impressive to an employer than a dated degree and no other training.
If you're in any kind of educational program, show where you are in the process. For example:
COLLEGE (City, State)
Enrolled in Bachelor of Science program, major in [ ... ], degree expected [date]
You can also provide any formal education you've done, even if you're not currently in a program. Ideally, list this after all other training you've done.
Earned XX credits toward a […] degree, [dates attended]
Creating a resume using these tips can help you get past the initial round of screenings and catch a hiring manager's attention since the spotlight will be on your assets and potential, rather than your education. From there, you can follow up with specific details during the interview.
While some employers may immediately reject you because you don't meet specific educational requirements, others will consider you a truly viable candidate because of your skills, experience, initiative, and past success. Those are the companies you can count on to value what you bring to them in the first place.
Not sure if your education section is formatted correctly to help you land the interview? Check today with a free resume review .
Recommended Reading:
How to Make a Great Resume With No Work Experience
How to Be a Great Candidate Even If You're Under-Qualified for the Job
Ask Amanda: What's the Best Way to List Education on a Resume?
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If You Didn't Finish School, You Should Still Include Education On Your Résumé. Here's How.
Senior Reporter, Work/Life
When you apply for a job with your résumé , you face the challenge of distilling your entire professional identity into short, bulleted summaries you hope will be read by a hiring manager.
The stakes are high. Résumés are how we market who we are and where we want to go in our careers. Deciding what to keep and what to leave out is hard, especially considering an applicant has seven seconds to capture a hiring manager’s attention. It can be even harder for those who don’t have the educational background desired for a job opening and are stumped on what to put in the “education” section.
But being schooled is not the same as being educated. You can still gain extensive work experience without completing a formal degree. And careers are not a linear path. Oprah Winfrey dropped out of Tennessee State University in 1976 to pursue a media career and didn’t complete her degree until 1986, after she had her own nationally syndicated talk show .
Many people take detours or go off the beaten path in their careers. For those who do not have formal education credentials or are embarking on a career switch, résumé experts advise highlighting relevant professional development. Here’s what you should know:
“Put B.A. or B.S. coursework, and then list the degree you were going toward.” - Virginia Franco
1. Know that courses count as education.
Unfortunately for employees who did not finish higher education, many corporate employers still want applicants with college degrees.
Ashley Watkins , a nationally certified résumé writer and a corporate recruiter for over 15 years, said she would advise applicants to include any relevant education they have.
“I would rather them get credit for some college or some education versus no education, and that’s in cases where the job posting may require that they have some college or it may have a bachelor’s degree preferred,” she said.
Widely used applicant tracking systems may be scanning résumés for keywords like a bachelor’s degree, and they may penalize job applicants without one. But there are ways around that if you completed courses toward a degree, said Virginia Franco , a nationally certified résumé writer.
“Sometimes, the people who program applicant tracking software, they’ll put as either a requirement or an ideal qualification that someone has finished their undergraduate degree, and then you might get hurt, you won’t score as high,” Franco said. “A workaround is to put B.A. or B.S. coursework, and then list the degree you were going toward.”
2. List self-studies at the top of your résumé if you’re switching careers.
Alison Daley , the founder of a tech recruiting training platform called Recruiting Innovation, said job applicants should treat their résumé as an “introduction of where you want to go instead of a recitation of where you have been.”
If you’re an employee making a radical career pivot and you lack the ideal schooling or certification, she recommends showing where you want your career to go and listing any initiatives you are undertaking to reach that place at the top of your résumé.
“Moxie and determination sure compensate for certain education pedigrees.” - Alison Daley
Prioritizing your self-studies at the top can tell a recruiter, “I have done these studies, I’m motivated in this direction, I have these skills,” she said.
If you are making career moves toward a path that is not reflected in your formal education, emphasize that in your résumé. Mention those LinkedIn learning courses and digital boot camps to help an employer understand your career leap.
“If experience isn’t super solid for whatever reason, but then [applicants] are showing that they’ve gone to hackathons on the weekends ... or things on their own, that shows determination, that shows focus, it’s self-motivation, and those kind of candidates are definitely highlighted in my experience,” Daley said. “Moxie and determination sure compensate for certain education pedigrees.”
The order of what you share first on a résumé matters. Lead with what you have, Watkins said. “Anytime your experience overrides your education, you would put your education at the bottom, and if you have a brand new degree that’s relevant and you’re transitioning, then you want to list that at the top,” she said.
“The top one-third, that space is dedicated to the biggest bang for your buck, because that’s what we’re going to see first as recruiters when we’re reading your résumé,” she said.
3. Don’t be put off by a bachelor’s degree requirement, even if you don’t have one.
Here’s a lesson about hiring: If you don’t meet all of the qualifications, you can still apply. Not enough workers know this: In a survey of thousands of U.S. professionals, 46 percent of men and 40 percent of women listed “I didn’t think they would hire me because I didn’t meet the qualifications” as the reason they did not apply for a job. But required qualifications are not always required.
“Even if a bachelor’s degree is required, I would still go ahead and apply. In my experience, we’ve made exceptions before,” Watkins said.
Candidates may also discount themselves for lacking a recommended certificate or certain degree, but that does not necessarily mean they are unqualified.
“I would let the employer tell me ‘no’ instead of me making the assumption,” Watkins said. “If you have 80 percent of what the employer is asking for, you’re more than likely safe to apply, because that other 20 percent is a learning curve. You don’t want to apply for positions where you meet 100 percent of the qualifications, because you run the risk of being overqualified. You have no room for growth there.”
Changes in hiring practices will need to come from the top.
Of course, these are individual résumé strategies that don’t address the larger question of whether hiring practices need to emphasize formal schooling as necessary to get a job in the first place. That would need to be answered on a structural level.
According to a 2019 report released by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, a group that tracks college completion rates, there is a college graduation gap that varies by ethnicity and race. Looking at students who began public four-year colleges in 2012, the group found that the national rate of college completion for white and Asian students was 72 and 77 percent, respectively, while for black students the rate was 48 percent and for Latino students 57 percent.
Children of richer families are also more likely to have degrees. For example, college graduates who were 24 years old and from households with annual incomes of at least $116,000 made up more than half of all the degrees awarded in 2014, according to a 2016 report .
Speaking of her work in the tech industry, Daley said she would advocate for less emphasis from recruiters on requiring a bachelor’s degree from applicants.
“When we’re making an emphasis on recruiting and hiring for diverse candidates, we also have to recognize they come from diverse sources,” she said.
Before You Go
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Ultimate guide to writing an executive resume when you don’t have a college degree.
I understand it can feel stressful for executives when they’re trying to figure out how to write a resume with no college degree. Especially when they’re ready to make their next career move—or are being forced to make it. It can be worrisome when applying to jobs especially when so many recruiters and prospective employers are putting an incredible amount of emphasis on a college degree over relevant skills and years of experience. Many people, even those with an impressive work history, find themselves asking “How do you make your resume look good without a degree?”
Without a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science, you might be worried about how you can impress potential employers. Guess what? Potential employers are beginning to figure out that an extensive educational background, a college degree, and a high gpa in many cases will not predict the ability of the person to perform well in the position.
Being an executive without a completed degree and just a high school diploma isn’t as uncommon as you may think, though. Many are top performers who have been with their organization for 10+ years and are ready to take on new challenges and opportunities. For example, I spoke with a gentleman recently who has held a multi-unit district manager position at a car title loan company for more than thirteen years. His role touches on business development, human resources, and finance, and now that the company is shrinking and downsizing he is worried about his prospects for making a lateral move or advancing without a college degree.
If you’re an executive without a degree and you want to pursue new opportunities you shouldn’t worry. There are some great ways you can focus your career successes and accomplishments that far outweigh a four-year degree and that will resonate with a potential employer. But how do you make your work experience outshine the resume education section? Here are some tips to help you in writing your resume so that you stand out as an applicant even without a completed college degree.
Emphasize Your Value to the Potential Employer
It’s true that if you are focused on job postings, it looks like it will be impossible to land an interview (let alone an executive position) without a four-year degree. But according to a survey through ResumeWriterDirect HR in 2014, 90% of HR managers said they would interview a candidate who is not a college graduate if they demonstrated “extensive, relevant work experience.”
The flip side of this is that you can’t assume your academic qualifications will land you a great job if you don’t have any real-world work experience to emphasize on an executive resume next to your educational and academic achievements.
Step 1: Research the Position and Industry
In order to convey your “extensive, relevant experience,” you need to know which skill set and experience are most prized by the employer for the type of position you are targeting. Reviewing job postings on Indeed is a good way to get started. Better yet, start by thinking about specific companies you are interested in and research their goals, challenges, social media presence—and of course, the specific role and position description you are interested in.
Step 2: Brainstorm Your Qualifications
Now that you have a clear picture of what your target company is looking for, you can start thinking about your relevant skills, work history and years of experience, and the specific accomplishments that speak to the experience and skill set desired.
Questions to ask yourself to capture all of your accomplishments:
1.) What are you most proud of in your current role? 2.) What would fall apart if you didn’t show up at work for a week? 3.) What challenges have you faced in this position? 4.) What improvements have you made across productivity, processes, cost savings, revenue, sales, culture, or technology? 5.) What do your colleagues, clients, employees, and/or supervisors praise you for?
Step 3: Writing an Executive Resume: Make Your Accomplishments Shine with Context and Numbers
Resume writers often rely on CAR stories, those that identify a particular Challenge, Action, and Result. You need to do the same when writing your resume.
For example, the GM of a luxury resort in the West Indies might not sound all that impressive if he told you he “restructured the resort to capture revenue growth.” But when using a CAR statement, the achievement is truly cast in the best possible light:
“Restructured stagnant resort operations, sales, and marketing—leading to two consecutive years of record revenue for organization in 2010 and 2011, with 2012 revenue pacing 17% ahead of the prior year.”
From this concise bullet, we can glean that as a senior executive he recognized that the systems in place were obsolete, he took action to overhaul existing operations, and quantifiable revenue gains resulted from his actions.
More CAR statement examples:
Business resource manager for Systems Nutritional Services, who saved money on hospital food without sacrificing quality:
“Identified acceptable low-cost, high-quality items realizing $200K in annual savings by designing and implementing blind-taste-testing system for objective product evaluation and selection.”
Corporate environmental health & safety director who enabled a successful facility audit:
“Prevented catastrophic facility audit failure with crucial vendor by negotiating for more time, overhauling existing processes, and procuring $45K in equipment in 1-month period, resulting in successful audit.”
Finance transformation manager who led a global team in a bank redesign project:
“Aligned 14-person multinational team in spite of cultural rifts by clarifying all rhetoric/terminology to avoid miscommunications. Ensured unified understanding of baseline problem and implementation goals, resulting in on-time implementation without budget overrun.”
As these resume samples demonstrate, you don’t always need numbers to show results. They certainly help to draw the eye and make the qualifications concrete and memorable, but if they are not available (or if they are confidential) it is still key to focus on the outcomes. In this example, the alignment of the global team and the completion of the implementation project within budget and on time are wonderful examples of the success of the manager.
Step 4: Tailor Your Executive Resume: Job Description
Once you have your major achievements on paper and crafted into concise CAR statements, you should have the bulk of your new professional resume content. Aiming for roughly three to five accomplishment bullets per position is a good benchmark.
You also want to provide details about the scope of the role you held by answering questions such as:
1.) How many direct/indirect reports do you have? 2.) What are your main responsibilities? (Think about functions, activities, projects, budgets, clients.) 3.) Have you led or played a role in any corporate transactions such as mergers, strategic alliances, or new market development initiatives? 4.) Do you participate in any leadership forums? 5.) What type of organization do you work for (start-up, Fortune 500, multinational)? 6.) What can these bullets say about your work ethic?
Step 5: Build a High-Impact Career Summary
Once you have your key accomplishments on paper and crafted into concise CAR statements, think about the top three to five achievements that differentiate you from other job seekers and that are the most relevant to your current job target. It is often easiest to craft the professional experience entries first and then step back and think about the big-picture personal brand that needs to come across in the Career Summary.
So often this section of the resume is focused on what someone “can do,” which tends to lead to vague, generic content that could easily be plopped onto someone else’s resume. For example:
“Accomplished pharmaceutical sales executive with track record of driving quota attainment and cohesive teams. Broad pharmaceutical and medical device product knowledge and strong network in healthcare industry.”
All of this may well be true, but the problem is that it could be true for roughly 99% of pharma salespeople. There is nothing concrete, specific, or memorable about it. In other words, it is wasting valuable space on a resume instead of engaging the reader and clarifying the job seeker’s value and personal brand.
A more dynamic and engaging career summary for a pharma salesperson could read like this:
“Sales leader and analytical innovator delivers sales growth of up to 45% YOY coupled with focused, motivational team leadership. Outperformed market share of top 5 U.S. competitors. Prevented XYZ Company default by securing multimillion-dollar contract (75% of business).”
If you were a hiring manager or recruiter presented with only these two small paragraphs, which door would you open?
Step 6: What Else Needs to Be Front and Center?
The Career Summary is a great place to mention other credentials and qualifications as well. Do you have any awards/honors relevant to your target job? What about licensures, certifications, publications, or speaking engagements? Generally, these are listed only in the Education section or an addendum, but they can be very impactful (when relevant), so consider dropping a line into the Career Summary or getting creative with formatting!
Are you tired of your resume being rejected by applicant tracking systems? I know how frustrating it is to submit your resume and receive no response. I hate seeing qualified people never breakthrough the screening process. It shouldn’t be that way. That’s why I created this guide and I encourage you to download the FREE PDF so you can start seeing better resume response rates!
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About the author
Jessica hernandez, president, ceo & founder of great resumes fast.
Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.
What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.
You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!
I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!
[…] June 13, 2018June 13, 2018 By job-search-bot This post was originally published on this […]
Wonderful and unique article. As a career expert, I have never thought of a resume for people who do not have a college degree. Yes surely highlighting accomplishments and achievements will draw the interviewers attention rather than focusing on qualifications. Thanks for sharing such an informative post.
Soji Joseph http://www.talentfore.com
Thank you very much for this article. It made me appreciate my contributions and achievements and I learnt how I could package it in a more improved way for my CV. Unfortunately the link to the Free PDF guide did not work, but you had given much material to work with. Thank you again – very much.
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FinanceBuzz
17 Most Useless College Degrees Employers Don't Want Today
Posted: June 19, 2023 | Last updated: June 19, 2023
College can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’re getting a useful education for the money you’re putting down or borrowing.
However, some degrees are better than others when it comes to landing a job when you get out of school. After all, you don’t want to be looking for ways to pay off debt on a degree that doesn’t pan out.
Here are some degrees that might not give you the best bang for your buck as you consider a particular career after graduation.
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Creative writing
Pursuing a creative degree may not make you much money after college, and that’s particularly true of creative writing.
The publishing field isn’t lucrative for many writers (unless you’re a big name), so you may be stuck with a degree that won’t help you get a sustainable job after graduation.
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Communications
One issue with a communications degree is that it could be too broad depending on the program and the classes required for the degree. Instead, focus on a specific type of communication like journalism, marketing, or public relations.
Fashion design
Fashion design has become more popular, and more competitive, with social media and reality competition shows looking for new designers. The market may be oversaturated and it could be difficult to stand out.
If you enjoy fashion, consider other positions in the industry, including writing for fashion publications or working as a buyer or stylist, which may help you earn more money.
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Hospitality
Travel habits have changed in recent years due to the pandemic, and have affected places like hotels. Events planners and hospitality management have also taken a hit. But you may still have options if you want to pursue a career in hospitality.
For example, consider getting a business degree that may be more useful when finding a job after college. You could still use it to get a job in hospitality or have the flexibility to find a position outside of hospitality that would require a business degree.
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Teachers are amazing resources for students across the country. Despite a nationwide teacher shortage, salaries often do not reflect their importance in society. Plus, nearly 50% of new teachers leave the profession within their first five years.
If you feel the strong desire to be a teacher, it would be wise to have a backup plan in case you need to leave the profession.
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Computer science
There’s been an emphasis in recent years on computer science careers, but that focus has led to an oversaturation of computer science graduates compared to the number of jobs available.
If you still want to get a computer science degree, find ways to make yourself stand out among other applicants such as internships and training or certification in specialized skills.
Culinary arts
If you want to work in a restaurant or get a job as a personal chef, a culinary arts degree might not give you the experience and education you need to cook or bake for a living.
Instead, ask around to local restaurants you like or talk to chefs in your area to see if it's possible to get a job working with food without a degree.
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Music may be a wonderful thing to participate in, but it could be difficult to make enough money with a music career to cover the cost of getting a music degree. Instead, get a degree in a field that may be more lucrative and use your free time to practice music.
You may even be able to use your music to make money with a side hustle while earning a salary that can pay your bills another way. Many people nowadays take on a side hustle to reach financial independence and stop living paycheck to paycheck .
Film, video, and photographic arts
This is another degree that can be tempting if you have a passion for the arts. However, the result of success in the fields of videography and photography often comes without a college degree.
You may be able to just use your natural talent to become a filmmaker and develop your skills by using online resources. You could get a job as a photographer or videographer in fields such as marketing or the service industry, serve as an independent contractor, and even open your own business, all the while without needing a student loan.
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Performing arts
If you want to be an actor, it may be better to act than to go to school for it. You don’t need to enroll in a college or university to take acting classes.
Practice, auditions, and real-world experience can also be more helpful than sitting in a classroom or lecture hall. Try landing your next best role instead of spending cash on a degree.
Criminal justice
If you’re interested in a job in law enforcement, a criminal justice degree may not be as helpful as other options. You might want to apply for a job directly and go through training that may be paid for by a police department or sheriff’s department.
See how much you could save on auto insurance
There may be few opportunities for foreign-language majors once they leave college or a university, which may make it a less-than-desirable degree.
Instead, consider getting a minor in a language you’re interested in and major in something else you’re interested in. For example, you could get a business degree and work internationally.
Anthropology and Archeology
You may be someone who loves history and dreams of excavation sites, but be ready to spend years as an underpaid intern or research assistant. The truth is unless you go for the fancy Ph.D., which will take a lot of time and money, most degrees in this career path don't offer much.
Religious studies
You may be interested in studying the spiritual side of life, but it might not help you financially. A religious studies degree could lead to a low-paying job in exchange for a high debt load from your degree.
Instead, consider training that may be paid for by a local religious organization, or major in something else and minor in religious studies.
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Exercise science
Exercise is a good component of a healthy life, and you may want to help others follow a plan for a healthy life as an exercise science major. But majors in this field may not make enough to cover college debt or everyday expenses when they graduate.
Instead, look into certification programs that may be more affordable or find out how you can become a trainer or instructor without a college degree.
The pandemic proved that the tourism industry can change dramatically at any time, for better or for worst. COVID-19 kept tourists at home for so long, which resulted in high prices post-pandemic. Now many people are choosing staycations to avoid the high costs driven by the current market.
If you want to stay in the tourism industry, it may be a good idea to save extra cash in an emergency fund to weather the ups and downs of the industry.
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Advertising
Working for an ad agency today could be difficult if you’re trying to create interesting ads that pull in a viewer. Instead, ads are usually targeted based on the interest of particular internet users who may not interact with ads the way they once did.
If you still want to pursue an advertising degree, consider taking classes about social media or online advertising. That may make you stand out more as a job candidate and help you earn some extra cash.
Bottom line
Before you commit to a degree, sit down and find out what kind of careers that degree could be useful for. You also may want to find more affordable options to take some general classes or summer classes to get the degree you want at a lower cost so you won't find yourself barely scraping by financially .
And remember that in the end, it’s important to be happy with whatever major you pursue. You may be able to find a way to make any degree work for you.
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Certainly, you can't list part of a degree as a completed degree. That's called lying and, in my recruiting days, I saw things end very badly for candidates who decided to fudge the details. Instead, mention the coursework in your education section. And if the topics you studied are directly relevant to the role you're pursuing, list a few.
Sprinkle in additional power words and keywords (taken from the job description) to better articulate your competencies. Beef up your accomplishments and duties and re-check the texts for any grammar and formatting mistakes. Pro tip: Use our free resume builder to create a well-formatted resume 2X faster.
Here's an example of how to list an unfinished degree on your resume: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY - Syracuse, NY. 2017-2019. If you took some courses related to the job, include those under your university information. You can list them by individual courses taken or by number of credits earned in a certain area of study.
Writing a resume with no education will take some effort, but by following these steps, yours will be done in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide to writing a resume with no education. #1. List your contact information. Your contact information should be right at the top of your resume.
You'll start a paragraph of your cover letter by quickly bringing up your unfinished degree. Talk about how a shift in your career focus has led you to change your mind on college. Emphasize that your desire for practical experience won out, as you felt that would be the best way to add value to future employers.
Skip the GPA if below 3.5. Alternatively, you can do the same thing as option #2 above, except focus on the courses that are relevant to the role you are applying for. This option brings the recruiter's focus to what you already know instead of the fact that you didn't finish college.
Resume summary and objective examples for a no degree resume. Software engineer with five years of experience in Python, C++, and Java. Pioneered a machine learning algorithm that increased efficiency by 30% at ABC Tech. Seeking to apply my technical proficiency to a challenging new role.
Situation 2: You are enrolled in a degree program now. If you are currently enrolled in and working on a degree program, include it. Again, as shown above, include the degree name as this increases your chances of getting through the ATS cut. Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology in progress, degree expected 20XX.
If you've completed some college credits but haven't gotten a degree, you can keep the education section at the bottom of the resume. "Put down the school that you've attended, the years ...
If your experience is stronger than your education, place your work history before education on your resume, and write about your career achievements, track record of results and industry knowledge. Include a detailed listing of your accomplishments throughout your career. Prove that your work performance has been outstanding and you would be ...
Keep your education section positive and proactive. When creating a resume with no education to list, highlight the ways you've taken the initiative to learn and grow in your field rather than focusing on an incomplete or interrupted education. List any job-related training you've completed, either through your own initiative or your company's ...
When writing a resume without a degree, it is important to focus on your skills and attitude rather than formal training. Be sure to focus on your accomplishments, not your job duties. This is your chance to show employers what you are capable of and how your skills match the job description. Try to highlight the skills and experience that make ...
Hey guys! In this video, I am sharing the must-knows on how to building a resume when you have no degree, partial experience, or a degree but no experience a...
According to a 2019 report released by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, a group that tracks college completion rates, there is a college graduation gap that varies by ethnicity and race. Looking at students who began public four-year colleges in 2012, the group found that the national rate of college completion for white and Asian students was 72 and 77 percent, respectively ...
Here's how to write a resume when you have no formal work experience, step-by-step: Build My Resume. Our free-to-use resume builder can make you a resume in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you. 1. Choose the best format and style for your resume.
Here are some suggestions: If you started college but never finished, you can list the name of the school, years you attended and major. (If you want to focus on some relevant coursework taken ...
Pursuit Bond 2.0: $10M in impact investment to create a sustainable model for job training and provide economic mobility for more Americans. Learn more. You do NOT need a college degree or much work experience to write a resume for a tech job or our Fellowship in software development. Read our advice on how to make a great first impression ...
In terms of a layout, a resume's education section includes: Name of the institution. Degree. School location. Date of graduation. GPA (only when over 3.0) When wondering how to list education on resume: Start with your highest qualification and work your way back in reverse-chronological order.
How to format a resume with no experience: Follow the reverse-chronological order (i.e. put the most recent info up top). Add section headings to make your first-job resume easier to navigate. Use professional-looking fonts that are easy on the recruiter's eyes. Stick to the 11-12pt size range for regular text.
Step 1: Research the Position and Industry. In order to convey your "extensive, relevant experience," you need to know which skill set and experience are most prized by the employer for the type of position you are targeting. Reviewing job postings on Indeed is a good way to get started.
3. Take writing classes. Another step you can take toward a professional writing career is to take classes in specific areas of writing without earning a degree. Companies, colleges and seminars can allow you to develop and improve your writing skills without a degree.
Learn how to write a strong college graduate resume with our resume examples, template, and expert writing tips for new graduates. ... Recent college graduate with a degree in Political Science. Designed and led a state-wide polling project in New York to gauge public opinion on tort reform. Seeking to leverage 3.8 GPA and data analysis ...
[email protected] | 555-102-1234 | Indianapolis, Indiana | simpsonjess.portfolio.net. 3. Write a concise objective. An undergraduate resume objective is a brief section that outlines the benefits you can bring to the company. It's usually two to three sentences long and includes some of your key qualifications.
The goal of a first job resume is to demonstrate your value as an employee and show employers why hiring you would benefit their company: 1. Review the job description. Carefully review the job description and note any specific skills you have or requirements you can fulfill.
Pursuing a creative degree may not make you much money after college, and that's particularly true of creative writing. The publishing field isn't lucrative for many writers (unless you're a ...