High School Diploma On Resume

Including a high school diploma on a resume can be a bit of a gray area, with different opinions on whether it’s necessary or not. The answer ultimately depends on the individual’s circumstances, the type of job they’re applying for, and the level of experience they have. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of when to include a high school diploma on a resume, how to do it effectively, and what other information you might want to consider including.

First, let’s address the question of whether a high school diploma is worth mentioning on a resume. The general rule of thumb is that if you’re a recent high school graduate or don’t have any other higher education or significant work experience, it’s okay to include your high school diploma. This is because it shows that you have a basic level of education and can be a starting point for discussing your skills and qualifications. However, if you have a college degree or significant work experience, it’s usually not necessary to include your high school diploma, as it’s implied that you have a high school education.

When deciding whether to include a high school diploma, consider the job you’re applying for and the requirements listed in the job description. If the job requires a high school diploma or equivalent, it’s a good idea to include it on your resume. Additionally, if you’re applying for a job in a field that values education, such as teaching or academia, including your high school diploma can be beneficial.

Now, let’s talk about how to include a high school diploma on a resume effectively. The key is to keep it concise and focused on the most important information. Here are a few tips:

• Keep it brief: Only include the name of the high school, the date of graduation, and any relevant honors or achievements.

• Use a standard format: Use a standard format for listing your education, such as:

  • High School Diploma, [Name of High School], [City, State]
  • Graduated: [Month, Year]
  • GPA: [GPA, if 3.0 or higher]
  • Relevant courses: [List relevant courses, if applicable]

• Emphasize achievements: If you have any notable achievements, such as being valedictorian or salutatorian, be sure to include them.

• Consider a functional resume: If you don’t have a lot of work experience, consider using a functional resume format, which emphasizes your skills and education rather than your work history.

In addition to including a high school diploma, there are other pieces of information you might want to consider including on your resume. These can help to paint a more complete picture of your skills, experience, and qualifications. Some examples include:

• Relevant coursework: If you’ve taken courses that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, be sure to include them on your resume.
• Extracurricular activities: If you participated in any extracurricular activities, such as sports or clubs, that demonstrate your skills or character, consider including them on your resume.
• Volunteer work: If you’ve done any volunteer work that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for, be sure to include it on your resume.
• Skills: Make sure to include any relevant skills you have, such as language proficiency, computer skills, or other technical skills.

In conclusion, including a high school diploma on a resume can be a good idea if you’re a recent graduate or don’t have any other higher education or significant work experience. The key is to keep it concise and focused on the most important information, and to consider including other relevant information, such as coursework, extracurricular activities, and skills. By following these tips and being honest about your educational background, you can create a strong resume that showcases your qualifications and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.