How to List Minimal Education on a Resume

Minimal education can be difficult to spin on a resume.

If you do not have a high school or college degree to list on your resume, you need to highlight your other credentials. Although minimal education might make you an unsuitable candidate for certain positions, many employers are more concerned with your work experience. Although you do not have to list education on your resume, avoid lying to potential employers if the subject comes up during interviews.

Instructions

1. Place work experience first and the education section last. Include all jobs, positions held and duties, along with contact information for the employer. Summarize each job in three to five lines.

2. Include high school information when relevant. If you have graduated high school, list the school and location. Do not list high school education if you have not received a diploma or passed the GED. You should not list elementary or middle schools on a resume.

3. List educational programs you are currently enrolled in. For instance, if enrolled in a bachelor's degree program, include the name of the school, your major and the expected date of degree completion. Add any courses you have taken that could be relevant to the job you are applying for.

4. Put down partial degree programs completed. For instance, give the name of the college, the dates you attended and the number of credits earned. Highlight any courses related to your career objectives.

5. Highlight any certifications you have completed as part of your work experience. As an alternative to an education section on a resume, include a professional development or certifications section. List all certifications, training seminars, conferences and noncredit courses completed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have taken only a class or two at a college, do not bother listing the programs on your resume. Also, avoid including multiple colleges you have attended without degree completion.

• If you had a high grade point average (GPA) during high school or college, include this information on your resume. Otherwise, leave your GPA off of your resume.

References

• Money-Zine: Writing an Entry-Level Resume
• Job Center of Wisconsin: Resume Writing-A Basic Guide
• Resume Power: Resume Dilemma: No Degree