What to Put in an Education Record for a Job Application
The education section of a job application or resume can quickly become overcrowded with useless information. Including the right information and framing it in a way a hiring manager or human resources professional can easily digest is often the difference between a standout application and one that quickly gets tossed in the garbage can.
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Degrees to the Top
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Your educational experience should be listed in reverse chronological order with your most recent completed educational experience at the top of the list. According to career help website The Rockport Institute, you should set your completed degrees from accredited institutions apart from your other educational credits. It's important that your prospective employer notices your college degrees and level of education. These degrees signify your ability to accomplish complicated tasks and speak to your overall level of expertise. Include your grade point average only if the average is at least a 3.5.
Accomplishments and Awards
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Note any awards you received through your educational experiences on your job application, including dean's list and membership in honors fraternities. You can list the dates these honors were received and any special commendations associated with them, such as speaking engagements and panel presentations. These accomplishments show your level of dedication and success within your field of study. Such notations can also set your application apart from other candidates who have similar educational qualifications.
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Special Training and Certifications
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If you completed any special training or certifications relevant to the position you're applying for, this information should be included after your completed degree programs. Avoid long-winded dialogue when describing your certifications, and include only information relevant to the position. If you scored particularly high on certification exams or placed in the top of your training class, you should include this information because it helps your application stand out to any human resources professional or hiring manager.
Degrees in Progress
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If you haven't completed your education yet, it's still a good idea to include your completed education thus far, along with your anticipated graduation date. Include your major and any completed job-relevant coursework. This helps a prospective employer determine if you have the skills to perform the duties of the position. When you indicate your anticipated graduation date, a prospective employer can make an accurate determination on when you will be available for full-time work. If the employer likes your application, company tuition reimbursement programs could help you pay for school if your degree is particularly useful to the business.
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