writing a resume without college degree

No Degree? No Problem—Here’s How You Can Still Write a Winning Resume

I’ve been a career coach for years. And of the hundreds of clients I’ve worked with, I can’t think of a single one without a college degree who wasn’t worried that their lack of credentials would hold them back—or rule them out entirely—from their next job.

The assumption that you can’t be a compelling and qualified candidate for all kinds of incredible jobs without a college degree isn’t just a bummer, it’s simply not true. In fact, there are plenty of in-demand and high-paying jobs —including software developer, software sales representative, e-commerce manager, and executive assistant—that don’t require any college at all. So that’s good news.

That said, if you don’t have a college degree, you’re still going to be competing with candidates who do. And if you’re in a field where college degrees are more the norm than the exception, this means you need to be strategic as you create or amend your resume. As I always tell clients, if you think a reader will wonder or worry about something about your background, assume that they will and go on the offense. 

Let’s review some typical scenarios among non-degreed candidates and talk about how to address each on your resume. (If you’re a current student looking to apply to internships, part-time jobs, or other opportunities while your degree is in progress—so you technically don’t have one but will at a predictable time in the near future—you can follow the advice for writing a college resume  here .)

You Didn’t Finish Your Degree (and Don’t Have a Current Plan To)

Sometimes, you’re rolling along as an undergrad and life (or lack of funds) derails the plan. If you’re taking a short break, like a gap year, and know when you anticipate finishing your degree, you can list that expected date and approach your resume as a current student would. But in other cases, funds or circumstances make finishing your degree impractical and maybe you’ve decided you’re not planning to go back. Or you might intend to go back and complete the degree at some point, but you don’t have a current plan to do so with a clear timeline. Or maybe you discovered that college just isn’t your jam, and you want to focus on other things. That’s A-OK.

Just don’t sell yourself short by omitting the details of your schooling from your resume. 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. Here’s what that might look like:

Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI Coursework toward B.S., Accounting (Data Analytics, Financial Planning & Analysis, Internal/External Audit)

You Didn’t Go to College (But Took Professional Courses)

Here’s another common scenario: You didn’t do college, but you’ve taken professional courses—whether it’s a leadership program or a coding bootcamp—that have provided you with relevant and beneficial skills. Mention them! I’d set them up right in the education section. (In fact, leaving the education section completely off your resume may be a red flag for both the applicant tracking system and the human reviewer.)

A while back, I coached a client who had worked in the automotive industry for 20+ years. He was the head of a large car dealership yet hadn’t spent a day in college. What he had done, however, was take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow professionally, including enrolling in a rigorous leadership development program offered through a professional association.

Through my work with him, I learned recruiters view candidates who completed that program quite favorably. So we made it extremely easy to find on his resume, as a bullet point in his summary and in his education section. The summary bullet looked like this:

• NADA Academy graduate with authoritative knowledge of operational best practices, financial management, cost controls, compensation structuring, and policy/program development.

And here’s what his education section looked like:

North American Dealers Association (NADA) Academy 2018 Graduate—Curriculum in Business Leadership, Fixed & Variable Operations, Financial Management

Arizona State University (Online) Leadership Principles Course

You Didn’t Go to College (But Have Valuable Licenses or Certifications)

Similarly, you’ll find plenty of professions that don’t mandate a degree but do either require or strongly favor candidates with certain licenses or certifications . For instance, if you’re an IT project manager with PMP (Project Management Professional) and Scrum Master certifications, that’s money. Or if you’re working to shift into a job as a residential real estate appraiser, you should absolutely mention that real estate license on your resume. In short, if you’ve got licenses or certifications that will give you even a slight advantage, make sure you make them easy to find on your resume.

I would set them up in their own section vs. just putting them in your education section or making a passing mention of them elsewhere in the resume. Here’s how it might look for an IT professional:

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE

• CompTIA Security+ Certification
• CISSP (Certified Information System Security Professional)
• Certified Scrum Master

The more directly relevant the certification is to the job you’re applying to, the higher up on the list it should be. You can also mention the most valuable credentials up in the summary section, much like the examples above.

You Didn’t Go to College (But Have Directly Relevant Experience)

So what if you didn’t go to college and don’t have any certifications but still want to (or do) work in an industry that values higher education? Is this realistic? Depends.

If a company flat-out requires the degree, you may need to consider targeting their competition or refining your search. Sometimes, organizations have unbending policies related to education and you probably won’t get far with them.

However, plenty of companies know and appreciate talent when they see it and will make an exception if you show them very clearly (and quickly) that you’re not just a plausible match, you’re even better than the standard degreed candidate.

I call this flipping the script. You turn what could very well be perceived as a liability or dealbreaker as a decided advantage. Here’s an example: I had a client who worked in marketing within the sporting goods industry. He had progressed rapidly within his company despite having never attended college or pursuing any additional schooling. What was remarkable was that most of his colleagues—including those he now managed—were college graduates, many of whom had also been student athletes at big name universities.

What was his secret? He had experience that gave him an edge. Beyond his current management role, he’d also been an avid skateboarder since his youth, and he’d opened a small skateboard shop in his hometown right after high school. This early experience—which he gained while others his age were earning degrees—gave him direct perspective on the wants and needs of consumers and immersive knowledge of youth culture.

As he worked to land a senior leadership role, we knew this experience had to be front and center on his resume. We included it in the summary section and spelled it out with clarity in his experience section. Here’s how the summary bullet read:

• A marketing leader with authoritative knowledge of youth culture. Having been at the epicenter of the skateboarding community since youth, consistently delivers consumer-first products and strategies.

And here’s how we outlined the job that we knew would help set him apart from his traditionally schooled competitors:

STEEZY SK8 , San Diego, CA,  2004–2007 Owner At age 18, launched and led a retail store that was named the 2006 Board Retailers Association “Snowboard Retailer of the Year.” This experience provided an invaluable look at skateboarding and its profound influence on global pop culture.

Look for every opportunity to turn a perceived liability into your secret weapon as you construct or refine your resume for that next great job. Surely, college degrees can be advantageous or required for certain roles. But many employers are simply looking for the best candidates for the job. Make sure your resume does the heavy lifting in announcing that’s you.

• Resume Templates
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Builder
• How to Write a Resume
• Resume Format
• Resume Packs
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Examples
• Free Cover Letter Generator
• How To Write a Cover Letter
• CV Templates
• CV Examples
• Free CV Maker
• Resume Help
• Cover Letter Help
• Job Interview
• Career Advice

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

you might also like

Real Estate Resume Example and Tips

Registered Nurse (RN) Resume Example and Writing Tips

Persuasive Preschool Teacher Resume Example And Tips

Plumber Resume Example and Writing Tips

Massage Therapist Resume Example and Tips

Leave a response cancel reply.

• • 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

Your no degree resume must be a testament to your skills and experiences. Highlight the expertise you've acquired, not the diplomas you haven't. Show potential employers how you've successfully applied your knowledge in real-world situations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your worth and stand out from the crowd.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

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

How to Include a Hackathon on a Resume in 2024

How to write a resume personal statement (with examples), how to explain employment gap on resume, why i put "immigrant" on my resume, spot the red flags: how to know if a job is a scam, overqualified for a job tips to overcome this hurdle.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

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.

A great resume is an important part of a successful internship application.

June 20, 2022

A grad school CV is an important part of applying for post-graduate positions.

March 27, 2024

VP Marketing & Resume Expert

The good news: you're graduating! The bad news: now the job hunt begins. Thankfully, we've put together a guide for job hunting as a student.

May 27, 2022

Content Manager & Resume Expert

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

Select Your Language:

(800) 644-9694

[email protected]

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

Share This Article, Choose Your Platform!

Popular & related blog posts.

Widely recognized as one of the industry’s longest-standing resume writing firms and an industry pioneer on the internet, Distinctive Career Services (aka Distinctive Documents) is respected for our unmatched expertise, quality, and commitment to clients. Since 1996, we have met the resume development and career marketing needs of well over 10,000 discriminating professionals in all 50 U.S. states and internationally.

Recent Posts

Tips & Advice

• Affiliate Partner Program
• Service Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement

© Copyright 1996 – 2023 | Distinctive Career Services, LLC    |   All Rights Reserved   |   Phone: 800-644-9694

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

5 College Student No Experience Resume Examples & Templates [Edit Free]

College Student No Experience Resume

• College Student No Experience 2
• College Student No Experience 3
• College Student No Experience 4
• College Student No Experience 5
• Resume Writing 101

Sometimes, ambitious college students can’t wait to start working. Janee considered how to show value on her resume as a grad: Dreaming of working as a business analyst at Resource Data fueled her to research the company and think of relevant college achievements.

Janee recalled real projects from her degree in math and economics that saved a local manufacturer thousands. Even her stint as basketball captain highlighted her ability to organize, boost morale, and drive positive results.

Referencing her class movie recommendation project and the time her random forest model outperformed projections by 19 percent, Janee topped off her college student no experience resume with a career objective . Bam—hired. Try our resume templates for yourself; we can’t wait to applaud your success, too!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Follow Janee’s college student no experience resume and make the most out of your project work to showcase your abilities in programming, modeling, data visualization, and teamwork. Finally, celebrate your victory lap with a well-crafted career objective.

College Student No Experience 2 Resume

College Student No Experience 3 Resume

College Student No Experience 4 Resume

College Student No Experience 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Current College Student
• College Student Internship
• College Graduate
• Grad School
• College Student

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Background Experience

When you lack experience, your skills become more important than ever! As a college student, you now have a nice, clear understanding of what you can do, and recruiters want to know all about it.

Make sure you list skills that are relevant to your field. For example: If you’re eager to step into the world of business analysis, then prioritize technical skills and highly relevant abilities.

And make sure those skills are worded in a deliberate and specific way, too! The last thing you want is to sound too apathetic about your future role to dig deeper than the usual generic terms on your resume.

Here are some examples of more specific skills you can use to show off your potential:

9 Best College Student No Experience Skills

• scikit-learn
• Linear Regressions
• Logistic Regressions
• Data Reporting
• Google Sheets

Sample College Student No Experience Work Experience Bullet Points

Now we’re on to the fun part! No really: It’s time to get creative and look for some nifty spins to put on your past projects and internships. Class groups, teams, clubs, and volunteer initiatives can all be used to demonstrate your ability to make the most of your skills, too.

Just make sure that anything you include is highly relevant to the field you want to work in! Use those sharp, specific skills you honed earlier to recall examples of experiences when you used them.

And always measure the impact you had when you reached those milestones! Use quantifiable data to back up your achievements and make them look way more credible:

• Reported to executives during business analytics class and initiated re-evaluation of resource allocation, saving $47K in vendor costs
• Aggregated data from Rotten Tomatoes and used k-nearest-neighbors in scikit-learn to improve recommendation system for personal tastes, boosting positive feedback by 12%
• Organized a community outreach for the university basketball team to train at-risk high school students and boost morale, leading high school teams to win 92% of total games
• Compiled and prepped 4 years of fantasy football projection data from 8 independent sources into a MySQL database, boosting positive ratings by 14%

Top 5 Tips for Your College Student No Experience Resume

• I know, I know, we just talked about it, but this really is a crucial aspect of your resume! When you don’t have any job experience yet, you’ll really need to hand-pick the most relevant bits and pieces of as many projects and college teams as you can.
• Many people hear “one page” and assume that filling their resume page is as important as limiting themselves to one page only. But this isn’t the case: Just focus on your best relevant achievements and allow some white space for things to breathe.
• Get strategic about your skill placement. Group similar types of skills together, such as everything related to Python, followed by everything related to data analytics, and so on.
• By all means, try out as many of our resume templates as you can! But while you compare them, keep a deliberate eye out for which one makes your college and project history look the fullest and most impressive.
• Keeping your experience examples sleek and to-the-point demonstrates your ability to get things done and convey info efficiently. You don’t have time to ramble since recruiters have to read things quickly!

Honestly, this isn’t something to worry much about: As long as it’s all together in one place and easy for recruiters to spot at a glance, you’re fine.

Customize it for each job description . It’s easy: All you need to do is reference the job description again and grab some key phrases and buzzwords to switch out in your resume, and boom: You’re now delivering a hand-tailored resume that’s designed to impress!

In our honest opinion, writing a cover letter is better. You get the best of both worlds: Your project and educational history will be able to take center stage while you use your cover letter to detail your qualifications in greater depth than you’d be able to with an objective statement.

Do you need help with your resume?

Hey, thanks for checking out BeamJobs!

Want to make a resume or get feedback on one you have?

Cool, we’ll review your resume and let you know how you can improve it.

• We’ll show you how, step-by-step • Real, practical tips and tools • 100% free

Get a FREE Executive Resume Template to help you improve your resume.

A+ BBB Rating

A+ BBB Rating | Personalized 1:1 Consultations | 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed | 3-5 Business Day Delivery | 17K Executives Served Since 2008

Personalized 1:1 Consultations

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

3-5 Business Day Delivery

17K Executives Served Since 2008

• Memberships + Services
• Job Seeker Central
• Expert Resume Review Service
• Resume Writing Workshop: Resume-In-A-Day
• LinkedIn Unlocked: A LinkedIn Course for Job Seekers
• The Cover Letters Made Simple Course
• Resume Templates
• The Analytical Ace Resume Template
• The Polished Professional Resume Template
• The Educated Expert Resume Template
• The Modern Entry-Level Template
• The Strategic Entry-Level Resume Template
• Entry-Level Resume Templates Bundle
• Job Search Guides
• The Virtual Interviews Made Simple Guide
• The Job Search Scam Guidebook
• The Complete Guide to Employment References
• The Complete Guide to Connecting with Hiring Managers
• The Cover Letters Made Simple Guide & Template Pack
• The Job Search Ecosystem Bundle
• Success Stories

Resume Writing Tips

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!

Share this post:

Explore more like this:.

How to Find and Convey What Sets You Apart on Your Resume

3 Executive Resume Strategies to Fast-Track A Stalled Job Search

Write Your Executive Resume Like A Pro

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.

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Improve Your Resume: Download Your Free Executive Resume Template Today

Are you struggling to create an executive resume that will impress employers? Download this free executive resume template and receive a series of 10 emails with expert guidance on how to write resume content that resonates with employers so you get more interviews.

It's everything you need to stand out, make an impression, and accelerate your job search.

Work with Us

How to Write a Resume With No Experience [Tips & Examples]

So, you’re fresh out of school and about to write your very first resume? And now you’re worried about how to write a resume with no experience?

What you have to remember is that everyone (and I mean e v e r y o n e) who has ever written a resume, wrote their first resume without any experience to add to it. And so can you. With this guide in hand, and our no experience resume examples, you’ll have your first resume written in no time. 

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

• How to write your first resume
• What to add to your resume with no work experience

How to highlight your skills and strengths in a resume with no experience

• How to format a no experience resume

And lastly you’ll find examples of resumes with no work experience. 

Let’s get crackin’. 

How to write a resume with no experience

First of all you’ll need to decide on a resume format . You might be tempted to use either the functional or the hybrid resume format but our recommendation is to stick to the trusted reverse chronological resume format. Recruiters love this format and they are very familiar with it. 

The sections in your resume will be:

• Header (contact information and your profile)

Internships, extracurricular activities, projects, volunteer work

In this setup emphasis is on your education and section 3 (internships, extracurricular activities, projects, and volunteer work) will go instead of classic work experience. 

In a regular resume you would have your work history section between the header and education. However, since you don’t have that (yet) you’ll need to focus your resume around other elements and replace work history with your education. 

Adding your education to your resume instead of work experience is the next best thing to actual work experience. Think about it; you’ve just spent maybe four to five years learning a trade, getting new skills, and gaining the newest of knowledge. That’s worth a lot!

With that settled, let’s move on. We’ll start from the top of your resume - the header section. 

Resume header section

In your header you’ll need to add your contact details: 

• First name and last name
• Title (describing the position you’re applying for)
• Phone number
• Address (street name and city will suffice)
• Email address
• Link to your professional profile (like your Linkedin profile or a personal webpage/portfolio)

An important side note to your contact details is to make sure you have a professional sounding email address. You’re not going to impress a recruiter with your old yahoo or hotmail address from preschool ([email protected]). If you don’t have one already, create one along the lines of [email protected]. 

Part of your header section is also your profile text (also known as a summary or a resume objective). 

Your profile text is a short summary where you (very shortly) describe how you fit into the role you’re applying for. It should only be about 3-4 sentences long. If you’re feeling uninspired, perhaps it’s time to bring in AI and ChatGPT for your resume .

Education section

As mentioned earlier, in a classic resume the first section is most often the work experience section. However, in a resume with no experience, your education section will be the first one the recruiters see. As such you should take extra care to make this section interesting and relevant. After all, your education will be your number one selling point when you’re fresh out of school. 

Here’s how you do it:

• Name of your degree
• Name of the institution you attended
• Years attended

You may also choose to include any of the following optional elements: GPA (if it’s 3.5 or higher), honors, relevant coursework, and exchange programs. 

The most important thing to remember is that any optional element you choose to include has to be ultra relevant to the job position. Otherwise you’re better off leaving it out. 

One of the questions we frequently get is whether or not to include the high school degree as well as college degree. Our answer is always the same: only include your high school degree if this is your only degree. If you have a higher degree like a college degree, then your high school degree becomes redundant. 

Alright, we’ve covered the basics of your resume with no experience. Now it’s time to move on with alternatives to your missing work experience. In comes internships, extracurricular activities, projects, and volunteer work. 

Below we’ll go through each alternative. 

Internships

Internships are a great way to gain work experience to add to your resume. If you have relevant internship experience, here’s how you add it: 

Place it after your education section.

Now add the details about your internship. What was your role? Be specific here. If you were in the sales department, write Sales Intern. 

Next up are the details of the company you interned with. That means writing down the company name, location, and the duration of your internship. In that order. 

Last step is to add a list of your responsibilities in bullet form. If you have any tangible achievements or results, add them in as well. But you’re not quite done yet. To finish off your internship section you need to tailor both your responsibilities and achievements to the job position you’re applying for.

Sales Intern

Company ABC

Denver, Colorado

07/2019 - 10/2019

• Participated in weekly sales meetings
• Part of a sales team with the most revenue
• Wrote 10 sales pitches for Company ABC’s products

Extracurricular activities

Another great way of showing your potential new employer your worth is through your extracurricular activities. They will show the hiring manager that you’re hard working and motivated. It demonstrates what type of person you are. 

Extracurricular activities could be

• Organizing events

Student council

• Playing a musical instrument
• Clubs you’re involved in

Here’s how you should add extracurricular activities to your resume with no experience (example below): 

• Title: extracurricular activities
• Organization/type of activity
• Time period
• Responsibilities and achievements

Served as Student Council President for two semesters

07/2018 - 07/2019

• Organized Spring Ball of 2019
• Arranged large United Nations event with speakers from abroad
• Responsible for all activities for new students 2019

Still got plenty of space left on your resume? Time to bring out your projects and add those in. 

You can add your capstone project, your research project, your graduating thesis, or maybe a personal side project. 

Here’s how you add your projects to your resume (example below):

• Title: Projects
• Name of the project
• Organization related to the project
• Type of project and short description
• Optional: responsibilities and achievements (if relevant)

How Businesses Can Pivot in a Time of Change

Fresno City College

01/2020 - 06/2020

Research project where the scope was to evaluate how businesses during changing and challenging times can pivot their focus and earning possibilities.

• Constructed and conducted quantitative research in the form of a questionnaire
• Analyzed data from more than 100 respondents (companies)
• Performed in-depth qualitative research (personal interviews) with 20 respondents

Volunteer work

Last, but definitely not least, is volunteer work. This is a great addition to your resume if you don’t have much work experience yet. It shows you care about your community and that you’re a dedicated person. Employers LOVE that. 

Here’s how you add volunteer work to your resume (example below). 

• Title: Volunteer work 
• Name of the organization/type of volunteer work
• Your (relevant) tasks and responsibilities (in bullet points)

Community Service: Tutored children after school

Fresno Elementary School

06/2019 - 10/2020

• Tutored 5 kids aged 11-12 years in algebra 
• Coordinated assignments - up to 3 per week per kid
• Evaluated work and improved motivation to learn

We’ve spent some time going over what to add to your resume instead of work experience. Now let’s move on to your skills. First of all, did you know that you need to separate your skills into soft and hard skills ? 

Hard skills are the ones you learn through either education or experience. Soft skills are also known as interpersonal skills and are often part of your personality. You can think of soft skills as the habits that describe how you work. They’re not tied to a specific job but are instead transferable. 

Examples of soft skills are patience, assertiveness, competitiveness, empathy, and tolerance. 

Examples of hard skills are accounting, design, research, teaching, and analysis.

When you write a resume for your first job we recommend that you go for the hard skills. They refer to specific tools, technical knowledge, and training. They apply directly to the job and will make you stand out. 

Here’s how you add your skills to your resume: 

• Look through the job description
• Note down all requirements to the position
• Match them with your own skills

Now add them in a specific skills section of your resume. It can look something like this. 

Examples of resumes with no work experience

Below we’ve provided you with some examples of resumes with no work experience. Feel free to copy and use the parts that work for you.

Junior Assistant Resarcher resume example made with our student resume template

Junior Assistant Resarcher resume text you can copy and use

Nathan Clarke Junior Assistant Researcher

Personal Information

1323 Center Avenue 93721 Fresno, CA Tel: 559-442-8787 Email: [email protected]

Highly motivated student in Communications with strong analytical skills. Have performed research to multiple assistant teachers at faculty and helped build up a knowledge database for the students to use.

Key skills include:

• Analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data
• Insights into human behavior and persuasion

Communication - Fresno City College, Fresno, CA

2018 - Present

Relevant coursework:

• Consumer Behavior
• Interpersonal Communication and Persuasion
• Social Media

Sales Intern - Company ABC, Fresno, California

July 2019 - October 2019

How Businesses Can Pivot in a Time of Change - Fresno City College

January 2020 - June 2020

Professional skills

Data analysis (qualitative and quantitative)

• Qualitative and quantitative research
• Project management
• Written presentations
• Public speaking
• Questionnaires for quantitative research
• Planning and conducting interviews
• Organizational skills

English - written and verbal Native

Spanish - written and verbal Proficient

German - written Proficient

• Tutored 5 kids aged 12-14 years in algebra - all of whom were struggling with the subject to the point of failing
• 4 out of 5 kids improved their results with up to 1.2 GPA

Junior Developer resume example made with our student resume template

Junior Developer resume text you can copy and use

Kelli Wang Agile and Execution Driven Junior Programmer

2273 Isaacs Creek Road Fowler, IL 62338 Tel: 300 555 666 Email: [email protected]

Upcoming BSSE graduate offering a strong foundation in software engineering and programming principles across multiple platforms.

Experienced in object-oriented programming; developing, testing and debugging code; designing interfaces; and administering systems and networks.

Quickly learn and master new technologies; successful working in both team and self-directed settings.

BS in Computer Science - Boston University, Boston, MA

August 2017 - Present

• Academic Honors: Boston University's Metropolitan College Program Achievement Citation (2018), Dean’s List (3 semesters)
• Senior Software Engineering Design Project (in progress)

Minor in Computer Forensics - Fisher College, Boston, MA

August 2016 - July 2018

Senior Software Engineering Design Project (in progress):

September 2019 - Present

• Project Scope: Currently working as part of a three-member team on fraud detection in payments using machine learning
• Analyzed functional requirements, developed code and currently testing software applications.
• Tools: Visual Studio .Net, C# and ASP.Net

Work Experience

Software developer - ingenixo, boston, ma.

July 2018 - Present

Currently working as a part time developer for Ingenixo

• Partnered with QC team to perform experimental software runs, ending the need for outside assistance and saving the company over $20,000 in past six months.
• Instituted new coding verification protocols (Nov 2018), which led to a 12% reduction in reported coding errors.
• Write SQL queries and statements; investigate and resolve application errors.
• Design and implement software that utilizes XML and web services.

Technical Skills

• Webpage development

English Native

Mandarin Native

Spanish Proficient

Extracurricular Activity

• Part of the math club.
• Part of the web design and coding club.
• Reading and learning about programming and startups.
• Volunteering at the local start up café.
• Building my paid newsletter about my practises and learnings on: kwang.substack.com

Takeaways 

In conclusion, if you don’t have a lot of actual work experience yet, don’t fret. There’s plenty to add to your resume. The most important takeaway is to keep the content of your resume ultra relevant and make sure you tell your story. 

• Own your existing experience head on 
• Be honest about your work experience
• Be brief and to the point

Don’t:

• Try to cover up the fact that you don’t have much experience
• Over explain why you don’t have a lot of experience
• Use a functional resume format

And that’s it! Are you ready to write your first resume? 

Build My Resume now

Other popular resources

The CV Format Recruiters Hate [examples]

Discover the difference between a chronological CV format and a functional CV format. Learn when to choose one format over another.

CV vs. Resume: Differences and When to Use Them?

What is the difference between a CV and a resume? Learn more about the two documents and discover when to use a CV vs. a resume.

Follow Up Email After a Job Interview [Examples 2024]

Get our best advice and tips for writing a follow up email after you’ve been to a job interview. See best practices and examples.

Need a Professional CV or Resume?

This feature is not available yet,

Download Your Eye-Catching Resume Now!

To download your resume simply upgrade to Premium Membership. You’ll gain instant full access to all our features.

• Unlimited PDF Downloads
• Unlimited Resumes
• Unlimited Cover Letters
• Access to all templates
• Cancel any time

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• CV and Cover Letter
• How to Add an Expected...

How to Add an Expected Graduation to Your Resume + Examples

9 min read · Updated on August 13, 2024

Yes, you should include your expected graduation date on your resume.

You've been working hard for the past few years to make the grades and graduate from college. Now, that imminent graduation date is approaching, and you're excited about what lies ahead while also being a bit nervous about landing a job and starting life in the “real world.”  

It's okay. Some nerves are to be expected as you begin your job search journey. Fortunately, you have plenty of resources at your fingertips to support you in that journey, like this post.  

One of the first steps any college graduate has to take to land a job, similar to job candidates at any level, is to craft a well-written resume to garner the attention of prospective employers. As a soon-to-be college graduate, one common consideration as you embark on this task is whether you should include your expected graduation on your resume. 

In this post, we cover:

When to include an expected graduation date for college on your resume

When you shouldn't include an expected graduation on your resume

How to include an expected graduation on your resume

Tips on writing your education section

Expected graduation date resume examples

Pro tip: As you continue your college courses, bear in mind that you want to begin applying for jobs before you graduate. It's best to begin searching for jobs at least a semester prior to your graduation. It's common for employers to present job offers to college students before they graduate.  

Should you include an expected graduation date for college on your resume?

In short, yes, if you're on the traditional college path and know what your graduation date is expected to be, you should include that expected graduation date on your resume. Sharing your expected graduation date helps potential employers understand your current academic status and when you will be available for full-time work. It also presents them with information that helps define your level of experience – i.e., that you should be considered an entry-level candidate with little to no work experience for open positions.

But what if you're not on the traditional college path or going straight through college? Let's take a deeper dive into this question based on different scenarios that might define your situation.

Should I include an expected graduation on my resume if I'm far from graduating?

Suppose you still have a ways to go before you graduate or have just started a program. In that case, it can still be beneficial to include an expected graduation on your resume. This is especially true if you're applying for internships or co-ops during college. 

However, if your graduation date is more than a couple of years away, another option to consider using is “Anticipated Graduation Date” vs. “Expected Graduation Date,” since a lot of things can happen over a four-year period that could impact your graduation date.

Should I include an expected graduation on my resume if I'm taking a break from college?

It's not uncommon for students to take a break from college for various reasons today. You might be taking a semester off to clarify your goals or to gain experience through travel or work. Regardless, if you're still on the course to finish college, you should include your expected graduation date on your resume. To reiterate, this information is relevant to prospective employers when you're applying for jobs that commence after you complete your college degree. 

What information should I include if I'm not completing or didn't complete my degree?

If you didn't complete your studies to graduate or you know you're not going to complete your degree, then you won't have an expected graduation date to include. If you did include an expected graduation date under these circumstances, it would lack integrity, which is no way to start your job search journey. Instead, you will include the dates you attended following the degree you were pursuing, with the relevant coursework you completed. We include an example of how to do this near the end of this post.  

When should you not include expected graduation on your resume?

There are several reasons why including an expected graduation date on your resume is a smart idea. There are also a couple of reasons why you don't need to or shouldn't include it.

It's not relevant to the job you're applying to. It might be that you're applying for a job that doesn't require a college degree, or it's a part-time job that isn't related to your degree. In those cases, you don't need to include your expected graduation on your resume. 

You're not yet in college. If you haven't started college courses yet, don't include anything related to a college degree on your resume, even if you know for certain that you're going to college. Only include your college degree once you're in college, and at that time, include your expected or anticipated graduation date.

How to include an expected graduation date on your resume

When including an expected graduation on your resume:

Place it in the Education section next to the degree you're pursuing.

Include only your expected graduation date. Leave off the start date.

Use one of the standard formatting options and the mm/yyyy style for your date. 

In terms of what belongs in your education section, here are the required pieces of information if you have recently received or are pursuing a college degree:

Name of the degree

Issuing institution

Expected graduation date if still in college

If you recently graduated, you can include your graduation date, as well, though it's not required.

Here are the optional pieces of information you can include if you're a student or recent college graduate:

Grade point average (GPA) if you achieved a 3.5 or higher

Academic awards, like Dean's List or Latin honors, which include cum laude , magna cume laude , and summa cum laude  

Scholarships

Relevant coursework

Academic projects

Certifications achieved through academic coursework

As you advance in your career after landing your first job, it's good to know that people who graduated from college more than two years ago or have at least a couple of years of work experience under their belts should leave items like GPA, Dean's list, and scholarships off their resume. Employers are most interested in the degree obtained. 

Based on personal circumstances, it can still be beneficial to include academic-related information, like Latin honors, relevant coursework, projects, and certifications, as an experienced hire. 

When in doubt, you can always hire a professional resume writer to guide you.  

Tips for adding education and graduation information to your resume

Below are some tips to consider as you craft your resume's Education section.

Emphasize your education in lieu of experience

If you're a student or soon-to-be college graduate with little relevant work experience to include on your resume, you'll list your education above your work experience. If you happen to have a sufficient amount of relevant experiences, like internships, co-ops, work-study, or leadership roles in extracurricular activities, then you'll include your Work Experience section before your Education section. In either case, the name of your degree should always be listed first, with any additional details you choose to include coming after.

Include relevant coursework

If you've completed coursework relevant to the job you're applying for but haven't yet graduated, including such information on your resume can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. List these courses under a subheading like "Relevant Coursework" within your Education section to highlight your specialized knowledge.

When writing an expected graduation date, it's important to keep it concise and clear. For instance, instead of writing "Expected to graduate in the spring semester of 2023," use any of the following formatting options following your degree:

Expected Graduation: May 2023

(expected May 2023)

(expected graduation May 2023)

Expected: May 2023

Expected 5/2023

Any of these options provide the necessary information in a more digestible format and don't take up as much space on your resume. Use the formatting that looks the best on your resume as a whole. In most instances, shorter is better.  

Use reverse-chronological formatting

The most used formatting option for resumes is the reverse-chronological format . If you have more than one degree, include your most recent degree first and work backward. The same goes for your Work Experience section – begin with your most recent experience first.

Use consistent formatting

Be consistent with the formatting you use throughout your resume. In other words, the date format you use in the Education section should be the same as what you use in your Work Experience section. The same goes for the type of font and bullet points you might use. 

Always remember that honesty is crucial when listing your GPA or expected graduation date. Misrepresenting this information could lead to complications down the line if an employer finds out that you won't be graduating when initially stated or have a lower GPA. 

Only include your GPA if it's 3.5 or higher. If there are uncertainties about your graduation timeline due to factors like double majors or part-time status, consider using "Anticipated Graduation Date" instead of “Expected Graduation Date.”

Now, let's take a look at some examples of how the above guidance all comes together on a resume. 

1. Expected graduation date example

Bachelor of Business Administration | ABC UniversityExpected Graduation: May 2024

2. Expected graduation date example with GPA

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (expected May 2024)WXY UniversityGPA 3.6

3. Expected graduation date example with honors

Bachelor of Science in Political Science (expected August 2025)XYZ UniversityDean's List, 4 semesters

4. Expected graduation date example with GPA and coursework

Bachelor of Arts — Clinical Psychology | Expected December 2024ABC University

COURSES: Abnormal Psychology, Psychology Theories and Techniques, Trauma-informed Approaches to Treatment, Childhood Development, Basic Pharmacology 

5. Expected graduation date example with multiple and advanced degrees

Master of Education - Counseling (expected May 2025)BBB CollegeBachelor of Art - Psychology ( cum laude ), 2023University of AAA

6. Example with incomplete degree and relevant coursework

Bachelors in MarketingXYZ UniversitySept. 2020 to Dec. 2022

Relevant courses: Introduction to Marketing Communications, Business Statistics, Marketing Analytics, Internet Marketing, Advanced Marketing Techniques 

Expected graduation on a resume is expected

Including expected graduation on a resume is necessary if you want to give prospective employers a clear idea as to your availability for work. Use the information provided here to guide you in incorporating your expected graduation on your resume, and best of luck with your job search!

Are you still wondering the best way to include expected graduation on your resume? Why not submit your resume for a free resume review and let our experts help you decide?

Recommended reading:

How to Include a Minor on Your Resume

How to Check if My Resume Is ATS-Friendly for Free

Hard Skills Explained (and the Top 8 for Your Resume)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Resume Templates

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our user-friendly tool and secure employment quickly.

Resume examples for 217 jobs

Writing the perfect resume with our help just got easier. Check our resume guides for the job you desire.

Most Popular Resume Examples

Featured articles

• Free Online Certifications to Add to Your Resume
• Make Shadowing Hours a Part of Your Resume
• How to Decline a Job Offer but Keep the Door Open

Latests articles

• The Definitive Guide to Resume Review With AI
• How to Write a Resume for Skills-Based Hiring
• How to Show Your Achievements on a Resume: STAR & CAR Methods
• Improve Your LinkedIn Profile Using ChatGPT
• 5 Tips for Using ChatGPT in Your Interview Prep

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Make use of expert tips & tricks to to help you build the perfect resume

How to Succeed Without College [+ Best Jobs for Dropouts]

Looking to forge your own path to success without a college degree ? You’re not alone! 

Ever heard of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs?  We thought so.

While a college degree can be beneficial, there are plenty of successful people out there who have never set foot inside a university, or dropped out before completing their degree. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss exactly how to succeed without a degree, as well as provide a list of some of the best jobs for dropouts to get you started on your own way toward success. 

But that’s not all. We also want to show you how our free online resume builder can help you stand out from other non-college grads.

So, if you’re ready to start shaping your own journey, keep reading!

What Are the Disadvantages of Not Having a College Degree?

While it’s no secret that those who do not graduate from college may face a variety of challenges , the “no-college-no-job myth is exactly that – just a myth. Data from the BLS in February 2022 showed that unemployment rates among high school graduates without a college degree were impressively low.

However, it is true that college dropouts need to work hard at polishing their skills to overcome certain limitations , such as:

• Uncertainty regarding the most suitable career options based on their strengths
• Difficulty in identifying the appropriate resources to seek assistance
• Absence of a professional network
• Discrimination from some hiring managers due to their lack of a college degree
• Lack of insight about the best opportunities for dropouts
• Difficulty in creating a compelling job application

In the next section, we’re going to discuss several strategies you can use to succeed without a college education. 

Strategies for Succeeding Without College

Navigating career opportunities for dropouts can be daunting, but there are strategies you can employ to succeed without college.

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Use Career Resources to Understand Your Options

One challenge that dropouts may encounter is a lack of insight regarding the best opportunities available to them.

There are several approaches to address this challenge:

• Seek guidance from career counselors or mentors who can provide insights on alternative career paths.
• Look for mentorship programs . Connecting with experienced professionals can provide guidance and advice based on their own experiences. They can offer insights into the skills and qualifications needed to succeed.
• Attend job fairs and networking events to gain exposure to various job opportunities and connect with employers in non-traditional fields.
• Leverage online resources , such as job search engines and industry-specific websites, to learn about current job trends and growth areas in the workforce.

With the right resources and a determined attitude, you can achieve your goals and find fulfilling employment opportunities that align with your interests and strengths .

2. Create a Network

This is a helpful approach not only to getting the job but also to thriving in it as well. Networking can be achieved through a variety of methods:

• Attending industry events and conferences
• Joining professional organizations or associations
• Looking for work shadowing opportunites.
• Utilizing social media platforms
• Reaching out to acquaintances for advice

By fostering strong relationships with professionals in your field of choice, you can enhance your prospects and get valuable support throughout your career.

3. Know What Hiring Managers Are Looking For

College dropouts may face prejudices and biases from recruiters who view a lack of a college degree as a negative factor. 

However, there are several ways to overcome these biases and demonstrate your value to potential employers. 

By understanding what hiring managers are looking for , they can better position themselves to land a job and advance in their career:

• Relevant work experience: Seek out internships , volunteer opportunities, or part-time jobs. These experiences can provide valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied to future job opportunities.
• Communication and problem-solving skills : Emphasize group projects, volunteer work, or leadership roles in extracurricular activities.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and grow : This can be done by highlighting any personal or professional development initiatives, such as online courses, certifications, or self-directed learning projects.

Taking proactive steps to develop relevant skills and experiences will increase your chances of finding meaningful employment and building a successful career.

4. Draft a Powerful Application

To create an effective application, it is essential to highlight alternative forms of education that you have pursued since leaving college. This could include:

• Online courses
• Vocational training programs
• Apprenticeships
• Self-directed learning 

By demonstrating your willingness and ability to pursue education outside the traditional college system , you can show that you are committed to personal and professional growth.

Also, remember to emphasize transferable skills you have developed through your experiences since leaving college, such as:

• Spoken and written communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Project management experience
• Leadership qualities 

In addition to these two key points, it is important to present a clear and compelling narrative that explains why you left college and how you have grown and developed since then. 

Be honest about your reasons for leaving college, but focus on the positive steps you have taken since then to pursue your goals and build your skills and knowledge.

Overall, a powerful application for a college dropout should showcase your commitment to learning and growth, as well as your valuable skills and experience. 

5. Unleash Your Full Potential With Our Resume Builder

Our resume builder is an extremely valuable tool for college dropouts who want to increase their chances in the job market. 

With its user-friendly interface , powerful features, and customization options, it can help you take the next step in your career.

Choose a template and fill it out in just a few minutes. Take advantage of our expert guidance and use pre-written texts to speed up the process. 

Example of Listing an Unfinished Degree on Your Resume

You don’t need to write anything like ‘incomplete’ with the degree. List the institution, location and dates as usual, and include the courses that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

That way the recruiter will see what you did learn, rather than immediately focusing on your not having completed the degree.

BSc Software Design & Programming

University of Southern California | L.A., California

2019 – 2021

• Achieved a 3.6 GPA
• Relevant completed coursework: Java Programming, Operating System Architecture, SQL Database design, CMS Architecture Management

The Benefits of Working Without a Degree

As the cost of education continues to rise, an increasing number of individuals are starting to recognize non-college pathways as viable alternatives . 

Working without a degree can open many doors for success, as those who take this route often have greater creativity, determination, and grit than their counterparts with a college education. 

By using their own initiative and embracing unconventional solutions, non-college graduates have the potential to find success in less traditional roles that bring their unique skill sets and perspectives to the workforce. 

With non-traditional career paths becoming more popularized in today’s world, it is evident that there are multiple benefits to working without a college degree:

• Faster entry into the workforce: Instead of spending 4 years in college, you can enter the workforce earlier and start earning money sooner.
• Greater flexibility: You have greater flexibility in choosing where to live, what job to take, and when to make career changes.
• More financial freedom: Without the burden of student loan payments, non-college graduates can achieve important milestones such as buying a home much more quickly than their college-educated counterparts.
• Focus on practical skills: You’re able to focus on developing practical abilities that are more directly relevant to your chosen career path.
• Entrepreneurship opportunities: Working without a degree can help you develop an entrepreneurial mindset, allowing you to start your own business or pursue self-employment.

In short, entering the workforce without a college degree can be a feasible alternative to pursuing traditional higher education that can provide a head start in life to those who dare to go this path.

List of Best Jobs for Dropouts

Although getting a college education is seen as the best way to get ahead, there are many jobs out there for those without a degree. 

The BLS has also outlined some of the best jobs available for people without a college education.

Some popular alternative paths for people without a degree include the following:

• Wind Turbine Service Technicians
• Commercial Divers
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Pump Operators
• Millwrights
• Massage Therapists 
• Private Investigators
• Hearing Aid Specialists

According to a US News guide published in February 2022 some of the best jobs for dropouts require vocational training , which can often be completed in a shorter amount of time and at a lower cost than a traditional college degree. 

By exploring these options and staying committed to their goals, dropouts can still achieve their dreams and build a fulfilling professional life.

Set Actionable Professional Goals

Setting actionable goals is a major key to success . Read the advice below to set your own.

1. Start With Your Long-Term Goals

Begin by identifying your ultimate career aspirations . This could be a specific job or industry that you want to work in or a general sense of the kind of work that you want to do. 

Once you have a clear picture of your long-term goals, you can begin breaking them down into smaller, more achievable targets.

2. Focus On Short-Term Goals

Short-term goals are the building blocks of your long-term aspirations . These are the targets that you can achieve in the near future, and they should be specific and measurable. 

For example, if you want to work in marketing, a short-term goal might be to complete an online course on social media marketing or to secure an internship with a marketing firm.

3. Use the Smart Framework

The SMART framework is a useful tool for setting actionable goals. This framework suggests that your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 

By setting goals that meet these criteria, you can ensure that they are realistic and achievable.

4. Track Your Progress

It’s important to track your progress toward your goals . This can help you stay motivated and adjust your approach if necessary. You can use one of the many task management tools available to monitor your progress over time.

Setting actionable goals is an important step towards achieving success as a college dropout looking for a career. 

We know. It looks a little overwhelming, but everyone starts somewhere, so take a deep breath in–you’ve got this!

With these tips in mind, you can now embark on finding your ideal career opportunity. 

There is nothing stopping you from achieving success even if you don’t have a college degree. All your hard work and dedication will pay off . 

Don’t forget to use our free online resume templates to increase your chances of success.

Remember, strategize carefully and take charge of your career!

Related Posts

Top Communication Skills to Add On Your Resume Need to know how to put communication skills on a resume? Check our tips and examples of communicating skills that companies value the most. Updated on July 18, 2023 Top Communication Skills to Add On Your Resume

Relevant Experience on a Resume: What Does it Mean? ANY previous work experience you have might be used in your job pursuit. Find here real examples of how to write relevant experience on your resume. Reviewed Updated on July 16, 2024 Relevant Experience on a Resume: What Does it Mean?

How to Write a Resume with No Experience No work experience to add on a resume? Do not worry! Check our complete guide for making a resume that highlight your strengths (plus templates) Updated on April 29, 2024 How to Write a Resume with No Experience

Get the Reddit app

Get help with your resume! Checkout the wiki and/or sidebar for resources and info!

No Experience, No College degree, What should I add to my resume???

I've just finished high school and have no plans to go to college.

I want to submit a resume to this company for a position as a sales representative, but have no idea what to add to my resume. The job description does say that they will train and no experience is required.

Now having no experience and no college degree, what can I add to my resume that will hopefully get me selected.

Any help is appreciated, Thanks!

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

5 Resume Mistakes to Avoid in 2024 (and What to Do Instead)

The first step in a job application is crafting an eye-catching resume. This task can feel especially high stakes, considering your resume will be the first thing most recruiters look at and make decisions based on. But don’t worry: It’s entirely possible to avoid common resume mistakes so that you land in recruiters’ “yes” pile.    

USC Online spoke to Lori Shreve Blake , senior director for career engagement at the USC Career Center, to uncover the top myths people may hear about writing their resumes — and what to do instead.  

Myth #1: There’s One Right Way to Format Your Resume  

The internet is awash with free resume templates and resume writing advice. But the truth is, the type of resume you should use will vary depending on your target role, industry, work experience and life circumstances.     

“There’s not one size fits all,” Shreve Blake said. “There’s not, ‘Everybody follows this one resume type, and it will get you a job.’ It does not work like that.”  

One factor to consider when deciding what type of resume to use is how many years you’ve spent in the workforce. Recent graduates may choose to emphasize their education, internships and university involvement, while someone who has several jobs under their belt will lead with their employment history and accomplishments.  

Your target position and the industry you are in will also inform how you write your resume, including the length. You may have heard that a resume should never exceed one page — but that’s not entirely true. While people with less experience, or those who work in certain industries like engineering and consulting, should generally stick to a one-page resume, senior executives might have a resume up to three pages long.  

“If I’m going for the CEO job, or a senior executive role, then it’s likely I’ve had at least 10 to 20 years of experience,” Shreve Blake said. “And I’ve had a lot of great experiences that will qualify me to be a senior executive. Therefore, I could have a longer resume to highlight relevant achievements.”  

What about if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while or want to pivot to an entirely new career? In those cases, Shreve Blake says a resume should be structured to highlight transferable skills. Or consider a functional resume, which shifts the focus to skills rather than work experience.  

Shreve Blake recommends making several resume variations based on the main types of jobs you’ll be applying for, with skills sections tailored to those positions.  

But don’t go overboard.  

“Let’s say, I want to work in entertainment,” Shreve Blake said. “I don’t believe you should have 500 different resumes for all the jobs you’re going to apply to in entertainment, but maybe focus it in on [either] editing or writing or producing … so that you appear qualified and have the key buzzwords for the role you are applying to.”  

Myth #2: You Should Game the System with Hacks Like “White Fonting”  

In a recent TikTok trend, creators suggest “white fonting”: copying the entire job description and pasting it in a tiny, white font on your resume so it’s invisible to the naked eye. The idea is to make your resume stand out to the applicant tracking system (ATS), a software that aids recruiters in the hiring process, by matching all the target keywords recruiters are looking for.  

While it’s important to use keywords from the job description in your resume, there are better ways to go about it than using hacks like “white fonting,” Shreve Blake said. Instead, she suggests using tools like ChatGPT to quickly identify the top 10 keywords used in a job description, then adding the applicable ones to your resume skills section. (Shreve Blake added that, when using AI this way, you should always cross-check to make sure the words are actually in the job description and aren’t hallucinations.)  

Tricks like “white fonting” can also backfire. The ATS is just the first step recruiters use to identify potential candidates. If your resume makes it to the top, a real person will read it. And if your experience and skills don’t match what they’re looking for, they’ll toss it.  

Also, most applicants won’t be a 100 percent match to a given job description — and that’s okay, Shreve Blake says.  

“For the long term, people want to hire people who are ethical and who are honest,” Shreve Blake said. “You want to come in on day one honest and being a candidate and a future employee of integrity and ethics.”  

Myth #3: You Should Use Your Dad’s Resume Template from 1990  

First-time job seekers often turn to their friends, parents or other relatives for advice on writing a resume. Although some tenets of resume writing remain ageless, some trends are decidedly “out” in the 21st century, Shreve Blake said.  

For example, 20 years ago, applicants often wrote “references available upon request” at the bottom of their resumes. This is no longer recommended since it’s a given that candidates who move up to number one will provide references when asked, Shreve Blake says.  

“It’s a waste of space,” Shreve Blake said. “Your resume is prime real estate and needs to be well organized and highlight your accomplishments. Every word that you have on there is very important. So, you don’t want random words that mean nothing.”  

Putting home addresses on a resume is also a thing of the past. Instead, Shreve Blake recommends simply including your city and state, phone number and email address in the header of your resume. Your LinkedIn URL is also a great addition to the contact information section — but only if your LinkedIn profile is up to date!  

“Your LinkedIn profile is literally like your personal website,” Shreve Blake said. “And LinkedIn is where all the employers are. So, it needs to be taken very, very seriously.”  

Finally, objectives, or statements about who you are and what kind of job you’re looking for, are no longer necessary on a resume. It’s better to save this for your cover letter .   

And some past resume writing formats, such as including your photo in the corner or using first-person pronouns, were never a good idea, Shreve Blake adds.  

Myth #4: The More Words on Your Resume, the Better!

Gone are the days when wordy sentences were considered professional. Shreve Blake recommends streamlining your resume with bullet points and well-chosen words.  

The Situation, Task, Action, Result — or STAR — Method is a great place to start, Shreve Blake said.  

“[Bullet points] should be very concise, but very powerful with action verbs, results, numbers, percentages and dollars,” Shreve Blake advised.  

For each bullet point, describe the situation and task using a third-person action verb. Examples could include “developed a competitive analysis,” “started a company” or “created a social media strategy.”  

Next, use a transition verb that describes your action in the given situation. Maybe to develop the competitive analysis, you had to research 25 competitors and present that information — put that here.   

Finally, show results in numbers, percentages or dollar amounts, if possible. You can also write about notable people who were impacted by your work. Maybe after creating your competitive analysis, you presented your findings to the CEO. That also counts as an important result!   

Here’s our final bullet point according to the STAR Method: “Developed a competitive analysis, researching 25 competitors’ products, presenting information to the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer.”  

Shreve Blake recommends using this method to write each bullet point on your resume. This ensures you convey your expertise and the value you can bring to the company.  

Myth #5: What Makes a “Good” Resume is Completely Subjective  

With so much conflicting advice and information available online and on social media about writing resumes, you may assume that there is no “right” way to write a resume. But even though there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, there are still best practices you can use to up your resume writing game to get interviews.  

Shreve Blake recommends job seekers use a resume checker like Jobscan  to get quick feedback on their resumes. If you’re in college, you can also visit your campus’s career center for personalized advice on your resume and job hunt. However, even if you don’t have access to a university, resources like the USC Career Center’s resume booklet are available online for free.  

Shreve Blake noted it’s normal for applicants to struggle with highlighting their best and most relevant accomplishments to the job on their resume so they can rise to the top and get noticed by both the ATS and live recruiters.  

“That struggle of 20 years ago is still a struggle today,” Shreve Blake said. “Many people find difficulty writing and updating a resume. And it’s a process of learning! As people manage their career journeys, the resume is always a work in progress.”  

Access more  career advice  from USC Online today.