Do You Put High School Education on Resume? And Why Does It Sometimes Feel Like a Time Capsule?

When it comes to crafting a resume, one of the most common questions job seekers face is whether or not to include their high school education. The answer, as with many things in life, is not straightforward. It depends on a variety of factors, including your current level of education, the job you’re applying for, and how much space you have on your resume. But beyond the practical considerations, there’s also a deeper, more philosophical question at play: why does high school education sometimes feel like a time capsule, a relic of a bygone era that we carry with us into adulthood?

The Case for Including High School Education on Your Resume

1. Early Career or Limited Work Experience: If you’re just starting out in your career or have limited work experience, including your high school education can help fill out your resume. It shows potential employers that you have a basic level of education and can be a stepping stone to more advanced roles.

2. Relevance to the Job: In some cases, your high school education may be directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a position in a field that requires a strong foundation in a particular subject, such as math or science, your high school coursework could be a valuable asset.

3. Demonstrating Consistency: Including your high school education can also demonstrate consistency in your educational journey. It shows that you’ve been committed to your education from an early age, which can be a positive signal to employers.

4. Cultural or Regional Expectations: In some cultures or regions, it’s expected that you include your high school education on your resume, even if you have a college degree. Failing to do so could be seen as a lack of respect for your educational background.

The Case Against Including High School Education on Your Resume

1. Space Constraints: Resumes are typically limited to one or two pages, and every line counts. If you have a college degree or significant work experience, including your high school education may take up valuable space that could be better used to highlight more relevant qualifications.

2. Outdated Information: High school education can quickly become outdated, especially if you graduated many years ago. Employers are more interested in your recent accomplishments and skills than what you did in high school.

3. Perceived Lack of Sophistication: In some industries, including high school education on your resume can make you appear less sophisticated or experienced. Employers may assume that you’re not as qualified as other candidates who have chosen to omit this information.

4. Focus on Higher Education: If you have a college degree or higher, your high school education may be seen as redundant. Employers are more likely to focus on your higher education and professional experience, which are more indicative of your current skill set.

The Philosophical Angle: High School as a Time Capsule

Beyond the practical considerations, there’s a deeper, more philosophical question at play when it comes to including high school education on your resume. For many of us, high school represents a formative period in our lives, a time when we were still figuring out who we were and what we wanted to become. Including high school education on a resume can feel like opening a time capsule, a reminder of a time when our aspirations were still in their infancy.

1. Nostalgia vs. Relevance: High school education can evoke a sense of nostalgia, but nostalgia doesn’t always translate into relevance. While it’s natural to feel a connection to our high school years, it’s important to remember that employers are looking for skills and experiences that are relevant to the job at hand.

2. Identity and Self-Perception: Our high school education is often tied to our sense of identity and self-perception. Including it on a resume can feel like a way of holding onto a part of ourselves that we’re not ready to let go of. But as we grow and evolve, it’s important to recognize that our high school education is just one chapter in a much larger story.

3. The Passage of Time: High school education can also serve as a reminder of the passage of time. It’s a way of marking how far we’ve come since those early days, and how much we’ve grown and changed. But as we move forward in our careers, it’s important to focus on the present and the future, rather than dwelling on the past.

Practical Tips for Deciding Whether to Include High School Education on Your Resume

1. Assess Your Current Level of Education: If you have a college degree or higher, it’s generally safe to omit your high school education. However, if you’re still in college or have limited work experience, including your high school education can help fill out your resume.

2. Consider the Job Requirements: Take a close look at the job description and requirements. If the job specifically asks for a high school diploma or equivalent, then it’s important to include this information. Otherwise, you may be able to leave it off.

3. Evaluate Your Work Experience: If you have significant work experience that is more relevant to the job than your high school education, it’s probably best to focus on that instead. Employers are more interested in what you’ve done recently than what you did in high school.

4. Think About the Industry Norms: Different industries have different expectations when it comes to resumes. In some fields, it’s common to include high school education, while in others, it’s seen as unnecessary. Do some research to find out what’s typical in your industry.

5. Keep It Concise: If you do decide to include your high school education, keep it brief. You don’t need to list every class you took or every extracurricular activity you participated in. A simple line stating the name of your high school, the year you graduated, and any relevant honors or awards is usually sufficient.

Related Q&A

Q: Should I include my high school education if I have a GED? A: Yes, if you have a GED, it’s generally a good idea to include it on your resume, especially if you don’t have a college degree. A GED is equivalent to a high school diploma and can demonstrate to employers that you have a basic level of education.

Q: What if I didn’t graduate from high school? A: If you didn’t graduate from high school, you can still include any education you did complete. For example, if you attended high school for three years, you can list the years you attended and any relevant coursework or achievements. Alternatively, you can focus on other qualifications, such as work experience or certifications.

Q: Can I include high school education if I’m applying for a job in a different country? A: It depends on the country and the job. In some countries, high school education is highly valued and expected to be included on a resume. In others, it may be less important. Research the norms in the country where you’re applying and tailor your resume accordingly.

Q: Should I include high school education if I’m applying for a job that requires a college degree? A: If you have a college degree, it’s generally not necessary to include your high school education on your resume. Employers will be more interested in your college education and any relevant work experience. However, if you have notable achievements from high school that are relevant to the job, you may choose to include them.

Q: How do I format high school education on my resume? A: If you decide to include your high school education, it’s usually best to list it under a “Education” section, along with any other degrees or certifications you have. Keep it concise, including the name of the high school, the year you graduated, and any relevant honors or awards. For example: “Springfield High School, Springfield, IL – Graduated 2010, Honor Roll.”