I get lots of clients that are concerned about their lack of
degree on their resumes. It is very common and is one area that is a
sensitive spot. When beginning the process of resume writing, what to
put under 'Education' can be daunting.
The good news is there are ways to camouflage minimal or lack of education.
If you started college but never finished, you can list the name of the school, years you attended and major. If you want to focus on some relevant coursework taken while there, list the classes.
Adding any professional development courses or training always looks great on a resume and fills in the space that lack of degree left behind. Certifications for seminars, webinars, etc. should also be listed on the resume, if they are relevant to the position you are seeking.
In the unusual case of no education or training at all, omit the section completely and concentrate on making sure your accomplishments stand out.
Whatever you do, don't fabricate a degree. We've all seen the news and watched top execs be publicly stoned and dethroned after being "found out" that their big degrees were big lies. Telling lies may seem like the best way to overcome your lack of education, but the consequence of being found out could be detrimental to your future employment opportunities.
Something important to consider: not every employer is looking for education... or will exclude a candidate because of lack of it. Remember: BILL GATES DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL.
The majority of the time, employers are more interested on your contributions or accomplishments. If your work history is impressive, then you don't have to worry about education because your accomplishments speak for themselves. You will have to portray yourself as successful WITHOUT the degree. Not all self-written resumes do the trick. That is where a resume writing service comes in. At the risk of sounding pitchy, a certified resume writer knows how to bring out your best qualities and focus on what the employer wants to see-- with or without the education.
Remember how hard you've worked to get to where you are today. THAT is what you will sell on your resume... what you did for one company, you can do for theirs. THAT is the bottom line.
The good news is there are ways to camouflage minimal or lack of education.
If you started college but never finished, you can list the name of the school, years you attended and major. If you want to focus on some relevant coursework taken while there, list the classes.
Adding any professional development courses or training always looks great on a resume and fills in the space that lack of degree left behind. Certifications for seminars, webinars, etc. should also be listed on the resume, if they are relevant to the position you are seeking.
In the unusual case of no education or training at all, omit the section completely and concentrate on making sure your accomplishments stand out.
Whatever you do, don't fabricate a degree. We've all seen the news and watched top execs be publicly stoned and dethroned after being "found out" that their big degrees were big lies. Telling lies may seem like the best way to overcome your lack of education, but the consequence of being found out could be detrimental to your future employment opportunities.
Something important to consider: not every employer is looking for education... or will exclude a candidate because of lack of it. Remember: BILL GATES DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL.
The majority of the time, employers are more interested on your contributions or accomplishments. If your work history is impressive, then you don't have to worry about education because your accomplishments speak for themselves. You will have to portray yourself as successful WITHOUT the degree. Not all self-written resumes do the trick. That is where a resume writing service comes in. At the risk of sounding pitchy, a certified resume writer knows how to bring out your best qualities and focus on what the employer wants to see-- with or without the education.
Remember how hard you've worked to get to where you are today. THAT is what you will sell on your resume... what you did for one company, you can do for theirs. THAT is the bottom line.
Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional
& Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of
Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer
and contributor of 9+ best-selling career books. She has achieved
international recognition following yearly nominations of the
prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Erin has
written thousands of resumes for executives and professionals.
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