by Alesia Benedict, CPRW, JCTC
Getting additional training is a critical part of job preparation throughout your career. Packaging that information effectively in the resume is not always as clear cut. Based on how much time and money you have invested, training experiences may be more important to you personally than critical to landing a job. You may need some assistance in objectively placing the training where it belongs on your resume. Consider these tips to effectively present education and training experiences in your resume.
Placement: Where do I put my education?
The current format for most resumes does not lead with education. In fact, it is not wise for someone with a solid career -- and who recently obtained a degree – to lead with his/her education. Doing so may give the mistaken impression that your education is your strongest asset, implying that your experience may not be as impressive, is sketchy, or falls short in some fashion.
Emphasis: How much should I include about my education?
Similar questions about your work history may be raised in the reader’s mind when extensive training experiences are included. In fact a lengthy list of training may obscure your talents, again giving the reader the impression that your training overshadows your work experience or is even meant to obfuscate actual details of your career. In other words, the question may form in the reader’s mind – what is she / he trying to cover up?
Education Dates: Should I include graduation or training dates?
Unless you are a recent graduate, it is not necessary to include specific dates of graduation. In fact, including dates on early degrees may actually make you vulnerable to ageism. Including dates of education and training also clutters the resume and takes up valuable space that could be used for outlining other strengths.
No Degree: How do I handle the lack of a degree?
Including extensive training experiences can also be an attempt to over-compensate for the lack of a completed degree. Of course, a degree is an important credential, but if you don’t have one or didn’t complete all the requirements, don’t attempt to hide that fact. It will only “come back to bite you”. An option for managing the lack of a degree is provided below.
Education
Business Coursework (non-degree)
ABC University, Anywhere, USA
Annual Training: How do I decide what to include?
To manage extensive training or even annual certifications that you want to include, but don’t want to take up all the valuable real estate on the resume, group similar trainings together or indicate successive years for annual licensure or certifications, such as with first aid or safety training.
Professional Development / Certifications
First Aid Training (Annual Certifications 2005-2010)
Management by Proxy / Supervising Remotely
Future Education Plans: How do I handle my intent to apply?
You may also be tempted to include additional training or education that is part of your future plan, but for which you have not been accepted. Don’t succumb to the temptation. Only include educational experiences you have actually completed or that are in process. If you just began the program and feel self-conscious about stating that you won’t graduate for another 3 years simply include “in process” or the date of matriculation into the program.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management (in process)
ABC University, Anywhere, USA
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management (matriculated into program 2010)
ABC University, Anywhere, USA
Time Off for Education: How do I handle work gaps for education?
You can also add an educational note in the midst of your work history to explain any gaps for school-related activities. Place the note chronologically as if it were a position, exactly when it occurred. This serves to explain the offending gap in your employment, answering the question in the reader’s mind before they have a chance to ask it, and highlights your commitment to continued professional development. That blend of education and experience is typically the strongest presentation for any job candidate.
Tailor your resume by including your most important attributes and experiences early in the resume. Remember, placement of education later in the resume doesn’t diminish its importance. The education then becomes the foundation, consistent with its place in your career progression. Because of your personal and financial investment in the process, you may be over-valuing the importance of educational and training activities because they are important to you personally. Try to be objective or ask a trusted colleague or professional service for feedback if you feel too invested in putting your education first on your resume!