The high school diploma represents the foundational level of academic achievement. For job seekers starting their careers or transitioning into new fields, documenting this education provides necessary context for employers. Understanding the appropriate format and placement ensures the resume is comprehensive for hiring managers and optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter candidates based on minimum educational requirements. This article provides guidance on when to include this credential and how to present it professionally.
Determining the Necessity of Including Your Diploma
The decision to include a high school diploma is driven by a candidate’s experience level and the specific requirements of the target job. Entry-level applicants or those with fewer than five years of relevant work experience should generally include their diploma to confirm they meet basic educational prerequisites. This documentation becomes particularly relevant when the job posting explicitly states that a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum qualification for the role. Omitting this information in these scenarios creates an unnecessary gap in the candidate’s background.
For seasoned professionals who have established careers, the high school listing is usually redundant. Once a candidate has earned an advanced degree (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or higher), the college degree inherently signals the completion of high school requirements. Adding the diploma in this context clutters the document and distracts from more pertinent, higher-level educational achievements.
Proper Formatting and Details for High School Education
When the high school diploma is deemed necessary for your resume, the presentation must be concise, standardized, and immediately clear to the reader. Begin with the official, full name of the high school attended, followed by the city and state where the institution is located. Clearly state the credential earned, typically listed as “High School Diploma” or “General Education Diploma.” Include the year of graduation or completion to provide a definitive timeline for the educational achievement. The inclusion of a Grade Point Average (GPA) is discouraged for high school education on a professional resume, unless the applicant is extremely new to the workforce and achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Strategic Placement on Your Resume
The placement of high school education depends on your highest level of completed education and professional experience. For entry-level candidates with minimal professional experience, the diploma should be the primary and first entry under the dedicated “Education” section. This section is often placed near the top of the resume, potentially positioned above the Professional Experience section, to highlight the educational foundation. This placement is particularly effective when the work history is sparse.
If the applicant has any post-secondary education, the high school listing must be subordinated to the college information. Education is listed in reverse chronological order, meaning the highest degree achieved appears first. Therefore, if a college degree was earned, the high school diploma is listed after the college degree or, more commonly, omitted entirely to save space and maintain focus. Correct placement is also important for Applicant Tracking Systems, as they are programmed to scan for the highest completed degree first.
Addressing Special Educational Scenarios
If You Have a GED or Equivalent
Candidates who have earned a High School Equivalency Credential must format this achievement differently than a standard diploma. The credential should be clearly identified using the official title, such as “General Educational Development (GED)” or “High School Equivalency Credential.” Specify the issuing authority, typically the state or provincial government body that administered the examination. Include the precise date or year the credential was successfully achieved.
If You Attended College But Did Not Graduate
When a job seeker attended college but did not complete a degree program, the Education section must accurately reflect the coursework without implying degree completion. List the college attendance first, including the institution’s name, city, state, and specific dates attended. Use phrases like “Coursework Completed” or “Attended [Year]–[Year]” rather than mentioning a major or expected graduation date. The high school diploma should then be included as a separate entry below the college listing, confirming the completion of basic education.
Including Vocational or Technical Certifications
Grouping specialized training under the main Education header can strengthen the resume’s impact. If the high school listing is required, position related vocational or technical certifications immediately following it. This consolidates all academic and specialized training into a single section. Certifications, such as trade school qualifications or software proficiencies, should be listed with the issuing body and the date achieved.
When to Phase Out Your High School Listing
The high school diploma has a defined shelf life on a professional resume, and its removal is a natural progression as a career develops. A clear transition point for removal occurs once a candidate has accumulated approximately five to seven years of relevant, professional work experience. At this stage, the depth and quality of the Professional Experience section become the primary focus for hiring managers. The other definitive trigger for phasing out the listing is the completion of any higher-level degree, such as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s. Removing the diploma allows the candidate to dedicate valuable resume space to more impactful details.