Job seekers often face uncertainty when deciding which educational credentials belong on a professional resume. The question of whether to include high school information frequently arises as individuals advance in their careers or complete further schooling. Listing high school is a strategic choice that depends entirely on the applicant’s current level of professional experience and educational background. Understanding the standard conventions helps ensure the resume presents the most relevant qualifications to potential employers.
The General Rule of Education on a Resume
The foundational principle for listing education on a resume centers on prioritizing the highest level of academic achievement. Once a candidate has successfully earned a post-secondary degree, such as an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree, preceding levels of education typically become redundant. This practice streamlines the document and draws attention to the most advanced qualifications.
The higher degree automatically implies the completion of prerequisite high school education, making its inclusion unnecessary for most professional roles. Recruiters expect to see the degree that required the most significant investment of time and intellectual effort. Listing only the highest credential provides a focused presentation of academic history, ensuring limited resume space is reserved for accomplishments supporting the job application.
Scenarios Where Including High School is Necessary
Retaining high school education on a resume is appropriate and beneficial in specific situations. Recent high school graduates entering the workforce for the first time should always include this information, as the diploma represents their most current and highest academic achievement.
Applicants who have not completed college or vocational training must also list their high school diploma or equivalent. Many entry-level positions across various industries explicitly require proof of a high school degree as a minimum educational standard. Including this information directly addresses the requirement and avoids potential screening delays.
Government roles and certain regulated industries frequently mandate the verification of a high school diploma for compliance or background checks. This is common for positions involving sensitive data or security clearances. For candidates whose academic journey concluded with high school, the listing confirms they meet the necessary educational floor for consideration.
When to Remove High School Education
The most common practice is to remove high school information once a candidate has successfully completed a college degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts or Science. Once a four-year degree is earned, the high school entry becomes superfluous and consumes valuable space. Streamlining the education section allows the focus to remain on advanced and relevant academic accomplishments.
Candidates who have not completed college but possess significant professional experience should also consider removing the high school entry. If an individual has accrued ten or more years of relevant, progressively responsible work history, their professional track record speaks more powerfully than their foundational education. Extensive experience effectively supplants the need to validate basic educational standing.
The primary goal of removing outdated information is to ensure the resume is concise and impactful, ideally fitting onto one or two pages. Eliminating the entry shifts the emphasis entirely to professional achievements and higher-level qualifications, which is more persuasive to recruiters reviewing senior candidates.
Formatting High School Information Professionally
When including high school information, presenting it professionally requires adherence to specific formatting guidelines. The entry should be placed after any higher education degrees, certifications, or specialized training. Essential details to include are the name of the institution and its city and state location.
The graduation year is optional and should be evaluated carefully. While it provides a clear timeline, some experienced candidates choose to omit the year to mitigate potential age discrimination concerns during the initial screening process. Leaving off dates is a common strategy once the candidate is several years out of school.
The inclusion of a Grade Point Average (GPA) should only occur if the candidate is a very recent graduate and the GPA was exceptionally high (3.5 or above). For anyone who graduated more than five years ago, the GPA is irrelevant to professional competence and should be excluded. Keep the entry brief, typically one line, to provide necessary factual data without drawing undue attention.
Special Considerations and Exceptions
A few specific scenarios deviate from the standard rules regarding high school inclusion. Individuals who earned a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, should list it clearly under the education section. This credential is treated as the equivalent of a standard diploma and should be listed with the issuing authority or testing center location.
Another exception involves specialized magnet or vocational high schools that conferred job-relevant certifications or technical training. If the high school provided a unique qualification, like an industry-recognized license that directly applies to the job opening, the school can be listed to highlight that specific achievement. The focus is on the specialized training received, not the diploma itself.
Some employers, particularly those in the public sector or organizations with strict background check protocols, may explicitly request the high school location even if the candidate has a college degree. This request is often for geographical verification purposes during the screening process, especially if the applicant attended a school in a different state or country. When the application form demands the information, it must be provided regardless of other education.