How to Deal with a lack of Education on your Resume
Comments:9
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 camoflage 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.
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.
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.
Written by Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW - Visit the website to hire executive resume writer Erin Kennedy, CERW, CPRW
Erin is an internationally renowned certified resume writer specializing in professional and executive level resumes and career services.
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Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW owns Professional Resume Services, where she and her talented staff of writers specialize in professional & executive resumes. Erin is internationally recognized by her peers as one of the best of the best, she is a perennial award-nominated certified resume writer.
You’re right! “The School of Hard Knocks” gives solid lessons. Do a strong presentation of what you can do for a company and sometimes the “hard and fast education requirements” become less important. Not always, but I’ve had it happen with my clients before. Absolutely doable!
Keep the focus on what you CAN do, not what you haven’t done. Great post.
Hi Dawn,
I know… I really encourage my clients not to worry too much. Usually their accomplishments outweigh a degree that they may or may not have.
Thanks for the comment!
Erin
There is no tool or means by which lack of education can be camouflaged in the current scenario of the job market. Employers are highly concerned about the qualifications and credentials of potential candidates. In fact, lack of education not only affects your resume but also hurts when you apply for jobs requiring specific skill sets. I do agree with the fact that employers would also be pleased with your contributions or accomplishments but it won’t suffice for moving up in an organization. Degree programs that you take at college make you more marketable in terms of employment and help you grow professionally and can be the highlight of your resume. My college degree has worked wonders for my career. I would say that that the only way to deal with lack of education is to go to school and get education.
Is this applicable only to US resumes or for European also, because the difference is huge while in USA CVs you’ve just blow you’s own trumpet, while in EU you have to write more about your responsibilities.
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You have to make the completion of your education your #1 long term priority – the longer you wait, the worse it looks on your resume. However, there are many places where you can pick up part time or fulltime work while you try to get your education. I think you need to make some sacrifices and realize that you will not reach your full earning potential until your education is where it needs to be and understand that you will make less money in the short term while you pursue your education and take on a short term job.
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I have a question. If I left university should I mention the fact that I’ve studied there for some years or that I left it.
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Hi Linda,
I would definitely add it in. You could just write “Studied Law” or “Marketing Major”.
Hope this helps.
Erin
I think you need to make some sacrifices and realize that you will not reach your full earning potential until your education is where it needs to be and understand that you will make less money in the short term while you pursue your education and take on a short term job.