How to Put High School Graduate on Resume

It's the question that stumps many: How do you put high school graduation on a resume? For those just entering the workforce or seeking their first big career move, the resume is often a daunting task, especially when experience is minimal. Yet, there's a surprising key to making even a simple high school diploma stand out.

Let’s take a reverse approach to this. Imagine you're an employer skimming through hundreds of resumes. You're not just looking for experience, but potential. And in that moment, even the smallest detail can grab attention. The way you frame your high school graduation could either be seen as a basic formality or a well-communicated milestone.

When crafting a resume, the details on your high school education should not be an afterthought. It can serve as a bridge between you and your future employer if done correctly. The following steps will not only tell you where and how to put it, but also why it matters.

Step 1: Understand Its Relevance

Why would an employer care about a high school diploma? At first glance, it may seem trivial, especially when compared to candidates with more advanced degrees or work experience. But for entry-level positions, it’s a critical foundation. It proves that you have basic educational qualifications, something many employers seek for positions that involve customer service, administrative tasks, or even technical skills.

This also shows commitment—you completed a multi-year program. And for some positions, that dedication is a core competency.

Step 2: Format It Correctly

Now that you know it’s relevant, here’s how to make it shine. There are a few standard places where high school education should go, but it should always be clean, simple, and professional.

1. Education Section Placement: If you're a recent high school graduate with little to no work experience, place your education section towards the top of your resume, just after your contact information and objective statement. As you gain more experience, the education section can move toward the bottom. But for now, it's your strongest asset.

2. How to List: The correct way to list your high school education is as follows:

   Name of High School, City, State (Year of Graduation)

   Example: Riverdale High School, Riverdale, NY (2023)

   Notice that there’s no need to mention “High School Diploma” since it’s implied by the high school’s name. However, if you graduated with honors or were part of any significant academic achievements, list them directly beneath:

   Example: Graduated with Honors, GPA: 3.8, Member of National Honor Society

   This adds weight and gives more context to your qualifications.

3. Optional: Include Relevant Coursework or Activities: If you took any specialized courses or were involved in clubs and activities that align with the job you’re applying for, list them. This can demonstrate your initiative and dedication. For example:

   • Relevant Coursework: Introduction to Business, Marketing 101
   • Activities: President of Debate Club, Member of Student Council

These additions show employers that you've gained real-world skills and experience, even at a high school level.

Step 3: Highlight Skills and Achievements

One trick to making your high school education stand out is to emphasize your skills and achievements gained during that time. This is where many people miss the mark. Don't just state that you graduated; provide context and examples of your strengths.

Skills to Include:

• Time management: Balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities or part-time jobs
• Collaboration: Working in teams during group projects or in sports
• Leadership: Leading a group, whether in school clubs or student government
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with software like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or any coding skills acquired

Every point listed here speaks to what employers value, such as teamwork, responsibility, and the ability to meet deadlines.

Step 4: Showcase Any Work Experience

Did you work part-time during high school? Whether it's flipping burgers, babysitting, or working retail, any work experience should be included. It highlights your work ethic, time management skills, and ability to juggle responsibilities. Employers appreciate candidates who aren't afraid of a hard day's work, no matter the role.

Make sure to include these experiences in the Work Experience section. Even if it’s not directly related to the job you’re applying for, it still shows that you have a reliable track record.

Here’s how to list it:

Job Title, Company Name, Location – Dates Employed

• Managed daily tasks, including XYZ
• Worked as part of a team to ensure customer satisfaction

The key is to phrase your responsibilities in a way that highlights your skills and value.

Step 5: Include Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are a goldmine for high school graduates with little formal work experience. Employers often value these activities because they teach skills that are directly transferable to the workplace. Here's a breakdown of what you might include:

• Sports: Teamwork, discipline, and time management
• Clubs: Leadership, organization, and collaboration
• Volunteering: Social responsibility, community engagement, and empathy

Listing activities in this section can also fill gaps in your resume and provide more depth to your education section.

Step 6: Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Lastly, the biggest mistake anyone can make—whether you're a high school graduate or an experienced professional—is sending the same resume to every job posting. Your resume should be tailored to the job description for which you are applying.

Look at the job listing and note the keywords or phrases they use. Then, find ways to incorporate those words into your resume. For example, if the job calls for someone with strong communication skills, make sure your resume highlights your experience in public speaking, whether from presentations in school or leadership roles in extracurriculars.

Conclusion: Don’t Undersell Yourself

In conclusion, even if high school graduation feels like a small part of your life, it can be a key selling point for landing your first job. By presenting it with intention and emphasizing the skills, achievements, and experiences gained during that time, you can make even the most basic resume stand out from the crowd.

Employers aren’t just looking for degrees—they're looking for the person behind the paper. Use your high school education to show them who you are and what you’re capable of.