Many job seekers wonder whether to include their expected graduation date on their resumes. The answer depends on a few factors. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will graduate soon, it is generally appropriate to include your expected graduation date. This information can be helpful for employers who are trying to determine if you are eligible for internships or entry-level positions. However, if you have already graduated from college or university, there is no need to include your graduation date on your resume. In addition, if you are several years away from finishing your degree, you may want to leave this information off of your resume as well. Including an expected graduation date on your resume format sample for 2023 is a personal decision, but there are a few general guidelines that you can follow.
How to include the expected graduation date on your resume
Your resume is a vital tool in your job search arsenal, and there are several things you can do to ensure it’s as effective as possible. One of those things is to include your expected graduation date. Let’s learn how to have it on your resume.
Identify the exact graduation date
When listing your education on your resume, it is essential to be as specific as possible. This means including the exact date you graduated (or will graduate) from each educational institution. Employers often use this information to verify your qualifications; omitting it can create unnecessary roadblocks. In addition, including the exact graduation date shows that you are detail-oriented and capable of following instructions. As you prepare your resume, remember to include the precise graduation date so employers can easily verify your qualifications.
Identify your current GPA
Most job seekers are advised to leave their GPA off their resumes. After all, your Grade Point Average is not generally relevant to your professional experience or qualifications. However, there are certain circumstances in which including your GPA can be advantageous. For example, if you are a recent graduate with no work experience, your GPA can help show potential employers that you can succeed in a professional setting. Similarly, listing your GPA may give you a competitive edge if you are applying for a position requiring strong academic performance. Generally, it is best to leave your GPA off your resume unless it is directly relevant to the job you are applying for.
List your education entry
Most job seekers include their education on their resumes, whether they are still in college or have already earned their degrees. Your education entry should be near the top of your resume, below your name and contact information. If you are a recent graduate or still completing your degree, you should list your expected graduation date. If you have already earned your degree, you should list the graduation date, degree type, school name, and location. For each degree, you should also list any honors or awards received and any relevant coursework. Including your education on your resume can show employers that you have the qualifications for the job. Additionally, it can demonstrate your dedication to lifelong learning and continued professional development. As a result, including your education entry on your resume is essential for most job seekers.
Include your expected graduation date
As you approach your final year of college, you may feel pressured to update your resume. In addition to adding any new skills or experiences, you will need to include your expected graduation date. While this may seem simple, there are a few things to remember. First, list the month and year of your expected graduation. This will give employers a clear sense of your timeline and help them to determine if you are available for an internship or full-time opportunities. Second, if you have not yet completed all of your coursework, list the number of credits that you have remaining. This will give employers a sense of your progress and help them to gauge your readiness for the workforce. Finally, be sure to update your expected graduation date as needed. If you take a leave of absence or change your major, reflect these changes on your resume. Following these simple tips ensures that your overview is up-to-date and ready to impress potential employers.
Tips for listing education
When it comes to writing a resume, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, some general guidelines can help you get started. If you’re still in school or have recently graduated, you may wonder how to list your education on your resume. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Stay consistent in degree formatting
While you include your degree on your resume, ensure consistency in its formatting. List the name of your degree, the school you attended, and the location of the school. For example: “Bachelor of Arts in English, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA.” You can list your expected graduation date if you have not yet graduated. For example: “Bachelor of Arts in English (expected May 2021), UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA.” Consistent in how you format your degree information will give your resume a polished and professional look.
Don’t give a false GPA
Your resume is one of the most important documents you will ever create. It is vital in helping you land the job you want and advance your career. As such, it is essential to ensure that your resume is accurate and truthful. One common mistake people make when creating their resumes is inflating their GPA or giving a false graduation date. While it may seem like a minor issue, it can damage your chances of getting hired. Most employers will verify your GPA and graduation date during the hiring process. If they discover that you have lied on your resume, it will likely result in an immediate rejection. It is always better to be honest on your resume, even if it means leaving out some information. Being truthful will increase your chances of impressing potential employers and landing your desired job.
Place education above experience
Many job applicants wonder whether to list their education or experience on a resume. While both approaches have pros and cons, putting your expected graduation date above your experience can be the most advantageous option. For one thing, it immediately lets the employer know how far along you are in your studies. This can be especially helpful if you apply for an internship or entry-level position. In addition, listing your education first gives you a chance to highlight any relevant coursework or academic achievements. On the other hand, if you have several years of experience in your field, you may want to put that information first to showcase your expertise. Ultimately, where to place your education on a resume will depend on your qualifications and career goals.
Consider subsections
Many people put their expected graduation date on their resume to give potential employers an idea of their availability—however, a few things to keep in mind if you decide to do this. First, if you’re currently enrolled in school, including the semester and year you expect to graduate. For example, “Expected graduation: May 2021.” Secondly, if you have already graduated from college but have not yet begun your career, including the relevant degree and GPA is essential. For example, “Bachelor of Arts in English, summa cum laude (3.9 GPA).” This will give potential employers a complete picture of your educational background and demonstrate your dedication to academic excellence. Finally, if you’re a few years out of college and looking to make a career change, you don’t need to include your expected graduation date on your resume. Your experience will speak for itself. In short, whether or not to have your expected graduation date on your resume is a personal decision that should be made based on your circumstances.
Leave off high school if you have a previous degree
Many employers require that applicants have a high school diploma or equivalent, so it’s essential to know whether or not to include your high school information on your resume. If you have a previous degree, you can leave off your high school information and list your expected graduation date from college. However, if you don’t have the last degree, you should include your high school information on your resume. Employers want to see that you have the necessary educational background to be successful in the role, so it’s essential to be transparent about your educational history. In addition, including your high school information on your resume shows that you’re willing to complete the requirements for the role, even if you don’t have a previous degree. Whether or not to include your high school information on your resume depends on your specific situation. If you’re unsure what to do, err on the side of inclusion and list your high school information and your expected graduation date from college.
Examples
Example of Resume with an Expected Graduation Date:
Name: John Doe
Address: 123 Main Street
Phone: 555-555-1212
Email: john.doe@email.com
Profession: Sales Representative
Summary:
To secure a position in a company where I can use my skills and knowledge to contribute to the organization.
Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Able to work independently
- Proven track record in sales
- Familiar with various software programs
- Knowledge of different products and services
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, expected graduation date May 2020
Work Experience:
Sales Representative, ABC Company, Jan. 2019-present
- Successfully developed and implemented territory sales plans that achieved desired results
- Consistently exceeded quota, earning top performer status among peers
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, resulting in increased sales and long-term partnerships
- Expertise in identifying customer needs and providing tailored solutions that drive results
Example of Resume with an Expected Graduation Date #2:
Name: Doe John
Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, CA 90000
Phone: (555) 555-1234
Email: john.doe@email.com
Summary:
A human resources position where I can use my education and experience to impact the organization positively.
Skills:
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and experience with HRIS systems
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources, expected graduation date May 2020
GPA 3.5/4.0
Work Experience:
Internship at ABC Company, Jan-May 2019
- Conducted interviews, created onboarding packets, and managed employee files.
Lindsay is a certified resume writer and interview coach. She obtained her certification in resume writing (CPRW) which will allow her resume expertise to help readers outshine the competition within the first 5 seconds of reviewing what they have on paper.
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