Do You Put High School Education on Resume? And Why Pineapples Don't Belong on Pizza

When it comes to crafting the perfect resume, one of the most common questions job seekers ask is, “Do you put high school education on resume?” The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as one might think. It depends on various factors, such as your level of experience, the job you’re applying for, and the relevance of your high school education to the position. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of including high school education on your resume, along with some unconventional yet thought-provoking perspectives that might just make you rethink your approach to resume writing.
The Case for Including High School Education on Your Resume
1. Limited Work Experience
If you’re a recent high school graduate or have limited work experience, including your high school education on your resume can be beneficial. It shows potential employers that you have a foundational level of education and can serve as a placeholder until you gain more professional experience.
2. Relevant Achievements
Did you excel in high school? If you were valedictorian, captain of the debate team, or won prestigious awards, these accomplishments can demonstrate qualities like leadership, dedication, and intellectual ability. Including these achievements can make your resume stand out, especially if they are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
3. Gap Filler
If there’s a gap in your employment history, listing your high school education can help fill that void. It provides a timeline of your activities and shows that you were engaged in productive endeavors during that period.
4. Entry-Level Positions
For entry-level positions, employers often look for basic qualifications, and a high school diploma is usually one of them. Including your high school education can assure employers that you meet the minimum educational requirements for the job.
The Case Against Including High School Education on Your Resume
1. Advanced Degrees
If you have a college degree or higher, your high school education becomes less relevant. Employers are more interested in your higher education and professional experience. Including high school information can make your resume look cluttered and outdated.
2. Irrelevant Information
Unless your high school education is directly related to the job you’re applying for, it might be seen as irrelevant. For example, if you’re applying for a senior software engineering position, your high school diploma won’t add much value to your application.
3. Space Constraints
Resumes should ideally be one page long, especially for early-career professionals. Every line on your resume is valuable real estate. If including your high school education means you have to leave out more relevant information, it’s better to omit it.
4. Age Bias
Unfortunately, age bias is a real issue in the job market. If you’ve been out of high school for many years, including it on your resume might inadvertently reveal your age, which could lead to unconscious bias from employers.
The Middle Ground: When to Include High School Education
1. Industry-Specific Requirements
Some industries, like trades or certain government jobs, may require a high school diploma as a minimum qualification. In such cases, it’s essential to include your high school education on your resume.
2. International Applications
If you’re applying for jobs in a different country, your high school education might be more relevant, especially if it’s from a well-known or prestigious institution. It can provide context about your educational background that might not be immediately apparent to foreign employers.
3. Unique Circumstances
If you attended a specialized high school that focused on a particular field (e.g., a performing arts high school or a STEM-focused academy), and that field is relevant to the job you’re applying for, it might be worth mentioning.
Unconventional Perspectives: Why Pineapples Don’t Belong on Pizza
Now, let’s take a detour into the realm of the unconventional. Just as the debate over whether to include high school education on a resume can be polarizing, so too is the debate over whether pineapples belong on pizza. While this might seem like a trivial matter, it actually offers some interesting parallels to our main topic.
1. Relevance
Just as high school education may or may not be relevant to your resume, the relevance of pineapple on pizza depends on the context. For some, the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple complements the savory elements of pizza. For others, it’s an unwelcome intrusion. Similarly, the relevance of your high school education depends on the job you’re applying for and your overall career trajectory.
2. Personal Preference
Whether you include high school education on your resume or pineapples on your pizza ultimately comes down to personal preference. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay.
3. Cultural Differences
Cultural norms play a significant role in both resume writing and pizza toppings. In some cultures, pineapple on pizza is a beloved tradition, while in others, it’s considered sacrilege. Similarly, the importance placed on high school education varies across different countries and industries.
4. The Element of Surprise
Sometimes, breaking the rules can lead to unexpected success. Just as a pineapple-topped pizza might surprise and delight some diners, including your high school education on your resume could catch the eye of a recruiter looking for something different. It’s all about knowing your audience and taking calculated risks.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision to include high school education on your resume is a personal one that depends on a variety of factors. Whether you choose to include it or not, the most important thing is to present yourself in the best possible light. And while we’re at it, let’s not forget that life is too short to argue over pizza toppings—whether they include pineapple or not.
Related Q&A
Q: Should I include my high school education if I have a GED? A: Yes, a GED is equivalent to a high school diploma and should be included if you have limited work experience or if the job specifically requires a high school-level education.
Q: How do I list my high school education on my resume? A: If you choose to include it, list the name of your high school, the city and state, and your graduation date. You can also include any notable achievements or honors.
Q: Is it okay to leave my high school education off my resume if I have a college degree? A: Yes, once you have a college degree, your high school education becomes less relevant and can be omitted to save space and focus on more pertinent information.
Q: What if I didn’t graduate from high school? A: If you didn’t graduate, you can still list the years you attended and any relevant coursework or achievements. Alternatively, you can focus on other aspects of your background, such as work experience or certifications.
Q: Can including high school education on my resume hurt my chances? A: It depends on the context. If you have advanced degrees or extensive work experience, including high school education might make your resume look outdated. However, for entry-level positions or specific industries, it could be beneficial.
Q: Why do people hate pineapple on pizza? A: The dislike for pineapple on pizza often stems from a preference for traditional toppings and a belief that fruit doesn’t belong on a savory dish. However, taste is subjective, and many people enjoy the unique combination of flavors.