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 is not as straightforward as one might think. It depends on various factors, including 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 different perspectives on whether or not to include high school education on your resume, and we’ll also take a detour to discuss why pineapples don’t belong on pizza—because why not?

The Case for Including High School Education on Your Resume

1. Limited Work Experience

If you’re just starting out in your career or have limited work experience, including your high school education on your resume can be beneficial. High school can demonstrate foundational skills and knowledge that are relevant to entry-level positions. For example, if you graduated with honors or were involved in extracurricular activities that developed leadership or teamwork skills, these can be valuable additions to your resume.

2. Relevant Coursework

If you took specific courses in high school that are directly related to the job you’re applying for, it might be worth mentioning them. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in graphic design and you took advanced art classes in high school, this could show early interest and foundational skills in the field.

3. Gap in Education

If there’s a significant gap between your high school graduation and your further education or work experience, including your high school education can help fill that gap. It shows that you have at least a basic level of education and can help explain what you were doing during that time.

4. High School Achievements

If you achieved something notable during high school, such as winning a national competition, being valedictorian, or receiving a scholarship, these accomplishments can still be relevant and impressive to potential employers, even years later.

The Case Against Including High School Education on Your Resume

1. Advanced Education

If you have a college degree or higher, including your high school education on your resume is generally unnecessary. Employers are more interested in your higher education and professional experience. Listing high school can make your resume look cluttered and can even make you appear less qualified if it’s the only education you have.

2. Relevance to the Job

Unless your high school education is directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, it’s usually best to leave it off. Employers are more interested in your recent and relevant experiences. For example, if you’re applying for a senior management position, your high school diploma is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

3. Space Constraints

Resumes should be concise and to the point. If you’re struggling to fit all your relevant experience and education on one or two pages, high school education is one of the first things you should consider removing to make room for more pertinent information.

4. Age and Experience

As you gain more work experience, the relevance of your high school education diminishes. If you’ve been in the workforce for several years, your high school diploma is unlikely to be a significant factor in an employer’s decision-making process.

The Pineapple on Pizza Debate

Now, let’s take a moment to address the controversial topic of pineapples on pizza. While this may seem unrelated to the topic of resumes, it’s a discussion that often sparks strong opinions—much like the debate over whether to include high school education on a resume.

1. Flavor Profile

Pineapple is a sweet fruit, and when paired with the savory flavors of cheese and tomato sauce, it creates a unique taste that some people love and others find off-putting. Similarly, including high school education on a resume can either enhance or detract from the overall “flavor” of your professional profile, depending on the context.

2. Cultural Differences

Just as the acceptability of pineapple on pizza varies by culture and personal preference, the relevance of high school education on a resume can vary depending on the industry and the country you’re applying in. In some cultures, high school achievements are highly valued, while in others, they are considered less important.

3. Personal Preference

Ultimately, whether or not to include high school education on your resume—or whether to enjoy pineapple on your pizza—comes down to personal preference. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not to include high school education on your resume depends on a variety of factors, including your level of experience, the job you’re applying for, and the relevance of your high school education to the position. While there are valid arguments on both sides, the most important thing is to tailor your resume to the specific job and employer you’re targeting. And as for pineapples on pizza? Well, that’s a debate that will likely continue for years to come.

Related Q&A

Q: Should I include my high school education if I have a GED? A: If you have a GED, it’s generally a good idea to include it on your resume, especially if you don’t have any higher education. A GED is equivalent to a high school diploma and shows that you have completed your basic education.

Q: How do I list high school education on my resume if I decide to include it? A: If you choose to include your high school education, list it in the education section of your resume. Include the name of the high school, the city and state, and your graduation date. If you have any notable achievements, such as honors or awards, you can mention them as well.

Q: Is it ever appropriate to leave education off my resume entirely? A: In some cases, it may be appropriate to leave education off your resume, especially if you have extensive work experience that is more relevant to the job you’re applying for. However, if you’re early in your career or if the job specifically requires a certain level of education, it’s usually best to include it.

Q: What if I didn’t finish high school? Should I still include it on my resume? A: If you didn’t finish high school, you can still include the years you attended and any relevant coursework or achievements. However, you should be prepared to explain the situation in an interview if it comes up.

Q: How do I know if my high school education is relevant to the job I’m applying for? A: Consider the job requirements and the skills needed for the position. If your high school education provided you with skills or knowledge that are directly applicable to the job, it may be worth including. Otherwise, it’s probably best to leave it off.