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, like many things in life, is not straightforward. It depends on various factors, including your current level of education, the job you’re applying for, and how much experience you have in the workforce. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of resume writing, let’s take a moment to address the elephant in the room: why pineapples don’t belong on pizza. Just like the debate over whether to include high school education on your resume, the pineapple-on-pizza controversy is a topic that sparks passionate discussions. So, let’s explore both topics in detail.

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 that you have a basic level of education and can follow through with commitments. For entry-level positions, employers may be more interested in your potential and willingness to learn rather than your extensive work history.

2. Relevant Achievements

Did you graduate at the top of your class, win any awards, or participate in extracurricular activities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for? If so, including your high school education on your resume can help highlight these achievements. For example, if you were the captain of the debate team and you’re applying for a job in public relations, this experience could be valuable.

3. Gap in Education

If there’s a significant gap between your high school graduation and your next educational milestone (such as college or vocational training), including your high school education can help fill that gap. It shows that you have a continuous educational background, even if there was a break before you pursued further education.

4. Job Requirements

Some jobs may specifically require a high school diploma or equivalent. In such cases, it’s essential to include your high school education on your resume to meet the job’s basic qualifications. Even if the job doesn’t explicitly state this requirement, having a high school diploma is often seen as a minimum standard for many positions.

The Case Against Including High School Education on Your Resume

1. Higher Education Takes Precedence

If you’ve completed higher education, such as a college degree or vocational training, your high school education becomes less relevant. Employers are more interested in your most recent and advanced qualifications. In this case, you can omit your high school education to make room for more pertinent information.

2. Professional Experience

As you gain more professional experience, your work history becomes the focal point of your resume. Employers will be more interested in your job roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments rather than your high school education. If you have several years of experience in your field, it’s generally best to leave your high school education off your resume.

3. Space Constraints

Resumes should ideally be one page long, especially for early-career professionals. If you’re struggling to fit all your relevant experience, skills, and education on one page, omitting your high school education can free up valuable space. This allows you to focus on more impactful information that will catch the employer’s attention.

4. Relevance to the Job

If your high school education is not relevant to the job you’re applying for, it’s better to leave it off your resume. For example, if you’re applying for a senior-level position in a specialized field, your high school diploma is unlikely to influence the hiring decision. Instead, focus on your professional achievements and advanced education.

The Pineapple-on-Pizza Debate: A Brief Interlude

Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of including high school education on your resume, let’s take a brief detour to discuss why pineapples don’t belong on pizza. This may seem unrelated, but bear with me—there’s a connection here.

1. Flavor Profile

Pineapple is a sweet fruit, and pizza is traditionally a savory dish. The combination of sweet and savory can be polarizing. Some people love the contrast, while others find it jarring. Similarly, including high school education on your resume can be polarizing—some employers may appreciate the additional information, while others may see it as irrelevant.

2. Cultural Expectations

In many cultures, pizza is considered a savory dish, and adding pineapple goes against traditional expectations. Similarly, in the professional world, there are expectations about what should and shouldn’t be included on a resume. Including high school education may go against the norm, especially if you have more advanced qualifications.

3. Personal Preference

Ultimately, whether or not to include high school education on your resume—or pineapple on your pizza—comes down to personal preference. Some people swear by it, while others wouldn’t dream of it. The key is to know your audience. If you’re applying for a job where the employer values a well-rounded background, including your high school education might be a good idea. Conversely, if you’re applying for a position where advanced education and experience are paramount, it’s best to leave it off.

Additional Considerations

1. International Applications

If you’re applying for jobs internationally, the expectations around resume content may differ. In some countries, including your high school education is standard practice, while in others, it’s unnecessary. Research the norms for the country you’re applying in to ensure your resume aligns with local expectations.

2. Industry Standards

Different industries have different standards when it comes to resumes. For example, in academia, it’s common to include a detailed educational background, including high school. In contrast, in the tech industry, where skills and experience often take precedence, high school education is rarely included. Tailor your resume to the industry you’re targeting.

3. Age and Experience

Your age and level of experience can also influence whether or not to include high school education on your resume. If you’re a recent high school graduate with little to no work experience, including your high school education is almost a given. However, if you’re a seasoned professional with decades of experience, it’s likely unnecessary.

4. Resume Format

The format of your resume can also play a role in this decision. If you’re using a functional resume format, which focuses on skills and experience rather than chronological history, you may choose to omit your high school education. On the other hand, if you’re using a chronological format, which lists your education and work history in order, including high school education might make sense, especially if it’s your highest level of education.

Conclusion

In the end, the decision to include high school education on your resume is a personal one that depends on various factors, including your level of experience, the job you’re applying for, and industry standards. Just like the pineapple-on-pizza debate, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is to know your audience and tailor your resume accordingly.

Whether you choose to include your high school education or not, the most important thing is to present yourself in the best possible light. Highlight your strengths, showcase your achievements, and make sure your resume is clear, concise, and free of errors. And if you’re ever in doubt, remember: when in doubt, leave the pineapple off the pizza—and maybe the high school education off your resume, too.

Related Q&A

Q: Should I include my high school education if I didn’t graduate? A: If you didn’t graduate from high school, it’s generally best to leave it off your resume. Instead, focus on any other education or training you’ve completed, such as a GED or vocational courses.

Q: How do I list my high school education on my resume? A: If you choose to include your high school education, list it in the education section of your resume. Include the name of your high school, the city and state, and your graduation year (if applicable). You can also mention any relevant achievements or honors.

Q: Is it ever too late to remove high school education from my resume? A: No, it’s never too late to update your resume. As you gain more experience and higher education, you can remove your high school education to make room for more relevant information.

Q: What if I have a gap in my education after high school? A: If you have a gap in your education after high school, you can still include your high school education on your resume. Be prepared to explain the gap during an interview, focusing on any skills or experiences you gained during that time.

Q: Can I include high school education if I’m applying for a job in a different country? A: It depends on the country and the job. Research the local norms and expectations for resumes in the country you’re applying in. In some cases, including high school education may be standard practice, while in others, it may be unnecessary.