Write your resume in 15 minutes
Our free collection of expertly designed resume templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.
This article walks you through how to effectively list your GED on your resume, what information to include, and how to format it in a way that aligns with your career goals.
Why Should You Include Your GED on Your Resume
Your GED is proof that you possess the foundational skills necessary for most entry-level career and professional positions. While it may not be a traditional high school diploma or graduate degree, it still represents your ability to learn, succeed in an academic or professional setting, and meet the standards expected by employers.
Here are a few reasons why listing your GED is important:
- Employers Recognize the GED: Many employers accept the GED as an equivalent to a high school diploma. By listing your GED, you demonstrate that you have met the basic educational requirements for the job.
- It Shows Commitment and Responsibility: Earning your GED shows determination and a commitment to completing your education, even if you didn’t finish high school through the traditional route. This can be an appealing trait for employers.
- It's a Valuable Credential: The GED measures the same knowledge as a high school diploma, covering subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language arts. It demonstrates to employers that you have a broad educational foundation.
- Improves Job Opportunities: In many cases, especially for positions that require a high school diploma or its equivalent, having a GED can increase your chances of being hired.
Where to List Your GED on Your Resume
Your GED should be listed in the Education section of your resume, just like any other educational or professional credential. It’s crucial how to list GED on your resume properly so that you present it clearly and professionally. Below are different ways to list GED on your resume and how to list GED on your resume and include it, depending on your experience level and resume format.
1. Basic GED Listing for a New Graduate
If you’ve recently graduated high school, completed your GED and are looking for entry-level positions or internships, your resume will likely be focused on education and skills. Here’s an example of writing a resume and how you can list your GED in the Education section of a functional resume:
This format clearly states that you have earned your GED, and you can include the location and date of when you received it to provide additional context to functional about how to list GED certificates on your resume. If you earned your first GED certificate recently, it’s important to place this information near the top of your resume.
2. Listing Your GED with Work Experience
If you’ve gained some work experience after earning your GED, it’s still important to include this credential, especially if the job you’re applying for requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Here's how you can format it if you’ve been in the workforce for a few years:
This can be placed towards the bottom of your resume properly the Education section, beneath any other college degree, coursework or certifications if applicable. Listing your work experience first helps highlight your professional background soft skills, which may be more relevant to the job description and the employer than your educational qualifications relevant coursework.
3. Listing Your GED Alongside College Coursework
If you’ve attended college courses or taken courses or additional training courses after your high school experience earning your GED, you can place this information in writing in a way that emphasizes your higher-level education:
This is particularly useful if you're applying for positions that require specific degrees or certifications, as it allows you to demonstrate that you have pursued further education after your high school graduate earning your GED certificate.
What to Include When Listing Your GED
While listing your GED on a job application and writing your education section on your resume, there are several elements you should consider including to make the education section of a functional resume more impactful.
1. The Date You Earned Your GED
Including the date when you received your diploma or GED is important for potential employers hiring managers to understand how recent your education is. This also shows them that you are a proactive individual who has earned this credential and has graduated high school diploma and is ready to enter the workforce.
2. The Location Where You Earned Your GED
You can mention the state of your high school education, section or institution where you obtained your GED on your resume. However, this is not always necessary unless the university or high school education testing center has a significant reputation or is relevant to the job you're applying for.
3. The GED Testing Service or State You Took the Exam With
Although not mandatory, mentioning the full name of of the college credits the testing service or state where you completed the GED exam can be helpful, particularly if it adds credibility to your qualifications or job application. Some employers and hiring managers may find it interesting if you earned your GED through a reputable testing center or state program.
4. Optional: High School Equivalency
If you're applying for a position that specifically asks for a high school diploma or equivalent, make sure to clearly indicate that your GED is considered equivalent to a high school diploma.
Additional Tips for Maximizing Your Resume
To further enhance your resume and make your own GED experience stand out to students, here are some additional resume tips:
- Highlight Relevant Skills: Beyond your educational credentials, emphasize any relevant skills or accomplishments you gained while preparing for the GED, such as problem-solving, time management, or critical thinking.
- Include Achievements or Awards: If you received any recognition or awards for your GED exam performance, include these in your resume. This will demonstrate your dedication and strong academic skills.
- Tailor Your Resume for Each Job: If the job you are applying for values particular skills or education, tailor your resume to highlight how your GED fits with those requirements. For example, if the job emphasizes math skills, point out your proficiency in the math section of the GED.
Conclusion
Listing your GED on your resume is an important step in presenting yourself as a qualified candidate, especially when the job requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. By following the right format, including key details, and emphasizing your accomplishments, you can make your a GED on your resume work for you in the job market.
Remember, your educational background is only one part of your resume - emphasize your skills, experience, and accomplishments to make a well-rounded impression. With the right approach, your GED can serve as a valuable asset on your resume and help open doors to new job opportunities. Standout from the crowd with our resume builder. Start Building Your Resume in Minutes.
