Resume Tip of the Week ~ 4/12

Where should the Education section be placed on your résumé?
That depends on the recency of your education, your work history, and your career goals. Job seekers with several years of work experience should include their Education after their Professional Experience section; although education is extremely valuable and important, it’s secondary to your years of relevant work experience. However, if you’re a recent graduate, or if you’re a career changer who studied in a field that you now want to pursue and your work history is in a different field, then you should put your Education at the top of your résumé.

What if you finished school 20 years ago and recently went back for additional coursework? What if you’ve worked for 20 years but only recently finished your education? These scenarios are not as tricky as you may think. In both cases, your recent studies are very important because they demonstrate your initiative to pursue your education while working. The character and determination demonstrated by going back to school as an adult is highly admirable, and both situations are to be commended and touted. I recommend that you still put your Education section after your Professional Experience, but be sure you mention your recent studies in your Summary paragraph.