Yes, you should put your high school diploma on your resume if you do not have a college degree or if you have limited work experience. Including your diploma helps employers see that you have completed basic education, which is often a minimum requirement for many jobs. However, if you have a college degree or several years of work experience, you can usually leave your high school diploma off your resume.
When Should You Include Your High School Diploma?
Your high school diploma is most valuable in the early stages of your career or education. It provides proof that you have the basic skills needed for many entry-level jobs. Here are specific situations where you should include it:
- You are a current high school student or recent graduate with no college experience.
- You have a GED and want to show you completed high school equivalency.
- You are applying for a job that explicitly requires a high school diploma.
- You have little or no work history, and your education is one of your strongest qualifications.
In these cases, listing your diploma can help you meet the basic requirements and stand out as a candidate who has completed essential education.
When Can You Leave It Off?
Once you have a college degree or significant professional experience, your high school diploma becomes less important. Employers are more interested in your highest level of education and your relevant work skills. You can omit your high school diploma if any of the following apply:
- You have an associate’s, bachelor’s, or higher degree.
- You have more than two years of relevant work experience.
- You have professional certifications or licenses that are more relevant to the job.
- You are applying for positions that do not list a high school diploma as a requirement.
Leaving it off keeps your resume focused on your most impressive qualifications and saves valuable space.
How to List Your High School Diploma on a Resume
When you decide to include your high school diploma, place it in the education section of your resume. Follow this simple format:
| Resume Section | What to Write |
|---|---|
| School Name | Name of your high school, city, and state |
| Diploma Type | High School Diploma or GED |
| Graduation Date | Month and year (e.g., June 2024) |
| Optional GPA | Only if 3.0 or higher and you have no college experience |
Here is an example of how it looks on a resume:
Education
Lincoln High School, Portland, OR
High School Diploma, June 2024
GPA: 3.5
What About a GED?
A GED is considered equivalent to a high school diploma for most employers and colleges. If you have a GED, list it the same way you would list a diploma. Write “GED” instead of “High School Diploma” and include the year you earned it. This shows you have met the same educational standard.
Tips for Recent Graduates
If you are a recent high school graduate, your resume may look thin. Use your education section to highlight any honors, relevant coursework, or extracurricular activities. You can also include volunteer work or part-time jobs to show responsibility and skills. Keep your resume to one page and focus on what makes you a good fit for the job.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing your high school diploma when you have a college degree – it takes up space and adds little value.
- Including your graduation year if you are over 30 – age discrimination is possible, so omit the year if you are older.
- Using an unprofessional email address – create a simple one with your name.
- Forgetting to proofread – a typo can make you look careless.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether to put your high school diploma on your resume depends on your education level and work experience. If you are just starting out, include it to show you meet basic requirements. If you have advanced education or experience, leave it off to keep your resume focused. Always tailor your resume to the job you are applying for, and remember that honesty is the most important policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put my high school diploma on my resume if I have a college degree?
No, once you have a college degree, you can leave your high school diploma off your resume because employers care about your highest level of education.
How do I list my high school diploma on a resume?
List it in the education section with the school name, city and state, diploma type, and graduation month and year.
Is a GED considered the same as a high school diploma for a resume?
Yes, a GED is generally considered equivalent to a high school diploma, so you can list it the same way.
Do I need to include my high school graduation year on my resume?
If you are a recent graduate, include the year. If you are older and worried about age discrimination, you can omit the year.
What if I didn’t finish high school but have some college credits?
List any college coursework you have completed, even if you didn’t earn a degree, and omit the high school diploma if you have enough college credits.
