Understanding the Importance of Listing a GED on Your Resume
Listing your GED on your resume and job applications is crucial for effectively showcasing your educational qualifications. In the first part, let's have a basic understanding of GED on the resume.
Recognition and Acceptance of GED by Higher Education Institutions
When it comes to educational qualifications, a high school diploma has long been considered the standard requirement. However, not everyone follows the traditional path of completing high school. For individuals who have obtained their education through non-traditional means, such as passing the General Education Development (GED) test, it is crucial to highlight this achievement on their resume.
What is GED in Resume?
The GED serves as a replacement for a high school diploma and is recognized by higher education institutions across the United States. It demonstrates that an individual has acquired the knowledge and skills equivalent to a high school graduate.
Higher education institutions understand the value and legitimacy of the GED. They acknowledge that it is a valid and credible certification that represents an individual's academic abilities and readiness for further education.
For more information on GED, please visit its official site:
Components and Scoring of GED Test
To fully understand the significance of the GED on a resume, it is essential to be aware of the components and scoring of the GED test. The GED test consists of four main subjects: Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics.
Each subject is assessed through a series of multiple-choice questions, short answer responses, and essay writing. The passing score for each subject is 145 out of a possible 200.
To be considered as having passed the GED test, an individual must achieve a minimum score of 145 in each subject and a total score of at least 580 across all four subjects.
How to List Your GED on a Resume
If you want to include GED on your resume, you should know to how to list it. Here are some tips you can follow.
Using the Full Name of the Certification
When listing your GED on a resume, it is advisable to use the full name of the certification, which is either "General Education Development Diploma" or "General Education Development Certificate." By using the full name, you provide clarity to the employer and demonstrate the legitimacy and significance of your educational achievement.
It is important to avoid solely using the abbreviation "GED" on your resume. While it is a widely recognized acronym, using the full name of the certification adds professionalism and ensures that all readers understand the intended meaning.
Including the Date of Obtaining the GED
When including your GED on your resume, it is crucial to specify the date on which you obtained it. This information is typically included in the education section of your resume.
Including the date demonstrates the timeline of your educational achievement and provides context for employers. It helps them understand the recency of your GED and evaluate the relevancy of your educational qualifications.
If you are currently in the process of obtaining your GED, you can indicate this by using a "Present" date. This communicates that you are actively working towards completing the GED and allows employers to assess your progress.
Choosing the Right Resume Format for Individuals with Limited Work Experience
For individuals with limited work experience, it is important to choose the right resume format that highlights your skills and qualifications effectively.
A chronological resume format is ideal for showcasing a solid work history, emphasizing previous job positions and relevant experience. This format allows you to highlight your GED in the education section while also listing any jobs, internships, or volunteer work you have undertaken.
On the other hand, a functional resume format focuses more on skills and achievements rather than work history. This format allows you to emphasize the skills and knowledge you have gained through obtaining your GED. By showcasing your abilities, you highlight your readiness for the job market and leverage your educational achievements.
When Not to List a GED on Your Resume
Not everyone should include a GED on their resume. In the following cases, GED is not a MUST for your resume, continue reading to check them out!
Completing a College Degree and Its Impact on Listing a GED
If you have already completed a college degree, you may question whether or not to list your GED on your resume. In this case, it is essential to consider the relevance of your GED to the positions you are applying for and the industry you are targeting.
While a GED serves as a valuable educational achievement, it may be overshadowed by the completion of a higher qualification. If your college degree aligns closely with the job requirements, it may not be necessary to include your GED on your resume. Instead, focus on highlighting your college degree and any other relevant qualifications or experiences.
However, if your GED demonstrates skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to the positions you are applying for, it is advisable to mention it alongside your college degree. Employers value a diverse educational background and will appreciate your commitment to learning and self-improvement.
Prioritizing Other Qualifications and Training
There may be instances where you have acquired additional qualifications or undergone relevant training that outweigh the significance of your GED. In such cases, it is necessary to prioritize these qualifications and training when listing them on your resume.
For example, if you have obtained an industry-specific certification or completed specialized training programs, these credentials may hold more weight in certain job sectors. Emphasize these qualifications alongside any other relevant educational achievements, such as your GED, to demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the role.
Balancing the mention of your GED with other strong examples of qualifications and training helps provide a comprehensive overview of your educational background and skills. Employers will be able to assess your overall qualifications and identify your unique strengths.
Build Your Resume With TalenCat CV Maker
Whether will you include a GED on your resume or not, TalenCat CV Maker is the best option for you to build a professional resume effectively. With TalenCat CV Maker's intuitive resume editor, you can easily build your resume in minutes, and use the various resume templates to make your resume look better!
Also, if you have some trouble in writing content, its AI generator can be very helpful for you.
Step 1. Log in to TalenCat CV Maker, and click the "+ Create Resume" button in the top right corner to create a new resume.
Step 2. Then you need to name this resume and click the "Create" or "Create with Example" button.
- Create: You can start your creation with a completely blank resume, you need to fill in everything for your resume.
- Create with Example: You can start resume creating with a ready-to-use resume, you can change any content if it doesn't match you.
Step 3. You will get into a reactive CV editor, you can fill in your detailed information, and any content you enter will be immediately displayed in the right panel to let you have an overview of your resume.
Once you get your resume creation or editing done, you can easily export it as a PDF file or picture.
Also, you can turn on the "online share" feature to get an online link of your resume, then you can easily share your resume with others using this link.
Conclusion
Including your GED on your resume is essential to communicate your educational achievements and demonstrate your readiness for professional opportunities. By using the full name of the certification and including the date of obtaining the GED, you provide clarity and context for employers.
For individuals with limited work experience, choosing the right resume format allows you to highlight your GED while emphasizing your skills and qualifications effectively. However, if you have completed a college degree or have other qualifications and training that outweigh the significance of your GED, it may be appropriate to prioritize those accomplishments instead.
In conclusion, listing your GED on your resume and job applications is crucial for effectively showcasing your educational qualifications. By following the tips provided in this article, you will be able to present your GED in a compelling and professional manner, increasing your chances of securing job opportunities in your desired field.
