How To Address An Incomplete Degree On Your Resume

Popular How To Address An Incomplete Degree On Your Resume Jessica Holbrook HernandezJenna ArcandJune 22, 2022 Woman addressing incomplete degree on resume during an interview

Woman addressing incomplete degree on resume during an interview

Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

There are typically two different situations that a job seeker with an incomplete degree can be in. Either you didn't finish your degree and don't plan to, or you're currently completing it. I know job seekers in both situations and there is a great way to handle the incomplete degree scenario.

So how do you address your incomplete education on your resume?

Let's look at both scenarios: those job seekers currently pursuing a degree, and those who've decided not to return to school.

Didn't Finish The Degree

I personally think it's important to include your degree or coursework on your resume, especially when it's related to your current or desired career field. There are two ways I would suggest tackling this:

1. List the college you went to, the program area you studied, and dates you attended school. You're not including a degree here because one was not awarded.

2. State the university you attended, relevant courses you completed (especially if they're related to a position you're pursuing), and dates you attended the school.

You have to be careful when including this information on your resume. You don't want to mislead an employer into thinking you have a degree that you don't have. This can come back to bite you if you're offered the position and they fact-check.

Plus, the goal here isn't to deceive anyone into thinking that you have a degree you don't actually have. The goal is to include any education you have received—which, in my opinion, is important to show.

Currently Pursuing A Degree Young man on laptop edits his resume

Bigstock

You should absolutely include information about pursuing a degree on your resume—especially if the position requires whatever degree or certification you're pursuing. There are two great ways to handle including this information on your resume:

1. State the college you're attending, degree you're pursuing, your area of study, current GPA (if 3.0 or higher) and include your anticipated graduation date; this is very important if your graduation date is within the next 12 months.

2. List the university you're attending, degree you're pursuing, area of study, current GPA (if 3.0 or higher), and the words In Progress. This works well if you're still going to be in school for a couple of years.

If the degree or certification is a requirement for the opportunity and it has been recently obtained or will soon be completed, I recommend putting your education information at the top of the resume.

If the degree or education you have isn't required or directly related to the position, put it at the end of the resume. This is also the case if you want to share with the employer that you have some education but you don't want to advertise that you didn't complete your education.

No matter if you're a college dropout or a current college student, your resume can look complete and professional with these two strategies!

Need more help writing your resume? We're here for you!

We'd love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you write your resume—the right way.

It's time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

From Your Site Articles

3 Biggest Resume Mistakes (And How To Fix Them) - Work It Daily ›
10 Career Quotes That Will Inspire Any Recent College Grad - Work ... ›
5 Things To Fix Before Your Resume Leaves Your Desk - Work It Daily ›
How Long Is Too Long For A Resume? - Work It Daily ›
Answers To Common Resume Questions - Work It Daily ›
6 Best Tips For Formatting A Resume - Work It Daily | Where Careers Go To Grow ›
4 Things College Doesn't Teach Us About The Job Search - Work It Daily | Where Careers Go To Grow ›
3 Reasons Why Your Resume Isn't Working ›
6 Tips To Land A Summer Internship - Work It Daily ›
4 Phrases To Never Include On Your Resume - Work It Daily ›

Related Articles Around the Web

How to Put Unfinished College Degree on Resume [Examples] ›
How to List an Unfinished Master's Degree on a CV | Career Trend ›
How to List Education on a Resume ›

incomplete degree on resume {"customDimensions": {"1":"Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, Jenna Arcand","2":"popular","3":"resume tips, resume help, interviewing, job search, job search tips, resume, incomplete resume, resume template, resume examples, ~popular_source-pageview, currently attending college resume, currently studying cv, how to address an incomplete degree on a resume, how to put some college on resume, how to write pursuing degree on resume, incomplete degree on resume, jobs for incomplete degree, pursuing degree, how to put incomplete degree on resume, how to list incomplete degree on resume, incomplete degree, resume advice, resume writing, career, career tips, career advice, young professionals, incomplete education, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:19634125, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:19634163, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:19630969, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:25666100","4":"06/22/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 543270555, 376490053, 376489574, 404327439, 473333499, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [19549361, 19836096]} }

Work It Daily - Career Events & WorkshopsCareer & Job Search Events Partner Boost Work It Daily's Career Events Jenna ArcandJune 22, 2022 Work It Daily's live event calendar

June 23, 2022: Executive Job Search Workshop Work It Daily's live career event (Exclusive Executive Job Search Workshop)

J.T’s limited-seating, high-impact workshop will help you understand and embrace the latest executive job search trends so you can stand out to recruiters and land your next executive-level position.

This EXCLUSIVE *Live* Workshop Includes:

A 2-hour event taught by J.T. and limited to 10 attendees for maximum learning
Each participant will get an individual 30-minute post-class coaching call with J.T. (a $200 value)
A workbook, templates, and access to the event recording so you can go back and replay it as needed

Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell

Cost of Event: $299 per ticket

Sign up for this exclusive live event today!

June 24, 2022: Networking Masters Work It Daily's free live career event (Networking Masters)

Join us for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! During this interactive group session, you'll exercise your networking and presenting skills so you can be a more confident connector!

Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell or Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: FREE

Sign up for this live event today!

June 28, 2022: J.T. O’Donnell’s CAREER AMA (Ask Me Anything) Work It Daily's live career event (CAREER AMA - Ask Me Anything)

Come get your career and job search questions answered by our founder & CEO J.T. O'Donnell.

Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell

Cost of Event: FREE

Sign up for this live event today!

June 29, 2022: How To Answer Interview Questions Correctly Work It Daily's live career event (How To Answer Interview Questions Correctly)

Are you landing job interviews but struggling to make it to the next round? Your interview answers could be to blame! Attend this live event to learn how to answer interview questions correctly.

What You'll Learn:

Understand what you’re being assessed on during the interview process
Determine the different types of interview questions and answer these effectively
Stand out among other candidates by demonstrating your unique value

Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell & Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: $5.00/ticket

Buy your ticket for this live event today!

July 13, 2022: How To Navigate LinkedIn Effectively Work It Daily's live career event (How To Navigate LinkedIn Effectively)

LinkedIn is not the easiest social media platform to navigate. If you wish you could make better use of this essential career tool, sign up for this event today!

What You'll Learn:

The background and importance of LinkedIn
How to get started with LinkedIn
How to navigate the different areas of the platform
Tips on how to get noticed on LinkedIn

Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell & Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: $5.00/ticket

Buy your ticket for this live event today!

July 20, 2022: How To Get A Promotion (And A Raise) Work It Daily's live career event (How To Get A Promotion (And A Raise))

It can be tough getting that promotion at work, especially when you're not sure how to show you deserve one. If you want to get a promotion (and a raise!), attend this live event and learn how to make the case for a higher job title and salary.

What You'll Learn:

Indicate that you’re ready to take your career to the next level
Tips on how to position yourself for a promotion or raise
Demonstrate your unique value and advice on how to have this conversation with your manager

Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell & Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: $5.00/ticket

Buy your ticket for this live event today!

July 27, 2022: How To Determine A Career Change Work It Daily's live career event (How To Determine A Career Change)

Not sure if it's time to change careers, or how to make a career change when you ARE ready? Sign up for this live event to learn exactly how to determine a career change.

What You'll Learn:

Determine if a career change is the right move for you
Identify a career path that aligns with your passions
Develop an effective job search strategy that serves you

Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell & Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: $5.00/ticket

Buy your ticket for this live event today!

Read moreShow lesscareer events {"customDimensions": {"1":"Jenna Arcand","2":"partner-boost","3":"answering interview questions, behavioral interview questions, career, career advice, career ama, career events, career help, career tips, college graduation, college graduation quotes, common interview questions, cover letter, cover letter examples, cover letter for internship, cover letter for job, cover letter sample, cover letter template, cover letter template free, executive job search, executives, follow up email after interview, free career events, free cover letter examples, free events, free live events, free resume templates, good cover letter examples, google docs resume template, high school graduate, how to, how to answer interview questions correctly, how to get job interviews, how to get recruiters to contact you, how to get recruiters to talk to you, how to make a cover letter, how to make a resume, how to write a cover letter, how to write a resume, indeed resume, interview, interview questions, interview thank you email, interview tips, j.t. o'donnell, job events, job interview, job interview tips, job search, job search advice, job search help, job search tips, jobs for, jobs for college graduates, jobs for recent college graduates, jt o'donnell, live career events, live events, my perfect resume, networking, networking masters, objective for resume, questiosn to ask in an interview, resume, resume cover letter, resume cover letter examples, resume examples, resume format, resume maker, resume template, sample cover letter for resume, skills for resume, skills to put on a resume, thank you email after interview, virtual career events, what is, what is a cover letter, how to navigate linkedin, how to navigate linkedin effectively, how to get a promotion, how to get a raise, career change, changing careers, how to determine a career change, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29917530, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29991266, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928918, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928957, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29970768, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30008453, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30012653, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30012654","4":"06/22/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 562457120, 370480899, 376550212, 376490053, 376536198, 376491143, 376489962, 540895067, 376489574, 404327439, 474863171, 376514019, 376490081, 540895063, 376489624, 473333499, 479660731, 473310813, 543270555], "buckets": [], "authors": [19836096]} } console.warn("Unexpected error: `KeyError('test',)` while processing ")console.warn("Use \"?__sentry_sample_rate__=1\" to analyze this error in Sentry")Get Some LeverageSign up for The Work It Daily NewsletterEnter emailSubscribeFollow window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_multiplex', ['fluid'], 'wit_multiplex').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('wit_multiplex'); }); Popular What Are The Next Steps After Getting A Promotion? Michelle RiklanJenna ArcandJune 22, 2022 Woman gets a promotion at work and shakes hands with her new boss

Woman gets a promotion at work and shakes hands with her new boss

It’s exciting, no doubt about it. Your expertise, hard work, and perseverance paid off. You got the big promotion you were working toward. Then, along with exuberance, reality sets in with a bit of nerves for this new challenge. Now you have to deliver.

Even though promotions are exhilarating, they can also leave recipients uneasy about the change. Going from a position where you had proven yourself into a position with some inherent uncertainty will put a knot in the most confident stomachs.

Oftentimes, the easiest kind of promotion is where you’re promoted into a new environment with a new team to work with. That is like a clean slate. Much harder can be the transition within a business unit. Not to mention, the move from peer to boss can definitely be a minefield. Like it or not, we create an identity at work and many of our co-workers identify us with our role. Change our role or give us more responsibility, and people around us sometimes have difficulty adapting. There are also occasions when the person promoted has difficulty adjusting.

Let’s take a look at some of the steps the newly promoted can take to ensure a smooth, effective transition.

Listen

Embrace the newness and recognize your stakeholders—those affected by your work and your team’s work. Even if you are working with some of the same people, there is a good chance you have new stakeholders or new relationships with stakeholders. Meet with them and listen to their feedback. From employees to suppliers to customers to your boss, they will let you know what’s going well and what needs improvement from their perspectives.

Note the emphasis on listening. You don’t need to promise the world just because you’re in a new role. You are there to gather their feedback so you can ensure expectations are met. You will learn a lot when you actively listen and these people will notice your engagement.

Plan

Bigstock

Your promotion was a competitive process. Your boss saw something in you that persuaded them to give you this opportunity. There is almost always a learning curve to your new position, but during the transition, put together a plan for yourself and your role going forward. You bring a skill set, expertise, and a new perspective. These are all ways you can add value.

Determine 30-, 90-, and 180-day milestones about what you are going to learn and how you will proceed in making positive contributions. Utilize the SMART principle for goal-setting (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-Bound). The promotion is not the high water mark. You have greater things in store.

Communicate Woman talks to her coworkers during a work meeting

Bigstock

Be as transparent as possible about your goals and expectations. This communication should be the case up and down the chain of command, and you have to actively invite feedback and demonstrate a willingness to listen to it.

Once you have developed your plan and milestones, meet with your supervisor to discuss them. If you have not worked closely with this person before, it may be helpful to meet regularly, at least while you get your feet wet. Get to know his or her expectations and communication preferences. See to it that you’re both on the same page strategically and tactically.

The same holds true if you have any employees reporting to you. They should be aware of the direction you want them going in, and they should know how you prefer to communicate. Share your goals and plans. Research has shown that we are more successful at working toward goals and implementing new habits when we communicate them to others. We allow people to hold us accountable. In a team environment, there is no other way to move the needle.

Finally, you may be asking, “Why so much emphasis on communication preferences?” Relationships at work function much better when the individuals involved have clear understandings. This becomes even more important in workplaces with flexible schedules and working arrangements, different communication media available, and where teams are distributed and function in a virtual environment. Sending an urgent email to your boss when she only checks email once a day can be useless.

Taking the time to understand these important details can ultimately pave the way for cohesiveness and long-term success after your promotion. Good luck!

We know how tricky it can be to navigate a promotion at work. If you're struggling to adjust to your new role, we can help.

We'd love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Read moreShow lesswhat to do after getting a promotion {"customDimensions": {"1":"Michelle Riklan, Jenna Arcand","2":"popular","3":"career advice, promotion, promotion tips, getting promoted, getting a promotion, raise, promotions, what to do after getting a promotion, career growth, career development, career advancement, career growth and development, listening, planning, communicating, communication, communication skills, boss, manager, coworkers, co-workers, team, career tips, career, career success, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30010291, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30010074, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30010491, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30010514","4":"06/22/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 376489624, 479660731, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548795, 19836096]} } Community Positive Language For No-Nonsense Managers Liam AndersonJune 21, 2022 Coworkers talking in a meeting

Reading LinkedIn, you might think that the average office is a caring, sharing environment. Everyone adopts a nurturing attitude towards their colleagues. Managers give their staff kind words of encouragement even when they make expensive mistakes.

Perhaps your experience was different? Mine was.

I’ve worked with organizations where positivity and empathy were not among the corporate values.

Encounters with managers in the military, law enforcement, accounting firms, sales teams, and outsourced call centres can be bruising experiences.

So why would anyone tell a Navy chief petty officer, a tax inspector, or a Russian call centre manager that using positive and encouraging language might be a good idea? Why would they believe it?

Positive Language — The Business Case People talking during a work meeting

Bigstock

Positive language makes working a more pleasant experience.

Staff are more likely to be productive, stay with the company instead of move on, and perhaps even persuade their friends to work there.

The financial benefits of increased productivity are obvious.

Reducing staff turnover means less time and effort spent recruiting and training replacements, and fewer periods of sub-par productivity from partially trained employees.

Most companies have “recommend a friend” schemes. The savings can be substantial. A UK company offers a GBP 1,000 bonus for staff who successfully recruit their friends. Most recruitment firms charge three months’ salary for the same thing. This could easily amount to two or three times the bonus, even for quite junior positions.

The frequent use of negative language has the opposite effect.

Resentful staff have less reason to be productive and so earn less for the company.

Resentful staff are more likely to leave at the first opportunity. HR will need to recruit and train more new hires to replace them. This costs more and has a negative impact on productivity.

Resentful staff are more likely to tell their friends and relatives how bad the company is to work for, so dissuading people from working there.

What Is Positive Language? Coworkers talk in the office

Bigstock

Positive language need not be sickly sweet. It has four distinct characteristics:

It tells listeners what CAN be done. Negative language focuses on what CANNOT be done.

It offers alternatives, choices, and options. Negative language offers no alternatives, no choices, and no options.

Positive language focuses on the problem to be solved. It looks forward to finding a solution. Negative language focuses on finding someone, usually the listener, to blame.

Positive language helps and encourages people. Negative language does not encourage anyone.

What Does It Take To Speak More Positively? Managers talk about a project at work

Bigstock

Surprisingly little. Here are some examples of negative phrases people use, and their more positive substitutes.

“You didn’t...”

This looks back to the past. It says what the person didn’t do without offering alternatives. It makes it clear that the fault lies with the listener. Suppose we replace this with “Next time, try...”? This looks forward. It doesn’t point the finger and it gives the listener an alternative course of action.

“You should/must...”

This is very forceful and puts the blame firmly on the listener. How would the listener react to “It would be better if you...” or maybe “We should/must...”? The first option presents an alternative course of action. If the issue is related to legal obligations or safety requirements, then saying “We should/must...” takes away the sting by emphasizing that everyone has to do it.

“You didn’t understand...”

As a trainer, I try to avoid saying this. If my trainee doesn’t understand, then that’s not her fault, it’s my fault. I didn’t present it properly. I prefer to say: “I didn’t tell you properly/clearly enough...”

Linguistic Land Mines! Employees talk during a work meeting

Bigstock

These phrases are guaranteed to lead to fights and divorce proceedings.

“Yes, but...”

This says: “I have listened to you. It doesn’t matter.” Try replacing the word “but” with “and.” You’ll find that the conversation moves along faster and with less antagonism.

“You should have...”

This focuses on the past and the person’s “mistake.” It shows no respect for the listener and blames him for not having your superior knowledge. A more positive substitute might be: “Next time, try...” That conveys the same message, but looks forward to getting it right in the future.

“Why...?”

“Why” questions often sound like accusations. We all remember teachers asking us why we didn’t do our homework. “Why” questions often put people into “excuse giving” mode. They answer the question with excuses rather than properly thought-out root causes. Coaches recommend replacing “Why” with “What...?” transforming the question “Why didn’t you do your homework” into “What prevented you from doing your homework?"

“Calm down!”

Saying this usually has the opposite effect! It tells your listener that you do not care about their emotions. You just want them to stop expressing them. If you really want to help a person become less emotional, try telling him, “I want to help you, I need you to tell me what the problem is.” If the person shouts, it’s more effective if you take them aside and let them vent. Often, once the person has expressed their anger, they can speak more rationally and will apologize for their outbursts.

Next Steps

Think of the conversations you have had recently.

How many negative phrases have you heard? What effect did they have on you?

How many negative phrases have you used yourself? Now that you know more about positive and negative language, how would you conduct these conversations differently?

Once you’ve thought about these questions, get in touch and tell me your thoughts!

How To Address An Incomplete Degree On Your Resume

Share

Categories

Share