So i took time off from school to work and then came back and am wondering how to show that on my resume. My grades are good and my job responsibilities were at least impressive enough to where I want to embrace it as an advantage. Should I just list the years I attended and then my expected graduation? I hope that my experiences and the fact that I'm a little more mature than most students will help me out so I am trying to take advantage of that.

2/3/2010 7:18:17 PM

Yeah, do it like you normally do. Show you attended school from xx/xx/xxxx-xx/xx/xxxx and xx/xx/xxxx - now and you expect to graduate whenever.

An interviewer will notice that you've filled in the missing time with work, which you would put in your resume just like you normally would. Worst case scenario, it's a talking point he asks you about and gives you a chance to make yourself stand out.

2/3/2010 7:44:45 PM

did you take a long time off between work and your return to school?
if so, did you do anything in that time (volunteer work, other job search)?

Also, it doesn't matter if you dropped out your first batch of school and then returned to finish. For a long term career, as long as you got the degree or are currently in progress then you should feel comfortable about displaying it on your resume and discussing your situation (lightly) in an interview if asked.


[Edited on February 3, 2010 at 8:52 PM. Reason : ]

2/3/2010 8:49:08 PM

^work and school overlapped. the problem that i'm having is that i came back before for a couple semesters so when i type it all out it looks really bad. I have generally always at least taken an online class or something so when i list out the years it looks like i should be a doctor by now.

i'm thinking i should just post my expected graduation date and let my work experience point out that i'm probably a little older than the other people. bad idea?

2/3/2010 8:52:50 PM

You typically just put your degree, school name, and expected graduation month and year in that situation. If you've already graduated it's the same with graduation month and year. Literally put "expected - May 2010" or May 2010 - Expected. It's not normal to list the range of dates you were in school.

Then just list your work experience as you normally would. The interviewer is going to ask you about past jobs, most likely. At that time you can mention that you took that job while taking off from school. And when they just see the resume; if the responsibilities are what you claim, it will probably stand out as something that wasn't your typical college job anyhow.

If you really want to make sure they're aware of it, try to find a way to put it in a cover letter. "I believe my experience at XYZ will allow me to quickly adjust to the ABC position at DEF. Blah blah blah." - or something like that.

[Edited on February 3, 2010 at 9:20 PM. Reason : .]

2/3/2010 9:20:02 PM

So I know we have users in a lot of different industries, and a few that have done hiring and recruiting.

Would anyone be willing to take a look at my resume and give me some feedback?

2/4/2010 10:09:16 PM

It's all personal preference, but I think all you need to list are the dates attended. Just cite the date you receive the degree, or expect to. MONTH - YEAR

2/5/2010 12:54:38 PM

I was told by some people to never indicate years that could give away your age because it could mislead you and possible cause age discrimination before you ever even get an opportunity for an interview.

2/5/2010 1:01:21 PM

Just put on there a way that is honest and concise. Age discrimination is illegal if you're over 40 and that's about it. They'll hire a younger or order person if they want to.

2/5/2010 1:42:59 PM

I would only put dates or time frame on there if it stands to help you out. I always mention that I graduated early - it shows ambition, but otherwise, I agree with what's been said. Just say your expected graduation date. I have never heard of an interviewer who frowns upon working to put yourself through school - it just shows ambition. You can also then just talk about how that experience helped you intensify your study to ensure you got the most out of your education or some crap like that.

For your case, just put expected grad date. I can take a look at it, but to be honest, all I will be able to provide is grammar issues, I am no resume specialist. Ask the career center (although I never went there so they may be useless - I don't know)

2/5/2010 1:55:30 PM

Quote :

"I would only put dates or time frame on there if it stands to help you out."

2/5/2010 2:00:12 PM