Do I Need to Put High School on a Job Application?

I'm filling out a few job applications and I'm not sure if listing my high school is necessary. Does including high school information on job applications make a difference, especially if I don't have much other experience?

For the most part, your high school information is traditionally included on a job application, particularly if you're still in school or if you're a recent graduate with little work experience. Employers may be interested in your high school education for a couple of reasons. They might want to confirm that you have completed basic education requirements, or they may take note of any advanced or specialized courses you've taken that may be relevant to the job at hand.

Remember: try to emphasize elements of your education that will resonate with potential employers. For instance, if you took any vocational or technical courses in high school, be sure to list those if they align with the job you're applying for. If you held any leadership roles in clubs or sports, don't be shy about mentioning those to highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.

That being said, the further away you are from high school and the more professional experience you gain, the less important your high school information becomes. As you progress in your career, your high school education will eventually fall off your resume entirely, replaced by your college education (if applicable) and your work experiences.

A good rule of thumb is to always tailor your resume or job application to the position you're applying to. Consider what the employer is looking for and include the information that best showcases your skills and experiences relevant to the position, whether that's your high school education, a recent internship, or a part-time job.