Do potential employers look at high school transcripts?

As I get closer to graduation, I’m curious if jobs usually look at your full high school transcript. Do employers actually consider what classes you took, or is it just the graduation that's important?

Typically, most employers will not request to see your high school transcripts. High school level coursework is not usually relevant for most jobs. In general, employers are more interested in your job experience, skills, references, and for some positions, your post-secondary education (such as a university degree or vocational training).

In the case of jobs that do require a high school diploma, employers will likely just want to see proof that you indeed graduated high school. This could be a copy of your diploma or a degree verification from your school.

However, there are exceptions. If you’re applying for jobs or internships while still in high school, or immediately after graduation, potential employers may be interested in your academic performance. Additionally, some very specialized roles might look at high school coursework. For example, if you took advanced STEM classes in high school and are applying for a technical apprenticeship, an employer could potentially take this into consideration.

Just remember, your high school transcript is just one part of your overall qualifications, and employers will consider many factors when making a hiring decision. As you build up more work and life experience, your high school achievements will typically become less and less relevant.