Grades on Resume

Should You List Grades on Resume

In general, listing academic grades on a resume can be beneficial, particularly for students, recent graduates, or those transitioning to a new career. However, the practice varies by country, industry, and context. In some countries such as the United States, displaying academic achievements can demonstrate diligence, intellectual ability, and aptitude for learning – qualities highly valued in many professions.

On the other hand, in some industries, especially those that prioritize work experience over education (e.g., technology or business), grades may not be as relevant. In these cases, candidates should focus on showcasing their practical skills, certifications, and professional experiences. Additionally, cultural differences can play a significant role in the importance placed on academic achievements; for example, European countries often place less emphasis on grades compared to North America.

Why to List Grades on Resume

• Highlight intellectual ability: A strong academic record showcases a candidate's ability to learn, adapt, and excel under challenging circumstances – valuable skills in any professional setting.
• Demonstrate consistency: Consistent high grades can indicate that the applicant is reliable, dedicated, and hardworking, qualities that are essential for success in many careers.
• Showcase academic achievements: For students, recent graduates, or career changers, listing academic achievements can help set them apart from other candidates with comparable work experience.
• Display specific subject mastery: High grades in relevant subjects (e.g., computer science, engineering, mathematics) can demonstrate proficiency and expertise in those areas, making the candidate more attractive to potential employers.

Where to List Grades on Resume

• Education Section: Academic achievements are typically listed within the education section of a resume, alongside degree(s), institution(s), and graduation date(s).
• Summary or Professional Profile: In some cases, relevant academic achievements can be highlighted in the summary or professional profile at the beginning of the resume to draw attention to the candidate's qualifications.
• Custom sections: For students with exceptional academic records, it may be beneficial to create a separate section (e.g., Academic Achievements) to highlight relevant awards, honors, and coursework accomplishments.

Examples of How to List Grades on Resume

Example 1: Highlighting Academic Honors

In the Education Section:

Education Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University

• Graduated Cum Laude
• Member, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society

Example 2: Emphasizing Relevant Coursework

In the Work Experience or Skills Section:

Skills

• Proficient in C++ and Java (Advanced Coursework in Computer Science)
• Knowledge of Algorithms and Data Structures (A+ in CS 301)

Example 3: Custom Academic Achievements Section

In a separate section:

Academic Achievements

• Full Scholarship Recipient, XYZ University Foundation, 2017-2021
• Awarded the Dean's List, Fall 2019 and Spring 2020
• First Place Winner, Annual Computer Science Research Symposium, 2021

What to Avoid While Listing Grades on Resume

• Overemphasizing grades: Focus on relevant academic achievements rather than including every grade or test score in your resume.
• Inflating grades: Never exaggerate or falsify academic achievements as it can lead to disqualification during the hiring process.
• Irrelevant grades: If academic achievements are not directly related to the job you're applying for, consider omitting them from your resume altogether.
• Confusing grading systems: When listing foreign or non-standard grading systems, provide an explanation (e.g., "Marksheets based on a scale of 100 points with A being 90 and above") to ensure clarity for the hiring manager.

How to List Continuing Education Courses Grades on Resume

Best Practices:

• Include the Course Title: Provide the name of the course in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for potential employers to understand what you have learned.

  For example: "Continuing Education Course: Advanced Data Analysis Techniques"

• Specify the Institution: List the name of the institution where you completed the course. This helps validate your learning and shows that you have taken the initiative to further your education.

  Example: "University of XYZ, Online"

• Mention Dates: Include the start and end dates of the course to help employers understand the duration and timing of your education.

  Example: "January 2021 - March 2021"

• Highlight Grades or Certifications: If you received a certificate upon completion of the course, list it prominently. For graded courses, include your grade to demonstrate your academic performance.

  Example: "Received Certificate of Completion with an A-grade"

• Describe Relevant Skills: Briefly describe any skills you gained from the course that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize how these new skills will benefit your potential employer.

  Example: "Developed proficiency in advanced data analysis techniques, including regression analysis and time-series forecasting"

Example 1: Continuing Education Courses Grades on Grades Resume

Advanced Data Analysis Techniques

Continuing Education Course University of XYZ, Online January 2021 - March 2021

• Received Certificate of Completion with an A-grade
• Gained proficiency in advanced data analysis techniques
• Developed skills in regression analysis and time-series forecasting

Example 2: Continuing Education Courses Grades in Grades Context

Web Development Bootcamp

Continuing Education Course CodeBoot Camp, Online June 2021 - August 2021

• Completed with a Distinction (90%)
• Learned modern web development technologies such as React and Node.js
• Built several functional projects showcasing my skills in front-end and back-end development

By following these best practices, you can effectively list your continuing education courses grades on your resume, making it easy for employers to understand the value of your additional education.

How to List Professional Certification Grades on Resume

Listing your professional certification grades on a resume can provide valuable insights to potential employers about your skills and achievements. Here are some best practices to help you effectively include this information:

1. Be Specific About the Certification

• Mention the name of the certification, including any abbreviations or acronyms that are industry standard (e.g., CPA for Certified Public Accountant). This helps employers quickly understand the context and relevance of your certification.

2. Include the Grades/Results

• Clearly state the grades or results you received upon completing each certification. If possible, include both the percentage score and any ranking (e.g., Top 10%). This information can demonstrate your level of mastery in the associated skills.

3. Mention the Year of Completion

• Specify the year in which you completed each certification. This allows employers to assess how current your knowledge is, as well as identify any ongoing learning or maintenance requirements for the certifications.

4. Highlight Relevant Certifications First

• Prioritize the list by placing the most relevant certifications towards the beginning of the section. This helps employers immediately see your key competencies in their desired areas.

5. Properly Format the Section

• Organize the Professional Certification Grades section under Education or Skills sections, using a clear and consistent format. Utilize bullet points to present each certification as a separate item, making it easy for employers to quickly scan your resume.

Example 1: Professional Certification Grades on Grades Resume

Certifications:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - Level III Passed, June 2020 (Level I: 75%, Level II: 85%)

• Project Management Professional (PMP) - Certified, January 2019 (Passing Score: 1650/2000)

  In this example, the job seeker has listed their CFA and PMP certifications, including the level passed for each, and specific scores or grades. This provides a clear picture of their expertise in these areas.

Example 2: Professional Certification Grades in Grades Context

Certifications:

• Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ) - Certified, May 2018 (Score: 93%)

• HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification - Completed, March 2021 (Score: 96%)

  In this example, the job seeker has listed their GAIQ and HubSpot certifications, including specific scores. This demonstrates a high level of proficiency in digital marketing tools and strategies, which is highly valuable to many employers.

How to List Advanced Degree Grades on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Advanced Degree Grades

• Include the Degree Name and Institution: Clearly list the advanced degree you've earned (e.g., Master of Science in Computer Science) along with the institution where you graduated from.

  • Example: Master of Science in Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, GPA: 3.9

• Highlight Academic Achievements: If you've received honors or distinctions during your academic journey, such as being on the Dean's list, summa cum laude, or holding a high GPA, make sure to mention it in this section.

  • Example: Graduated with Honors, Magna Cum Laude, GPA: 3.85

• Specify Relevant Coursework: Briefly list any relevant coursework that demonstrates your expertise in your field. Be concise and focus on the courses most applicable to the job you're applying for.

  • Example: Relevant Coursework includes Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Database Systems

• Display your Thesis or Capstone Project: If your advanced degree involved a thesis or capstone project, it's beneficial to provide an overview of the project's objectives, methods, and outcomes in a concise manner. This can showcase your research abilities and problem-solving skills.

  • Example: Thesis: Development of an Intelligent System for Predictive Maintenance in Manufacturing, resulted in a 15% reduction in downtime

• Location (Optional): If you're applying for jobs that require relocation, consider including your graduation city and state or country to give the employer context about your current geographical situation.

  • Example: Master of Science in Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA

Example 1: Advanced Degree Grades on Grades Resume

Advanced Degree Grades

• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Stanford University
  • GPA: 3.75
  • Relevant Coursework includes Marketing Strategy, Financial Management, and Operations Research
  • Thesis: Market Analysis for Expanding into Emerging Markets in Asia
  • Graduated with Distinction

Example 2: Advanced Degree Grades in Grades Context

Advanced Degree Grades

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • GPA: 3.95
  • Relevant Coursework includes Quantum Computing, Applied Mathematics, and Machine Learning
  • Dissertation: Development of a Novel Quantum Algorithm for Linear Systems Solving
  • Summa Cum Laude, Alpha Sigma Mu Honor Society Member

How to List College/university Transcript on Resume

Best Practices for Listing College/University Transcript

• Include Relevance: Only list your transcript if the degree or grades are relevant to the job you're applying for. If it demonstrates valuable skills, includes a significant GPA, or is in the field of the position, include it.

  Example: "Relevant GPA: 3.8/4.0 (Major: Computer Science)"

• Clear Indication of Education: Clearly label the section as "Education" or "Academic Background." Within this section, create a subsection titled "Transcript of Records" or similar.

  Example: "Education"

• "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University"

  • "Transcript of Records"
  • "Relevant GPA: 3.8/4.0"

• List Degrees Earned: Include all degrees you've earned from your university or college education. If applicable, list the expected graduation date for any degrees in progress.

  Example: "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (expected graduation: Spring 2023)"

• Provide Context: Offer some context about your institution and its rigor to demonstrate achievement. This might include the school's rank or a brief mention of notable programs or courses.

  Example: "XYZ University, consistently ranked among top computer science programs nationwide"

• Consider GPA and Coursework: If you have a high GPA or relevant coursework for the position, consider including this information to demonstrate academic aptitude.

  Example: "Coursework Relevant to Position: Data Structures & Algorithms, Operating Systems, Computer Graphics"

Example 1: College/university Transcript on Grades Resume

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (expected graduation: Spring 2023)
  • Transcript of Records
  • Relevant GPA: 3.8/4.0

Relevant Coursework

• Data Structures & Algorithms
• Operating Systems
• Computer Graphics

XYZ University, consistently ranked among top computer science programs nationwide

Example 2: College/university Transcript in Grades Context

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, ABC University (Graduated: Spring 2019)
  • Transcript of Records
  • GPA: 3.75/4.0

Relevant Coursework

• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing Research Methods

ABC University, ranked among the top 20 universities for business programs in the U.S.

How to List High School Grades on Resume

Best Practices for Including 'Grades' in Your High School Section

• Highlight Relevant Achievements: If you have exceptional grades or awards related to academic excellence, such as the National Honor Society or being valedictorian, list them here. Provide specific details like GPA (Grade Point Average) and relevant subject areas.

  Example 1:

  • Academic Achievements: Valedictorian, Overall GPA: 4.0/4.0, AP Calculus AB: 5.0/5.0, AP English Language & Composition: 5.0/5.0

• Contextualize Your Grades: Instead of just listing your grades, provide some context about how they were achieved. Discuss any challenges you overcame or extraordinary efforts you made to maintain high academic performance.

  Example 2:

  • Academic Performance: Overcame a language barrier to achieve a GPA of 3.9/4.0 during senior year, while concurrently participating in the debate team and volunteering at a local community center.

• Highlight Coursework: If you excelled in specific subjects or took advanced courses, mention them here. This demonstrates your ability to handle complex academic material and can be beneficial when applying for college or certain jobs.

  Example 1:

  • Advanced Coursework: AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Chemistry

• Balance Academic & Extracurricular: Demonstrate that you are well-rounded by including your extracurricular activities alongside your academic achievements. This shows employers that you can manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

  Example 2:

  • Activities: Co-founder of the Debate Club, President of the National Honor Society, Volunteer at local soup kitchen (100 hours annually)

• Keep it Relevant: If your high school grades are not particularly impressive or are too far in the past to be relevant, you may choose not to include them on your resume. Focus instead on more recent academic achievements or skills that align with the job you're applying for.

By following these best practices, you can effectively showcase your high school grades and academic accomplishments on your resume while keeping it concise, relevant, and impressive to potential employers.