Last updated on Jul 18, 2024

Here's how you can highlight your continuing education on your resume.

In today's competitive job market, showcasing your continuing education on your resume is a powerful way to stand out. Whether you've taken online courses, attended workshops, or pursued additional certifications, these experiences can significantly enhance your job prospects. By highlighting your commitment to learning and professional development, you signal to potential employers that you're proactive, skilled, and ready to tackle new challenges. Let's dive into how you can effectively present your continuing education to grab the attention of hiring managers.

1 Tailor Wisely

When you include continuing education on your resume, it's crucial to tailor this information to the job you're applying for. Highlight courses and certifications that are most relevant to the position. If you're pursuing a role in digital marketing, for example, showcasing your recent completion of a social media strategy course would be highly pertinent. This shows employers that you possess up-to-date knowledge and are dedicated to staying current in your field.

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2 Education Section

Your resume's education section is the traditional place to list your continuing education. If you have recently completed a degree, place that first, followed by any additional courses or certifications. Be sure to include the name of the course, the institution where you completed it, and the date of completion. This information provides a clear timeline of your educational pursuits and shows a commitment to continual learning and self-improvement.

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3 Relevant Skills

In addition to the education section, you can also highlight your continuing education in the skills or professional development section of your resume. Here, you can briefly mention specific skills or knowledge you've acquired through your coursework. For instance, if you've learned a new programming language or project management methodology, make sure to include these details. This can help you pass through applicant tracking systems that scan for relevant keywords.

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4 Certifications & Licenses

If you've obtained certifications or licenses through your continuing education, these deserve a special spot on your resume. Create a separate section titled 'Certifications' or 'Licenses' and list each one along with the issuing organization and the date you received it. This is particularly important for industries where certifications are a testament to professional competency, such as IT or healthcare.

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Richard K Ford

RETIRED [Semi] - Implementation Consultant; DAYFORCE HCM
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Think of the time and resources you applied to completion and earning your Certification. Now think of the time and resources you applied to promoting that completion? Humility aside, you have to learn to match Obtainment Effort with Ownership Promotion to maximize the reason's you initially sought the certification - the advancement of your career! Happy promoting!!

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5 Professional Development

For professionals who engage in ongoing training and development programs, consider adding a 'Professional Development' section to your resume. Here, you can list seminars, workshops, and courses that may not lead to a certification but still contribute to your professional growth. This section demonstrates to employers that you are committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

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Richard K Ford

RETIRED [Semi] - Implementation Consultant; DAYFORCE HCM
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Not all fields have or require continuing education or certification requirements. So how do you spotlight your current relevance in your role? You can detail projects, seminars, workshops, etc. you attended or hosted in lieu of listing certifications. Some example sentences are: "I lead the <Name> workshop at this year's annual conference in Las Vegas" or "I presented our in-house process improvement changes to our Finance Execute Team." You may not think these 'shine' like a new cert. or license but they will show Hiring Managers that you stay relevance and add increased value in your workspace.

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6 Cover Letter Mention

Finally, don't forget the power of a cover letter to complement your resume. Use it as an opportunity to weave in a narrative about how your continuing education has prepared you for the specific role you're applying for. Mention any recent courses or workshops that have given you a fresh perspective or new skills that directly apply to the job. A well-crafted cover letter can provide context and depth to the educational experiences listed on your resume.

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Richard K Ford

RETIRED [Semi] - Implementation Consultant; DAYFORCE HCM
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I understand most job postings can be completed on-line. Gone are the days of handing a Hiring Manager your cover letter and CV in a face-to-face setting. But that is not to diminish the purpose and power of a great cover letter. Use it to separate you from the tens or hundreds other applicants. Connect your newly obtained Certificates or Licenses to the role you are applying for to show your relevance and highlight the skills you bring to the role.

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Edward Huang

Startup & Serial Entrepreneur | Gen Z fan & supporter | Jobs & Career Industry
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Mentioning continuing education in your cover letter shows your commitment to personal and professional growth. Detail specific courses, certifications, or degrees you’ve pursued and explain how they enhance your qualifications for the role.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can highlight your continuing education on your resume.

1

2

3

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1 Tailor Wisely

2 Education Section

3 Relevant Skills

4 Certifications & Licenses

5 Professional Development

6 Cover Letter Mention

7 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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Here's how you can highlight your continuing education on your resume.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Tailor Wisely

2 Education Section

3 Relevant Skills

4 Certifications & Licenses

5 Professional Development

6 Cover Letter Mention

7 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

Rate this article

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