Many seniors choose to delay retiring by working at a less stressful job. While these jobs may be slower-paced than your previous position, many of these jobs still have certain education requirements. Your resume education section is the way to show employers that you have the knowledge and experience to work in their business. When writing a resume education section as a senior, keep your information current with ongoing education and training seminars to compete with younger applicants.
What to Include in a Senior Resume Education Section
Many seniors are concerned that their prior education may make them seem over-experienced when applying for job positions that don't require advanced degrees. For example, if you have a master's degree in business and intend to apply for a cashiering position, you may worry about seeming overqualified for the job. Including relevant details about your education, seminars and training for the position you want shows employers that your previous education experience will help you in the job you want.
On the other hand, some seniors who are writing a resume education section worry that their lack of education may make it hard for them to compete with other applicants. In this situation, including any certifications, ongoing general education or outside courses lets employers see that you have the knowledge and strong work ethic to fit their business well. Relevant technological training or computer courses also help modernize your education section. For example, if you've worked your entire life as a welder, include your welding certification courses in this section.
Include any licenses or certifications in this section to show employers you are employable. For instance, if you are a nurse and want to work as a health care aide in a school, include your RN license information so employers know you are qualified for the position.
How to Format a Senior Resume Education Section
Always begin with the name of your most recent degree or certification, followed by the school name and its location. Omit dates of graduation or completion. Add details from your education that add to your work experiences by using bullet points. Feel free to leave off your GPA, but do include any honors you received during school, such as graduating with honors. Write ongoing education degrees or certification courses by including the date you expect to graduate or finish. For example, "Coursework in Computer Science, Maricopa Community College, anticipated completion date May 2016."
When writing a resume education section, include ongoing education courses, seminars and training by including the name of the course or seminar and where it took place. List licenses and certifications by listing the license name and the date it was acquired. Omit license numbers, as employers will ask for this information upon hire.
Example of a Great Senior Resume Education Section
The following example demonstrates how a senior can include recent technology training to modernize a resume. Always personalize your resume to each position when writing a resume education section.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Focus in Accounting
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Certified Public Accountant, Nevada Board of Accountancy, 2014
Coursework in Updated Tax Law, University of Phoenix
Coursework in Small Business Tax Codes, University of Phoenix
Advanced Excel 2016 Training Seminar, H&R Block
QuickBooks and Modern Accounting Seminar, College of Southern Nevada
For tips on your other resume sections, LiveCareer may be a useful resource. The sample senior resumes available on LiveCareer simplify the process when writing a resume education section.
Be sure to check out more helpful resume formats and cover letter formats !
