how to tie in relevant course work to a resume

by Dr. Zane Schultz Sr. 6 min read

You can add relevant coursework to your resume in several ways:

  1. Put relevant coursework on your resume in an additional line in your education section. ...
  2. List relevant coursework on your resume in bullet points to give it more prominence. ...
  3. Finally, use detailed bullet points to explain the relevance of coursework to the position.

Add Relevant Coursework
When creating a resume, you can add a section titled “Relevant Coursework." In it, include the courses directly related to the position you are applying for. For example, if you're applying for work as a paralegal, list any classes you took related to law or politics.
Apr 22, 2021

How to include relevant coursework on your resume?

Consider the following steps while including relevant coursework on your resume: 1. Firstly, make sure your placement is accurate The placement of your coursework information can create a big difference in the effectiveness of your resume.

How should I organize my coursework on my resume?

Here are three common ways to organize your coursework. 1. Use a single-column format The single-column format looks similar to the education section on your resume, simply displaying your relevant coursework in list form. For example, a candidate applying for a journalism job might include the following: 2. Use a multi-column format

How do I format my coursework on my resume?

The single-column format looks similar to the education section on your resume, simply displaying your relevant coursework in list form. For example, a candidate applying for a journalism job might include the following: 2. Use a multi-column format

Should you highlight job-relevant coursework on your resume?

Highlighting job-relevant coursework on your resume is a fantastic way to demonstrate your knowledge in any given field, and improve your resume if it’s lacking in substance.

Should you include relevant coursework on a resume?

List only those courses that give you specific knowledge (usually electives) and are directly relevant to the position to which you are applying. On your resume the best place to include information about relevant courses is directly under the degree program in which you took the course.

How do you list relevant coursework in a cover letter?

List courses you have completed that are related to the job for which you are applying. Include this under the sub-heading “Relevant Coursework” and limit this to no more than six courses.

When should I take relevant coursework off my resume?

The first thing you need to know is that relevant coursework should only be on your resume when it's both relevant and recent. Unlike your degree--which almost always belongs on your resume--your coursework is optional on a resume.

Can I list courses I have not finished on my resume?

When listing your incomplete degree on your resume, remember to: Mention your degree program, school name, and expected graduation date, if your education is still ongoing. If you're not going to finish your education, find a way to make your incomplete degree work in your favor and present yourself in the best light.

Should I include relevant coursework on cover letter?

You can expand on areas listed on your resume, but do not simply repeat. For example, if you listed relevant coursework on your resume, discuss in your cover letter projects or presentations that were a part of the class that would demonstrate relevant KSA's.

Should I include relevant coursework on CV for grad school?

Grad school resumes should focus on your education (relevant coursework, honors, awards, and accomplishments), internship/volunteer experience, and your skills relevant to the program you're applying to.

Should you put Coursera courses on resume?

Unless there is a specific reason not to, you should list Coursera credentials in your Education section. One reason why you might want to make an exception is if your previously earned academic credentials are in a field unrelated to the role you're pursuing.

Can a resume be 2 pages?

A resume can be two pages, but most should be one page. That's true for entry-level candidates and those with less than 5 years' experience. If the job requires Elon-Musk-level accomplishments, or you can't cram your achievements on one page, write a two page resume.

Should you include GPA on resume?

Your GPA should go in the education section of your resume. This section will also include where you went to school and what degrees you received. You can also mention any academic honors and awards in this section. Consider including your GPA for your major.

How do I explain why I didn't finish college?

Make your reason short and honest. For example, “I never went back to finish my degree and that's something I regret. I'm planning to re-enroll in a few online classes to finish it over time.” There—you've addressed it and there's not much more an employer can ask.

Should I put education on my resume if I didn't graduate?

If you attended college but didn't graduate, you can still list your education on your resume. List the name of your institution, along with a line clarifying “X years completed” or “X credit hours completed.”

Can you put current coursework on your resume?

You can include relevant coursework on your resume in the education section. Any courses, subjects, and projects you list have to be related to the job opening. This is a great addition to any entry-level resumes or student resumes alongside projects, academic achievements, extracurriculars, and volunteer experience.

Where should coursework be placed on a resume?

If you feel this would simply be a helpful supplement to the rest of your resume for an employer, it might be best placed below the education section of your resume.

How to organize coursework on resume?

Here are three common ways to organize your coursework. 1. Use a single-column format. The single-column format looks similar to the education section on your resume, simply displaying your relevant coursework in list form. ...

What is a single column resume?

The single-column format looks similar to the education section on your resume, simply displaying your relevant coursework in list form. For example, a candidate applying for a journalism job might include the following:

Do you have to include work experience on your resume?

If you are a student, you might not have a large volume of work experience to list on your resume. This is common, and employers will take your student status into account when reviewing your resume. However, adding coursework that’s relevant to the job or internship you’re applying for can help employers understand the skills you’re developing ...

Should I Include Relevant Coursework on My Resume?

Yes, you can and often should include coursework that directly relates to the position you’re applying for on your resume. Doing so highlights your relevant expertise, and helps you include resume keywords that can ensure your resume gets past applicant tracking system software.

How and Where to Put Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

How much coursework you fit into your resume depends on the following three factors:

Takeaways

Highlighting job-relevant coursework on your resume is a fantastic way to demonstrate your knowledge in any given field, and improve your resume if it’s lacking in substance.

How to add coursework to resume?

Decide first if adding coursework on a resume is ideal for you; include related classes if relevant to the job and you have little professional experience. Create a subsection under the education entry on your resume with a clearly-labeled subheading, such as “Related Coursework.”.

What is relevant coursework?

Relevant coursework is a term for courses you took at school or college that are related to the position you are applying for. This kind of coursework can be listed on a resume under the education heading. The purpose of this information is to highlight knowledge pertinent to the job.

How to include coursework in resume?

Consider the following steps while including relevant coursework on your resume: 1. Firstly, make sure your placement is accurate. The placement of your coursework information can create a big difference in the effectiveness of your resume. If your resume is meant to highlight your educational ...

Where should coursework be placed on a resume?

However, coursework showing your experience or skills could be placed in the skills section. If your coursework is related to a specific type of job, you may include it in the education section. 2.

Why do you put a subsection in your resume?

You may create a subsection in the education section of your resume to make your coursework look more relevant to the job. You may use detailed bullet points mentioning crucial information about the coursework.

What is important to add to a resume?

Different jobs have varying levels of educational requirements. Usually, relevant coursework details are important to add to a resume for an entry-level position that’s relevant to your desired career.

Why is coursework important on a resume?

The coursework positioning improves the look and style of your resume. Your coursework details should improve the appearance and content of your resume. In addition, make sure your coursework details only add as much to your resume as is necessary. You can add the most relevant classes to help save room and keep.

How to remove redundancies from a resume?

Make sure to thoroughly edit your resume to remove out any redundancies from the coursework section. Consider the employer’s perspective. Ask yourself how your potential employer would view the courses and projects you’ve mentioned in your resume. Include them only if you believe it would impress the hiring manager.

What is Relevant Coursework on a Resume?

A resume featuring relevant coursework consists of various courses you took at school, alongside the academic experiences that actually apply to the job position. The education section is the best place in a resume for coursework as it highlights your most hirable achievements concerning the role.

How to Write a Resume: The Ins and Outs

If you are wondering how to add relevant classes/courses on a resume, there are a couple of principles to follow for the best results.

When to Exclude Coursework from Your Resume

With all this being said, there are also occurrences when it’s wiser to exclude coursework on your resume:

How to List Relevant Coursework

Depending on the structure of your resume and the information you provide, there are several ways you can add relevant coursework to your resume. Remember, the entry-level candidate resume should not be longer than one page. Also, don’t forget to mention online courses you’ve completed and to place the relevant coursework in the right order.

Coursework on a Resume: Conclusion

If you include relevant coursework on resumes, you make it easier to communicate the value you can bring to a business. Keep the job description in focus when choosing what information to incorporate when listing courses on resumes, and where you position it on the page.

How to list coursework on resume?

How to list relevant coursework on a resume. Follow these steps when adding relevant coursework to your resume: 1. Be thoughtful about your courses. When deciding which courses to include on your resume, only choose ones that are directly related to the job you’re applying to. For instance, if you’re looking for an entry-level social media ...

What is relevant coursework?

Relevant coursework are the classes or academic experiences you have that make you a good fit for a particular role. On your resume, you can make a section called ‘Relevant Coursework’ and list any specific classes that are useful for the job you’re applying to. For instance, if you are applying for a finance internship, ...

How to stand out to hiring managers?

By including them in your resume, you can stand out to hiring managers as a qualified candidate. Reflect on experiences: Only include courses that are genuinely helpful for the role you’re applying to. Choose ones that you could talk about in detail during an interview.

Can you showcase your education in a single column?

Similar to how you’d list your education, you can showcase your relevant courses in a single-column list. For instance, someone applying to an animal research position may include these courses:

Is molecular biology relevant to a job?

For instance, if you’re getting a serving or cashier job, your molecular biology courses won’t be relevant. Overall, be mindful of the jobs you’re applying to ...

Why do you include coursework in your resume?

If you've completed any coursework relevant to the job you're applying for, include it in your resume to show off your skills.

How to put education on resume?

Create a separate education and coursework section for your resume. List your education details before your work experience if your education feels stronger and more relevant to the position. If you've graduated in the past 5 years, it's likely that your education section will be more robust than your work experience section , so put your education section first. [6]

What Is Relevant Coursework on a Resume

Relevant coursework includes any classes, projects, or academic experiences that relate to the job you’re applying for. You can include relevant course in the education section of your resume as a way of making up for your lack of formal work experience.

When to Include Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

Relevant coursework refers to the list of subjects and classes you have taken or are currently taken at a school that is related to the job you’re applying for. So, when should you include this type of information on a resume? The following situations are appropriate instances to include relevant coursework on your resume:

Where to List Relevant Coursework on a Resume

Relevant coursework beneath the education heading. Remember, highlight only the information that is relevant to the position you’re applying for. In some cases, especially when you highlight relevant skills or abilities, your information might make sense in a different place on your resume.

When Not to inlude Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

If you’re uncertain about when to include or exclude coursework on your resume, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind. The following instances may be applicable when considering leaving your coursework off your resume:

How to Include Your Coursework on a Resume

Depending on the amount of coursework you have, you’ll have a few different ways to include this coursework on your resume. This can include a column format or a detailed format.

Example of Coursework Focused Resume

So how exactly should this look on your resume? As mentioned above, it will differ depending on the individual, the amount of existing information on your resume, and the relevant coursework you’re able to share. Below are a few examples of ways to include your relevant coursework on your resume.

Tips for Including Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

Tailor your resume for the job. Regardless of where you are in your career, this is the golden rule of resume-writing. The definition of “relevant” changes depending on what the job description looks like.

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