when should i put my related course work in a resume

by Mr. Clay Ratke I 3 min read

The four main situations where you should include relevant coursework on your resume are when you:

  • are graduating high school or college soon (or have recently)
  • lack professional experience
  • can’t fill a resume without it
  • want to change careers, and think your relevant coursework is related enough to the new industry that it’s worth mentioning

Listing relevant coursework on a resume is optional. It makes sense to put relevant coursework on student and entry-level resumes. If you have at least one year of experience, drop relevant coursework from your resume entirely, and focus on tailoring the job description and key skills sections.May 10, 2022

When should I put coursework on my resume?

Recently Graduated (High School or College) Whether you’re entering the workforce or are writing a resume for graduate school, the best time to include relevant coursework on your resume is if you’re a recent college graduate. If this is you, you’ve spent the last four or more years studying and completing difficult assignments.

Does coursework count as work experience on a resume?

While coursework is not the equivalent of actual hands-on professional experience, it can be enough to sway an employer who is impressed with the rest of your student resume. Remember, the whole goal of a resume is to garner enough interest to net you an interview. These little details may be just what you need to get that consideration.

Can I put my online courses on my resume?

If you've taken any online classes, you can put those relevant courses on your resume even if they weren't part of your degree. We have a separate guide about how to include online courses on your resume.

Should you put related coursework on 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 put related courses on a resume?

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.

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 you put courses in progress on resume?

If you're still at school, just put “in progress” beside the course you're taking. You can also write “Expected in” followed by the estimate date of your graduation.

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.

What is a relevant course?

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.

Should you add relevant coursework?

Listing relevant coursework on a resume is optional. It makes sense to put relevant coursework on student and entry-level resumes. If you have at least one year of experience, drop relevant coursework from your resume entirely, and focus on tailoring the job description and key skills sections.

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 you put free online courses on your CV?

What's more, many of the options go way beyond the digital. From networking skills to the science of wellbeing, there is a huge range of courses. Many of the courses are free and you'll get certification at the end, making them ideal to put on your CV.

How do you put ongoing online courses on a resume?

Put Them in Their Proper Place If you've taken Online courses that have taught you something that will help you on the job, by all means, include them on your resume, Just keep the list of courses short, and confine them to a single, small area, such as a “Professional Training” section under your work history.

What Position Are You Applying for?

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Tips For Listing Relevant Coursework on A Resume

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Listing Relevant Coursework on A Resume – Example

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Relevant Coursework on A Resume Can Make A Real Difference!

Like many job-seekers, you may not be thrilled at the prospect of listing your relevant coursework on a resume. Still, those details can sometimes...

Why add coursework to resume?

Adding relevant coursework to your resume can give the recruites a peek into the types of skills you’ve developed as a student

What is relevant coursework?

Relevant coursework is a list of subjects and courses you took at school that are pertinent to the position you're applying for. 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.

What does Zety do with your resume?

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

What would be relevant if the candidate above applied for an SEO-related position?

If the candidate above applied for an SEO-related position all the coursework would be relevant.

Do you need to list coursework on your resume?

Listing relevant coursework isn’t really necessary if you can show more than a year of experience on your resume.

Do you list coursework when applying for positions that don't require it?

Last but not least, remember that relevance is the keyword. So don't list coursework when applying for positions that don't require it.

Should education be first on resume?

Depending on how much work experience you have, the education section might either come first on your resume or follow the experience section.

How many pages should a resume be?

Your resume is supposed to be one or two pages--and for entry-level candidates, one page is likely sufficient. Use commas, columns, or other visual dividers to keep your coursework organized. 2. Add other relevant educational experience. If you’re including relevant coursework on a resume, you might also include your high GPA.

What is the one thing that pushes you past your rivals and gets you that all-important interview?

You just might find that your educational achievements are the one thing that pushes you past your rivals and gets you that all-important interview!

Should coursework be on a 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. In that case, you're most likely to want to list some coursework if you're a recent graduate ...

Is coursework a professional experience?

While coursework is not the equivalent of actual hands-on professional experience, it can be enough to sway an employer who is impressed with the rest of your student resume. Remember, the whole goal of a resume is to garner enough interest to net you an interview. These little details may be just what you need to get that consideration.

Is college coursework relevant?

If you have a BA or higher education and you're applying for jobs that only require an AA or a high school diploma, your college coursework is probably not relevant. Before you decide to include any coursework on a resume, you need to ask yourself whether it bolsters your qualifications for the job you want to land.

Can you put online classes on your resume?

If you've taken any online classes, you can put those on your resume even if they weren't part of your degree. We have a separate guide about how to include online courses on your resume.

Is coursework a good way to include keywords in a job posting?

Still, those details can sometimes be crucial for establishing yourself as a viable candidate for a job. When you're short on work experience, your coursework is a great way to include keywords from the job posting.

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 ...

Is coursework a good way to demonstrate your expertise?

If you are a student or have just graduated, relevant coursework is a good way to demonstrate your expertise even if you don’t yet have professional experience.

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.

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.

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.

How to make your coursework more credible?

You can make your coursework more credible to the recruiter if it is supported by high grades that you have achieved in your classes. You may also add related educational awards to help create a positive impression on your potential employer. You can mention your academic honors, awards and other test scores that are relevant to your resume’s purpose.

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 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 to do if college coursework isn't relevant to the job you're applying for?

If the college coursework you’re thinking of writing isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for, leave it off!

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.

What to do if your resume doesn't secure your new job?

If it doesn’t help you secure your new career, leave it off your resume.

When to save real estate experience on resume?

Otherwise, when you gain more than a few years of general work experience, save that resume real estate for a more impactful section.

Is it better to take the first or third course?

Though education is important, I’d recommend going with the first course option in most cases, as it takes up less room. However, if you lack real-world experience but have an impressive academic background, the third option might be perfect for you.

Is coursework on resume optional?

Adding related coursework on resumes is optional. However, it is a strategic choice which may help your chances, if done right.

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 add relevant courses to resume?

Add Relevant Coursework. When creating a resume, you can add a section titled “Relevant Course work.". 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.

Where should education be on resume?

The education section of your resume—which generally includes relevant coursework—can be placed at the top or bottom of the document. If it's your best experience, or if you think your educational background will be relevant to hiring managers, include whatever is most appropriate at the top of the document.

How to incorporate keywords in resume?

Including relevant coursework on your resume is a good way to incorporate keywords. Look for keywords in the job listing, and try to include them in this section.

What is relevant coursework?

Relevant Coursework Section. You can format it as a single section— for example, if you're applying for a role as a journalist: Relevant coursework: Ethics in Journalism, Modern Media Communications, and Forensic Accounting for Journalists. Expand.

What is relevant coursework for journalism?

Relevant coursework: Ethics in Journalism, Modern Media Communications, and Forensic Accounting for Journalists

Do entry level employees have to have a lot of experience?

Employers understand that entry-level employees may not have a whole lot of career experience. They will often look at your coursework and academic experiences to help determine whether you have the knowledge to fill the open position.

Where should coursework be on resume?

If your coursework is crucial to the position consider putting it closer to the top of your resume.

How to write relevant coursework on resume?

Most people include relevant coursework in the education section of their resumes. To do this, just writeRelevant Coursework” beneath the degree name, and then use commas to separate the titles of the courses . If you have enough space, you could also make a bullet list.

How to separate coursework in a class?

Use the education section to present the relevant coursework, you can separate them with commas or make a bullet-pointed list.

How to make a resume look good without work experience?

Another way to make your resume look good without work experience is by adding activities and projects that are related somehow to the position you are applying for.

What is the purpose of a resume?

In today’s hiring landscape, your resume needs to quickly communicate all of your potential value to an employer. If you’re a student or recently graduated, your practical job experience may still be poor – but your coursework is probably rich.

What should the hiring manager focus on?

Focus the Hiring Manager’s attention on your experience outside of the university. It could be any extracurricular activity related to the position you are applying to.

How to demonstrate your expertise?

So a good way to demonstrate your expertise is by including your relevant coursework.

What is relevant coursework on resume?

Relevant coursework on your resume is the classes and projects that relate to the jobs you’re applying for.

Why do you list only the course names on your resume?

By listing only the course names on your resume, the information is clearer and easier for employers to understand. You can also use a short bulleted list to describe each class and the work you did, especially if you need to take up more space on your resume.

What is the goal of listing beginner classes?

Your goal is to show them the amount of knowledge you’ve gained through your coursework: listing beginner classes doesn’t give them an idea of your growth and experience.

How long does it take for an employer to read a resume?

Since employers spend an average of 7 seconds reading your resume, it’s important you grab their attention with relevant courses.

Do you list your classes on your resume?

Although your school uses an internal system to number your courses, o nly list the name of your classes on your resume. Since the system for numbering courses is internal, employers won’t know or care what the numbers mean.

Is it necessary to list intro to accounting?

Let’s say you’re an accounting major applying for an accounting job. Even though it’s relevant, listing “Introduction to Accounting” is unnecessary. Employers know you took intro to accounting- it’s standard and beginner.

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Use A Single-Column Format

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The single-column format looks similar to the education sectionon your resume, simply displaying your relevant coursework in list form. For example, a candidate applying for a journalism job might include the following: Relevant Editorial Coursework 1. Ethical Journalism 2. Global Journalism 3. Fuller Times Student P
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Use A Multi-Column Format

  • You can also group the columns into sections if the job you’re applying to requires expertise in multiple fields. For example: Relevant Editorial Coursework Journalism 1. Ethical Journalism 2. Global Journalism 3. Fuller Times Student Paper, Editor English 1. Technical Writing 2. Research Internship 3. Oral Communications Related: 7 College Resume Tips (With Examples)
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Use A Detailed Format

  • Alternatively, the detailed format provides more information on the courses you choose to include. This format will look more like what you would typically see under a professional experience section, noting the course and school name, dates you took the course and two to four bullet points highlighting relevant learnings or achievements from the course. Here’s an example: Rele…
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