Where you can Place the Training Section inside your Resume
The primary purpose of your resume is to secure an interview with your potential employer. Furthermore, when you receive an interview invitation, the recruiter will likely refer to your resume to gather more insights about you. This is particularly crucial if you have limited professional experience or lack any significant work history, as they will be keen on your educational background.
If you are currently pursuing your studies, have recently graduated, or have been out of school for less than three years, your education details should occupy the top section of your resume. However, if you have been away from academia and unemployed for more than three years, it is advisable to place your education section at the bottom. As the duration since your last educational pursuit increases, you should aim to condense your education section. If you have a gap in your educational background and have not accumulated substantial work experience, it may be prudent to retain your education section at the top for a couple more years. Nevertheless, the preferable course of action would be to focus on acquiring additional work experience to bolster the overall impact of your resume.
You should be attentive to the specific requirements associated with the types of positions you are applying for. If there is a particular skill you acquired, a specific course you completed, or relevant training you underwent during your educational journey that aligns with your job search, these should definitely be included in the education section of your resume.
Resume Length
For recent graduates, a one- to two-page resume is appropriate. You can extend it to multiple pages if you have undergone numerous internships during your college years across various job settings and have performed a wide range of career-specific tasks beyond typical duties such as filing, answering phones, or procuring gifts. While this is valid, it is essential to tailor your resume for each application, including only the relevant responsibilities.
Furthermore, even seasoned professionals with more than two decades of experience can successfully utilize a one-page resume. This is because modern hiring practices are becoming faster yet more challenging. Of course, every recruiter or employer possesses unique preferences and operates within diverse professional and personal contexts. However, if someone has a stack of resumes to review in a short timeframe, a concise one-page resume is likely to be better received.
What to Include in Your Education Section
Name of school, college, or university
Location of educational institutions (city and state)
Actual or expected graduation date
Duration of enrollment
Degree(s) earned
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Honors and awards
Jessica Edwards holds a senior executive position at a reputable recruitment firm.
