You've spent much time perfecting your resume to show off your skills and experience. However, one detail can be tricky: "How to mention year of graduation in resume. It may seem minor, but it can make a big difference based on your career stage and the job you're applying for.
Should you add it? Leave it out? Or what if you're still in school? No need to worry. In this guide, we'll cover how do you write your graduation year and when it's best to include it. Plus, you'll get tips and examples to use as you create your resume.
Now, the first question that comes to your mind is should I put expected graduation date on resume. The answer is Yes! Following are the benefits of showing your graduation date:
Your expected graduation date tells employers you’re actively working toward a degree. This can be a plus if the job requires a degree, but you haven’t graduated yet. It also shows you’re capable of sticking with a long-term goal.
Many jobs and internships have specific education requirements. For example, some internships ask that you finish at least your first year of college. Including your expected graduation date helps employers see that you meet these requirements and may even make you a stronger candidate if you’re close to finishing your degree.
Listing your graduation date shows hiring managers that you’re serious about your field of study and future career. If you’re in a program related to the job, this can signal that you’re likely to stay with the company long-term. It also helps them know when you’ll be ready for full-time unique job opportunities.
Many companies use automated systems to screen resumes. These systems often look for a graduation date to check if you meet the job’s educational requirements. Correctly including your graduation date can help your resume get past these filters.
Being close to graduation can qualify you for more jobs and potentially higher pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a bachelor’s degree earn about $1170 weekly on average compared to those with only a high school diploma. This number goes up even more for those with a master’s degree.
Here are 4 ways to list your degree and graduation year on your resume. Make sure the format matches the rest of your resume and fits smoothly into the education section. Following are the 3 best examples of how do you write your graduation year depending on the style of your resume:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of California, Los Angeles
Graduated: May 20XX
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Los Angeles | May 20XX
Bachelor of Science in Marketing | University of California, Los Angeles
GPA: 3.8, Graduated May 20XX
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Digital Marketing
GPA: 3.8
Graduated: May 20XX
If you're unsure about your graduation date, here’s a simple guide to help you figure it out:
Review your university’s requirements to determine how many credits you need to graduate. Compare that with the number of credits you’ve already earned.
Estimate how many credits or classes you can take each semester or quarter. This will give you an idea of how long it will take to finish the remaining credits.
If you need to maintain a certain GPA or qualify for honors, this could affect how many classes you take and how long it takes to graduate. Also, be ready for the possibility of needing extra time to meet these goals.
Your academic advisor can give personalized advice based on your progress, course load, and program requirements. They can help you set a realistic graduation timeline.
Use our free online resume builder to make ATS-friendly resumes for your next job.
When listing your graduation year on a resume, you might come across the terms "graduation date" and "date conferred." While they’re related, they have different meanings.
For most resumes, the graduation date is the one you’ll want to use. However, if an employer asks for your "date conferred," confirm this date with your school.
Yes, including the graduation date on your CV is common, especially if it's recent. It helps employers understand your education timeline and check your level of experience.
You should typically include the degree earned, the institution, and the graduation year. If your graduation was more than a few years ago, you may choose to omit the date, especially if you have more relevant work experience to showcase instead.
It depends on your experience and the stage of your career:
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Knowing how to mention year of graduation in resume is essential for showcasing your academic progress and meeting job requirements. Make sure to use the appropriate format that aligns with your resume style to ensure clarity and professionalism. Remember, including this detail helps employers gauge your readiness and prepares you for future career success.