There are lots of things that recruitment panels are looking for when you apply for a job. Of course, much of it will differ depending on the role and the company. But there are certainly broad categories that you can consider when you apply and prepare for interviews. One of these is your educational background, which may be more important for some roles than others. But even for positions when they’re more interested in your experience, they may want to know about your time in education.
You should be able to show how your educational career has given you the skills you need for the job. But it can be difficult to relate your education to the world of work sometimes. This is especially true when it’s your first full-time job after leaving school. How should you relate your skills from school to the role that you’re applying for? Follow this guide to ensure you make the most of your education, from applications through to interviews and applying it in your work.
Looking for the Right Jobs
The first step in making the most of your educational background is looking for appropriate jobs. If a job description specifies that you need to have a certain level of education, it’s best not to apply if you don’t meet it. Of course, you could give it a try if you’re feeling confident, and explain why you feel you don’t need that qualification. But applicants who don’t meet these requirements are likely to have their application rejected. If the description specifies a bachelor’s degree, especially in a certain subject, it’s best only to apply if you have one. There are many different requirements for applying for work, from GEDs all the up to PhDs. You can find positions that are appropriate for your education and experience. You risk wasting your time applying for unattainable roles.
Educational Background is More Than a Certificate
When you fill in applications and go to interviews, it’s essential that you can talk about your education in detail. Employers may want to see the result of your qualifications, but they also want to see the journey. You need to be able to talk about your education in terms of the skills and experiences it has given you. It’s not just a piece of paper that unlocks new opportunities. For example, professional graphic designers typically have college degrees. But while their degree gave them the technical skills they need, it doesn’t mean they have the experience and knowledge to survive in the world of work. They need to be able to show how their education has helped them with this.
Being able to say that you have obtained a qualification isn’t enough to make you stand out. Remember, everyone else applying for the job probably has the required skills too. You need to be able to explain why your experience in education has prepared you for the job. In doing this, it’s important to recognize the different types of educational experience. For example, you might have a college degree, but you could also have military training or an internship under your belt.
Education on Applications
Applying for jobs usually involves either filling in an application or sending a resume and cover letter. Occasionally, you might have to do both. Telling recruitment personnel about your education on set applications is different. You may be less free to talk about what you want. You will have an education section to fill in, and it’s essential that you do it properly. Before writing or typing anything in, check the layout to see where you should put each of your experiences.
There may be separate sections for different levels of education, as well as for military training, internships or other educational types. You may or may not be given more space to write more freely about your experiences. If you are, the employer wants to see how your education has given you the skills for the job. It’s vital that you tailor your answer each time, so it’s appropriate to the role.
Education in Your Resume and Cover Letter
Writing about your education in a resume and cover letter is a bit different. You have more freedom with layout and details, but this can create confusion. It can be difficult to know what to include and what to explain in detail. In truth, there is no one right way to write these. But there are wrong ways. When you’re listing your educational experience, it’s best to include everything from high school onward. However, you don’t always need to go into great detail. For example, if you have a master’s degree, they probably don’t want to know about your time on the high school debate team.
Just like with set applications, you should tailor your resume and letter to each role. In fact, it’s even more important because you’re writing from scratch. An application for one position might say that your internship taught you the value of working as a team. On another, it might be more important to point out that it gave you experience in a particular industry.
Talking About Your Background at Interview
If you’re lucky enough to get an interview, be prepared to talk about your education there too. When the interviewer asks about your educational background, you have a chance to talk about it in further detail. They don’t just want to hear a list of your qualifications. They want to know how your education has prepared you for the role to which you’re applying. This is an excellent opportunity to explain how a less conventional education can help you do the job. When you prepare for the interview, you should find out as much about the role and company as possible. You should go prepared, knowing how to match up your experiences to the requirements for the job.
Your education isn’t the be-all and end-all when you’re looking for work. But it’s essential to be able to say how it was of value to you, especially if you’ve just finished. More importantly, you need to know how your education is valuable to the employer.