Ask HN: How do I honestly display my education on my resume?

#1

Post by collegedropout » Mon, Apr 28, 2014, 1:52 PM UTC

Some background: I recently withdrew from university to move to the Bay Area and work full time. I'm in the process of applying for jobs and wondering how to most honestly approach the subject with potential employers. My resume currently reads:

Foobar University, College of Computer Science

2010-2014

GPA, etc.

I'd rather not add "Did not complete degree" to the education section, but as it stands it seems to imply that I did finish school. I don't want to find a job and have problems arise later when it comes up that I didn't graduate, but I also don't want to have to tell every company I apply to that I dropped out. Thoughts, HN?

Re: Ask HN: How do I honestly display my education on my resume?

#2

Post by jeffmould » Mon, Apr 28, 2014, 2:21 PM UTC

I dropped out due to financial reasons, and personally I just don't list a degree next to the education. I have never had a problem, and if an employer asks I just explain. I think most HR folks interpret no degree listed as meaning that you attended the school, but did not get a degree.

Re: Ask HN: How do I honestly display my education on my resume?

#3

Post by cja23 » Mon, Apr 28, 2014, 2:32 PM UTC

As jeffmould said, simply not mentioning any degree is sufficiently honest, but will likely trigger the question from HR. If you want to be a bit more up-front, I have seen resumes with the words "coursework towards B.S."